Chapter 35: Cooperation

When Ji Duo arrived outside the military camp, the last bit of sunset had just disappeared.

In the distance, a figure sat on the ground without any regard for appearance, looking exhausted. His training uniform was covered in dust and sweat, clinging wrinkled to his skin.

Hearing footsteps, the person looked up. “Uncle.” He tried to stand up but wobbled and failed.

Seeing that he didn’t seem to be in any serious trouble, Ji Duo relaxed and glanced at his nephew’s sweat-soaked hair and the scratches on his face. “Sit and talk. What’s so urgent?”

If it wasn’t urgent, why call him so late at Commander Liang’s house? And judging by his state, he had just finished training and hadn’t even rested.

Since Ji Duo said so, Ji Ze didn’t insist on formalities. He sat cross-legged and looked up at him. “The liquid soap you gave me last week, did Aunt make it?”

So it was about this. Ji Duo looked down at his nephew and almost instantly guessed his intention. “You want to make it?”

“Yes.” Ji Ze nodded honestly, though a bit sheepishly. “I’ve had training these past few days, so I could only talk to you about this at night.”

On Xu Li’s birthday, he returned late and didn’t know about the liquid soap until he saw it in the package Ji Duo brought him the next day. Because Ji Duo had previously talked to him, he didn’t feel awkward this time. He carefully read the note Lin Qiao had written and used a bit of the soap that day.

To be honest, at first, it felt like completing a task, as if he had to use it because Lin Qiao and Ji Duo had given it to him. Not using it would be ungrateful. But as he used it, he noticed something different. Eventually, he even stared at the foam on his hands for a while, forgetting to rinse.

Unlike others around him, he had seen good things. Whenever he went home, Ye Minshu always gave him the best available. While his family background put him under pressure, it also gave him more insight. He immediately realized how different this liquid soap was.

“I was afraid my judgment might be off, so I gave some to others to try. I even gave some to our battalion commander to take home.”

When it comes to usability, everyone says it’s better than soap, but it’s sticky and inconvenient to take to the bathhouse. A group of rough men obviously prefer simple and efficient soap. However, the battalion commander took it home, and his wife liked it very much, asking him where it came from.

“I just thought, since this product isn’t available yet and some people find it useful, why not give it a try? The cost isn’t high, and even if it doesn’t work out, we won’t lose much.”

Compared to the last time he took out a loan to buy equipment, this time he was much more grounded.

Not only did he not underestimate the things Lin Qiao sent over, but he also knew that his own opinion wasn’t enough and had others try it out.

If Lin Qiao were here, she would definitely tell Ji Duo that this is called market research.

Even though he didn’t know the term, Ji Duo felt that his nephew had made some progress this time. Moreover, he was indeed right; Lin Qiao had already earned half a month’s salary by selling liquid soap.

But this was Lin Qiao’s product, and Ji Duo never had the habit of making decisions for others.

Just as he was about to speak, Ji Ze hurriedly explained, “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to ask Aunt for the formula; I want to cooperate with her. If she wants to make it herself, I can help her sell it. If she trusts me, I can give her a share of the profits and pay her based on how much we sell.”

“You want to sell it?” This made Ji Duo take a closer look at him.

“You told me to rely on myself, didn’t you?” Ji Ze, exhausted, leaned back on his hands. “A small business won’t sell much at first. I can’t afford to hire someone, can I?”

The young man looked at him, then up at the gradually darkening sky. “I’ve already thought it through. I’ll prepare two 50-pound barrels, one on each side of my bicycle. Isn’t it just peddling goods through the streets? I can handle it.”

It’s not about whether he can handle the hardship; it’s whether someone from his privileged background can swallow his pride and sell goods on the streets.

That night, after their conversation, Ji Duo’s opinion of his nephew finally changed.

Although Ji Duo didn’t do business, he had been in the military for many years and knew a bit about logistics. If Ji Ze only thought about building a factory, buying equipment, and doing big business, he wouldn’t need anyone to scam him with equipment; just procurement and sales could drain him dry.

Only those who start small and grow gradually understand the intricacies and can avoid being taken advantage of.

Ji Duo’s expression softened considerably. “If you want to do it, talk to her yourself.”

By saying this, he indicated he didn’t oppose the idea. Ji Ze’s eyes lit up, and he forgot his fatigue, sitting up straight.

However, the young man’s face soon showed hesitation and a hint of flattery. “Uncle, can you talk to Aunt for me about this?”

His matter, and he wanted Ji Duo to talk to Lin Qiao? What nonsense?

Ji Duo immediately frowned, making Ji Ze’s voice lower. “Isn’t my relationship with her a bit awkward? It’s fine if we don’t meet, but if we do business together every day, what if I can’t hide it and she finds out? It’s best not to say it’s me who wants to work with her…”

“Not say it’s you? Should I say it’s me?” Ji Duo had just changed his opinion of his nephew and was now back to square one.

Ji Ze knew his request was a bit much and looked at his uncle cautiously. “It doesn’t matter who you say it is. Besides, our family doesn’t have a good relationship with her…”

“Do you think she would deliberately refuse to cooperate with you?” Ji Duo interrupted him.

“Not necessarily, I just… just…” Ji Ze didn’t know how to explain and finally gave a bitter smile. “I just feel uncomfortable when I see her. Every time I look into her eyes, I feel immature and irresponsible, even though I’m a few years older.”

He didn’t really look down on Lin Qiao. Initially, he resisted, but now he didn’t know how to face her.

“You two are already married, so I should stay out of it. If I had other options, I wouldn’t want to do this.”

Ji Ze pulled a weed from the ground, paused, and added, “Anyway, I’m just following your advice, using this to gain experience.”

He was still thinking about buying equipment and building a factory. Ji Duo didn’t speak, and the atmosphere grew tense.

The air was silent, accompanied only by the orderly footsteps of the patrol in the military camp, creating an inexplicable sense of unease.

In the end, Ji Duo didn’t say much. “It’s late, you should go back.” Without waiting for Ji Ze to respond, he strode away. His steps were slightly hurried, and by the time he got home, he had worked up a bit of a sweat. The ceiling fan gradually cooled him down.

The TV in the living room was already off, and Lin Qiao, who should have been upstairs, was in the kitchen. Seeing him, she raised her hand and yawned. “You’re back.”

Maybe it was the recent events, but she seemed tired even before bedtime, her phoenix eyes slightly watery.

Ji Duo’s irritation from the night breeze unconsciously eased. “Why aren’t you asleep?”

“Filling liquid soap,” Lin Qiao yawned again. “I’ve been so busy these past few days that I forgot. I was afraid I’d forget again in the morning.”

She indeed had a lot on her plate. She was responsible for two first-year classes, acting as a substitute class teacher, and preparing for the college entrance exam, making her busier than others. Since last Saturday, she has also started a liquid soap business, and yesterday, there was another issue at school. Fortunately, she didn’t cook; they ate at the cafeteria. Otherwise, she would have been overwhelmed.

“You go to sleep, I’ll do it,” Ji Duo said, taking the bucket from her.

“I’m almost done,” Lin Qiao rubbed her eyes. “Just fill one more pound.”

Ji Duo nodded and, while watching the slow flow of liquid soap, suddenly asked, “Would you be willing to partner with someone in this business?”

“What? Partner?”

This woke Lin Qiao up. “Partner with whom?”

Ji Duo turned his gaze and met the young woman’s wide-open phoenix eyes as if she hadn’t been yawning just moments ago.

Seeing that he didn’t respond, Lin Qiao urged again, “You asked me if I wanted to partner with someone, didn’t you?”

Ji Duo looked away, finished pouring the last bit of liquid soap, covered the bucket, and stood up. “Yes, I asked.”

“Then let’s discuss it.” Lin Qiao pulled him to the sofa in the living room.

Under the light, her phoenix eyes were clear and slightly bright, looking much more spirited than when she first saw him return.

Ji Duo unconsciously paused, then picked up a cup and poured himself some water. “It seems you don’t mind partnering with someone.”

Lin Qiao certainly didn’t mind. “You know I’m very busy, but I’m not willing to partner with just anyone.”

Ji Duo was the type of partner who gave people space. Recently, she had been selling liquid soap, and he had helped deliver it more than once, but he never asked how her sales were going. Today, he suddenly asked if she was willing to partner with someone. Was he interested in her business?

Almost two months had passed, and he hadn’t mentioned it again. She almost thought he had forgotten the purpose of their marriage.

Ji Duo asked because Lin Qiao was busy. Since she didn’t object, he continued. However, he remembered Ji Ze’s words and adjusted his phrasing. “I have a friend who’s recently planning to start a small business. He knows you’re selling liquid soap at school and thinks it’s good, so he asked me if I knew who made it.”

“Uh-huh, you have a friend.” As soon as the man spoke, Lin Qiao wanted to laugh.

Who doesn’t know that “I have a friend” usually means “I”? She used the same phrase last week, which worked quite well.

So, this man was indeed interested in her liquid soap business. She didn’t expect that even the male protagonist of JJWXC, usually a billionaire, would be interested in her small business.

She added some water to his cup, signaling him to continue. She was listening.

For some reason, Ji Duo felt her tone was off, but upon reflection, he couldn’t find any flaws in what he said.

He continued, “If you’re interested, I can introduce you. But my friend might not be able to come forward.”

Creating a friend out of thin air. Of course, it’s inconvenient to meet, but it’s understandable.

Lin Qiao was very considerate, “It’s okay, I trust you. Any friend you bring to me must be trustworthy.”

The phrase “I trust you” left Ji Duo somewhat speechless. But if Ji Ze only planned to do this for a while to gain experience, having less interaction with Lin Qiao could reduce a lot of awkwardness and trouble.

Ji Duo took a sip of water, his emotions quickly returning to normal. “Do you want to make it yourself and let the other party sell it, or…”

“Let the other party make it,” Lin Qiao said. “But I want 30% of the net profit.”

When it comes to real negotiations, business is business. A partner must understand its value in order to sell the formula.

Lin Qiao was very composed. “Although the raw materials are prepared by the other party and the sales are handled by them, the core of this liquid soap is the unique technology. Without the technology, the raw materials are just raw materials. I believe it’s worth this price.”

Currently, she was the only one who could make liquid soap, which was her unbeatable advantage in negotiations.

Balancing between his nephew and his wife, Ji Duo didn’t intend to let anyone suffer. “I’ll talk to him.” Whether to agree or not, let Ji Ze decide for himself.

Lin Qiao watched Ji Duo’s expression but couldn’t tell if he thought it was too expensive or acceptable or if he was secretly relieved. Negotiating with someone like him was the hardest. He was calm and good at managing his expressions, making it difficult to gain the upper hand. But she was looking for a partner, not someone to take advantage of. As long as it was a win-win situation, she didn’t need to dominate. “Also, there’s one ingredient in the formula I can’t give you… that friend must come to me to get it. It’s not that I don’t trust your friend, but I don’t trust the people he might find.”

This was the truth. Since the man hadn’t been upfront with her, it was clear he just wanted to test the waters with the liquid soap and hadn’t really planned to quit his job and dive into business.

So, the person making the product definitely wouldn’t be him, and handing it over to anyone else carried the risk of leaks. Rather than regretting it later, it was better to keep something back now.

Ji Duo only said it was a friend of his, so Lin Qiao keeping something back didn’t surprise him. In fact, he thought it was a smart and cautious move, just like the Lin Qiao he knew.

To be honest, he didn’t fully trust Ji Ze. He was too young and not steady enough. Rather than having problems later, it was better for Lin Qiao to keep something back.

Thinking about youth, Ji Duo paused again.

Lin Qiao was three years younger than Ji Ze and grew up in a rural area, yet she was more reliable and capable. Compared to her, Ji Ze seemed overly protected and pampered, with a bit of naive entitlement.

Such kids needed to be thrown out to toughen up so they wouldn’t cause bigger problems in the future. Since he wanted to sell on his own, let him experience the struggles of the lower levels and not think everything was so easy.

So, both sides had their thoughts, and they quickly reached an agreement.

Ji Duo said he would convey Lin Qiao’s ideas to his friend, and once the other side confirmed, they would talk to Lin Qiao.

Lin Qiao said she wasn’t in a hurry and that he should let his… friend think it over.

Then, as soon as the discussion was over, it was like a brief burst of energy. She softened, her eyes grew heavy, and she immediately climbed back upstairs to sleep.

Ji Duo stood by the bed for a while, then undressed and got into bed, pulling the little heartless one over to rest beside him.

The next day at school, Lin Qiao ran into Teacher Bi from Class Five in the hallway.

After what happened in the class, Teacher Bi was clearly stressed. Seeing Lin Qiao, he felt a bit uneasy, as he hadn’t completely ruled out suspicion of Li Xiaoqiu.

Although this person was a bit fussy, they handled student matters fairly. Lin Qiao smiled and raised an eyebrow, “If you don’t haggle, how do you know if you’re making money?”

This clearly refers to the previous liquid soap incident. Teacher Bi put his hands on his hips, “I never said I wanted to buy it.” After saying this, he realized that being confronted like this made him feel less uneasy and nodded at Lin Qiao, “You have some skills. Previously, our class’s Feng Gang wronged Li Xiaoqiu.”

“Then let him apologize,” Lin Qiao said seriously. “He said some really nasty things that day. Our class’s Li Xiaoqiu is already sensitive and introverted.”

Feng Gang had said that Li Xiaoqiu’s mother ran away, and Teacher Bi had heard it too. He nodded, “Alright, I’ll talk to him later. I haven’t even dealt with his fighting yet.”

Seeing Lin Qiao about to enter the office, he couldn’t help but ask, “Can’t you give me a discount?”

“Aren’t you not buying?” Lin Qiao didn’t even turn her head.

The office had just been cleaned, and there were still watermarks on the floor. Lin Qiao had just sat down when Group Leader Gao came in, habitually lowering his head as he entered.

Seeing him holding a wine bottle, the head teacher of Class Three joked, “Planning to have a drink at lunch?”

“I wouldn’t dare.” Group Leader Gao waved his hand and placed the bottle on Lin Qiao’s desk. “Give me a pound of that liquid soap.”

This was interesting. He was the first to try it but never showed any intention of buying it.

Before Lin Qiao could ask, Group Leader Gao, a tall and thin man, sat down and explained, “Recently, everyone in the family building has been using this to wash their hair. My wife found out and heard that the seller was in my office. She scolded me for not caring about the family.” He looked a bit aggrieved. “Isn’t soap also usable? How was I supposed to know she wanted this?”

This is the difference in thinking between men and women. Women are generally more attentive and focused on life, while men, without women’s care, can be quite rough.

People like Vice Principal Qi, who is clean and tidy, and Ji Duo, who is always neat and proper, are rare. Even Ji Duo didn’t care much about liquid soap.

In the morning, during the break exercises, the school announced the disciplinary action for the boy from Class Five: a major demerit and probation.

Of course, everyone who has been to school understands that “probation” means not being expelled. By the time you graduate, your status will be restored. However, the boy from Class Five probably didn’t know this. When he read his reflection on stage, he looked dejected, and his walking posture was off, suggesting he had been punished at home. Hopefully, he learned a lesson. In society, no one will give him probation. Even if he claims it was a joke, reaching a certain amount will leave a record. It was unclear how Teacher Bi talked to Feng Gang, but after the break exercises, he apologized to Li Xiaoqiu. Although his expression was reluctant, his words were clear, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have accused you without understanding the situation.”

Junzi, hearing this in the classroom, couldn’t help but mutter, “No sincerity at all.” But having just submitted a thousand-word reflection, he didn’t dare cause trouble.

Li Xiaoqiu was even more surprised, “It’s okay.” She was used to forgiving others and never expected an apology.

Lin Qiao saw this from a distance and didn’t approach, heading straight back to the science office.

Unexpectedly, just as the third period started and the hallway quieted down, Li Xiaoqiu’s father, Teacher Li, suddenly arrived, carrying a large watermelon.

This time, seeing Lin Qiao, he was even more embarrassed than when they met at the post office. But he still placed the watermelon on the floor next to Lin Qiao’s desk, “Thank you, Teacher Lin, for helping with Xiaoqiu’s matter. Sorry for the trouble.”

“Li Xiaoqiu is well-behaved, sensible, and a good student. I don’t think she caused me any trouble.”

Lin Qiao’s words left him speechless. Teacher Li’s face turned red, then white, then green, and he felt very awkward. The head teacher of Class Three, seeing this, helped smooth things over. “Teacher Lin is just concerned for the students and spoke a bit harshly.” Then, to Teacher Li, “You too, hitting the child without asking. Xiaoqiu is very obedient. Which teacher doesn’t praise her?”

Given an out, Teacher Li didn’t say anything more and left.

Women are generally more soft-hearted. The head teacher of Class Three shook her head and looked at Lin Qiao, “I didn’t realize you had such a temper.”

Lin Qiao’s striking beauty made her seem aggressive, and her in-laws’ good family background initially made everyone worry she might be difficult to get along with. However, they later discovered she was quite easygoing, spoke humorously, and had significantly improved the chemistry grades of Classes Three and Four. They didn’t expect her to confront Teacher Li without fear of offending anyone.

Lin Qiao wasn’t just venting. “Li Xiaoqiu is too good at enduring grievances. If I don’t speak up for her, he might think he’s doing a great job as a father.”

He always said things like “I provide for you,” as if raising Li Xiaoqiu all these years was a huge burden for him.

After discussing the matter with Lin Qiao, Ji Duo didn’t rush to talk to Ji Ze. Since Ji Ze had approached him first, if he was sincere and wanted to make this business work, he would naturally find another opportunity to bring it up. If he gave up after a few words, lacking even this bit of perseverance, then Lin Qiao wouldn’t need to partner with him. It would be better to find someone more reliable.

On Saturday, after returning from the military camp, Ji Duo picked up Lin Qiao and went back to Yandu to treat the classmate who had helped them to a meal. The location was a state-owned restaurant, not very large, with green walls surrounding white surfaces. As they entered, a wave of warmth greeted them.

Lin Qiao instinctively looked up and found that the ceiling fan wasn’t on. The restaurant’s staff were clearly hot as well, fanning themselves while repeatedly pressing the switch hanging from the ceiling fan. “We’ve already called someone to fix it, but they haven’t come back yet. If you find it too hot, you can change places.”

Only in this era’s state-owned restaurants could they so casually suggest that customers change places.

If Lin Qiao and Ji Duo had come alone, they would have changed places, but they had arranged to meet someone, and there were no phones to notify the other party of a change in location.

“No need, we’ll wait,” Ji Duo said briefly, scanning the room and finding a relatively cooler spot by the window.

Ji Duo, who never unbuttoned his shirt even in the heat, could endure it, but Lin Qiao couldn’t. She asked the server for a fan.

Just as she started fanning herself, the person Ji Duo was expecting arrived. He looked about the same age as Ji Duo, wearing a police uniform with a small scar under his right eye.

Lin Qiao hadn’t seen this person before, likely because he hadn’t attended their wedding. As soon as he sat down, he asked the server for a pot of hot water and began rinsing the utensils. “I had a task at the time and missed your wedding. I sent the gift money later. You probably don’t recognize me.”

With this, Lin Qiao remembered. “Su Zheng?”

“Yes, that’s me.” The young man squinted at Ji Duo. “Looks like it was a good thing I didn’t go. Your wife remembers me now.”

Ji Duo didn’t say anything, just furrowed his brow slightly and glanced at Lin Qiao.

Su Zheng then noticed the large round fan in Lin Qiao’s hand. Her thin wrist and small strength made the breeze intermittent, more like tickling than fanning.

Was Ji Duo annoyed by this?

Ji Duo had started school early and was one or two years younger than his peers. Most of his classmates were already married, and he and Su Zheng were the last to be single.

Su Zheng would at least meet the people introduced to him, but Ji Duo wouldn’t even look. Once, when he was hospitalized, the head nurse wanted to introduce him to a young nurse. She kept staring at him while changing his dressing, and he immediately asked for someone more efficient. The young nurse blushed and left the room with tears in her eyes.

Such an unyielding person suddenly decided to get married, and his family arranged it. Su Zheng’s comment about “treasure” was just a joke, but he was genuinely worried Ji Duo might give his wife a hard time.

Su Zheng quickly changed the topic, asking Lin Qiao, “Did you resolve that issue last time?”

“Yes, thanks to your help,” Lin Qiao said, raising her water glass in a toast since there was no alcohol on the table.

“It was nothing. We were planning to catch those people anyway.” Su Zheng waved his hand, but before he could say more, he noticed Ji Duo’s cold expression and saw him take the fan away.

Lin Qiao thought Ji Duo was hot, but then she saw him fanning expressionlessly, creating a stronger breeze that blew directly toward her.