“How did it go?” Maggie, his assistant, was waiting outside the hospital, looking well-rested after a short nap. “What kind of tricks is that old witch up to now?”  

Jiang Quyan pursed his lips. “What else? Just worrying about her precious son taking the throne. What more could it be?” He sighed and shook his head. “What’s the point of a marriage like that? The husband is afraid his wife’s family has too much power and guards against her like a thief. The wife is obsessed with her husband’s power, still working to secure connections for her son even on her deathbed. They’ve become enemies—so why did they even get married in the first place?”  

Maggie shrugged. “Maybe it’s their own twisted idea of bedroom fun?”

Jiang Quyan burst out laughing. “Do they look like they’re having fun to you?”  

Maggie was more concerned about him. “And what about you? Are you really going to board the young master’s ship?”

“What ship?” Lin Zhifang might be delirious from her illness, but Jiang Quyan wasn’t an idiot. “Him? You call that a ship?”  

Since returning from Japan, Jiang Quyan had been working non-stop for two whole weeks. First, Guan Xuexin was at the peak of her career, and as the eldest daughter, everything about her had to be handled personally, with no room for mistakes. Second, the successful expansion of their Japanese business had doubled his workload—his schedule was packed every single day, to the point where they had to assign a personal secretary just to manage his agenda.  

Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken him two weeks after returning to Hong Kong to finally visit the critically ill Madam Lin.  

Of course, he had also deliberately avoided the Lin family and the young master—after all, he was someone Madam Lin had personally brought into the Guan family. If he got too involved with her side of the family, and Guan Zhengying found out, he could very well lose his job.  

After leaving Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Jiang Quyan had Maggie cancel all his appointments. He turned off his phone, ignored everyone, and went home to collapse onto his bed, using the excuse that he was too grief-stricken over the Madam’s illness.  

He had rented an apartment in Sham Shui Po for less than five thousand dollars—a one-bedroom unit on the seventh floor with no elevator. The window faced the street, the water pressure was perpetually low (it took forty minutes just to fill up the washing machine), and the air conditioner was an old, all-in-one unit that roared like an airplane engine in the summer. Downstairs were a grocery store and a pharmacy, and just fifty meters away was a dessert shop on Guilin Street. At night, he would lean on his windowsill, and in the neon jungle of Hong Kong, the first thing he always spotted was the shop’s four huge, eerie green signs—like the caterpillar’s glowing eyes from ‘Alice in Wonderland’. 

Before Sham Shui Po, he had lived in Kwun Tong. Before Kwun Tong, when he first came to Hong Kong, he had stayed in Kowloon City.  

Lin Zhifang was right—the Guan family’s influence had lifted him from the gutter, raising his status. But their so-called “high branches” only got him as far as Sham Shui Po. Whether it was Guan Xuexin’s serviced apartment in Causeway Bay or the Guan family’s luxurious hillside mansion overlooking the sea, none of it had anything to do with him.  

He had risen with the wind, but he could never become the wind itself.  

That weekend, he thoroughly cleaned his apartment, then invited some old friends over for drinks, football, and a late-night feast.  

Luo Jiajun had been his friend since their days at the modeling agency. They were both from Dongguan, which made their bond even stronger. After Jiang Quyan joined the Guan family, Luo Jiajun worked part-time while finishing his degree and eventually became a certified accountant.  

“So, this promotion—how much are they paying you?” Luo Jiajun asked, munching on peanuts.  

Jiang Quyan squinted, took a sip of his beer, and held up a finger. “About this much.”  

Luo Jiajun made an exaggerated face. “Wow, the Guan family is that stingy? You studied abroad, polished your resume, and worked for them for fifteen years, yet you’re still making less than a senior partner at my firm?”  

“Low education level, man. Not like you, a university grad. These days, qualifications matter a lot.” Jiang Quyan had only completed elementary school. “The Guan family is rich, sure, but entertainment isn’t their main business. Their real money doesn’t come from this sector.”  

“Then why not start your own business?” Luo Jiajun said, indignant on his behalf. “You’ve got clients, resources, media connections—and no middleman taking a cut. A lot of our firm’s partners eventually quit to start their own businesses. Being a partner is nothing compared to being a founder.”  

“Founding a company takes a lot of money. I don’t have that kind of cash.”  

“Where’s all your money?”  

“I’m saving up to buy property.”  

Luo Jiajun looked around at the tiny apartment and sighed.  

Jiang Quyan leaned lazily on the small sofa, clinking beer cans with him. “What? You got something on your mind?”  

Luo Jiajun’s eyes lit up. “I got an offer from another firm. You know, I’ve built up a solid track record, but we haven’t settled on a salary yet. I was thinking—why keep job-hopping when I could just start my own thing? If I’m going to work my ass off, I might as well be my own boss.”  

“Oh, so you want to be a founder.” Jiang Quyan chuckled. “What, you want me to invest in you?”  

“We both pitch in.” Luo Jiajun grabbed his wrist. “You don’t need to pay off the entire apartment at once—just make the down payment and pay the rest in installments. Let’s partner up and start an entertainment company. The money comes fast, and we’ll be rolling in cash in no time. What do you say?”  

Jiang Quyan dismissed it as a joke. “You think running an entertainment company is that easy? Just start one and expect it to take off? What if we lose money? Everyone’s been saying Hong Kong’s entertainment industry is dying—and they’re not wrong. The golden era is over. You’re thinking about picking up the scraps now? There’s not even enough left to fill your teeth. If you’d asked me ten years ago, maybe. But now? Forget it.”  

Truthfully, Jiang Quyan had considered going independent. He had some savings but was waiting for the right opportunity.  

On the surface, he was highly valued by the Guan family. But in reality, a big part of his job was to “assist” Madam Lin. As long as she was alive, quitting would make him seem ungrateful. Besides, everything he had was given by the Guan family—the wind that lifted him could also throw him down. Unless he found a solid backer to ensure a safe landing, it was better to stay aloft.  

Still, he didn’t completely ignore Luo Jiajun’s words.  

Madam Lin was on her deathbed. The Guan family was about to undergo a major shift. If he could take advantage of this power transition to carve out a future for himself, it wouldn’t be a bad idea.  

……

By Monday, he could no longer avoid work—conference calls were waiting, and Jiang Quyan had no choice but to return to the office.

He hadn’t returned to the Hong Kong headquarters of Fuzheng Group for a year, as he was frequently on business trips to Japan. Even when he occasionally returned to Hong Kong, it was usually for vacation, so there was no need for him to go to the office. However, the headquarters still reserved an office for him, located in the east-facing corner with plenty of sunshine, a refreshing breeze, and a wall in front with a calligraphy scroll inscribed by the boss himself: “Fragrant White Magnolia of Hong Kong,”

This was a title given by the Hong Kong media to Jiang Quyan when he first debuted. It described him as elegant in appearance, with a graceful and ethereal presence, like a rare blossom blooming on Hong Kong Island. At the time, this title, along with his handsome photos, had appeared on the front pages of newspapers and many people knew about it. Later, when he joined Fuzheng, the boss, Guan Zhengying, gave him this inscription as recognition of his abilities and qualifications as the company’s leading figure.

“I don’t really like that Cosmopolitan cover. It’s just the same old haute couture, isn’t there anything fresh?” Jiang Quyan glanced around the meeting room at his nervous subordinates and then fixed his gaze on one, “Fashion department, what’s going on?”

The small employee stood up trembling and reported, “Because… this issue features a collaboration with a major brand. We’re shooting the first look for next year’s autumn-winter collection for Joanne. It’s a rare opportunity we fought hard for…”

“First looks don’t have to be haute couture. Is haute couture the only clothing?” Jiang Quyan swept a pile of fitting photos off the desk, and the papers scattered to the ground. He pointed at Guan Xuexin, who was sitting next to him, “Look at her, she’s a 16-year-old international model! Full of youth, lively, and vibrant. You’re giving her these dull, granny-like clothes. Is that stylish? Does it highlight her features? Clothes are made for people to wear, not for people to fit the clothes! Make it again!”

Guan Xuexin, who was beside him, watched as he threw a tantrum and comforted, “The brand wants to sell ads. The fashion department is under a lot of pressure.”

“Vogue doesn’t even shoot haute couture covers anymore. These people need to open their eyes and see something new. Stop talking about working in the fashion industry while your minds are full of clichés.” Jiang Quyan rubbed his temples and shook his head.

He was about to continue when a commotion outside the meeting room caught his attention. Soon, he heard the hurried footsteps of his assistant, Maggie, approaching.

She knocked and entered, quickly walking up to Jiang Quyan’s ear: “The young master is here, waiting in the reception room. He says he won’t leave without seeing you.”

Actually, she hadn’t whispered very quietly. At least Guan Xuexin had heard: “My brother? What does he want with you?”

“I don’t know.” Jiang Quyan shrugged, “Let him wait. I’m not meeting him.”

Maggie’s expression soured: “He called you several times last week. Now, he’s acting like the whole world owes him money.”

Guan Xuexin bravely stood up: “I’ll go with you! He’s definitely trying to bully you.”

Jiang Quyan didn’t need a 16-year-old girl backing him up: “Sit down! This isn’t your business!” He turned to Maggie, “I don’t know who owes him money, but I don’t. Tell him I’m busy with work. If he wants to see me, he should make an appointment with the secretary and I’ll see him when I have time.”

His tone was rather impolite.

Maggie looked shocked, as if she didn’t expect him to respond like that.

“Wow, Vincent Gong is so high and mighty now?” A young man opened the meeting room door and walked in. “What title do you have that requires an appointment? CEO or Chairman?”

Guan Xuexin recognized him and her expression darkened: “Ge, we’re in a meeting, it’s not a good time. Can you come back later?”

Guan Zhanhong didn’t even look at his sister and walked straight up to Jiang Quyan. He was tall, strong, and healthy, sporting a ponytail like the current hot stars, and he had gelled his hair. He looked handsome, but neither his facial features nor his behavior resembled his father, Guan Zhengying, at all.

Even with the young master standing right in front of him, Jiang Quyan didn’t budge in his chair: “What can I do for you, young master?”

“I’m asking you a question. What’s your title?” Guan Zhanhong sneered.

Guan Xuexin tried to interrupt, but Jiang Quyan gave her a look: “Joanne, please leave for now.”

Guan Zhanhong grinned: “Ah Xue, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Your golden manager used to model. He’s been washed up since then. You’d better not learn from him, or you’ll pick up bad habits…”

Guan Xuexin looked at her brother in shame and anger.

“The young lady is under my care with me as her manager. The boss gave me that responsibility. The documents are clear and straightforward. If you have an issue with the boss’s decision, I’m sure you know the way to the Chairman’s office better than I do.” Jiang Quyan smiled, “But if you’re saying I’m leading the young lady astray, I really don’t have the guts. I’ll just interpret your words as, well, the boss, knowing I’m not the best choice, still entrusted me with his precious daughter. That means he’s not doing his job as a father…”

“You think my father wants to see you now? Do you still think you’re that 19-year-old model?” Guan Zhanhong wasn’t afraid of him.

Jiang Quyan nodded: “Yeah, you know your father doesn’t want to see me, so why waste time on me?”

If it weren’t for his mother, Lin Zhifang, repeatedly telling him to get along with Jiang Quyan, Guan Zhanhong wouldn’t want to lower himself and stand next to this wild chicken.

What he didn’t expect was that this wild chicken didn’t seem fazed by him.

“I…” For the sake of a long-term plan, Guan Zhanhong convinced himself not to argue with someone like Jiang Quyan. “I’m letting you off for Mom’s sake. If it weren’t for her giving you a chance back then…”

Jiang Quyan tilted his head and smiled mischievously: “Yes, I’m a wild chicken as you always say. But does Madam think she’s a phoenix? If she flew out of the Wan Chai Phoenix Tower, I suppose you could call her a phoenix…”

Guan Zhanhong’s face turned pale with anger, and he took a big step forward, grabbing Jiang Quyan by the collar and punching him in the face!

The force was strong, and Jiang Quyan, along with his chair, was knocked to the ground. Guan Zhanhong wasn’t done, and kicked him in the stomach. Guan Xuexin, who hadn’t expected him to dare hit someone in public, screamed loudly as she ran to help Jiang Quyan while calling for help. Guan Zhanhong didn’t care about his sister at all and tried to teach her a lesson as well. Maggie and the security guards, who had been loyally guarding the door, rushed in immediately to pull them apart.

Guan Zhanhong was still struggling and thrashing around as he was held back: “Wait for it, Jiang Quyan! If you dare to run your mouth, I won’t let you get away with it!”

For a moment, the scene became very chaotic.

Chairs were overturned, papers scattered, and Guan Xuexin was holding Jiang Quyan, looking horrified, as if she hadn’t yet processed what had just happened. Maggie, while calling for a doctor, was directing security to escort Guan Zhanhong out. The employees who had been watching stretched their necks, crowding the doorway of the conference room, whispering, some even laughing maliciously, and others taking photos in the chaos.

All of the scheduled activities for the day were naturally delayed. Guan Xuexin insisted on having a doctor check on Jiang Quyan, and the little girl firmly locked her manager in the office. Jiang Quyan couldn’t refuse and had to obediently sit while the doctor examined him. For the time being, the work was temporarily handled by the model herself.

Luckily, the injuries weren’t serious. Aside from a small cut on his lip and a scrape on his back, no other internal injuries seemed to be present.

The doctor prescribed some topical ointment, and Maggie helped him apply it. “You’re something else. Why did you have to say such harsh things? I know you did it on purpose to create distance from the Lin family and the Young Master, but you haven’t fully severed ties with the old woman yet. It’s not wise to completely burn the bridge.”

Jiang Quyan, lying shirtless on the sofa to rest, sighed deeply. “It’s too late now. You wouldn’t understand, ah! Ouch!”

Maggie replied sarcastically, “Now you feel the pain. You didn’t care about yourself earlier.”

Jiang Quyan smiled nonchalantly: “I’m craving pork chop bun and red bean ice from Cai Kee. Go buy them for me. I’m starving.”

Maggie had no choice but to put the ointment down: “Alright, I’ll go get them. I’ll turn the AC up for you, and if you want to sleep, cover yourself with a blanket and rest, okay?”

Jiang Quyan waved her off, making himself comfortable on the sofa.

After taking the beating, he felt much more at ease, the weight on his chest lifted. The warm air from the AC was soothing, and soon he drifted into a light sleep, not even bothering to heed Maggie’s advice. In his shallow slumber, he vaguely heard someone entering the office, but he didn’t pay much attention, assuming it was Maggie coming back with the pork chop bun. He couldn’t even be bothered to open his eyes.

It wasn’t until the person draped a suit jacket over him, and the familiar, dangerous, masculine scent reached his nose, that he woke up.

He suddenly opened his eyes.

Standing by the window of his small office was Guan Zhengying, the founder and chairman of Fuzheng Group.