Chapter 142 - Marcel's Advise 

"Welcome to Gracehaven's Bed and Breakfast. There are three families among you so here are 3 houses for each one of you. If you do find anything unsatisfactory, please do let us know so we would rectify it as soon as we can." 

"There are no beds at the moment but there are pillows to lay our weary heads on and these woven mats is also a blessing as it keeps the warm night cool and the cool nights warm. Hahaha. Don't mind us for that introductory remark though. We just love to poke fun and make people feel at home with us."

Ben and Frank chuckled together as they ushered the new families to move into their new homes. They looked at the way the houses were built and found that the houses were uniformly sized. Each house, even though it was windowless, was pretty neat and tidy.

The light yellow woven walls, as well as the matching mats and thatched roofs, were a welcoming sight. The colour was neutral and that makes the atmosphere seemed serene. Unlike cruck houses whose walls were plastered with mud, dung and other whatnot, this thatched home was bright, airy and fresh.

"Oh yes, before you step into your homes, please wash your feet clean or else you might end up with a lot of boot prints instead. These woven mats are one of our speciality here in Gracehaven and I am sure you would not want to sleep on mud or dirt anymore, right?' Frank advised as the children removed their shoes and washed their feet at the sides of the house near the doorway.

Each house was built on short stilts and have bamboo skids. This made the new families felt intrigued by its design and innovation. When someone asked about the stilts, Ben answered nonchalantly, "This is to prevent the house from flooding in and these skids help to move the house around. Do you know that as the family grow, the houses may also grow too?"

Ben and Frank explained that these houses were prefabricated to be 6 feet by 8 feet in size. In time to come, the residential lot of 10 feet by 10 feet might be extended. "This is the future for Gracehaven and these houses were made of light and sturdy material. Furthermore, these houses are collapsible means it could be extended by additional wall partitions."

"Each house has 3 potties, so no dumping the contents in the river no more. There's a latrine pit at the end of the residential lots, someone would take care of it every morning. All you need to do is empty the contents, rub it with a bit of earth and then return it back to your homes."

"And of course, you may leave it outside your homes to dry it so it won't stink up your homes later. Hahaha." Ben laughed and then the duo bade the families goodnight and went back to their own tasks. 

The duo informed that the conference among the pioneers was not yet done and there's a lot of questions and answers that need to be furnished to the young Lord. The duo reminded them to be at the courtyard once the rooster crow to assist the rest to prepare the breakfast and midday meal. 
=*=
"Mummy, those two men are very nice. These houses are very nice too. I have never seen a house made in this way." a young girl tugged at her mother's frock and was watching her little brother rolling around on the mat after he had washed his feet.

"Yes, my little girl. These houses do seem very clean, bright and nice. All the houses were built the same. It's very fresh, there's nothing like the cruck houses we used to live in."

"Mummy, this is much better than living under the stars too. But there's nothing for us to cook here. What if we are hungry in the middle of the night?" the little girl pouted her lips and her mother pinched her two cheeks and simply chided her, "Don't you had two bowls at dinner and at least 3 slices of thick bread just now?"

The little girl laughed and rolled away from her mother and started to play with her little brother too. Her mother looked at her children and can't help wonder when was the last time she had watched them being happy and carefree.

It's sure had been a very long time since it last happened.
=*=
As I walked with Marcel to lead him to his temporary abode, I also gestured to his assistants to rest up as well. As there were 6 of the assistants, they took up 2 houses at the sides of Marcel's.

"See you in the morning, buddy. Glad to have you here. Heather will let me know how much I should set aside for the purchases of those condiments and spices as well as the ores and all."

"She's my one and only personal assistant and I think she would do a good job then. So, since you have your merchants delivering the goods over here, don't tell me I don't get to see you in the next couple of weeks eh? Hahaha."

"Hahaha. Of course, I would be coming back here, remember that for our 30 day's term." Marcel simply replied as he reminded me for the 250 gold coins over the jewels and the 30 gold coins for the bread for Corral.

"Say, what are your area of influences other than Corral and its neighbouring towns? How about Harrogate and the others? Do you happen to have any influences there?"

"Well, I used to have dealings with York, Tadcaster, Leeds, Harrogate, Bradford and Halifax Town before some time back, but I lost some of the Merchants and decided to shun away from that places for some years now."

"My influences mainly come from Corral and if there's anyone who might be interested to have business dealings, they would normally head there. The same goes to your products like the clay bricks, wooden planks, pig iron, hunting bows and also the woven mats. These 4 products are the ones most sought after while the others were secondary items."

"Hey, didn't I tell you that I had 2 shops owned by my relatives..." Marcel began to narrate to me his two retail shops that were owned by his relatives, where one was in the common market place while the other was in the upmarket business district.

Both shops were selling identical items but they were priced differently. Since the one in upmarket business districts were patronised by the nobles, the prices there were quite exorbitant compared to the ones in the marketplace.

The marketplace is for the commoners, as it was a general store. Marcel thanked me for the reduction of price for the rocket stoves to be at 1s rather than 5s before. He told me his general store catering for the commoners were cheaply priced and only earns a few coppers in profit.

"You know the best thing about the commoners market? My relatives even sold your items on credit for the residents there... I told them about getting credit from you and thus they paid me in full and then sold them on credit basis for the people. Isn't that great?"

A thought passed through my mind. This Marcel is not as simple as he seemed to be. He owns 2 shops which he let his relatives run them or maybe he related these shop keepers as his own relatives, I don't know. 

Then one is in the upmarket district while the other is in the common market place. Just as I had thought before of Marcel, this guy is at least a Viscount to own such lands and properties.

"What's your peerage, Marcel? You should be above a Baron to be able to possess shops around town and also hold a Chairman's position in the Merchants Association and all."

"I'm just a lowly Earl, my friend. Like you, a title is just a mere title and even if one is a Duke, he is still but a man on the outside. Only his clothes would define the person and frankly, what's important is what one is doing for the community." Marcel simply replied to me like as if announcing he being  an Earl was no big deal at all.

"Heh, guess both you and I do think alike, my friend. What we can do now is for the betterment of citizens of Gracehaven. Having just food and a house is never enough. At least right now, the citizens would be able to look forward in their lives for the first time."

"Most of the people here are not from Darlington except for the pioneers, of course, but they all wish to have one thing in common. A better future. For themselves as well as for their children."

"We are just a small village, but we may function like just a small town despite not having the number of citizens. I was already hoping to have 3 objectives for Gracehaven. Firstly is to have a 100 gold coins gross income monthly, secondly is to have multiple trade routes and thirdly to have at least 5,000 inhabitants for a kingdom."

I confided with Marcel about these 3 objectives, while declaring that without his assistance, Gracehaven won't be able to achieve 2 if its main objective. However, hitting 5,000 inhabitants might be out of reach as Darlington had slightly over 2,000 before.

"Don't worry my friend. I will try to assist you as much as possible. You had helped me much in my business and even entrust me with the jewels."

"In fact, these jewels may even achieve 400 gold coins from various appraisers. Well, one thing is that fate had brought us along and thank goodness you had able to achieve 2 of your goals."

"Tsk...don't mention about the jewels. There is more to come in the weeks to follow. I also have my own personal collection which I don't think I have any use for in the future, so I might turn them to you right after you had cleared those for me."

"Hahaha. I, Marcel, believe in you, my friend, my Prince and also the next King... What is beyond my means, I would try to assist you and Gracehaven. As for the population growth, it would be best to take it slow, batches at a time and at the same time to put on more growth on economic."

"A successful town would be a self-sufficient town where it would not rely on others but others would rely on it. Although it may sound far-fetched at this moment, I am sure you would be able to achieve it one day."

"What you need to do is with old Kayla's planning. She is one good advisor along with Crystal that would help you achieve something great in the future. You might look into the land acquisition not for population growth, but for your agriculture and economic growth soon."

"Trust me, my friend. You would not go wrong at all." Marcel tapped my shoulders as he motioned to go to his temporary house to rest. He opened up his boots and washed his feet while sitting at the doorway. Luckily, the house was on stilts and the water seeped immediately into the ground. 

"You should get your rest too, Your Royal Highness... Hahaha. I sure miss sleeping in your cute little house here. Goodnight then, see you tomorrow, my friend." 

Marcel excused himself as he moved the partition to cover part of the doorway and then he began to stretch on the woven mat like a cat. A rough and tumble man like him, even if he was an Earl, doesn't really mind where and how he sleeps as long as he feels comfortable...! 

I then walked back to my house where Heather was preparing to set aside some things that would be moved to the domain the next morning. 

I reflected what Marcel had said and shared it with Heather and she agrees that we would look into the matter of land acquisition for the territorial expansion for agriculture purposes instead.

Jin Garden was a recreational club that offered dining and leisure activities.
Inside Jin Garden, the guests were offered the landscape of the ancient oriental garden of halls, pavilions, terraces and a man-made lake—just like a tourist attraction. There wasn't an air of commercialization amidst the garden environment modeled after the ancient times.
The most important thing to note about this place was that no matter who wanted to come to Jin Garden for a meal, one must make an appointment at least one day in advance.
Bai Muchuan got off at the entrance and went in alone, while Dongzi went on ahead to park the car. Under the guidance of the service staff, he arrived at a small independent courtyard by the lake.
Every small courtyard was a separate restaurant by itself, where guests could be totally separated from other guests perfectly that no one could disturb each other's privacy. Each courtyard was elegant and chic with a classy atmosphere. It was specially catered and designed for the upmarket banquets.
The door of the room was closed and there were two guards outside.
The waiter stood at a distance and did not get any closer. He turned to Bai Muchuan with a smile and motioned him to go on with a "please" gesture.
"Sir, it's this place."
Bai Muchuan went over without saying anything.
The two guards looked at him and one of them knocked on the door.
"Chief, the guest is here."
When he heard the word "guest", a corner of Bai Muchuan's lips curled up slightly, but he did not say anything.
A deep voice was heard from inside, "Come in!"
The guard took another look at Bai Muchuan again, as if he was examining him. "Go in."
Bai Muchuan took a glance at him, nodding his head slightly as thanks before he pushed the door in.
The private room was very spacious, but the design was relatively simple. There was nothing that suggested luxurious exaggeration. The tables, chairs, and decoration were elegant and low-key.
Before Bai Muchuan arrived, there were already quite a number of people inside the room. Besides Bai Muchuan's father, Bai Zhenhua, there was also Bai Zhenhua's best buddy and comrade—also the highest official of the Public Security Bureau, Cheng Weiji, as well as their wives—Mrs. Cheng and Mrs. Bai. In addition, he also saw his elder sister, Bai Musi, as well as another young man and another young woman.
"Oh, you're finally here!" The moment Bai Zhenhua saw him, he said kindly, "Sit down quickly! You see, everyone's waiting for you. The dishes have just been served."
Well, the flight was delayed for about an hour. By this time, they might have been waiting for quite a while.
Bai Muchuan glanced at the sumptuous dishes and sat down on the only seat left in the room.
"Why did you call me back in such a hurry? Anything cropped up?"
As soon as he sat down, he looked impatient, causing the expressions of the people present to turn grim—a few of them looked rather displeased.
Bai Musi wanted to help out Bai Muchuan by blinking at him. She did not want him to talk back to his elders.
However, Bai Muchuan acted as if he had not seen her cues. His pair of eyes was focused on the fruit platter on the dining table.
Bai Zhenhua's wife looked at him calmly but said nothing. Cheng Weiji's wife was not so calm as she sneered with a hum.
"From what I see, his wings are getting tougher and tougher; his airs getting bigger and bigger. Just look at him, who has he ever held in regard?"
"What are you saying?!" Cheng Weiji pulled a long face and stared at her unhappily.
As soon as she heard this, Mrs. Cheng was provoked immediately. Her exquisitely well-maintained face instantly looked irritated and her voice sounded shrill. "What's wrong with just one sentence from me that you have to shield him like this?" 
Cheng Weiji's face was now gloomy. He suppressed his displeasure and did not say another word.
The atmosphere started to get awkward.
The people inside the room had different expressions on them.
Only Bai Muchuan was the calmest of them.
He looked at the porcelain plates of food without saying a word. It was as though he was used to it as he picked up his chopsticks elegantly and began to eat.
His leisurely attitude was a huge contrast against them. Bai Zhenhua took a look at him and gave a cackle to ease the situation.
"Old Cheng, sister-in-law, it's not easy for us to get together for a meal like this. Let's get down to business. Don't make a laughingstock of ourselves in front of the children."
Mr. and Mrs. Cheng's cold faces slowly regained its calmness.
Cheng Weiji cleared his throat a little. "Old Bai is right. Let's get down to business."
Bai Zhenhua looked toward the leisurely Bai Muchuan. "Chuanzi, I asked you back because of two matters. The first matter is about work whereas the second is personal. Which one do you want to hear first?"
Bai Muchuan's lips formed a curve that seemed to contain some slight mockery whereas his deep, clear eyes emanated a headstrong smile. "Do I have a choice?"
It was a sentence that was straight from the shoulder—Bai Zhenhua's body immediately went stiff.
"Dad, why don't you just tell Lao'er[1] directly?" Bai Musi suddenly gave a chuckle to alleviate the situation. "It's not as if you don't know how Lao'er's character is," she sighed, "he dislikes things said in a roundabout way."
"Aye!" Bai Zhenhua pondered for a moment and shook his head as if he had a headache dealing with this defiant child of his. "Fine," he laughed "I'll make a long story short. I was talking to Old Cheng earlier about the starting of Serious Crime Division One. I heard you've decided to come back?"
Bai Muchuan was slightly startled and looked up slowly.
"I've said that to Xing Liehuo."
In other words, he meant that he had decided to come back on account of Xing Liehuo.
Bai Zhenhua was once again refuted by him and his expression seemed worse than earlier.
"No matter who you have said this to, this department belongs to the country. The military and police joining forces to fight against serious crimes is a very important matter. Thus, the choice of personnel is of paramount importance." With that, Bai Zhenhua turned his head and looked at the young man sitting next to him.
"Xuanzi will submit a transfer application to Red Thorn so he can work together with you. Both of you brothers will be able to cooperate well…"
The "Xuanzi" that Bai Zhenhua mentioned was Bai Muxuan.
Well, like him, he was also Bai Zhenhua's son.
However, when Bai Muxuan was still a small child, he got abducted by human traffickers and was sold to a remote village where he suffered a lot of hardships. When he was 18 years old, he enlisted in the armed forces in Rong City. Coincidentally, due to his birthmark at his buttocks, the Bai Family finally found him, lifting a long time burden that they had been carrying all these years.
Therefore, having been "lost and found", he was definitely a favored existence in the Bai Family.
In order to make up to this son of theirs, Bai Zhenhua and his wife doted on Bai Muxuan, wishing they could give him anything he wanted.
As for Bai Muchuan…
He was always like an outsider in this family.
After the death of his birth mother—from the Cheng Family to the Bai Family—it was a complex life process with a lot of twists. He lived a life like a nightmare which could even be more bizarre than fiction. Of course, it was melodramatic as well…
Bai Muchuan frowned as he thought of that. "The one I want is Quan Laowu."
He did not care about giving face to anyone. Seeing their grim expressions, he added one more sentence, "Didn't I make myself clear enough?"
Bai Zhenhua looked even gloomier than usual and was about to speak when he was stopped by Bai Muxuan.
"Second brother, I can understand that you have no confidence in my ability. Although I have been studying abroad in the past few years, I am always a soldier of the Red Thorn Squad. I possess excellent qualities of a Red Thorn soldier. Moreover, I'm also very interested in being a part of Serious Crime Division One. Hence, I want to give it a try…"
Bai Muchuan smiled faintly. "This is a dangerous department," Bai Muchuan returned a half-smile, "it may be fatal. You're the only son of the Bai Family, don't make your decision so casually."
The words "Bai Family's only son", left everyone on the table either embarrassed or awkward.
Although this was something everyone knew, he was still the son of the Bai Family recorded in their household registration book. No one would directly say it in his face to embarrass him.
Nevertheless, he did not seem to care about that at all. After he said that, he glanced at Bai Muxuan again. "Serious Crime Division One, is not suitable for you."
Bai Muxuan squinted his eyes as he met his brother's gaze. "Second brother," he said in a slightly annoyed tone as he was unwilling to give up, "let's go to the shooting range to practice when you're interested?"
Bai Muchuan's lips quirked at his remark, revealing a meaningful smile. "Serious Crime Division One is not Red Thorn. We do not need snipers."
Bai Muxuan was startled and found himself at a loss of how to continue persuading him any further. "Alright then, I will submit an application together with Captain Quan. Boss will decide who to transfer to the new department."
"Yeah! Follow the usual protocol."
Bai Muchuan shrugged his shoulders, totally nonchalant about it.
However, there was clear mockery from his tone directed at those who do not follow the usual protocol.
Silence immediately ensued.
No one could continue to eat anymore if this went on.
Bai Musi looked anxiously from one to another and blinked desperately at her father.
"Dad, don't you have another matter to tell Lao'er?"
Bai Zhenhua stayed silent for a moment before he gave a sigh. "Yes, I've mentioned earlier that there's a personal matter—which is about your marriage. Chuanzi, you're of marriageable age, it's time to deal with this important episode in your life." After he said this, he looked toward the young lady sitting beside Mr. and Mrs. Cheng. 
"That young lady is your Uncle Cheng's niece, Cheng Xin. She studied Criminal Investigation in university. You young people should get to know and learn from each other."
Oh, so this is also a matchmaking session as well!
Bai Muchuan put on a half-smile. "Xuanzi hasn't gotten a girlfriend yet, right? It's just right for him."
"Why should he be worrying when you, the elder brother, are not in a hurry? Besides… he has someone suitable."
Someone suitable? That's something new.
All these years, Bai Muchuan and Bai Muxuan hardly had anything to do with each other. They were not even as close as he was to his elder cousin, Bai Munian. Nonetheless, Bai Muchuan still knew something about this brother of his.
He knew that Bai Muxuan had always liked his childhood sweetheart back when he was in Rong City. Both of them had come to the capital together. He had a crush on her for many years by being her "spare tire" guardian angel. In the end, that girl married the second son of the Leng Family—Leng Xiao. From then onward, this brother of his got disheartened and went to study overseas. 
The men of the Bai Family were sentimental and stubborn!
Not sure who had said this to him, but it felt interesting when he thought about it.
Bai Muchuan looked at them, suddenly put down his chopsticks and gave a tepid smile.
"Oh? Well, I also have a girlfriend."
…
[1] Lao'er (老二) -- It referred to Bai Muchuan.


Aspiring author Xiang Wan was deemed hopeless by her family and better off married when her fourth novel still did not do well. 
Just as she started to doubt herself and wonder if she should continue to pursue her dream as an author, things take an unexpected turn when a dazzling guy appears before her and she was taken away by the police as a prime suspect of a murder case.
A murder had taken place and the details were eerily similar to her mystery novel. 
From then on, her life turned topsy-turvy.
...........
Translator Review:
This is a novel encompassed with mystery, ethics, family ties, and romance. Of course, the highlights of this book are the murder cases. 
Although it’s a modern setup where none of the characters have a system or any other cheats, the Author managed to delight me with her writing, creative plots and a good pace without dragging her story. 
I marvel at the way the Author links up the clues and plot to explain the individual cases as well as paving the way to unravel the huge conspiracy behind the individual murders. Romantic plots are light-hearted so readers could take a breather from the plots of gruesome murders.
Frequency of release:  1 chapter/daily

The Team India Cricket Shop opened with the smashing of a coconut on the morning of 29 April. All our immediate families had come. My mother and Omi's family were visibly happy while Ish's parents were silent. They still visualised Ish as an army officer, not a shopkeeper in Belrampur.

'May Laxmi(1) shower all blessings on you hardworking boys,' Omi's mother said before she left.

Soon, it was just us in our twenty-feet-by-ten-feet shop. 'Move the counter in, the shutter won't close,' Ish screamed at Omi. Omi's forehead broke into sweat as he lifted the bulky counter-top yet again to move it back an inch.

I stepped out of the shop and crossed the road for the tenth time to look at the board. It was six feet wide and two feet tall. We had painted it blue - the colour of the Indian team. In the centre, we had the letters 'Team India Cricket Shop' in the colours of the Indian flag. The excited painter from Shahpur had thrown in the faces of Tendulkar and Ganguly for free. Ganguly had a squint and Tendulkar's lips looked bee-stung, but it all added to the charm.

'It's beautiful,' Omi said as he joined me in looking at the board.

Our first customer came at 12 noon. An under-ten boy strolled to the front of our store as his mother bought puja flowers. The three of us sprung into action.

'Should I ask him what he wants?' Omi whispered to me.
I shook my head. Pushy meant desperate.

The boy looked at tennis balls and bounced a few of them. While no one played tennis in Belrampur, kids played cricket with them.

'How much for the balls?' The boy moved to the basket of balls. Clearly this was a price-sensitive customer. He bounced five different ones on the ground.
'Eight bucks. You want one?' I said.

He nodded.
'You have money?'
'Mummy has,' he said.
'Where is mummy?'
'There,' he pointed in the general direction of the other temple shops. I picked up the balls he had bounced and placed them in the basket.
His mother came running into our shop.
'There you are Sonu, stupid boy,' she pulled his elbow and took him out.
'Mummy, ball' was all he could say about his potential purchase.

'Don't worry, we will sell,' I told my business partners.

We made our first sale soon after. Two young brothers wearing branded clothes came to the shop.
'How much for tennis balls?' one boy said.
'Eight bucks for Arrow, six bucks for the local basket there,' Ish said.

The boys moved to the local basket. They, started the ball-bouncing routine again as my heart wept.

'So where do you play cricket?' Ish asked them. 'Satellite,' the elder boy said. Satellite was an upmarket neighbourhood on the other side of the Sabarmati river.
'What are you doing in the old city?' Ish said.
'We came to the temple. It is Harsh bhaiya's birthday,' the younger boy said.

I realised we had struck real-estate gold. The temple was ancient and drew in people from the new city, too. And it was a birthday, every chance of pockets being loaded.

Story Of Business,Cricket and Religion 

This is the story of three bestfriends  who try start a business but meanwhile the religious riots change their lives completely. 

A famous book written by Chetan Bhagat(an Established Indian Writer)

Qi Chengzhi caught her little jittery act. His unfathomable smile made Luo Yushu feel so guilty that he wanted to kowtow and admit his fault.
He nodded and said, "I'm just passing by." Then, left the room immediately after he said so. Not once did he turn back, as if he was actually just passing by and had nothing to do with Song Yu.
"Song... Miss Song, the director and yourself are..." Luo Yushu's legs were trembling as he cautiously asked.
"Nothing. I got into trouble with some drunk hooligans outside and Young Master Cheng came to my rescue." Song Yu organized her thoughts and put on a formularized smile.
Nobody other than Song Yu would know who the real hooligan was.
Luo Yushu could not believe it. He knew that their director was not the kind who particularly enjoyed helping others.
"Then, why was the director's hand on your shoulder? Miss Song, please forgive me if it's too intrusive of a question to ask, " said Luo Yushu cautiously as he apologetically smiled.
"There's nothing to hide. The most effective way to get rid of a hooligan is by pretending to be my boyfriend," Song Yu explained.
Luo Yushu was dire to ask, 'This is an upmarket restaurant, where could the hooligan come from?' Looking at Song Yu's sincere smile, he decided to keep the question to himself.
Post the incident, as Luo Yushu feared the possible consequences, he gave up on the thought of making Song Yu drunk. He behaved himself while he interacted with Song Yu. Keeping conversations that were only business-related, he also accepted the portfolio that contained Song Yu's previous architectural designs.
After the dinner, Song Yu said, "Xiao Chen, please send Manager Luo home."
"Don't worry about it," Luo Yushu spoke elatedly as he was a little tipsy from the drinks.
"It's my pleasure." Xiao Chen lent an arm to support Luo Yushu. "Sister Song, will you be alright alone?"
"No problem." Song Yu shook her head.
After Xiao Chen left with Luo Yushu in his arms, Song Yu then let out a sigh of relief as she left the restaurant.
There was a silver Buick Regal by the roadside in front of the restaurant. A man who leaned on the car shouted as he saw Song Yu, "Song Song!"
"Jian Yi! What're you doing here?" Song Yu trotted toward him in her high heels.
"It's hard to get a cab at this hour. I'm here to pick you up and to check on you." Jian Yi smiled and gazed into Song Yu's eyes. His smile was as gentle and refreshing as the moon above.
"I don't know yet but Luo Yushu promised to recommend me to his supervisor." Song Yu sighed.
"Come, get in." Jian Yi invited as he held the car door for her.
Right behind them, there was a Range Rover. Qi Chengzhi retracted his hand from opening the car door as he watched Song Yu entering Jian Yi's car.
He smiled and sighed silently, 'Who would've thought that once again, I let someone else pick her up under my watch?'
As the Buick Regal sped away, Qi Chengzhi followed behind closely.
At the entrance of the restaurant, Li Qianyi sneered. "Song Yu is indeed capable. Just before, she was flirting with Young Master Cheng and now, she got on another man's car."
Guan Xiaolin watched as the car disappeared into the distance without a word.


Song Yu, an up and coming architect was supposed to be the fiancée to the second son of the Qi Family... until her family went bankrupt. The engagement was called off and she finally has the freedom to love whoever she wants to! Years later, a twist of fate made her cross paths with the Qi family again. In order to land a prestigious architect role in an upcoming hotel construction project, she had to impress the director of Qilin. Follow Song Yu as she navigates through life and love!

Both Qin Zhi and Luo Li invited B-list actors as their partners. 
The other models had also invited famous male artists with their abilities. 
The fame of their partners was very comparable, so no one particularly stood out. 
Soon, Su Huixian arrived. As soon as she appeared, she attracted everyone's attention. 
Her arm was wrapped around a man's arm. He was one head taller than her, and he had broad shoulders and long legs. There was a trace of firmness between his eyebrows, and he had a handsome face. He was the new best actor, Zhuang Wenhao. 
"Wow! It's Zhuang Wenhao! Su Huixian has invited him."
"Oh my God! I really didn't expect to see Zhuang Wenhao here today. His acting skills are superb. I can write a long movie review after I watch a single clip of his film."
"Oh, I'm so thrilled that I almost want to cry!"
There were cheers and screams around. Many people had even taken out small notebooks to ask for Zhuang Wenhao's autograph. 
With a gentle look on her face, Su Huixian said, "Don't worry, everyone. Our best actor will sign his autograph for you after the shooting."
Hearing how gentle and considerate she was, the crowd cheered again. "Huixian, you are so kind. We will wait for him later then."
"Well, let's not delay the normal shooting routine. Let's go on with our own work first," Su Huixian said with a smile. 
She then turned to Zhuang Wenhao and said, "Mr. Zhuang, please accompany me during the shoot later."
Zhuang Wenhao was on good terms with Du Luo, and the Du family had invested in one of his movies. So he immediately agreed when Du Luo asked him to be Su Huixian's partner for Feng Shang's shooting. Besides, Feng Shang was an upmarket fashion magazine. It was a win-win situation for them. 
Seeing that so many people liked him, Zhuang Wenhao was also in a good mood. He adjusted his smile and greeted everyone. 
He was so approachable that the people around screamed again. 
They whispered to each other, "No wonder he is the best actor. He is super handsome. When he smiles, I feel like I'm in heaven."
"That's right. And don't you think that Mr. Zhuang and Su Huixian are perfect for each other?"
"Don't talk nonsense. Su Huixian already has a boyfriend."
"If Feng Shang's sales will become a blockbuster this time, it will definitely be because of Su Huixian. Many people will buy the magazine because of Zhuang Wenhao. Not to mention that Su Huixia has her own capability of increasing a product's sales."
Luo Li smiled and said, "Among all of us, only Su Huixian was able to invite a super A-list movie star like Mr. Zhuang. She is just making us feel inadequate."
These models didn't think of comparing themselves with Su Huixian. They all showed enviable smiles and didn't say much. 
Su Huixian held her head high, enjoying the crowd's worship. 
Among the six supermodels, she was the only one who did not appear in Orisa Fashion Show. It was actually not convincing that she joined the shoot of Feng Shang. 
But now, she had become the most eligible one. 
She was even able to invite Zhuang Wenhao, who was the best actor. She wanted to see who else would dare to say something bad about her. 
Su Huixian glanced at Su Bei, who was standing not far away. Su Bei was still holding her phone, and there was no partner beside her. 


She married a driver she just met. However, the last thing that had ever come to her expectation was that her bridegroom was no other than the most mysterious billionaire in the city. This marriage brought her baby twins. Thus, she worked harder to support this family. She was the queen of the entertainment circle. When she met the king who dominated the business world, she finally knew her husband’s true identity.

Huang Na was surprised to hear that. "Oh, god. She looks like the innocent-type that is to Xingze's taste!"
Gu Xingze had once commented in an interview that he preferred the innocent-type with waist-long hair and clear, sparkling eyes.
Yun Shishi fulfilled his criteria of an ideal woman to a T.
"Why do you care who she is? Do you even know why I invited him to the party tonight? I'm creating a chance for you. Na Na, don't disappoint me!"
Her friend could not help teasing her. "Don't you like him, too?"
She smiled and replied, "He is indeed one of a kind, but what I have for him is only admiration; I already have someone else in mind."
"Who is that?" The other dug further curiously.
"Mu Yazhe." She snorted.
"Master Mu?! Doesn't he already have a fiancée?!" Huang Na exclaimed as she recalled the news earlier.
"What if he's engaged? That woman, Mu Wanrou, can't bear him a child, so I doubt that she will be favored. Anyway, I hardly see her around Master Mu. This must be a prearranged marriage for him. Besides, even if he's married, that doesn't mean he can't have a few wives, right? Just look at the Mu family's tradition; the head of the household for the past generations have been practicing polygamy! There's no missy in the whole capital who doesn't hold a secret desire for him. Every girl wants to be the next young mistress to his high self!"
Her friend was even more startled to hear that. "Don't tell me that you want to be his kept mistress?"
With a haughty laugh that was full of disdain, she replied, "Mistress? Hmph! I, Ye Minglan, will be the young mistress in the Mu family!"
…
Imperial Bar was the most expensive club and the most upmarket one to be found in the capital.
The golden hour had arrived.
The atmosphere was soaring with the heavy metal music and staggering stage lights. The crowd was getting closer to the climax of this night.
This limited-membership bar, which was opened by the young heir of Ocean Holdings in the capital, was patronized by the sons and daughters of the capital's rich and famous. Besides well-known artistes and superstars, highly acclaimed film producers and directors were frequent visitors of this bar, too. Gu Xingze was, of course, no stranger to this place. In fact, he was on good terms with some musicians here and came over regularly to support them.
However, unlike the other patrons who liked to party, he preferred to occupy a secluded table alone with a bottle of Hennessy whenever he was here.
The offspring of the capital's wealthy and top officials could often be found here around midnight. Those young princes and princesses gathered here to while the night away.
Actually, it would be more accurate to call this place a Hall of Fame.
At this moment, a popular rock singer was standing on the stage and singing his heart out in an upbeat and wild tempo.
At a VIP table, dozens of beer glasses clinked against one another at once with a loud ting!
"Yeah! Cheers!"
A man with sharp features excitedly downed his drink at one go. His cheeks flushed an apparent red from drinking too much.
A pretty girl in brunette had to clutch his shoulders for support after a mouthful. She waved her hands wildly in the air, mumbling unintelligibly, "I can't anymore… woo… woo…"
The rest gave her a consensus boo in seeming disappointment; they were not ready to let her off and continued to force her to drink.
These pretty lads and lasses sitting at this VIP table were naturally the so-called sons and daughters of the rich and famous in the capital.


She became a surrogate mother in exchange for over a million yuan.

As the esteemed CEO of the most powerful Empire in the capital, he holds absolute power, while she is just an adopted daughter to a family of lowly status. She agreed to bear him his offspring, simply because her adoptive father's business was failing.
 
On the day of her delivery, the elder brother was born healthy, but the younger one was stillborn. Having fulfilled the contract, she disappeared from his sight along with the astronomical sum of money. 


Six years later, he is still that arrogant and high-profile CEO. When she accidentally gets embroiled with him again – like a canary trapped in his cage, he closes in on her. “Woman, do you think you can escape from my clutches?!" 

However, he does not expect a little kid to interfere; the boy pompously points his little finger at him and warns, “Mu Yazhe, you’d better leave her alone! She's mine – this baby's woman!” 

The man is alarmed, simply because the little kid's facial features are identical to his...

Tags: Adorable Child, CEO, Sweet Romance, Scheming, Wealthy Aristocrats, Fluff, Two-faced, Child, Rich and Powerful, Treachery

Mo Zhi frowned and sneered, "Well then, tell us about a bigger project! Let me tell you, although many films are looking for investors, the good films are certainly not lacking investors. Don't you try to pull wool over our eyes with some small-time film."
All the senior management staff agreed with his remark.
"Exactly, it must not be a niche film, or a run-of-the-mill commercial production."
"Ultimately, our TV and Film City's first investment project has got to be an upmarket project. Otherwise, it would takes us in a bad direction for the future."
"…"
Everyone commented on this while Gao Feng, who was sitting among them, frowned.
Someone in the group asked him in a low voice, "Gao Feng, what are your thoughts?"
The man sneered coldly.
Everyone knew that recently, there had indeed been no other film better positioned than Director Li's film, from an investment perspective.
This Mo Xicheng, did he think that as long as he pumped funds into a film, it would make the film appear more elegant and high-quality?
Although there were many scripts available, truly good ones were rare.
Indeed, he was young and naive to think that he could secure a deal to just gloss over the matter.
Gao Feng was even angrier now.
The young man hadn't heeded his advice initially and had now caused so much trouble. It remained to be seen how he was going to take care of this matter.
If in the end things looked like they would fall apart, he would have to step in.
At that point, Li Shu would finally realize what a blockhead her son was.
Given this, Gao Feng fell silent and did not speak another word.
Under the stares of those around him, Mo Xicheng casually said, "Director Li's film is not a suitable investment for us, but coincidentally, Director Wang is preparing to shoot a new film and I've discussed a collaboration with him. We can invest 40 percent, would you be interested?"
Everyone: …
The meeting room fell silent in the light of this new information. Everyone turned to look at him.
Director Li and Director Wang were two of the most renowned directors in the industry, although Director Li had his flaws. Besides, because of behavior, he ultimately had a bad reputation, even though his films were big hits.
But Director Wang was different.
He was the best in the country.
There were always investors looking for him, pleading to invest in his films.
How had Mo Xicheng even secured a 40 percent investment?!
Was that even possible?
Widening their eyes, everyone looked at him with an expression of disbelief. 
Only Mo Zhi gulped and then asked, "Director Wang? Which Director Wang? Don't try to trick us with some unknown Director Wang. Even if you were the male lead in one of Director Wang's movies, we all know he chose you only because he had to settle for the second best. Why would he give you so much of an advantage?! The way I see it, this must be another Director Wang. So be very clear, Mo Xicheng, which Director Wang are you talking about?"
Staring straight at Mo Zhi, Mo Xicheng said confidently, "Director Wang Kan."
With that clarification, everyone was speechless.
Mo Xicheng looked at everyone and then lowered his gaze.
After Wang Kan's film Ambition had set a new sales record, he had reinforced his position in the industry.
And Wang Kan had an annoying trait—he would only make a film once every two years. Hence for that reason, everyone had thought that he was going to step down after filming Ambition.


They say the greatest blessing is marrying the idol you always dreamed of.

But Qiao Lian knows that reality is different...

The Internet claims that Best Actor Shen Liangchuan is a male god who is unaffected by any sexual drive, but Qiao Lian vehemently disagrees. It's a lie!

After finally carrying out the contract, Qiao Lian burst out, "I want a divorce! I don't want such a life!"

Meanwhile on the other side, they all arrived at the capital by half past ten.


The General said, "Sir we've arrived. Where do you want to go from here? It's still too early for your flight. We've at least two hours before your boarding time."


On hearing the General's voice, Jayne who was asleep till now woke up. She was sitting at the corner. She looked outside at the mesmerising view! 


It was a bright sunny morning. The sky was clear. There were the snow-capped  mountains visible at the backdrop. Since it was the winter season, even the trees and buildings around were snow clad. It was indeed an apt place to witness the nature in its own form. The implausible beauty of the city undoubtedly leaves an everlasting impression on one's mind. 


Ronnie glanced at his clock and answered him,  "General since it's too early for the boarding time, we'd like to take a quick look at the city. We'll drop back our friends Da Nuru and his wife and buy some clothes for Jayne. We'll finish our lunch and board the flight."


"If that's the case then I'll send my subordinate with you. Let me go take care of your other travel arrangements sir." The General dutifully told Ronnie.


Later the Jeep stopped and the Major got down at their Army headquarters. He instructed his subordinate, "Take care of them and bring them back on time."


"Yes sir!" and the jeep left towards the shopping area of the city.


The subordinate asked for Da Nuru's shop address and took them there. They all got down there. It was an upmarket area. It was considered shoppers paradise of the city which was in a prime location too.


Da Nuru excitedly walked towards his shop and took out the keys and pulled up the shutter of his shop.


As soon as the shutter flew open, they saw a small shop but having a variety of winter wear. Some of them were nearly stacked in the shelves while some were hanged as displays. 


With the looks of it, there were winter wear of all sizes catering to all ages both male and female. They were so attractive that any customer entering the shop would nevertheless but at least one from the collection of winter wear. 


Jayne was totally engrossed in looking that she stood rooted to the spot. Da Nuru called her out, "Sister Jayne, please come in. Why are you still standing at the entrance?" he had a constant smile hanging on his lips.


Jayne smiled and said, "Brother Nuru, your shop looks so attractive. I'm feeling like buying everything at your shop." She giggled.


"Of course, it's all yours sister Jayne. After all you are my sister. Who else would it belong to?" Da Nuru replied.


Ronnie who was simply noticing the smile on Jayne's face said. "If you want it, we'll buy them all. But not this time Jayne. First we'll get back and then come again leisurely."


Jayne pouted and reluctantly said "Okay."


Later they went to another shop next to Da Nuru's and bought a set of new clothes, a jeans pant and a shirt for Jayne. 


Jayne changed into those clothes. Da Nuru also gave a gift to Jayne, "Sister keep this winter wear set as our remembrance. Whenever you wear this, think of us." He had tears in his eyes.


Jayne replied, "Brother Nuru, right now you are my only family and I will remember you every single day. I will also come back here very soon and make sure I'll take you with me."


"Take care sister Jayne and brother." Da Nuru said to them as they bid an emotional farewell.


Jayne and Ronnie walked towards the Jeep with a heavy heart. "We'll come back Jayne. We owe them everything." Ronnie said.


Jayne slightly nodded fighting back her tears.


As they were about to board the Jeep they heard loud sounds coming from behind them.


Bang! Bang! Bang!

For him,

She was a mystery...

She was like an ocean with secrets hidden in the deepest corners of her heart.

But he wanted to take a chance to unravel the mystery, dive deep into the bottom of her soul.

He was ready to fight against the world to have her by his side. 

After all love cannot be one of the monotonous things of life..


'Though this is the first ever time I'm meeting her, why do I feel like I've known her for ages?

It feels like I was incomplete all these years even though I've the world at my command. Why do I feel like my soul is ripping apart to see her suffering in pain?' 

He had innumerable questions in his mind on looking at the girl in his arms.

He hugged her close to him and felt like it wasn't just her body that he was hugging the very first time...it was that lost piece of his own soul that he hugged after ages....

He finally concluded, "But for now all I know is, if we both have met at such unexpected circumstances and I've the urge to protect her no matter what, it only means that we were fated to be here together. The universe has surely conspired for us to meet.."



But what about the mystery girl? 



Will she wake up? 



What about her life? 



Does she have the same feelings for him as he does?  



Or does she have a past love too?


--------------------------------------------


Disclaimer: All characters and incidents used in the novel are purely fictitious. Any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental. 

The story basically revolves around romance. It's an  emotional roller-coaster and an easy going plot.


PS: This is the first ever time I'm trying my hand at writing something. Please support me and I'll try to give in my best. 

Image Credits: I don't own this cover, I found it on Pinterest images.

The elder young madam's husband was an expatriate executive and was not in S City for most of the year. There was only the old master, the elder young madam and her son, the younger master. The old master also loved the young master very much. However, there seemed to be some estrangement between them since that incident. Especially in recent years, the young master would avoid going back to the old manor if he could.
Qidong had accompanied the young master for the last ten years; he knew he was in no position to question the young master's instructions. He need only to execute the instructions. "Yes," he replied and turned to leave.
...
One wondered if everyone else had such a loyal best friend; one that they had known for more than ten years and have worked hand in glove with since high school. Even if one had not slept for three days and nights, with just a phone call from her—regardless of the reason, one was duty-bound to crawl out of bed to cry together, laugh together, get in trouble together, do crazy things together…
Su Ran and Jing Wushuang had such a relationship.
Jing Wushuang took a nap after returning to her apartment. It was almost evening when she woke. Right after freshening up, she received a call from Su Ran. Through the phone came a bright voice filled with vigor. "Shuangshuang, come over quickly. It's urgent."
Su Ran and Wushuang's personalities were extreme opposites; Su Ran was fiery and energetic while Wushuang was cool and reserved. It was hard to believe that they could be such good friends. In Su Ran's own words, it was a friendship forged through fighting. A relationship built through adversity. 
Wushuang was used to Su Ran's temperament. She walked to the ceiling-high windows, drew open the curtains and asked leisurely, "What's up? Where are we going?"
It was still foggy outside. It had been drizzling all day and there were no signs of it stopping. The early spring in S City was very irksome. Wushuang felt gloomy. She admired how Su Ran could be so perky and full of sunshine all year round. As if nothing in the world could get her down.
"This is an emergency. That b*stard clearly asked me out for dinner. No. More accurately, I finally agreed to have dinner with that b*stard, but then he blew me off. He said his two buddies had returned from abroad. I've known him since young. With his lousy personality, who'd want to be friends with him? He must be cheating on me. I'm going to catch him in the act. I sent my car to the workshop yesterday and I'll only get it back tomorrow. I'm at the south gate of Huijing Bay. He's about to leave. Hurry up and get here. I can't get a cab in this lousy weather and I'm freezing my butt off."
It was rare that her friend complained about the weather. Wushuang listened silently as her friend rambled on and on. She pictured her friend's expression as she peeked out from her hiding place behind the gate and smiled. Within that time, she had already put on her coat and fetched her keys. She picked up her handbag as she prepared to leave. "Give me ten minutes."
Fortunately, it was the weekend; traffic would be bad otherwise. Huijing Bay was a famous upmarket district not far away from where she lived. Taking into account the time needed to fetch her car, ten minutes should be enough.
Su Ran anxiously stomped her feet and urged, "Hurry up. I overheard that his appointment is at half past six. It's almost six now."
"Got it. I'm on the way to the parking garage. I'll hang up now."
"Don't hang up. Do you know where the south gate is? It's the one with the revolving musical fountain. What's the use of installing a musical fountain here? As if others don't know that the upstarts lived here..."


Jing Wushuang—a collected and independent woman with the looks that stole the hearts of men with her charm. Even with all that she is, she steered clear from romance as she remains curt and cordial, all while running from her heartbroken past. 
Everything changed during one rainy day in a cafe...
Will Jing Wushuang find hope in love once more, or will she be forever scarred by the bitter taste of heartbreak?

upmarket fiction novel

Fiction

NOTHING HERE FOLKS 3

Muchuan and Xiang Wan

Three Mistakes Of My Life(Chetan Bhagat)

Two-Faced Husband, Have Some Decency!

Hidden Marriage: A Heaven-sent Billionaire Husband

One Birth Two Treasures: The Billionaire's Sweet Love

You Are My Unforgettable Love

The Universe Conspired For Us To Meet

My Third Gentleman

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