Chapter 3: Zheng Jiancheng, the Son of the Shipping Tycoon

At 7 PM, a stretched Lincoln limousine rolled past Kowloon Park and came to a stop at the entrance of the Peninsula Hotel. This was the vehicle Lin Muqing had prepared for Zhou Ming.

Compared to the stir caused at Nanhu Port in the afternoon, the arrival at the Peninsula Hotel was much more subdued. The reason was simple: besides being the best hotel in the city, frequented by countless wealthy and influential figures, there was a significant banquet held here that evening. By the time Zhou Ming and his party arrived, the hotel parking lot had begun to resemble an auto show, hinting at a grand event to come.

The limousine stopped in front of the Peninsula Hotel. The doorman promptly approached to open the door for Zhou Ming and Lin Muqing, who, along with **, stepped out of the car. Lin Muqing's secretary, A-Min, lagged behind to give the doorman a tip.

"This banquet is hosted by Mr. Zheng Haolong, chairman of the Universal Shipping Company. It's to warm up the event for the meeting you mentioned. Many of the city's elite and dignitaries have been invited," Lin Muqing explained softly to Zhou Ming as they entered the hotel.

Zhou Ming nodded silently. The name Zheng Haolong might not be known twenty years from now, even in the information explosion era, but in this time, Zheng Haolong was an eminent figure—recognized as the world's top shipping magnate. Even Li Cheng, who would go on to be the wealthiest Chinese person for fifteen years, could only be considered a student in his presence.

Given Zheng Haolong's reputation, the banquet he hosted was indeed a major event. However, Zheng Haolong passed away too early, leaving the future of the city's power dynamics uncertain, and making it unclear how Li Cheng would rise to prominence.

As Zhou Ming reflected on Zheng Haolong's background, he joked with Lin Muqing, "So, is this just a chance for you to introduce me around? Or are you planning to throw in the towel and return all the assets in the city to me?"

"This is still your property, Zhou Ming. You can't just ignore it forever, and it's good for you to meet people in the city," Lin Muqing replied. After a pause, she asked, "Or are you really planning to have me work for you for a lifetime?"

"And what if I did plan that?" Zhou Ming challenged.

Lin Muqing was taken aback for a moment, then she quietly responded with a faint "Mm."

Happiness is fleeting. Just as Zhou Ming and Lin Muqing were discussing their lifelong work arrangement, someone interrupted their conversation: "Muqing, you're here. I've been waiting for you for a while."

Looking in the direction of the voice, Zhou Ming saw a man in his thirties, dressed in a suit, coming down the stairs from the banquet hall. He had a confident and proud smile. When he saw Zhou Ming next to Lin Muqing, he seemed momentarily surprised before asking Lin Muqing, "Muqing, is this your client?"

"Of course not," Lin Muqing quickly denied, but then glanced at Zhou Ming nervously before adding, "He's my friend, a very important friend from the mainland, here to attend the meeting as well."

This response made the man even more confident. He stepped forward to shake hands with Zhou Ming. "Ah, a friend from the mainland. Hello, I'm Zheng Jiancheng. Nice to meet you. I'm a very important friend of Muqing's here in the city."

"Mr. Zheng Jiancheng, pleasure to meet you. I'm Zhou Ming," Zhou Ming said as he shook hands with Zheng Jiancheng. Zheng Jiancheng's brows furrowed slightly, clearly displeased with how Lin Muqing had introduced Zhou Ming, but he maintained a polite smile.

"The banquet upstairs is already in preparation, and many people have already arrived. Let's go up," Zheng Jiancheng said, seemingly seeking approval while gesturing for them to follow.

"Mr. Zhou, is this your first time in the city? I know you must be someone important in the mainland to visit, but as Muqing's friend, I'd like to remind you that things are quite different here. It's best if you don't wander around and stick with Muqing and me. Otherwise, you might break some rules and make things difficult for Muqing. Do you understand?"

Zheng Jiancheng's words made Zhou Ming smile wryly, as they implied a condescending attitude, assuming that a mainlander might embarrass himself in the city.

This was understandable; in this era, mainland China was often viewed as poor, backward, and ignorant. Reflecting on his first visit to the city two years ago, even ordinary residents had looked down on him, let alone someone like Zheng Jiancheng. It was already quite refined of Zheng Jiancheng not to treat him like a beggar.

Zhou Ming understood, but Lin Muqing was not pleased. She furrowed her brow and said to Zheng Jiancheng, "Mr. Zheng, what do you mean by that? I'm also from the mainland. Should I also learn the rules from you?"

Realizing the offense, Zheng Jiancheng quickly corrected himself with a forced smile, "Muqing, you misunderstood. I didn't mean it that way. I'm just concerned that your friend, not being familiar with the city, might face some cultural differences and discomfort. You've been here for a long time, so you won't have any issues."

"Mr. Zheng, first of all, I want to tell you that my friend is not new to the city. He's very familiar with the local culture, even more so than I am. You don't need to worry about that. Also, we're not that close, so please address me as Director Lin or Miss Lin. Thank you."

Lin Muqing's words were blunt, leaving Zheng Jiancheng momentarily stunned. He clearly did not expect such a serious response from her.

However, as the son of the shipping tycoon, Zheng Jiancheng quickly adapted. "Alright, Director Lin. I apologize for misunderstanding your friend."

As Zheng Jiancheng glanced at Zhou Ming, clearly reassessing him, he quickly returned to his usual demeanor and said to Lin Muqing, "Director Lin, since your friend is familiar with the city's rules, why don't we let him explore on his own for now? My father is chatting with some old friends. I can introduce you to them, as well as to Li Cheng, who is highly valued by my father. This is a rare opportunity since these people are usually very busy..."

Before Zheng Jiancheng could finish, Lin Muqing cut him off, "Let Zhou Ming come with us."

Zheng Jiancheng was momentarily taken aback by Lin Muqing's insistence. If he had previously doubted Zhou Ming's relationship with Lin Muqing, he was now entirely convinced.

However, Zheng Jiancheng did not show his frustration. He maintained his smile and said, "Director Lin, this might not be the best approach. You know, some of the older guests can be quite temperamental. Bringing a stranger among them might spoil the atmosphere, and we need to consider the interests of the Universal Investment Company."

He added pointedly, "Director Lin, as the chairman of the company, I hope you will prioritize the overall situation."

This had a coercive tone, making Lin Muqing very displeased. She glared at Zheng Jiancheng. If it were up to her, she might consider giving up the chairmanship, but the Universal Investment Company was an extension of Zhou Ming's business in the city. With the Jinming Fund Company being a smaller entity, abandoning the investment would be a significant loss. Lin Muqing was reluctant to let go.

Damn! Zheng Jiancheng, usually quite clever, was being obtuse now. Did she really have to compromise with him? Was it necessary to leave Zhou Ming out in the cold and attend the social event alone? Would this cause Zhou Ming to feel uncomfortable or misunderstand her work in the city? Could it affect their relationship?

Lin Muqing bit her lip in frustration, her thoughts in disarray, unsure of what to do.

Seeing Lin Muqing's uncertain expression, Zheng Jiancheng's smile widened slightly, satisfied with his maneuver. He thought he had played his cards well. Although he didn't want to deal with Lin Muqing directly, he was pleased to see a mainlander like Zhou Ming struggle. Even if Zheng Jiancheng didn't view him as a real threat, he was determined to make him retreat.

As Zheng Jiancheng relished his perceived victory, his smile faltered when he noticed Zhou Ming's next move.

Meanwhile, Lin Muqing felt a warmth in her hand. Looking down, she saw Zhou Ming reaching out to hold her hand. Instinctively, she turned to see Zhou Ming's reassuring smile.

After working alone in the city for two years, Lin Muqing had faced everything on her own, forgetting the comfort of relying on someone else. Seeing Zhou Ming's smile reminded her of their past, when they ventured into the city with just a few hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars and the miracles they achieved together. All her doubts vanished because she knew that as long as Zhou Ming was with her, any problem could be resolved.

With this realization, Lin Muqing tightened her grip on Zhou Ming's hand and gently leaned on his shoulder.

Zhou Ming held Lin Muqing's hand and looked up at Zheng Jiancheng, "Mr. Zheng, I think it's fine if I join you. After all, I know some people there and catching up with old friends is also worthwhile."