"I think your plan is feasible. I'll provide the technical patents, and you handle the operations, production, and sales. Just make sure to account for the taxes in my share."
Qin Nian carefully reviewed Fan Juan's proposal. It wasn't just about making money—it also listed executable projects, ranging from small household appliances to large electronics. Many of these items were in short supply domestically and had to be imported at high prices.
The plan even included industrial equipment, showing that Fan Juan had been preparing this for a long time. Many of the CNC machines listed were in high demand and relied on foreign technology.
"I’m collaborating with you, but not just you. The research institute has many top-tier talents, and their work will surely yield unexpected inventions. Mr. Hu is dedicated to his research, and I don’t want to disturb him. Going through you is the perfect solution."
"A win-win collaboration like this would definitely benefit the institute. I’ll discuss it with my mentor and get back to you later."
"Sounds good. I’m currently working at the Economic Department—here’s our office number."
Fan jotted down the phone number.
"I might need your help with more things in the future. I plan to start a factory first—it’ll give me a legitimate reason to import machinery from abroad. But I don’t have enough funds, so I’d like you to invest. This is separate from the earlier proposal."
After finishing the business talk, Fan Juan shifted to personal matters.
"How much do you need?"
Qin Nian was slightly puzzled.
"I’ll take the majority stake since you’re busy with research and won’t have time to manage things. The investment will be proportional—my budget is 600,000. It’s a bit tight, but I’ve already cut costs to the bare minimum."
Fan Juan pulled out another proposal, but Qin Nian didn’t reach for it.
"600,000? Are you sure you didn’t misspeak?"
Qin Nian was stunned.
"Yes, 600,000. Foreign machinery has never been cheap, and many require connections or backdoor deals to acquire. Unless we can develop our own, but that takes time. If we can get samples, we’d save a lot of time and effort."
Fan Juan nodded. She didn’t want her factory to be taken over by others, which was why she approached Qin Nian.
"I’ll put in 400,000, and you contribute 200,000. I’ll hold 51%—just two percentage points more, but it gives me management control."
"Where would I get 200,000?"
If it were 20,000, Qin Nian thought she could manage.
"Girl, have you never checked your bank account? 200,000 is a lot, but you definitely have it."
Seeing Qin Nian’s expression, Fan Juan immediately realized the truth.
"I really haven’t looked—too busy."
Fan Juan took a deep breath. She had always assumed Qin Nian’s calm demeanor meant she was indifferent to money. Now she understood—Qin Nian was so indifferent she didn’t even check her balance.
"Let’s go to the bank tomorrow at 9:30. Since it’s all foreign currency, we’ll need to handle it properly."
Fan Juan decided to personally take Qin Nian to check her account.
"You earned that much in a year?"
Now it was Qin Nian’s turn to be shocked.
"It’s not that much. If I’d stayed abroad a few more months, it could’ve multiplied several times. The market there is different, which is why I decided to transfer to the Economic Department before returning."
Money was tempting, but she had her principles—that’s why she chose to come back.
"200,000 is roughly two-thirds of your savings. The rest you can keep or use for other things."
"You said you can get foreign machinery—could you also help me acquire some research equipment? I’ll cover the cost myself."
Qin Nian’s eyes suddenly brightened. When she returned, even a slip of paper was hard to bring back—she had to rely on memory for everything she learned.
"Give me a list. I can’t promise anything, but I’ll try my best."
Fan Juan didn’t refuse. After all, this was her business partner.
"Great."
Qin Nian smiled.
The two continued discussing their plans until the children returned.
"Mom!"
"Mom!"
The twins’ voices rang out brightly.
"The kids are back. Let’s continue tomorrow."
They hadn’t realized how much time had passed.
"Go wash your hands—dinner’s almost ready. We have a guest today—greet Auntie Fan properly."
Yang Yufen came out holding a spatula while Shen Xianjun carried out a bowl of soup.
"Auntie, hello!"
"Hello, Auntie Fan!"
Hu Zhenghao led the way, and the other children followed suit.
"This is my nephew, this is Wang Xing, and these two—"
"I know—Da Bao and Er Bao! My, how fast you’ve grown! You were so tiny in the crib last time I saw you—adorable! I even held you both."
Fan Juan recognized the identical faces immediately.
"Wow! Pretty Auntie held us? Then guess—who’s Da Bao and who’s Er Bao?"
Li Wu blinked mischievously.
"You must be Da Bao. Am I right?"
"Wow! How did you know, Auntie?"
Li Wu was amazed, and Li Wen was equally surprised. He didn’t remember this auntie at all, yet she guessed correctly.
"You cried so loudly as a baby—just like how you talk now. Er Bao was always calmer. Seems like you haven’t changed."
Fan Juan praised Da Bao before turning to Er Bao.
"I didn’t bring gifts, but here’s a red envelope for each of you. Go on, take it."
She handed out four red packets. The children looked at Yang Yufen, who nodded, so they accepted them happily with thanks.
Everyone sat down to eat. Fan Juan thought the meal was even better than the canteen’s.
"Auntie, you’ve outdone yourself—this feast is delicious!"
"Eat as much as you like! Don’t hold back. You’ve all lost weight—must’ve had a hard time outside."
Seeing Fan Juan’s delicate eating manners, Yang Yufen piled her plate high with extra servings.
After dinner, Fan Juan prepared to leave, but Yang Yufen stuffed a bag into her hands.
"Some persimmons and cucumbers from our garden, plus dried sweet potato strips I made earlier."
"You still remember I love your sweet potato strips? Auntie, you’re the best!"
Fan Juan hugged Yang Yufen, then hopped on her bicycle and rode off with the goodies.
Qin Nian watched the children do their homework. They were all quick learners, their handwriting neat—she almost felt unnecessary.
"Time’s up—bath time, now!"
As soon as Hu Zhenghao finished checking their homework, he checked the clock and herded his brothers toward the bathroom. Since they were all boys and it was summer, they used sun-warmed water in the courtyard and showered together.
"Mom takes care of so many kids at home, and she does it so well."
Watching their lively figures, Qin Nian couldn’t help murmuring.
"Mom really has a way with children. Are you going back to your writing?"
Shen Xianjun had already finished cleaning the kitchen.
"Not in a hurry."
Qin Nian shook her head. She had written plenty the night before—both her mind and hands needed rest.
