"Transportation?" Jiang Hai fell into deep thought as he drove, listening to Qi Li's words.
"Yes, transportation. Once you win the grand prize, publicity becomes necessary—but don't worry about the shipping part. As much as I hate to admit it, Pra-Walton can handle your large-scale logistics. Haishang Supermarket and I can manage the rest of the supply chain. Even if you raise more cattle in the future, we can consume all of it. But there's one area where none of us can profit—logistics," Qi Li explained as she noticed Jiang Hai was paying attention.
Unlike Pra-Walton, neither Qi Li nor Haishang Supermarket owned private cargo planes. To distribute beef widely, Haishang Supermarket had to rely on Walmart Group's logistics network, which meant handing over profits—and control. Similarly, Qi Li had to spend money to import beef back from the U.S., which not only cost a lot but also took time—too much time.
Instead of outsourcing to others, why not let Jiang Hai handle the logistics himself? His company wouldn't need to do much—just deliver the beef on time to Qi Li or Haishang Supermarket. It could even take on some private shipping jobs in the meantime. The income from those alone could sustain the company.
Jiang Hai rubbed his chin, clearly tempted. It was a solid idea, but he knew he needed to discuss it further with Pra-Walton and Zhang Dehai before making any moves.
Pra-Walton likely wouldn't use his logistics services, but Zhang Dehai might. If not, starting a company solely for Qi Li's sake seemed like a poor investment.
"Starting a logistics company is possible," Jiang Hai mused aloud. "We'll talk it over when we're back. But I have no idea how to start a company—especially a small one. And you're not going to move here to run it, are you? So who would?"
Hearing this, Qi Li smiled.
"Let me introduce you to Zheng Jin, my assistant. She's been with me for years and is quite capable. I brought her along this time specifically so she could help run your new company—if you agree."
Qi Li gestured to her assistant, who had been quietly sitting in the backseat. Jiang Hai looked up at her through the rearview mirror for the first time. Upon noticing the attention, Zheng Jin turned and gave him a polite nod.
"Uh... let's talk more when we get back," Jiang Hai muttered, clearly unconvinced.
He wasn't fond of her. Though she had never been openly hostile, she had a habit of getting in the way when he was with Qi Li. Her eyes often betrayed a coldness that Jiang Hai hadn't forgotten. He tolerated her for Qi Li's sake—but trust was a long shot. Now he was being asked to hand over control of a company to her.
Qi Li chuckled. She knew about the friction between Jiang Hai and her assistant. But her reasons were firm—first, she trusted Zheng Jin completely; second, she needed someone on the inside of Jiang Hai's new company. Not because she doubted Jiang Hai—but because she doubted everyone else. She knew his personality. He'd likely start the company and then forget about it. Without someone trustworthy, the whole thing could collapse or be exploited.
The conversation drifted. It was mid-March in New York and Boston—still a bit chilly, but the snow had mostly melted. Green sprouts had started poking through the soil, and new buds adorned the roadside trees. The scenery was fresh and vibrant.
Jiang Hai talked about the cows he had recently purchased and the seafood he'd salvaged from the ocean. The atmosphere in the car lightened, and a few hours later, they arrived at the manor in Winthrop.
Once home, Jiang Hai helped everyone carry their luggage inside. As they entered the villa, they were greeted by Pra Walton, Cheryl Lee, Darlene, Marian, and Azarina.
"Hey, darlings, hello!" Qi Li greeted everyone warmly. She nodded to Pra Walton and Cheryl Lee, smiled at Azarina, then hugged Darlene and Marian—Jiang Hai's two nominal daughters.
The girls responded cheerfully. They knew Qi Li well by now. Although they didn't call her "mom," their relationship was warm and familiar.
Ai Xiaoxi and Feng Yunchen, on the other hand, stood awkwardly. They didn't know Pra Walton or Cheryl, and more importantly, they didn't speak English. Only Darlene and Marian knew a bit of Chinese. Azarina spoke just a little. Sensing their discomfort, Azarina kindly brought them over and made conversation using her limited Chinese, helping them gradually relax.
Jiang Hai, seeing there wasn't much else for him to do, carried their luggage to the guest rooms. Ai Xiaoxi and Feng Yunchen were to share the same room they had used during their last visit. Although Jiang Hai's house had frequent visitors, the rooms remained fairly consistent.
When it came time to assign rooms to Qi Li and Zheng Jin, Qi Li took matters into her own hands. Without saying a word, she tossed her suitcase directly into Jiang Hai's room—an unmistakable show of dominance that raised a few eyebrows.
Still, she seemed entirely at ease, settling in and chatting casually afterward. Zheng Jin, meanwhile, went to the last room down the hall. It was clear she still felt out of place—understandably so. All the other women had a relationship with Jiang Hai. She didn't.
Later that evening, Jiang Hai called Grandpa Zhang Dehai. Lately, Jiang Hai had been traveling to China more often, so he hadn't visited Zhang's small grocery store in a while. Most goods were now sent directly from China, but the two still kept in touch. A while back, Jiang Hai had stopped by to buy tea. With the Qingming Festival approaching, the tea plants he had cultivated were nearly ready for their first harvest.
He had high hopes for those tea leaves. To protect them from wind and frost, he had grown them indoors in a temperature-controlled environment, using only the most fertile soil and water infused with his own spiritual energy. He was eager to see—and taste—the results.
But back to business: Jiang Hai had called Zhang to discuss his new company and the possibility of handling logistics. Zhang agreed immediately. Shipping had always been a headache. Walmart's distribution system was decent, but came with scheduling headaches and added costs. Sometimes, the meat in his store would sell out, but Walmart's inventory was still full—so he had to wait. Other times, it was the reverse.
If Jiang Hai could take over transportation, it would ensure better timing and freshness. That alone was reason enough to say yes.
With Zhang's agreement secured, Jiang Hai was relieved. That evening, over dinner, he brought up the idea with Pra Walton. She didn't object—in fact, she nodded in approval.
From her perspective, it was a good move. Like Qi Li and Zhang Dehai had said, it benefitted them. Walmart might lose a bit of money, but Pra Walton's loyalty wasn't solely to the company.
She even gave Jiang Hai a list of what he'd need to get started.
To run a logistics company, you obviously needed transportation. Cars were fine for local deliveries—both Qi Li and Haishang Supermarket had their own fleets. But for long distances, planes were essential. Frozen beef could only stay fresh for about seven days—and fresh beef fetched far higher prices than frozen.
Jiang Hai didn't know much about cargo planes, but fortunately, Pra Walton did. Most were modified versions of medium to large passenger jets. The main difference? An "F" in the model name indicated it was a freighter.
Due to their heavy loads, these aircraft could only take off and land at major airports. Smaller airports wouldn't do.
That meant Jiang Hai would need to coordinate with Boston Airport, rent a hangar and runway, purchase flight routes to major cities across the U.S., and also coordinate with customs for international shipments.
It was complicated—and Jiang Hai felt overwhelmed just listening. Zheng Jin, however, listened intently. She had some logistics experience back in China—mostly rail and truck-based—but not much with air cargo. Still, she took mental notes and asked Pra Walton thoughtful questions.
By the time dinner ended, night had fallen. Qi Li and her group had just come off a ten-hour flight, plus a long drive—so everyone called it a night.
Naturally, Jiang Hai returned to his room with Qi Li.
Though they had only been apart for a short while, as soon as she entered the room, she pushed him against the door and kissed him fiercely.
"You just flew for ten hours, then drove for another few. Aren't you exhausted?" Jiang Hai asked with a wry smile.
"A little. But I can't sleep here if I don't enjoy myself first," Qi Li whispered with a grin. Before he could respond, she kissed him again and began undressing.
Soon, the two were tangled together on Jiang Hai's white jade bed, beginning yet another passionate night.
An hour later, as the storm finally calmed, Jiang Hai held Qi Li in his arms. Her head rested on his chest, her breathing soft and steady. She hadn't fallen asleep yet, but she was close.
"I really want to stay by your side every day. I'm getting addicted," Qi Li murmured.
"Then stay," Jiang Hai whispered, slipping a hand around her waist and teasing her gently.
Qi Li slapped his hand away. "If you're not satisfied, go find Ai Xiaoxi or Feng Yunchen. But make sure you're back by morning. If I don't see you when I wake up—you're dead!"
Closing her eyes, she snuggled closer, her voice still holding a trace of warning—but also affection.
(To be continued…)