"Ms. Pra, today's beef has been distributed. Here are the details..." Isabelle Rolland, holding a report in her hand, pushed open Pra Walton's door. But before she could finish her sentence, she caught sight of the scene inside. Her face flushed crimson, and she quickly shut the door.
"Isabel, just in time. Come and help me," Pra Walton called out lazily from the bed.
Blushing at her words, Isabelle hesitated only a moment before approaching. She leaned down, her head pressed against a place best left unspoken, and soon Pra Walton narrowed her eyes in ecstasy.
About ten minutes later, with a low groan from Pra, Isabelle's face was stained. She stood up carefully, wiped herself clean with tissues from the bedside table, and cast Pra a look full of subtle resentment. Pra, however, only smiled awkwardly and pulled Isabelle close, kissing her lips. After a long moment, she leaned back against the bed with effortless elegance.
"Well," Pra sighed, "this sort of solution and what you do still can't compare to the real thing. The sense of fulfillment and security Jiang Hai gives me is something you can't replace."
"If that's what you want, then go to him. His estate isn't far," Isabelle said slowly, still wiping her face.
"You think I don't want to? But with so much happening here, how could I just leave?" Pra shot her a glare, but Isabelle only smiled.
No one knew better than her how busy Pra Walton had been lately.
Pra's position in Walmart had risen yet again, thanks entirely to Jiang Hai's fish. Like his beef, Jiang Hai's seafood had proven exceptional, commanding premium prices. That premium not only benefitted Jiang Hai but also Walmart—more precisely, Sam's Club.
Although Jiang Hai had made it clear after the banquet that he and Pra were strictly business partners, Sam's Club still pocketed millions from the deal. And where Sam's Club profited, so did Walmart.
Last year alone, Jiang Hai's beef earned Sam's Club an extra $300 million. Divided among shareholders, that meant tens of millions apiece. This year, with both fish and beef in play, estimates suggested nearly $800 million in profits. For shareholders, that translated into tens of millions more.
Pra Walton had instantly become a star in their eyes. Americans were realistic that way. Create wealth for them, and you're a god. Fail, and you're trash. Everything revolved around profit—that was the rule of society here.
It was so different from China. Over there, famous athletes like Allen Iverson or Stephon Marbury, despite humble beginnings, often spent fortunes helping old friends, bailing them out, and supporting their communities. Many Chinese saw this as noble and refined, a sign of character. In America, however, the view was opposite. The elite mixed only with the elite. Old friends from poor neighborhoods were dismissed as dead weight. Whether right or wrong, one had to play by the rules of the country one lived in.
And in America, Jiang Hai and Pra Walton, who generated wealth, were people to be courted. But as the saying goes, the first bird to stick its head out is the first to get shot. Their positions were enviable—and heavily scrutinized.
Foreign institutions weren't Jiang Hai's main concern; in the U.S., human rights laws meant he wasn't forced to give up his secrets. The real threats were domestic: the tax authorities, who monitored Pra closely, and rivals within Walmart, eager to unseat her. If not for Jiang Hai's partnership, she likely would have been ousted already.
Pra was cautious, busy, and constantly stretched thin—so much so she hadn't even seen Jiang Hai in weeks.
"That guy is really something," Pra muttered, her hands wandering toward Isabelle again. "I've created so much wealth for him, yet he hasn't even come to see me. Am I not attractive enough?"
"You know how dull Jiang Hai is," Isabelle replied with a wry smile. "He'd never come unless you asked. But... I might have found you an opportunity to be alone with him."
At that, Pra's eyes instantly lit up. "Tell me. What opportunity?"
Her desire to see Jiang Hai was plain. Her heart longed for him, and her body needed him even more.
"According to the latest beef report, Jiang Hai's estate still has about 3,000 head of cattle left for sale—enough to last through winter. That means he'll be buying more cattle soon. As his biggest customer, wouldn't it make sense for you to accompany him and inspect the stock?" Isabelle suggested, smiling slyly.
Pra's eyes sparkled. "Perfect. I'll bring it up with the board tomorrow. But first, I should call Jiang Hai. Make sure no one rushes the purchase."
Her lips curved into a hungry smile, her body already reacting to the thought of him. She was liking Jiang Hai more and more.
Meanwhile, Jiang Hai was drinking with Robbins Garcia, Burke Dahler, and Philemon Turner in the courtyard of his villa. Earlier that afternoon, Robbins had called, asking to discuss what breeds of cattle to buy. Jiang Hai told him to invite Burke and Philemon—the two most experienced men—so they could decide after wrapping up the evening's cattle work.
With more cowboys hired and vast pastures available, Jiang Hai wasn't planning to expand further but did intend to increase his herd. Beyond cows and calves, he wanted to buy another 35,000 head of cattle, bringing his total to 40,000.
Angus would remain the main breed, as they were the easiest to purchase in bulk. He planned to add 25,000 Angus cattle, with the remaining 10,000 reserved for experimenting with different breeds. With a larger staff now, he also planned to add more cattle dogs later to help manage the herd.
Just as their discussion deepened, Jiang Hai's phone rang. He stepped aside to take the call, and though Robbins and the others were curious, they didn't pry—it was the boss's business. They kept talking among themselves, weighing the pros and cons of different breeds.
When Jiang Hai returned, a smile played across his face.
"Boss, what's the news?" Philemon Turner asked.
"Good news," Jiang Hai replied. "Pra Walton is coming. Don't give me that look—this time it's official business. We can stop worrying about cattle breeds, because she's coming here to help us decide."
The three men exchanged knowing glances, pretending not to react, but Jiang Hai could tell they understood. Of course, cattle were only part of the reason she was coming.