Chapter 47: A Step Forward in Their Relationship

Although Zhou Meiniang could not fully understand, Shen Guodong was perfectly clear about the true value of that piece of land. In the future, just selling the land alone would be worth at least several hundred million. It was practically a windfall—now he could buy it for only a thousand yuan. Who could say how worthwhile that was?

“You’re judging by the current situation, so of course you think it’s not worth it. But if you look at it from a long-term perspective, I still believe there’s great potential for development in that piece of land!” Shen Guodong said with absolute certainty. “I’m convinced that the future city center will be in that direction. To buy it now for a thousand yuan is truly worthwhile!”

“If you’re confident, then do as you see fit. I don’t understand much about these things, but as long as I can help your business, just tell me directly. I’ll support you unconditionally,” Zhou Meiniang replied calmly.

That was her character. Once she set her mind to something, she would see it through to the end. There was no need to say more.

Shen Guodong smiled. “Then you should help me win this bet. Doubling the sales within a month is no small feat!”

“It’s certainly difficult. The clients are already there, and the machines in the factory broke down before, leading to massive returns. Now, people simply don’t trust our products—this is a real problem. Apart from starting with the old customers, developing new ones will be even more challenging,” Zhou Meiniang said with some concern, having been in the business for quite a while and understanding the situation well.

Yet Shen Guodong remained full of confidence. “Meiniang, you just need to contact our old clients. If they come, I’ll handle the negotiations. The performance will be credited to you. Also, the people in the sales department are all Hu Mingyuan’s men. I intend to dismiss them all. So in truth, I only have you and Sister Wang to rely on. The three of us will have to work hard this month!”

“As long as I can help you, a little hard work means nothing. Don’t worry about me,” Zhou Meiniang said with emotion.

The two of them walked out onto the street. Their earlier intimacy was now consciously restrained. As countless eyes fell on Zhou Meiniang among the bustling crowd—greedy gazes full of longing—Shen Guodong felt a surge of pride. After all, a beauty like her belonged to him alone.

“Meiniang, let me buy you some new clothes,” Shen Guodong suggested.

In those days, clothing styles were extremely limited—mostly plain fabrics with a few patterns, looking quite dated. Yet Zhou Meiniang’s style was quite avant-garde, at least a decade ahead of her time. Shen Guodong glanced at her figure. With her looks and build, if she wore high heels, stockings, and a short skirt, she would turn heads wherever she went! He couldn’t help but look forward to it.

But for now, he kept that thought to himself. Still, in his lifetime, he was determined to see it happen. Considering how conservative society was, if she dressed like that, people would certainly talk. Only some Hong Kong celebrities dressed like that on television. For ordinary people, it was still far too bold.

Nevertheless, since Zhou Meiniang was already his woman, he would spare no effort to treat her well, even if others could not accept her. At least to Shen Guodong, she was no different from anyone else.

“There’s no need. I’m not lacking anything. I’ve managed all this time, so there’s no reason to change just because of you,” Zhou Meiniang said. She looked at Shen Guodong, hesitated for a moment, then continued, “I also don’t want people to think I’m only with you for your money or status. What I like is you, just you.”

Hearing this, Shen Guodong’s interest was piqued. He teased, “Meiniang, could it be that you liked me from the very beginning?”

“Yes,” Zhou Meiniang retorted, rolling her eyes at him, her allure undiminished. For a moment, Shen Guodong was utterly captivated. By any standard, her beauty was beyond compare, and her presence was extraordinary.

With Shen Guodong leading the way, Zhou Meiniang bought two sets of clothing. Ready-made clothes in those days were expensive, since most people bought fabric and made their own.

Ready-made garments were costly, beyond what most could afford.

“Keep this thousand yuan for your own use as pocket money. As for Wang Weihua, talk to him first. If he refuses, I’ll handle it, no matter the cost,” Shen Guodong said.

He knew Zhou Meiniang was penniless—her last dozen yuan had been taken by Wang Weihua. Without money, one truly couldn’t get by.

“Alright,” Zhou Meiniang agreed, her gaze toward Shen Guodong shifting slightly. For most people, a thousand yuan was a fortune, but Shen Guodong handed it over so casually. This was not something ordinary people would do. At the very least, it meant he truly saw her as one of his own.

Perhaps in his heart, he had already fully accepted her. Zhou Meiniang felt a sweetness in her heart—a warmth like honey. This was the greatest difference between Shen Guodong and the likes of Wang Weihua. After all her mistakes, she had finally made the right choice.

Thinking of this, her heart was filled with a gentle happiness, as if she had tasted something wonderfully sweet.

“Then I’ll use the money. It’s the first sum my little lover has given me,” Zhou Meiniang said with a playful smile, her charm dazzling.

Shen Guodong grinned. “If it’s not enough, just tell me. As long as you ask, I’ll find a way.”

This thousand yuan was all he had left. It was time to start making more money, or he really wouldn’t be able to support such a stunning beauty. But with Shen Guodong’s abilities, he was sure he could earn it back quickly. There was no need to worry about money.