Chapter 677: My Honor

Chapter 677 My Honor

The car went straight to the Friendship Hotel, waiting for all the foreign guests to settle in before holding a welcome dinner for them.

Director Lian arranged a large round table and treated everyone to Beicheng’s specialty dishes.

The Foreign Trade Department also assigned an accompanying translator named Li Yunzhao.

However, his spoken English was not as fluent as Jiang Yu's, and his translations were choppy.

In contrast, Jiang Yu, who was temporarily hired, ended up being way more helpful.

Liu Juanxiu muttered under her breath, "She’s the only capable one, showing off like it’s a big deal."

Zhao Hongbo chimed in, "So eager to show off, not an ounce of composure. How can she handle the role of deputy factory manager?"

Qian Zhengzhi, however, offered a different view, "I don’t think so. She’s truly impressive. I’ve never seen anyone nail a foreign language like that. Besides Jiang Yu, have any of you met someone else with such skills?"

Liu Juanxiu shot him a glare, "Why are you taking her side?"

Qian Zhengzhi replied, "I’m just calling it like I see it. Jiang Yu is genuinely capable. I even want to promote our garment factory’s products abroad and hope Jiang Yu can help me with that."

Communication builds bridges. One wrong word can mess everything up, and the bridge collapses.

Qian Zhengzhi not only admired Jiang Yu now but also felt some regret.

He shouldn’t have joined Liu Juanxiu and Zhao Hongbo in making things difficult for a young woman.

So immature!

"Don’t your textile factory want to collaborate with these foreign businessmen? Haven’t you heard? They’re rolling in money—one watch of theirs is enough to place a huge order at our factory! Other than Jiang Yu, who else can keep up with these foreign guests?"

The foreign couple, Stephen and Tina, took such a liking to Jiang Yu that they even invited her to be their guide for a visit to the Forbidden City the next day.

Isn’t that how people hit it off?

Once you break the ice, discussing cooperation becomes much easier.

Qian Zhengzhi only regretted not knowing English himself. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be bursting with things to say but unable to express it due to the language barrier.

Liu Juanxiu and Zhao Hongbo exchanged glances, their faces tightening.

Zhao Hongbo shot back, "It’s not just Jiang Yu who knows English. Didn’t Comrade Li from the Foreign Trade Department also speak it?"

Qian Zhengzhi tch’d and rolled his eyes.

"Did you see Comrade Li manage to get a word in edgewise?"

Li Yunzhao knew some basic English, but that was all they were—basic.

He couldn’t keep up with the foreign guests’ pace at all.

Just keeping up was hard enough, let alone holding a conversation.

By the end of the meal, Jiang Yu had already figured out the personalities of these foreign guests.

Carl was a sharp businessman but was also easygoing and generous. After visiting the Forbidden City the next day, he also wanted to tour the Second State Cotton Mill—just because Jiang Yu worked there.

He wanted to see what kind of factory could produce someone like Jiang Yu.

Stephen and Tina, this couple, were practically tourists on this trip. Apart from Beicheng, they also wanted to visit other places to experience the customs and culture of China.

Of course, they had money too, but they weren’t as wealthy as Carl and were a bit naive. Compared to making money, they cared more about enjoying life.

In Jiang Yu’s eyes, these foreign guests were like lambs to the slaughter—ripe for the picking.

There was still a huge gap between the two countries. In Jiang Yu’s view, the meal at Friendship Hotel was already expensive, but to them, it cost less than one of their cigars.

Jiang Yu knew the jewelry Tina wore was already worth a fortune.

Just that pearl necklace alone cost four thousand pounds.

Tina said she wore the pearl necklace for understated elegance—it was the cheapest necklace in her jewelry box.

And the wristwatch on Stephen’s hand was even more expensive than all of Tina’s jewelry combined.

Jiang Yu originally thought she was quite wealthy, but in front of these foreign merchants, she still got a reality check.

This was also the first time she truly saw the gap between her country and the outside world.

But she took it in stride. From the end of the Anti-Japanese War until now, it had only been a few decades, and China’s development had already been rapid.

All they needed was time.

After the meal, Tina grabbed Jiang Yu’s hand.

“Jiang, I brought a lot of jewelry this time, and they’d look stunning on you. I like you so much—I want to give you a gift. I hope you won’t refuse.”

Jiang Yu gave a coy smile. “Seeing you happy is gift enough for me. I’d love it if you and Stephen could stay a few more days in this historic city—it won’t disappoint you.”

Her green eyes lit up as she grinned.

“So, you’re rejecting me?” she put on mock offense.

Director Lian had been observing her expression, and when he saw her change, he tensed up.

“Xiao Li, what did she say?”

Li Yunzhao frowned. “Tina wanted to give Jiang Yu a gift, but Jiang Yu refused.”

Liu Juanxiu burned with jealousy and glared at Jiang Yu.

Zhao Hongbo urged anxiously, “Jiang Yu, just accept it! They’re offering you a gift—don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

Liu Juanxiu curled her lip. “She’s let it go to her head just because she can speak a few foreign words. What if she offends them and they leave tomorrow?”

Director Lian’s face fell with worry. These foreign merchants were a make-or-break step in the foreign investment project.

If this failed, the road ahead would only get harder.

He started second-guessing—Jiang Yu was still too young.

Jiang Yu ignored them and cocked her head.

“Yes, I refuse.”

Tina raised an eyebrow, amused. “Why? You should know my jewelry is quite valuable.”

Jiang Yu smiled and explained, "There's an old saying in our country: 'No reward without merit.' If you consider me a friend, then our friendship shouldn't be measured by material things."

Tina's eyes brightened slightly. "Of course we're friends. I like you very much."

"We also have another saying: 'Gifts call for return gifts.' If you give me a gift, as a friend, I should return the favor. But your jewelry is too valuable—I can't reciprocate with something of equal worth. I wouldn’t feel right taking advantage of you. Friendship is about mutual giving, not just taking."

A hint of admiration flashed in Stephen's eyes. "Darling, Jiang truly sees you as a real friend."

Jiang Yu's smile deepened. She wasn’t interested in small gains—if she wanted something, she went for something much bigger.

"Rather than expensive jewelry, I’d prefer you to give our factory a chance to collaborate. While China may still be developing, our product quality is no worse than foreign goods—high quality at a low price. I’m sure this trip will pay off for you."

Stephen kept nodding. "We originally planned to stay in Beicheng for three days, but for you, we’ve decided to extend our stay. A week... no, ten days—would that be enough?"

Director Lian clenched his fists excitedly. Ten days would be plenty to tour several factories!

But Jiang Yu hesitated. "Ten days might not be enough to see all the sights. However, I have my own work, so I won’t be able to accompany you the whole time. Still, ten days it is."

Director Lian: "..." What kind of answer is that? Tomorrow, he’d march straight to Factory Director Zheng and get Jiang Yu reassigned!

After discussing with Stephen, Tina made a decision. "Two weeks. Please set aside two weeks for us. We only want you as our translator, to show us the beauty of Beicheng."

Jiang Yu took her hand, beaming. "I’d be honored!"

Once Tina and Stephen had walked away, Director Lian finally gave Jiang Yu a thumbs-up.

"Jiang Yu, you’re incredible! We were just fretting over what we’d do if they left early. Two weeks is enough to visit so many factories!"

Jiang Yu said, "But we can’t take them to every factory. They’re tourists—if we overload their schedule, they’ll get overwhelmed."

Zhao Hongbo scoffed. "Oh, so now you’re the expert, huh? Even over Director Lian?"

Director Lian shot him a displeased look. "Jiang Yu obviously gets Stephen better—they’re friends now! If you’re not helping, then stay out of it."

Right now, we’re all working for China—who has time for petty squabbles?

The scolding drained the color from Zhao Hongbo’s face, and he slinked off, humiliated.