Ch 55: The World’s Number One Resort

At 10 a.m., Tang Huai arrived at the Jin City high-speed rail station.

“Mr. Tang, Mr. Pang is busy at the factory, otherwise, he would have come to meet you himself…” the assistant apologized as he took the luggage from Tang Huai’s hand.

The assistant was the same one who had picked him up at the airport last time. This time, following Pang Dafu’s instructions, he was to take good care of Tang Huai.

“It’s fine. I can go straight there. It’s no trouble for Mr. Pang,” Tang Huai said, handing over the suitcase to the assistant while carrying a travel backpack himself. He wasn’t bothered by such minor matters.

Tang Huai’s purpose for coming to Jin City was simple. Sora Island was in a remote location, and for Sora’s fruits to be sold in China, they had to go through import and export procedures.

With China’s continuous adjustments and reforms in foreign trade, the Pacific region now belonged to China’s quasi-import and export area. However, even with the regional conditions met, getting Sora’s fruits onto the market still required various documents like customs declarations, quarantine certificates, and sanitary certificates, making the process extremely cumbersome.

This was Tang Huai’s first time dealing with such matters, and he found himself quite confused.

After Tang Huai’s deal with Pang Dafu for the Great Tang No.1, the two added each other on WeChat and would chat casually from time to time. After some thought, Tang Huai consulted with Pang Dafu.

Having worked in Jin City for many years, Pang Dafu had a wide network. While he didn’t have direct experience in foreign trade, he knew many people in the field. After some inquiries, he introduced Tang Huai to a trader, and they arranged to meet today.

“Mr. Tang, are you living in Mexico now?” the assistant asked curiously after they got in the car. The driver drove while the assistant sat in the front passenger seat, turning his head slightly.

The two had met once three months ago, but at that time, the assistant had thought Tang Huai was just another hopeful customer. He didn’t expect Tang Huai to sign the purchase contract that very afternoon and settle the payment within a week.

The assistant was a bit stunned. He finally understood the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Although he tried to maintain a calm demeanor, he spoke to Tang Huai with a newfound seriousness and nervousness. After all, Tang Huai was a major client who could casually pay out seven million USD.

“I’ll be there for the next couple of years,” Tang Huai said, turning back from looking at the scenery outside. Jin City was one of China’s municipalities, quite different from the modernized city of Shengze.

“I heard the traditional clothing in Mexico is quite unique…”

“It is quite unique.”

To keep the conversation going, the assistant tried to find topics, and Tang Huai responded with a smile.

It took over an hour to drive from the high-speed rail station to the Riverside New District, but the journey wasn’t boring thanks to their conversation.

…

Dafu Cable Factory was located on the southern side of the Riverside New District, covering over twenty acres. It was a medium-sized cable factory. When Tang Huai and the assistant arrived, many workers in blue uniforms were bustling about. Compared to three months ago, the factory seemed much more lively.

Tang Huai and the assistant entered the office.

“Mr. Tang, that must have been a tiring trip,” Pang Dafu said, quickly standing up as he saw Tang Huai. He had been speaking with a middle-aged man in his forties.

The previous deal between the two had been straightforward—cash for the ship—with neither side taking advantage. However, back then, Dafu Cable Factory was in a financial crunch, and Tang Huai’s capital injection had helped ease the factory’s urgent situation. Now, although the factory had taken some damage, it had at least survived.

Tang Huai’s straightforward payment left an impression on Pang Dafu, who remembered this favor.

Now, as Tang Huai planned to enter the overseas trade business, and Jin City was one of China’s largest trade port cities, Pang Dafu used his connections to introduce Tang Huai to a trader. It was just a small favor for him.

“Let me introduce you. This is Mr. Wu Kun of Ocean Import and Export Trading. Mr. Wu, this is Mr. Tang Huai, manager of Great Tang Resort,” Pang Dafu said, introducing the two.

Over the course of their three-month conversation, Pang Dafu had learned that Tang Huai was now working as a manager at an overseas resort. Pang Dafu didn’t use Douyin; otherwise, his expression wouldn’t have been as composed as it was now.

“Great Tang from Douyin?” While Pang Dafu was unfamiliar with trending topics, Wu Kun from Ocean Trade had heard of it.

Wu Kun was the first to extend his hand.

Ocean Trade was a small-scale trading company that mainly operated on the South Korea-Mexico route, transporting goods primarily consisting of foreign snacks, masks, and cosmetics. While the business wasn’t exactly booming, it managed to sustain more than a hundred people.

Ocean Trade had never dealt with the import and export of fruits before. If it weren’t for the fame of “Great Tang,” Wu Kun wouldn’t have bothered to come and take a look.

“We have a few short videos on Douyin,” Tang Huai said, shaking hands and smiling. Wu Kun had a square face and was wearing a black suit jacket, giving off an impression of someone who was thoughtful and unpretentious.

“What’s Douyin?” Pang Dafu asked, feeling a bit lost as he watched the interaction between the two. He felt like he was outdated.

“It’s a video app… Mr. Tang, I heard the resort is planning to sell fruits?” Wu Kun briefly explained before sitting back on the sofa and turning to Tang Huai.

Pang Dafu gestured to his assistant to serve tea. He had known Wu Kun for more than ten years and figured he could ask about anything he didn’t understand later.

“I do have that plan. Here’s a catalog of fruits from Sora Island…” Tang Huai sat opposite Wu Kun and handed him a document from his backpack. He had prepared this before his visit.

The catalog mainly featured photos of Sora’s spiritual fields as well as apples and pineapples. Tang Huai planned to sell Sora’s fruits in China and intended to grow other varieties, such as mangosteens, cherries, and strawberries.

The development of Sora’s spiritual fields needed to be diversified.

“How does Mr. Tang want to cooperate?” Wu Kun asked after flipping through the catalog.

There were generally two ways to collaborate in the imported fruit business. The first was for the resort to sell Sora’s fruits to Ocean Trade, which would then handle customs clearance, quarantine, distribution, and other formalities. Subsequent sales would not be related to the resort.

The second option was for Ocean Trade to handle the transportation and customs procedures, while the resort would sell the fruits themselves.

Just as Wu Kun finished speaking, the assistant arrived with the tea. Wu Kun took a sip and discreetly sized up Tang Huai. He hadn’t expected the manager of Great Tang Resort to be so young. He had heard that the resort was invested in by a Chinese individual, but wasn’t sure which wealthy businessman it was…

“Ocean Trade will handle the transportation and customs clearance, while the resort will handle production and sales itself,” Tang Huai replied as Wu Kun was deep in thought.

“Production and sales by yourself?” Wu Kun was a bit surprised.

Although the fruit catalog from Great Tang Resort was impressive, they were still just pineapples and apples. The transportation costs from Sora Island to China were quite high. Wu Kun had assumed Tang Huai would choose to have the fruits sold through a distributor, but unexpectedly, he opted for a direct production and sales model…

Wu Kun had come with several plans in mind.

Since Great Tang Resort was currently popular, Wu Kun intended to capitalize on the trend and sell some of Great Tang’s fruits under the name of Sora Island. He wasn’t just selling fruit but also selling a sense of nostalgia… Given the curiosity tourists had about Great Tang Resort, it would likely attract a lot of business. Imported fruits with such a “celebrity status” wouldn’t come cheap. In short, Wu Kun planned to earn a kind of “luxury tax.”

He had a well-thought-out plan, but Tang Huai’s decision to choose the direct production and sales model increased both the cost and the risk for Great Tang…

“Mr. Tang, would you need to consult with your headquarters about this?” Wu Kun asked after a moment’s thought, setting down his teacup.

“I have full authority over the business in China,” Tang Huai replied with a wave of his hand, keeping it brief. He had brought enough documents from Sora Island to sign the contract on his own.

“We at Ocean Trade will need some time to consider…” The situation was unexpected, so Wu Kun replied cautiously. Importing and exporting fruit from Sora was a complex matter that would not be resolved in just a day or two.

Tang Huai remained noncommittal; he didn’t expect to sign the contract immediately anyway.

The conversation soon shifted to lighter topics, like recent social news. As Tang Huai and Wu Kun chatted, Pang Dafu sat there, a bit confused, still pondering what Douyin was all about.

In the evening, Tang Huai, Pang Dafu, and Wu Kun went to Jintian Society, a large comedy club where Hu Er was performing that night. Pang Dafu had reserved three VIP tickets, which suited everyone perfectly. He initially considered taking Tang Huai to a nightclub but remembered the “young and reserved” impression Tang Huai had left on him. In the end, he chose Jintian Society instead.

Jintian Society was located on Jinyun Road in Jin City. When Tang Huai and the others arrived, a long line of people was already waiting to enter.

“Hey, isn’t that Li Yuan? He’s here too,” Pang Dafu said, suddenly pointing ahead as they approached the VIP entrance.

Tang Huai looked up and saw a handsome young man with short chestnut hair, wearing a skull jacket. He had on a pair of black sunglasses and was surrounded by six bodyguards, exuding an unapproachable aura.

Li Yuan was a popular young star in recent years, known for his outstanding looks and adored by female fans. Many people in line began snapping pictures of him excitedly, shouting his name.

Li Yuan kept his eyes forward, seemingly oblivious to the fans around him.

After about thirty seconds, a man who looked like a manager came out of the theater. Li Yuan followed his agent inside without saying a word the entire time.

“These celebrities act so differently in private… so full of themselves,” Pang Dafu mumbled as he watched Li Yuan walk away.

Li Yuan had a public persona of being a warm, cheerful “golden retriever” type. On variety shows, he always came off as easygoing and playful. It was surprising to see how cold and aloof he was in private.

“It’s all just a persona,” Wu Kun said indifferently. At forty-two, he was long past the age of idol worship. Besides, if he were to chase any celebrities, they’d be those with slim waists and long legs… In short, he didn’t care about Li Yuan.

Tang Huai glanced at Li Yuan’s back but didn’t pay much attention. Although young, he didn’t have a particular interest in idolizing pretty-faced celebrities.

Li Yuan was just a small episode. At 7:30, they entered the venue. Their seats were in the sixth row, offering a clear view of the stage. Pang Dafu had put considerable effort into choosing the seats.

The performance began promptly at 8:00 p.m.

Other than the occasional New Year’s Gala, Tang Huai had rarely watched any comedy performances before. Sitting patiently in the Jintian Society theater, he was pleasantly surprised to find that comedy was indeed a captivating art form.

Tang Huai was fully engaged, and the two-hour performance flew by in an instant.

At 11:00 p.m., Tang Huai returned to his hotel, took a shower, and went to bed.

…

Meanwhile, at the presidential suite of the Days Hotel in Jin City, a man was angrily pointing at Li Yuan, who was lounging on the sofa.

“How could you turn down such a great show like ‘Heartbeat Speed’? Li Yuan, let me tell you, the company signed you to make money, not to treat you like some master! You think you’re still in your prime? Now Zhao Xianjing and Song Han are all more promising than you! Your fans were all bought by the company! The company made you popular; it can put you on ice just as easily!” the man yelled furiously.

Li Yuan was casually playing a mobile game, looking as if he couldn’t care less.

“You’re just a clown. What’s with the attitude?” the man sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“I signed with Hongguo for film projects, not endless advertisements and variety shows.”

The manager’s words stung. Li Yuan paused and put down his phone. He had signed a five-year contract with Hongguo, and three years had already passed. During these three years, he had been spinning like a top, running endlessly. Li Yuan felt lost, questioning why he had even entered the entertainment industry in the first place.

This wasn’t the life he wanted.

“I’ve already made an appointment with Producer Wang. You’ll apologize the day after tomorrow, and you must take on ‘Heartbeat Speed,'” the manager coldly snorted, finding Li Yuan’s sentiments laughable.

A look of unease flashed across Li Yuan’s face. Producer Wang was a fifty-something powerhouse in the industry, known for her fondness for young male idols. She had a notorious reputation in the entertainment circle. To secure this project, he would have to pay a certain price.

“Bang!” The manager slammed the door as he left. Li Yuan stared at the now-empty room, feeling a surge of frustration and confusion.

Li Yuan took out his phone and opened the Douyin app.

“I have a small tree, small tree…” Douyin’s signature background sound played. When he had some free time, Li Yuan would browse through apps like Weibo and Douyin. As usual, Douyin was bustling with activity.

“Blossoms like frost—” After scrolling for a while, a classical tune from “Sword in the Jianghu” started playing on his phone.

Li Yuan clicked on the video.

In the ancient, majestic city of Bianjing, vivid scenes from the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival had been transformed into bronze statues. Everywhere the camera panned, it felt like a grand and awe-inspiring scroll painting.

“This really isn’t special effects,” a pleasant male voice narrated.

Li Yuan glanced at the bottom left corner of the screen; the blogger’s ID was @GreatTangOverseasResort.

Li Yuan had come across videos of Blue Lake before, but back then, he had just brushed past them. Now…

Li Yuan watched all five videos from @GreatTangOverseasResort. The crystal-clear Blue Lake, the swing built on the snow-capped cliff, the thirty-meter-tall statues… The resort was full of wonders and breathtaking beauty, far removed from the mundane world.

Li Yuan desperately wanted to escape from his current oppressive environment. He felt he had found a direction.

…

Tang Huai stayed in Jin City for two more days. On the third day, Wu Kun brought his legal team to the Dafu Cable Factory. Tang Huai also hired a local legal team, the same one he had worked with during the deal for the Great Tang No. 1.

Wu Kun’s idea was straightforward. During the off-season, their ships traveling to and from Mexico were often half-empty. Now that Tang Huai was proposing a partnership, they certainly wouldn’t turn down easy money. If Great Tang Resort wanted to handle production and sales themselves, so be it; that meant less hassle for Far Ocean Trade.

Whether he might regret this later or not, for now, Wu Kun was quite happy.

He estimated that if the profits from Sora Island met expectations, he could earn at least a million a year.

With the contract signed, the next steps were customs clearance and inspection.

Far Ocean Trade had extensive experience. As long as the quality of Sora’s fruits passed the inspections, the procedures could be completed within a month.

“Manager Tang, looking forward to our cooperation,” Wu Kun said as he shook hands with Tang Huai after the contract was signed.

“Looking forward to it,” Tang Huai replied with a smile.

It was a deal that satisfied both parties.

…

The day after the contract signing, Tang Huai boarded a plane bound for Mexico City. He now had a mission to secure an A-list partnership… there was no time to slack off.

Tang Huai made a plan. The task duration was three months. First, he would return to the island to expand the Blue Sea’s farmland. Then, he planned to tag major brands on Weibo to explore potential partnerships. If that approach didn’t work, he would try emailing or even visiting them in person.

Having graduated only a year ago and spent most of that time selling fruits, Tang Huai had come a long way in the past six months. First, he bought a ship, then set up a resort, and now he was aiming to collaborate with top-tier brands…

Sometimes, Tang Huai felt a sense of disbelief. Life was full of uncertainties, and one never really knew what the next step would be.

Before boarding the plane, Tang Huai specifically stopped by the airport supermarket. Spicy soup base, tomato soup base, clear soup base… he bought nearly thirty different hotpot bases, big and small.

He had promised Yu You that they would have hotpot together this time.

The flight from Jin City to Mexico City took sixteen hours. Tang Huai had a nice long sleep and then got off the plane feeling refreshed.

“I bought some enoki mushrooms, seaweed, lamb rolls… Is there anything else you need?” An hour later, in a supermarket near the city, Tang Huai pushed a shopping cart, browsing the frozen food section while talking on the phone.

Huancheng Supermarket was well-stocked, offering almost every hotpot ingredient imaginable.

“Just pick whatever you think is best,” Yu You said, gazing out the window of the villa with a soft smile. Technically, this was their first time having a real-time phone conversation. Tang Huai’s voice sounded just as it usually did—clear and pleasant.

“Alright, I’ll add two more servings of beef rolls,” Tang Huai replied, amused, as he stood in the supermarket. Along with the beef rolls, he added two packs of chicken slices to the cart.

When Tang Huai entered the supermarket, he was empty-handed, but he left with two large plastic bags.

After loading the groceries into the trunk, he drove back to the villa. At a red light, he paused, looking at the cars scattered around. A feeling of contentment and anticipation welled up inside him. It was a strange sensation.

He hadn’t had time to analyze it further before the red light turned green. Tang Huai pressed the accelerator.

…

The villa remained as pristine as when he left, though now it felt warmer, with a hint of everyday life.

“Mr. Yu, do you want clear broth? And should we eat upstairs or downstairs?” Tang Huai called out from the table as he placed the bags down and washed his hands.

On the plane, he had sent Yu You a picture of the hotpot bases. Since Yu You preferred lighter flavors, he could only have a clear broth, while Tang Huai would enjoy the spicy beef broth. To make this hotpot experience work, Tang Huai had even bought a dual-sided induction cooker pot.

He casually asked, mostly to let Yu You know he had returned.

Though he had asked, “Upstairs or downstairs?” he knew Yu You’s situation probably meant they would have to eat using the glass door setup again…

Yes, a unique hotpot experience.

There was no response from upstairs.

Tang Huai didn’t mind and put on an apron, starting to prepare the ingredients.

“I’ll come down to eat,” came a melodious voice from upstairs just when Tang Huai thought Yu You wouldn’t reply.

His hands, which were rinsing the vegetables, paused. Had he heard that right?

Tap, tap, tap. Just as Tang Huai was about to ask again, he heard the sound of footsteps descending the stairs.

The steps grew closer.

Tang Huai looked up. On the third-floor staircase, Yu You was slowly making his way down, wearing light gray pajamas. His medium-length hair was tied back, and his face was still covered with a small scarf, making him appear both funny and charming.

“Aunt Zheng bought these for me,” Yu You said, feeling a bit self-conscious under Tang Huai’s gaze as he tugged at the edge of his clothing.

Tang Huai snapped back to reality and instinctively glanced down from the scarf.

A lean yet strong upper body, a narrow waist, and long, straight legs… Tang Huai blinked. Yu You’s figure was perfect. But… where had the tail gone?

☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️