noveldepot Chapter 142 A day apart feels like three autumns
Chapter 142 A day apart feels like three autumns
Chapter 142 A day apart feels like three autumns
On May 31, the VIP lounge at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport was filled with the aroma of freshly ground coffee.
Jiang Yu and Chen Jingming sat by the window, each with a laptop in front of them.
On the tarmac outside the window, planes took off and landed in the morning light, the roar of their engines blocked by the thick glass, turning into low white noise.
"Boss, this is the updated financial model for today."
Chen Jingming turned the screen to Jiang Yu, "Considering the potential acquisition of the Golden State Warriors, I have readjusted the cash flow forecast for the next three years. If the acquisition is completed for $4 million, plus the committed $5 million in follow-up investment, we need to have at least $3 million in reserve funds ready before 2012."
Jiang Yu carefully browsed the numbers on the table, his fingers gently sliding across the touchpad.
Chen Jingming adjusted his glasses. "However, the final payment for the Disney acquisition will arrive in October this year. Combined with our cash flow, we have no problem supporting the acquisition and investment."
"What about Hynix?" Jiang Yu asked.
Today, Chen Jingming is flying to Seoul to begin initial contact with SK Hynix Semiconductor, a key step in Jiang Yu's strategic layout of the technology industry chain.
Chen Jingming pulled out another document: "Preliminary due diligence has been completed. Hynix currently has a market capitalization of approximately US$55 billion, and its stock price is at a historical low due to the financial crisis. If we can complete 15%-20% of the strategic investment within the year, we will not only gain a foothold in the memory chip field, but also create synergies with domestic technologies."
He paused, then added, "However, the South Korean market is relatively closed, and foreign acquisitions often encounter political obstacles. My main purpose in going there was to explore the possibilities and build relationships; the real negotiations may have to wait until the second half of the year."
Jiang Yu nodded, picked up his coffee, and took a sip.
"Let's split up," he decided. "You go to South Korea, and I'll go to Paris. We'll move forward with the SK Hynix deal after I return from Europe. In the meantime, you continue to refine the acquisition plan and keep an eye out for other potential investment opportunities, especially in specialized integrated circuit manufacturing and new lithography technologies."
"Understood." Chen Jingming closed his laptop. "Boss, is there anything I need to prepare regarding Miss Liu's father?"
Jiang Yu laughed: "What can you prepare for meeting the parents? Bring a gift, be sincere, and the rest is up to fate."
"With your qualifications, there's definitely no problem," Chen Jingming smiled. "However, I've heard that cultured people value eloquence and refinement. You could talk about literature and art. Miss Liu's father is the director of the Confucius Institute, so you should be able to discuss those kinds of topics."
"I know what I'm doing." Jiang Yu glanced at his watch, stood up, and said, "Let's go, it's time to board."
The two dragged their suitcases out of the lounge and stopped in front of the security checkpoint.
"Stay in touch." Jiang Yu patted Chen Jingming on the shoulder. "Report to me immediately if there are any developments in South Korea. Especially if we encounter resistance from higher-ups, don't confront them head-on; we can resolve things through other channels."
"Understood. Have a safe trip too." Chen Jingming paused, but couldn't help adding, "Boss, in Paris... if you meet Miss Liu's sister, remember to bring her a small gift. Children are easy to win over; if she likes you, her whole family will like you."
Jiang Yu chuckled: "How do you know so much?"
"I have a ten-year-old niece, and I can relate to that," Chen Jingming blinked. "Last time I brought a Disney doll back home, and now she tells everyone I'm the best uncle in the world."
"I've learned something." Jiang Yu waved his hand. "Go on, let me know you've arrived safely in Seoul."
The two parted ways at the security checkpoint, one heading east to Seoul, the other west to Paris.
Jiang Yu watched Chen Jingming disappear into the crowd, then turned and walked towards his boarding gate.
In the first class cabin of a Boeing 777, flight attendants served champagne and hot towels.
Jiang Yu adjusted his seat and looked out the window at the gradually shrinking outline of Houston, but his mind was already conceiving various details of his trip to Paris.
Wang Wei sat on the other side of the aisle, checking the itinerary on her computer: "Boss, everything in Paris is arranged. The hotel is in the 16th arrondissement, about a 20-minute drive from the Latin Quarter where Ms. Liu's father lives. Also, as per your request, I've prepared a shortlist of gifts; you can take a look on the plane."
She handed me the tablet, which displayed a dozen or so gifts, ranging from antique books to contemporary artworks, each with a detailed description and price.
Jiang Yu quickly browsed through the list and finally selected a few items: "This set will do: a first edition of a 19th-century French poet's poetry collection, a Duan inkstone, and that Swiss handmade watch. The poetry collection is for Dean An, the Duan inkstone is for him to use while teaching, and the watch is for Aunt Zhu. As for Jialin... Yifei said she likes panda plush toys."
"Okay." Wang Wei noted it down. "Also, do you need a private car arranged for us? Or..."
"Yifei said she'd come pick me up." Jiang Yu's lips unconsciously curled into a smile. "She drove Dean An's car and said she'd be my personal driver in Paris."
Wang Wei smiled and said, "Ms. Liu is so thoughtful. Then my colleagues and I will proceed as planned and enjoy a few days of free time in Paris. Please feel free to contact us if you need anything."
The plane began to taxi, and the roar of the engines gradually increased.
Jiang Yu fastened his seatbelt and closed his eyes.
At 4:20 p.m. Paris time, Air France flight AF689 landed smoothly at Terminal 2E of Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Despite flying for more than ten hours, Jiang Yu was still full of energy.
He slept for six hours on the plane, and after waking up, he watched all the game footage of the Golden State Warriors from the last three seasons, and even...
I even took the time to learn a few everyday French phrases; although my pronunciation may not be perfect, at least my intentions were there.
Stepping out of the plane, the warm afternoon air of Paris greeted me.
In May, Europe enjoys pleasant weather. Airports are filled with the cacophony of various languages, travelers hurry along pushing their luggage carts, and duty-free shop windows display tempting perfumes and chocolates.
Jiang Yu encountered a minor incident while going through customs.
The customs officer, a French man in his forties, glanced at Jiang Yu's Chinese passport, then looked at the computer screen, and asked in French, "Purpose of your visit to Paris?"
"Business and private visits," Jiang Yu replied in English.
Where do you live?
"A hotel in the 16th arrondissement, and a friend's house."
The customs officer looked up, scrutinized Jiang Yu carefully, and suddenly his eyes lit up: "Wait...you are Mr. Jiang Yu?"
That Chinese entrepreneur?
Jiang Yu was somewhat surprised: "You know me?"
"I read your interview in Le Figaro!" The official's attitude instantly became warmer. "Welcome to Paris! Are you interested in French culture? Do you have any plans to invest in France?"
The other passengers began to line up, and Jiang Yu smiled politely: "This trip is mainly a private one. But France is indeed a beautiful country, and I really like it."
"Of course, of course! Paris is the capital of the world!" The official quickly stamped the passport and handed it back. "Have a wonderful time in Paris! If you have any investment intentions, please contact the French Trade Agency; they will do their best to assist you!"
"Thanks."
As Jiang Yu walked out of customs, he shook his head.
He didn't expect to be recognized in Paris; it seems the interview had a greater impact than he imagined.
Wang Wei was already waiting by the baggage carousel.
She was very efficient, collecting all the luggage in less than ten minutes: two large suitcases, a small carry-on, and the tote bag containing the gifts.
"Boss, Miss Liu is waiting for you outside," Wang Wei whispered. "She's at Exit B, and she said she's wearing a pink skirt, so she's easy to spot."
Jiang Yu nodded, his heart inexplicably beating faster.
It's been almost a month since we last met. Although we talk on the phone every day, the feeling is always different when we're separated by a screen.
They pushed their luggage carts toward the arrival hall.
The airport was bustling with people in the afternoon, with electronic displays scrolling through flight information from all over the world, and announcements playing in French and English on the loudspeakers.
When Jiang Yu was still twenty meters away from Exit B, he saw the figure.
Liu Yifei stood by a pillar, not craning her neck or holding up signs like other people who came to pick her up, but quietly leaning against it, looking down at her phone.
She was dressed simply today, in a pink cotton dress that reached her knees, with a black short-sleeved shirt over it, and black high heels.
Even with her low profile, she still attracted a lot of attention.
Young boys frequently turned back as they walked by, middle-aged women cast admiring glances their way, and even a tourist carrying a DSLR camera raised his camera to take a picture.
Jiang Yu gestured for Wang Wei to wait a moment, then quickly walked over with his suitcase.
When she was still five meters away from her, Liu Yifei seemed to sense something and raised her head. Her eyes lit up instantly, like stars suddenly lit up in the night sky.
A radiant smile bloomed on her face, a smile so dazzling.
"Jiang Yu!" she called softly, her voice full of joy.
The two embraced tightly in the bustling airport.
Liu Yifei buried her face in his chest, took a deep breath, and sighed contentedly, "You still smell the same..."
"What does it taste like?" Jiang Yu asked with a smile, wrapping his arm around her waist.
She seemed to have lost a little weight, but the hug still felt warm and real.
"Sandalwood and mint, and a touch of...coffee?" She looked up, her eyes sparkling, her eyelashes long and curled. "Anyway, it smells like you. I can almost picture it on the phone."
Jiang Yu lowered his head and kissed her forehead, then touched the tip of her pert nose: a very restrained kiss, after all, they were in a public place.
"You smell of jasmine, and I'm already infatuated with you."
"You're so glib." Liu Yifei blushed and pushed him away, but her hands gripped his clothes tightly, as if afraid he would run away.
They hugged for a while before separating.
Liu Yifei looked him up and down, her brows furrowing slightly. "You've really lost weight. Your chin is so sharp, and there are some dark circles under your eyes. Did you not eat properly in Texas? Or were you staying up late?"
"I eat every day, but I'm really busy." Jiang Yu pinched her cheek, which felt smooth and delicate. "You look great, though. Is it the environment of Paris that's good for you? Or is it the glow of love?"
"You've only been here one day!" Liu Yifei smiled and took his hand, their fingers intertwined. "Let's go, the car's in the parking lot. I drove my dad's Peugeot 307, it's small and easy to drive, perfect for the narrow streets of Paris. My dad says driving in Paris is like dancing the tango, you have to be agile, elegant, and know when to advance and retreat."
Jiang Yu was pulled along by her, and watching her cheerful figure, he felt a warmth in his heart.
It's only been a month since we separated, but it feels like half a year has passed.
Now I can finally touch her in real life, hear her voice, and see her smile.
Wang Wei pushed the luggage cart behind them, watching the boss and Miss Liu holding hands as they walked away, a smile appearing on her lips.
She tactfully kept her distance, giving them privacy.
In the parking lot, the silver-gray Peugeot 307 sat quietly.
The hatchback has sleek lines and is compact, making it very suitable for women to drive.
"How is it? Not bad, right?" Liu Yifei proudly showed it off, like a child showing off a new toy. "Although I can drive a manual car in Los Angeles without any problems, the roads in Paris are too complicated, so an automatic is much more convenient. Plus, this car has a reversing camera, which is especially helpful for someone like me who has trouble parking!"
Jiang Yu looked at the car, then at Liu Yifei, and couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure... it can drive in Paris? I've heard that Parisian drivers are very aggressive, parking spaces are hard to find, and some streets are so narrow that only one car can pass at a time..."
"Don't worry!" Liu Yifei patted her chest, her gesture charming and cute. "I have an international driver's license and have driven in Paris several times. My dad also taught me a lot of skills, such as how to pass other cars in narrow alleys and find a good spot to give way in advance; how to park parallel successfully on the first try and pay attention to the angle of the rearview mirror; and most importantly, don't get angry when you encounter drivers who don't follow the rules, just honk your horn and smile and it'll be over."
Seeing her so confident, Jiang Yu didn't want to discourage her, so he could only smile and get into the passenger seat: "Okay, then I'll rely on Driver Liu today. Please make sure I get to my destination safely."
"Fasten your seatbelts!" Liu Yifei started the car and skillfully reversed out of the parking space.
She did drive quite well; the steering was smooth, the gear shifts were fluid, and she even checked the rearview mirror and reversing camera while reversing. "Shall we go to the hotel to drop off our luggage first? Or go straight to my dad's?"
"Where are Wang Wei and the others?"
"They took a taxi to the hotel first, and said not to worry about them."
Liu Yifei drove out of the parking lot and onto the airport expressway. "My dad said that if you don't mind, you can stay at his place. He has an apartment on the left bank, where he, Aunt Zhu, and Jialin usually live. There are spare rooms. Aunt Zhu is my dad's current wife. She's a really nice person and treats me very well too."
Jiang Yu thought about it for a moment. It seemed a bit too formal to ask someone to stay at his house on their first meeting.
Refusing would seem too distant.
Judging from Liu Yifei's tone, she and Aunt Zhu have a good relationship, which is quite rare.
"Wouldn't that be too intrusive?" he asked. "After all, it's our first meeting, and you're staying at my place..."
"No way!" Liu Yifei said as she drove, her tone relaxed and natural. "My dad is very hospitable, and he said he'd like to chat with you more. The apartment isn't big, but it's very cozy. Aunt Zhu heard you were coming and specially went to Chinatown to buy ingredients, saying she'd make you authentic braised pork. Jialin is also looking forward to meeting you. She saw the news and kept asking me if my sister's boyfriend was super amazing," and even said she wanted to test you.
Jiang Yu laughed: "Test me? Test me on what?"
"I don't know, that kid is so quirky." Liu Yifei blinked. "It could be a French word, a math problem, or a riddle. She's recently become obsessed with Harry Potter, so she might ask you magic questions."
"Then I'll have to prepare properly," Jiang Yu said with a smile, feeling a little more relaxed.
The family atmosphere sounds wonderful; it's not the kind of serious, rigid academic family, but a home full of life.
"So, do you want to stay in a hotel or at home?" Liu Yifei asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
She hoped Jiang Yu would accept the family's invitation, but she was also afraid of putting him in a difficult position.
Jiang Yu sensed her expectation and said gently, "Stay at my place. I'd like to learn more about your family and your life in Paris. But I'll stay at my hotel tonight; it's not appropriate for me to stay overnight on our first meeting. I'll stay at your place after the formal visit tomorrow, if your family doesn't mind."
Liu Yifei's eyes lit up: "Really? That's great! My dad will be so happy! But..."
She smiled slyly, "You might have to face a hundred thousand 'whys' from Jialin," that child was particularly curious.
"No problem, I like kids," Jiang Yu said. "And I have a secret weapon."
"What secret weapon?"
Jiang Yu took out a beautifully packaged box from his backpack: "I brought this from China. It's a limited edition panda plush toy that can sing and tell stories."
Liu Yifei glanced at it and chuckled, "You really came prepared! When Jialin sees this, she'll definitely switch sides immediately and call you the best brother-in-law!"
"Then I've achieved my goal," Jiang Yu said smugly.
The car exited the airport expressway and entered the Paris ring road.
Paris in May is as beautiful as a flowing oil painting, with neat rows of beige Haussmann-style buildings and black wrought-iron balconies adorned with blooming flowers.
The clean streets are lined with open-air cafes where people leisurely drink coffee and read newspapers; the Seine River sparkles in the sunlight as cruise ships glide by slowly; in the distance, the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower is exceptionally clear against the blue sky.
.
"Let's go to the hotel to drop off our luggage first," Liu Yifei said, looking at the navigation. "My dad said we'd have dinner at 7 p.m., and it's not even 5 p.m. yet, so we have time. You can rest a bit and adjust to the time difference."
"it is good."
The hotel is located in the 16th arrondissement. It is an exquisite boutique hotel with only about twenty rooms, hidden in an old 19th-century building.
The storefront is unassuming, but once you step inside, you'll find a hidden gem: marble floors, crystal chandeliers, reproductions of Impressionist paintings hanging on the walls, and a faint scent of lilies in the air.
Wang Wei and her group had already checked in and were waiting in the rest area.
Upon seeing Jiang Yu and Liu Yifei enter, Wang Wei immediately stood up: "Boss, the room is ready. It's a suite on the top floor with a great view; you can see the Eiffel Tower."
She handed over the room key, glanced at Liu Yifei, then at Jiang Yu, and hesitantly asked, "What are your plans for tonight, Miss Liu?"
Jiang Yu said, "I'm going to Yifei's father's house for dinner, and then I'll come back to stay. You guys stay here and get some rest. You're free to do whatever you want these few days; you can look around Paris, and the company will reimburse your expenses."
"Thank you, boss!" Wang Wei's eyes lit up.
What girl doesn't love Paris? The Champs-Élysées, Galeries Lafayette, Seine River cruises... she's already decided where she wants to go.
"But keep your phone on, it might be for work," Jiang Yu added.
"clear!"
After putting away his luggage, Jiang Yu only brought a small backpack filled with gifts.
A collection of poems and a Duan inkstone for Dean An, a watch for Aunt Zhu, a panda doll for Jialin, and a specialty beef jerky brought from Texas.
They got back into the car, and Liu Yifei drove him across the Seine and into the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank.
Traffic was a bit congested in the afternoon, but Liu Yifei drove very calmly, occasionally introducing the scenery along the way to Jiang Yu.
"That's the Sorbonne over there, one of the oldest universities in Europe." She pointed to a magnificent stone building outside the window. "My father often lectured there. Further ahead is the Pantheon, where Voltaire, Hugo, and Marie Curie are buried. That's Paris for you; every few steps you'll find history, every turn you'll find a story."
Jiang Yu looked at the street scene outside the window.
Indeed, every building here has a sense of history; the stone paths are worn smooth, the walls are covered with ivy, and in the outdoor seating areas of the cafes, people drink coffee and discuss philosophy or art.
Compared to the skyscrapers of New York and the wide streets of Los Angeles, Paris has a different vibe: elegant, languid, and full of cultural heritage.
"Has your father lived here for many years?" he asked.
"Yes, it's been almost ten years," Liu Yifei said. "He likes the atmosphere of the Latin Quarter, saying it has more of a lived-in feel and isn't as commercialized as the Right Bank. There are bookstores, cafes, and galleries everywhere, and there are secondhand book markets on weekends. Every time I come to Paris, my favorite thing to do is go to secondhand bookstores with my dad, and we can spend an entire afternoon there."
She paused, her voice softening slightly: "Actually, after my parents divorced, there was a time when I didn't know how to face my father. Later, I realized that he had never stopped loving me. During the years I was in Paris, he wrote me many letters, and every time I visited him, he would prepare my favorite foods in advance and put my childhood photos on the headboard... Gradually, I came to understand that love may change, but family love will always remain."
Jiang Yu squeezed her hand: "Your father is a good father."
"Yes." Liu Yifei nodded, her eyes a little moist. "So his approval of you is especially important to me. I hope that the two people I love can appreciate each other and become friends."
"I will try my best," Jiang Yu said solemnly.
The car stopped in front of a typical Ottoman-style building.
The building has six floors, a beige exterior, and each floor has an exquisite wrought iron balcony decorated with blooming flowers.
Red geraniums, purple morning glories, and a few pots of herbs.
There's a small bakery downstairs, with freshly baked baguettes, croissants, and apple pies displayed in the window, their aromas enticing.
"We're here." Liu Yifei turned off the engine. "This is where my dad lived for ten years. The fourth floor, the room with the south-facing window."
"Look, that gardenia on the balcony, I gave it to him last year, and it's grown so well."
Jiang Yu looked in the direction she pointed.
Indeed, on a balcony on the fourth floor, a pot of gardenias was in full bloom, the pure white flowers standing out against the green leaves.
The two got off the car.
Liu Yifei took Jiang Yu's backpack out of the trunk and then skillfully pushed open the heavy wooden door.
These old-style apartment buildings typically don't have access control; the main doors are always open, but they're very secure because each unit has two locks.
Inside the door is a typical old-style Parisian hallway.
The spiral staircase is made of wood, and the steps are worn smooth and make a slight creaking sound when you step on them.
The walls are adorned with old photographs and prints depicting scenes from the construction of the Eiffel Tower, landscapes of Montmartre, and several abstract paintings.
Faint violin music drifted from the fourth floor. I didn't know who was practicing, but the music sounded a little raw, yet very earnest.
"Old apartments in Paris are all like this," Liu Yifei said softly, as if afraid of disturbing the tranquil atmosphere. "The soundproofing isn't great, but it's very lively. My dad says he likes listening to the neighbors practicing the piano; it's better than any background music. Sometimes the couple upstairs argues, sometimes the kids downstairs cry, but that's real life, full of warmth and life."
Upon reaching the fourth floor, Liu Yifei took out her keys but did not open the door immediately.
She turned to look at Jiang Yu, suddenly a little nervous: "Um... Jiang Yu, if my family says anything inappropriate, or asks you questions you don't want to answer, please don't take it to heart. They're just ordinary people, they don't have all that complicated stuff..."
Jiang Yu laughed and pinched her cheek: "Don't worry, I'm not going to meet a head of state. It's just a regular family dinner, relax."
Liu Yifei took a deep breath, nodded, and turned the key: "Dad, Aunt Zhu, we're back!"
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