Partnership with the Beauty
The idea of collaborating with Lin Yue had sprouted earlier, now solidified. Huo Xuan knew the jadeite trade's murky undercurrents—a labyrinth of unwritten rules and power plays invisible to outsiders.
Though his vision pierced stone crusts, navigating procurement networks and sales channels required insider access—realms he couldn't breach solo.
"Senior, I need to discuss something confidential."
Lin Yue's eyes glinted. "This way."
She led him to a windowless vault chamber, its steel door hissing shut with biometric precision.
To her analytical mind, Huo Xuan's 48-hour trajectory defied all norms:
200,000 yuan loan → 2.08 million casino windfallXu Bo's humiliation → 2.98 million yuan in premium roughsTwo record-breaking cuts → 10 million yuan net
Such velocity belonged to Wall Street quant funds, not a provincial graduate. The data screamed: industry disruptor.
Behind the warehouse loomed a two-story annex for transient respite. In its spartan lobby, Lin Yue perched on a leather couch, the hum of industrial air conditioning underscoring their solitude.
"What did you wish to discuss?" Her crimson nails tapped the glass coffee table.
Huo Xuan interlaced his fingers. "Though we've only just met, I consider us allies beyond mere alumni ties."
Lin Yue's laughter ricocheted off concrete walls. "Spare me the preamble, junior. Out with it."
"I propose a partnership."
Her Gucci-clad foot stilled mid-swing. "Partnership?"
"Exclusively in jadeite trade." His gaze burned with kinetic ambition.
Lin Yue's eyes narrowed, forensic scanners dissecting his every micro-expression. When his stare didn't waver, she exhaled a plume of reluctant admiration. "Elaborate."
Huo Xuan leaned forward with electric intensity. "We establish a flagship store in Jiangzhou. Then replicate—second location within six months, third by year's end."
Lin Yue's laughter turned crystalline. "Child, do you think this is Monopoly? Breakdown the logistics:
Storefront lease: 50,000 yuan/month minimum in prime districts
Inventory security: Armed guards at 200,000 yuan annual cost per location
Myanmar procurement trips: Military bribes starting at $100,000 per mining site access.
She leaned in, jade pendant swinging like a pendulum of reality. "The Lin Group dominates 43% of domestic jadeite retail and still struggles sourcing premium stones. What makes you—"
"Supply chains won't be an issue." Huo Xuan's smile cut through her diatribe. "My methods secure A-grade roughs. Capital? Ten million seed funding from tonight's haul."
Lin Yue's breath hitched—the check she'd handed him now a blade against her throat of skepticism.
Lin Yue shot him a withering glare, her jade pendant quivering with exasperation. "Two insurmountable barriers:
Crown jewel requirement—a museum-grade piece to anchor prestige. Even the Lin Group owns fewer than five.
Myanmar bulk orders—all routed through Jade Syndicate cartels. We'd be throttled by supply chains before launch."
Huo Xuan's spine straightened like tempered steel. "I'll secure both crown jewels and direct Myanmar mining rights."
Lin Yue's espresso cup clattered against its saucer. "What black magic fuels this confidence?"
"Competence masquerading as magic." His smile held tectonic certainty.
She studied him as one would an encrypted relic—fascination warring with caution. "Fine. I'll commission market analysis and risk assessment blueprints."
Huo Xuan's nod acknowledged the glacial pace of corporate machinery. "I await your battle plans."
Lin Yue smiled: "No need for formalities. You earned me over 30 million in a day—I should be thanking you."
As she laughed, her chest trembled slightly. Huo Xuan's gaze involuntarily locked onto the movement. His vision pierced through fabric—snowy curves and rosy peaks flooded his sight.
Senior's breasts are huge. Must feel heavenly. Marrying her to grope these every night... The obscene thought flashed unbidden.
Lin Yue noticed his scorching stare and snorted: "Enjoying the spectacle, junior?"
"Ah—"
Huo Xuan jerked his head away, face crimson. "Can't blame me... they're too magnetic."
"Pervert deserves a beating," she hissed.
Desperate to pivot, he blurted: "Attend my reunion! Half our class would sell kidneys to glimpse the campus queen."
Flattery ignited her curiosity: "Still clinging to feelings for Ye Qian?"
"We orbited different galaxies. No past sparks." His jaw tightened. "Truth is... I need closure with someone else."
"Who?"
"My first love. Dumped me after graduation—parental pressure." A flicker of pain sliced through his stoicism.
"Still smitten?"
"Closure, nothing more." His pupils contracted—a millisecond fracture in the façade. "She... lacked autonomy."