A meal of dumplings had quietly strengthened the bonds among the women living in Jiang Hai's villa.
Previously, many of them insisted that the only reason they stayed was Jiang Hai himself. Yet, despite this, their relationships had deepened in subtle ways. Women's friendships differed from men's. Men could become close simply by sharing drinks or facing challenges together—experiences like carrying guns, studying side by side, splitting spoils, or sharing romantic experiences forged strong bonds. When men gather, true friendship often transcends social status, though the human heart is notoriously unpredictable. Wealth or influence might matter to some, but genuine friends look beyond such things. Fortunately, Jiang Hai's friends remained loyal and close, keeping in touch consistently.
Friendships between women, however, were often more performative. When together, many showcased their watches, bags, rings, makeup, and, ultimately, the capabilities of their husbands. As the saying went, "If you don't return home in wealth and glory, it's like walking at night in a cotton-padded jacket." Yet within Jiang Hai's household, the dynamic was rare. Jiang Hai insisted on fairness: if he bought something for one, everyone received a similar item. Prices might vary slightly, but no one needed to compete. This equality ensured there was no real reason to flaunt wealth or status. While they weren't necessarily close, the atmosphere avoided conflict.
Qi Jie, Qi Ya, Feng Yunchen, and Ai Xiaoxi were particularly delicate in their dynamics. They formed two main factions within the villa, yet after the dumpling meal, their relationships had subtly strengthened—a result Jiang Hai hadn't anticipated. Now, when Qi Jie tutored Taraja, Marianne, and Darlene, Feng Yunchen and Ai Xiaoxi would drop by to check on them. Qi Jie, academically accomplished enough to open her own research center, still engaged in mentoring, while Ai Xiaoxi, with a stellar Gaokao score exceeding 600 in Shandong Province, brought invaluable knowledge from her top-tier academic background. Their guidance helped the girls learn faster, though mastering years of material before school started was impossible; they focused on absorbing as much as they could.
American high school holidays bore similarities to China's but had key differences. While modeled on some Chinese systems, holiday schedules were fragmented. Thanksgiving lasted about a week, followed by Christmas and New Year celebrations. Summer vacation, however, was the longest and most significant, spanning three months from June to September. Winthrop High School began classes on September 1st. Jiang Hai enrolled Talaga, though Marianne and Darlene remained reluctant. He had no intention of forcing them; he disliked school himself.
Daily life at the villa followed a relaxed rhythm. Each morning after breakfast, Jiang Hai strolled around the manor. By ten o'clock, he would settle into a recliner until lunch. Afternoons were spent lounging outside until dinner. He had little to occupy him and often recalled the saying: Those who try to do everything themselves eventually die of exhaustion, like Zhuge Liang from the Three Kingdoms era. Jiang Hai placed great trust in his employees, delegating fishing, herding, and other labor-intensive tasks to experts. His investments were significant, and Edward Anderson and Robbins Garcia were both attentive and reliable.
Some might have assumed that Jiang Hai's hands-off approach risked interference or even insubordination. Yet his staff understood their place. The success of his estate depended on Jiang Hai's mastery of core technology, not theirs. Poor performance could lead to replacement, but leaving voluntarily would cost them valuable opportunities.
Despite his usual ease, Jiang Hai had been unusually diligent today. He rose early, walked around the estate, and at nine o'clock met Robbins Garcia to visit Cotton Harris, the second-largest estate owner in Winthrop after himself. Today marked the day the people in Jiang Hai's circle were relocating, and he intended to oversee the transition personally. Together, they transported the war shield Jiang Hai had delivered to Cotton Harris's home.
Upon arrival, familiar faces awaited: Old George, Carey Clark, Thackeray Eddy, and Cotton Harris among others.
"Jiang, you're finally here," they greeted warmly as his car parked.
"Haha, the roads are still terrible!" Jiang Hai laughed.
"From today on, this place is yours. Fix it up as you like," Cotton Harris added. Jiang Hai's reputation for laziness was well-known; while most considered fishermen and cowboys hardworking, he had engineered unparalleled comfort. The estate featured an artificial river, tree-lined paths, streetlights, a covered veranda for cowboys, and small huts for fishermen—superior even to the workers' quarters.
"I'll take good care of the pasture," Jiang Hai said solemnly. He planned to remove old grass, plant alfalfa and king bamboo grass, intersperse Chinese medicinal herbs, and nurture it all with his spiritual energy, transforming the land into a miracle of growth.
"Go ahead and work! If you need help, we're close by," he added. Everyone laughed, appreciating both his wealth and generosity. Many landowners relocated south of Winthrop, resuming business on newly purchased properties, while Jiang Hai spent roughly three-quarters of his funds acquiring land identical to theirs, leaving a quarter for himself. These purchases nudged land prices up by about five percent, an inconsequential matter for most Winthrop residents, though it proved inconvenient for some Chinese investors.
(To be continued.)