[Gold Powder GL] True Elegance Comes with Knowledge - Chapter 28

Peifang spoke eloquently, clearly outlining the various flaws and inefficiencies she had observed. She already seemed like a seasoned entrepreneur.

When she finished, she looked around a bit sheepishly. “These are just some of my thoughts. Of course, any real decision would require everyone’s input and consideration.”

Huichang was clearly hoping to partner with her, but Peifang had been working well with the Leng family and Yan Hui, and had no intention of excluding them. She also had great trust in Yan Hui’s judgment—more so than anyone else’s in her circle—so she placed a lot of weight on Yan Hui’s opinion about whether to invest.

“If we can find the right industry,” Yan Hui said, “investing some capital might not be a bad idea.”

Mrs. Leng had originally only intended to open a tailoring shop. To her surprise, things escalated quickly, and within just a few months, a whole garment factory had sprung up. Being someone who preferred to proceed cautiously, she couldn’t help but voice her concern.

“Isn’t this all happening a bit too fast?”

She had invested only a small amount herself. If it weren’t for the raw materials being sourced through her own contacts—specifically textile factories in Jiangnan—her share in the company would’ve been even smaller.

Even so, the current scale of the operation was enough to leave her feeling anxious.

“I think if we’re going to do something, we should go all in,” Peifang said. “Since we’ve started, it makes sense to aim for growth and expansion. That said, decisions must still be made carefully. Whether to move forward, what industry to choose, how much capital to invest—these all need thorough discussion and can’t be rushed into.”

She smiled and raised her cup. “We agreed not to talk business today, and yet here we are again. I should be penalized! But I’m currently unable to drink, so I’ll have to substitute tea for wine—please forgive me.”
“Better not drink too much tea either,” Yan Hui said with a smile. “We were just chatting, and the conversation naturally led here. No need for penalties.”

Hearing that, Peifang immediately set down her cup. “Thank you for your kindness.”

Despite the light tone, Yan Hui seriously considered the topic Peifang raised. Doing business these days wasn’t easy, and bringing more partners into the venture could only help. Plus, the garment factory had only hired a few dozen workers so far—barely a drop in the bucket. If there were other opportunities, it would be worth exploring.

This time, she didn’t decide on her own. Instead, she brought in Cao San and discussed it with him.

Cao San already knew about Yan Hui’s partnership in the garment factory. Since the investment wasn’t large, he hadn’t gotten involved—assuming it was just a casual venture between friends. But now, to hear they were already considering other businesses? It surprised him.

Still, Peifang’s argument about connections had convinced Yan Hui, and it convinced him too.

Cao San was in Beijing on behalf of Yan Kai, both to raise funds and to expand their network—which could prove useful in various ways. With Yan Hui’s connections, he had even managed to establish a link with the Prime Minister’s residence. In their world, even a small opening in the door could lead to meaningful relationships—though Yan Hui was unaware of the full extent.

So, when he heard about the new venture, he decided to invest himself and suggested an excellent industry: cosmetics.

In fact, it was a business he had already been planning. The factory was already in the works; it just needed shareholders. When Yan Hui heard this, she felt it was a more secure option than other outside ventures. After confirming that it wouldn’t impact her household, she agreed it was a good idea.

At their next meeting, Yan Hui shared the news with the others.

Peifang exclaimed, “Won’t we be taking advantage of you then?”

Yan Hui countered, “Didn’t you invest people, money, and effort into the garment factory? If you put it that way, none of us should collaborate—we’d all just go it alone. Besides, you know very well that opening a factory these days often requires giving away some shares. Other people would love to have a place to offer them. I’m only able to find the right people because of your connections.”

That convinced Peifang. It was true that government officials often expected tokens of appreciation, but not just anyone could give them. There were thresholds to meet.

Looking at Yan Hui’s situation, it wasn’t money she lacked, but the right channels. Knowing this, Peifang made up her mind: she would bring in a few influential partners.

As the New Year approached, social events abounded—providing the perfect opportunity. Formal negotiations would wait until after the holiday, but preparations could begin now. Peifang put in considerable effort and finally brought in four investors, whom she eagerly introduced to Yan Hui.

Since they were discussing business, they met outside.

This time, Mrs. Leng refused to attend, leaving the decision to Qingqiu. In the past, Qingqiu might have backed down, but now she was determined to keep pace with Yan Hui—and this was no time for hesitation.
Though her investment was small, she still came.

When the two of them arrived, Peifang was already there, sitting with two others. One was the expected Huichang. The other was a surprise—Xiu Zhu.

After the greetings, Peifang introduced everyone again, confirming that Xiuzhu was also an investor.

Thinking it over, Yan Hui wasn’t too surprised. The Bai family was wealthy, and Xiuzhu had plenty of funds at her disposal. Though she spent freely, she was nothing like the careless Yanxi. With savings in hand, it made perfect sense to put her money to work.

Xiuzhu smiled. “When I heard about the garment factory, I wanted in—but no one invited me! So here I am, thick-skinned, volunteering myself. My sister-in-law told me Miss Jin has a sharp eye for business—I hope we can work well together.”

She raised her glass. Yan Hui clinked hers in return. “To a successful partnership.”

“Last time we met,” Qingqiu suddenly asked, “didn’t Miss Bai say she planned to study abroad?”

Xiuzhu was briefly startled, then laughed. “That was the idea. But when I really thought about being far from home, I gave it up.”

Yan Hui had already suspected that talk of studying abroad had been partly meant to provoke Yanxi. Hearing Xiuzhu say this, she was relieved and smiled. “That’s true. No matter how wonderful the world outside might be, it can’t compare to home. We may complain about it all the time, but when it comes down to it, we can’t bear to leave.”

Xiuzhu, hearing her sentiment, suddenly remembered that Yan Hui had also left home to study in the capital. She quickly added, a little apologetically, “I must’ve touched a sore spot—please forgive my insensitivity.”

“It’s nothing to be sad about,” Yan Hui said with a smile. “Besides, being far from home has its advantages too.”

“Oh? Like what?” Xiuzhu asked, intrigued.

“For people our age, the biggest annoyance is parental control. Once you’re away from home, you’re completely free. That alone makes it all worthwhile.”

Peifang tapped her on the arm playfully. “Good thing you didn’t say that in front of Mrs. Leng.”

Yan Hui stuck out her tongue. “I wasn’t trying to encourage anyone—I’m just speaking from personal experience. Living alone really does feel more liberating.”

“I agree with that,” said Xiuzhu. “Everyone’s promoting the nuclear family now—it’s exactly because fewer people around mean fewer restrictions. I’m lucky I live with my brother and sister-in-law; they don’t interfere in my life. Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t be able to take it either.”

That led to a spirited discussion.

Qingqiu, sitting beside Yan Hui, remained quiet. Among the four of them, she was the only one who wasn’t “free,” and had nothing to contribute to the conversation.

In fact, that lack of freedom seemed to follow her through every social interaction. She had always thought it was poverty that made her so constrained, but now, sitting in a private room at the Western-style hotel, listening to talk of “civilization” and “openness,” she began to realize the truth: she simply wasn’t operating on the same level as the others.

Though she strove to keep up with modern ideals, the marks left by traditional education couldn’t be erased so easily.

So, in many settings, conversations, and interactions—just like now—she found herself at a loss for words.

It wasn’t the first time she’d felt this way. But today, it stung more than usual. Maybe because the one holding an effortless, lively conversation with Yan Hui—was Bai Xiuzhu.

Qingqiu had always harbored a complicated, unspoken bitterness toward her. First, because Xiuzhu had once seemed like the perfect match for Yanxi. Then, because of the dance she and Yan Hui had shared.
Perhaps her feelings had already become complicated back then. She just hadn’t realized it.

And that little resentment, unaddressed, now resurfaced.

Qingqiu felt a strong surge of jealousy—not just because Xiuzhu was chatting with Yan Hui, but because of how open and confident she appeared in front of her. It was a kind of composure Qingqiu could never hope to emulate. That confidence came from within—something Qingqiu could never possess.