Jill shook her head, her tone calm. "I don't have a concrete plan yet. The boss wants me to focus on China, so I'll need some time to familiarize myself with the country. For now, I wanted to bring up the $1 million so that we could set it aside as a starting fund for future projects, rather than just spending it."
Sitting across from Jill, Jian Xin suddenly chimed in, "Actually, Jill, I feel like I don't use up all my monthly allowance. I can put more into this fund."
Traitor!
Zhu Momo shot Jian Xin a glare but quickly adjusted her expression and turned to Jill. "I can add more to the fund too."
Initially, the $1 million was meant to be split evenly among the four of them. If the three of them contributed more, Jill's share would naturally decrease. Having experienced the same night together, the three women had grown closer—perhaps not a literal blood pact, but their bond had strengthened. They instinctively felt that control should remain in their hands, not Jill's.
Jill, however, was agreeable, even adding, "In that case, I'll contribute more as well."
Seeing everyone else agree, Tao Yuelei, seated nearby on a stool with her usual passive demeanor, hesitated briefly before raising her hand like a schoolgirl. "I… I'll do the same."
Annie Zhao, the translator with the round face, faithfully relayed their words. Once all four women had expressed their intent, Annie glanced at Jill with curiosity.
Jill returned her gaze before addressing the three women. "I've discussed this with Simon. In fact, I specifically selected Annie and the others for this team. If they're willing, we should consider including them too."
Zhu Momo narrowed her eyes. "I feel like you're just using Simon as a shield."
Annie faithfully translated, then added her own explanation, but Jill remained composed. "If you have doubts, you can confirm them with Simon the next time you see him."
Zhu Momo crossed her arms. "I definitely will."
Jian Xin asked another question, "Jill, so what do we do next?"
"Focus on what you're supposed to be doing." Jill turned to each of them in turn. "Jian and Tao, the boss has arranged for you to appear on the Victoria's Secret runway. By now, you both should understand what this means—it's a chance to catapult to fame. But Simon has made it clear: your runway skills need to meet the standard in a few months. So, your main focus should be training. I'm sure Elite will provide the best resources for this. As for Zhu…"
"Call me Momo. Why do you Westerners always use last names? Isn't that weird?"
"Alright, Momo."
"Momo."
"Fine, Momo. Davis has already arranged for you to start with an acting coach tomorrow morning. I've looked into it, and Zhang is one of China's most renowned directors. The script…" Jill glanced at her notes. "'Keep Cool.' Simon personally selected it, and Daenerys Entertainment is backing the project. You need to quickly gain a basic grasp of acting. Like Tao and Jian, if you don't pass the audition, Simon won't force the role for you. But if you do get it, Zhang's influence means that when the movie releases next year, you'll likely become famous in China overnight."
Zhu Momo nodded. She understood the stakes. This was the director of Red Sorghum. She had privately read the script and realized why Simon had chosen her for the role—it aligned with her personality in ways that neither Jian nor Tao could match.
Still, Zhu Momo couldn't resist teasing, "So what are you going to do?"
Jill smiled faintly. "As I said, my focus will be on helping the three of you get your careers on track while also deepening my understanding of China. In your case, Momo, I hope you succeed in securing the role. If you do, I can accompany you to China during filming and learn more about the country firsthand. If not, I'll have to find another opportunity."
Zhu Momo gave a reluctant nod.
Jian Xin wasn't done yet. "Jill, earlier you mentioned your MBA. I've heard a little about that. Could you tell us more about what you plan to do or what you're good at? We're talking about entrusting you with $1 million, after all. We need some assurance."
Jill thought for a moment before answering. "I haven't managed a specific business project before. However, over the past two years, I've done extensive research on the real estate industry in the United States. If conditions allow, I'd like to start with real estate in China."
Jill had previously managed Simon's properties and occasionally assisted in real estate acquisitions. Simon despised being overcharged, so the Westeros real estate team needed deep expertise to ensure favorable deals. Leveraging her proximity to this field, Jill had developed a solid understanding of the real estate sector.
Zhu Momo perked up but couldn't help adding, "Jill, real estate in China is completely different from the U.S."
Although Zhu Momo came from a small official family in a remote part of Yunnan, she had witnessed the aftermath of China's infamous Hainan real estate bubble. This exposure had given her a sharper understanding of the industry than most people her age.
"The differences are why I need time to learn," Jill acknowledged. "Last time Simon visited China, he signed real estate-related projects, which indicates he also sees potential in the market."
Tao Yuelei, who had been mostly quiet, calculated the $1 million in RMB—just over 8 million—and blurted, "Jill, is that even enough to invest in real estate?"
Before Jill could respond, Zhu Momo interjected, "It depends on the location. In BJ, no way. But in my county, $1 million is a fortune."
Jian Xin smirked. "Are we supposed to build houses in your little county? Would you buy them?"
"It was just an example," Zhu Momo retorted before an idea struck her. "My county isn't suitable, but we're close to Dali. That might work. Dali is by Erhai Lake, and the scenery is beautiful. Many people go there for vacation. Tourism and real estate are closely tied, right?"
Jill nodded. "Yes, they are."
Zhu Momo grew more enthusiastic. "Then let's pick Dali! My family has connections there, which would make things easier."
Annie translated Zhu's words, then joked, "Momo, are you suggesting we do something shady?"
Zhu Momo shot Annie a glance. "In China, without connections, good luck doing real estate. At first, they'll welcome us with open arms, but without the right backing, the money we pour in will make us easy targets."
Although she hadn't even finished high school, Zhu Momo's instincts and upbringing in a specific social stratum made her insight painfully accurate.
Jian Xin shifted the focus back. "Momo, Dali is too remote. Even if it's beautiful, it's not practical."
"It's not that remote," Zhu Momo argued. "Dali has an airport!"
"How many people can afford to fly?"
"We'll develop real estate aimed at those who can," Zhu Momo said confidently.
Jill, who had been quietly listening, was impressed. "Momo, are you sure there's a large enough market of vacationers there?"
Zhu Momo nodded. "Absolutely. The scenery is stunning. A few years ago, a businessman from Hong Kong even bought an island on Erhai Lake and built a private club. It's super exclusive, with guests from all over the country."
Jill smiled. "In that case, maybe you can show me around Dali sometime."
Zhu Momo beamed. "No problem."
At this point, Tao Yuelei hesitated before asking, "Jill, um… when can we see Simon again?"
Her question caught Jian Xin and Zhu Momo's attention, and they turned expectantly to Jill.
Jill shook her head. "That depends on his schedule." Then, as if compelled by her own past experience, she added with a wry smile, "Actually, he's probably in New York right now."
"What?" Zhu Momo exclaimed. "Didn't he say he was going back to LA two days ago?"
"Yes," Jill replied nonchalantly. "But it's just a four-hour flight from LA to New York, and the boss has three Boeing 767s."
"But…"
"To be honest," Jill said, meeting their eyes, "Simon has a lot of lovers. You're just three of them."
Zhu Momo immediately seized the slip. "So you're not one?"
Jill rolled her eyes. "Fine, four of us. Simon values excellence. If you're just pretty faces with no skills, you'll be forgotten quickly."
Zhu Momo flopped dramatically onto the couch. "Ahhh, I'm so pretty! Why do I have to work so hard?"
Jill smirked. "If you don't want to, you can follow my lead. I'll work hard for us, but you have to listen to me."
Zhu Momo shot back, "How about you follow me? I'll work hard, and you listen to me."
J
ill dismissed her with a wave and stood. "That's enough for today. I'm heading to the kitchen."
Before leaving, Jian Xin called out, "Jill, you didn't explain why Simon's back in New York."
"Verizon Wireless is going public tomorrow. Ask Annie for details."
As Jill left, all three women turned to Annie, who began explaining with the calm demeanor of someone far more accomplished than her companions.
Meanwhile, Zhu Momo sat back, already scheming how to subtly nudge her family into realizing their daughter was now connected to the Simon Westeros—without giving too much away, of course.
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