The Marriage Harbor CH4
Chapter 4: “My wife isn’t good with alcohol. I’ll drink for her.”
In early July, Jiang Bin went on several business trips. She was fulfilling her end of the marriage deal: helping Tang Zhisong’s managers enter the Jiang Group’s home renovation market. She also used the time to inspect her own branch offices and finalize several large projects.
When she flew back to Shanghai in late July, her phone rang the second she landed.
"What’s wrong?"
Xiao Zhou’s voice sounded panicked.
"Boss, the Changjing Group project is stuck. The contract says the payment was due today, but nothing has moved. I called their finance office, and they said President Qin hasn't signed the approval yet."
Jiang Bin checked her watch: 5:30 PM. Finance staff would be heading home. President Qin was clearly ignoring her on purpose.
"Where is he?"
"He’s at the Zhou'an Club," Xiao Zhou replied.
"I’m waiting in the lobby to catch him."
Xiao Zhou didn't have enough status to force a meeting. Jiang Bin had to go herself.
"Send me the location. I’m on my way."
The Zhou'an Club was a high-end private venue in Shanghai known for "shady" business deals. Women of Jiang Bin's social standing usually avoided it. She knew President Qin had gone there specifically to force her to come to him.
While her elder brother held the real estate division and her sister managed energy and films, Jiang Bin’s long-term plan was to take over their territory bit by bit. Changjing Group had been losing money in the film industry and Jiang Bin wanted to buy their film subsidiary. She had spent a year building a relationship with them through a consulting project but President Qin was arrogant and difficult to deal with. Now, he was holding her payment hostage to see how far she would go for the acquisition.
In her car, she applied a quick layer of makeup and headed to the club.
* * *
The club was a maze of billiards rooms, pools, and private suites. Xiao Zhou led her to President Qin’s room.
The door was partially open. Inside, President Qin was drinking with a group of 'fair-weather friends'. He looked surprised to see her.
"Oh? President Jiang is here?"
The room smelled heavily of alcohol. Jiang Bin, dressed in a sleek black dress, handed her bag to her assistant and walked in with a professional smile. Her cold, elegant beauty made everyone in the room stop and stare.
The sales director, who had been failing to get Qin to sign, quickly gave up his seat next to the President.
"My team is a bit young and might have annoyed you, President Qin. I've come to personally apologize." Jiang Bin said smoothly as a waiter brought her a fresh glass.
President Qin laughed.
"Now that’s more like it. You're a straightforward person, President Jiang."
They toasted. Jiang Bin finished her drink; Qin barely sipped his.
Jiang Bin didn't mention the money yet. She noticed a shy, young man at the end of the table. President Qin explained that the boy was his "godson" whom he wanted to push into the entertainment industry. When President Qin tried to force the nervous boy to toast Jiang Bin, she stepped in.
"President Qin, why drink with a kid? I’d rather drink with you." She refilled his glass herself.
President Qin smirked.
"You're quite protective of handsome young men, aren't you?"
Jiang Bin ignored the jab and pivoted to business, mentioning that Qin’s latest film had flopped. This hit a sore spot. Qin complained that his high-budget movie had lost to an animation.
"Domestic animation is growing fast," Jiang Bin said. "Even my Father's film company has been very careful with money lately."
Mentioning Jiang Chengxiao made Qin narrow his eyes.
"If the Chairman is avoiding film, why do you want to buy my company?"
"I heard you were a risk-taker in your youth," she replied with a smile.
"I'm just trying to follow your lead."
The flattery worked. President Qin was delighted.
"I wish I’d met you sooner! Let's drink!"
He pushed away her wine and brought out a bottle of heavy Baijiu (white spirits). Her team tried to stop him, but Qin insisted. Jiang Bin knew she couldn't avoid it.
"I’ll drink one glass. How much will you do, President Qin?"
"If you drink one, I’ll call my finance team right now to send your payment," Qin shouted.
Jiang Bin shook her head.
"I'm not here for the money. You’re a man of your word, the payment is a small thing. I'm here for the merger. I drink one and we'll talk about the acquisition. What do you say?"
She wasn't a hostess. She wouldn't drink just for a check. President Qin laughed.
"Fine. You drink three glasses and we’ll talk about the merger."
Three glasses of Baijiu would put her in the hospital. If she were her sister, Jiang Yao, Qin wouldn't dare do this. But everyone knew her Father didn't support Jiang Bin.
Just as she was about to answer, a scoff came from the door.
Tang Zhisong was standing there. He looked tall and imposing in a silk white shirt, with a couple of buttons undone. He looked like he had been drinking elsewhere.
"Are you hosting a party, President Qin?" he asked calmly.
Qin was shocked.
"President Tang! What are you doing here?"
In the business world, President Qin was Jiang Bin’s client, but Tang Zhisong was President Qin's client. The Tang family controlled the international energy trade that his company relied on.
Tang Zhisong sat down right next to Jiang Bin.
"I was upstairs with friends and heard your voice," he said politely.
President Qin immediately began sucking up to him, offering his best liquor and bragging about playing golf with Tang’s grandfather. Tang Zhisong acted relaxed, letting the sleazy man drink a full glass while he didn't touch his.
When President Qin stopped, Tang Zhisong adjusted his glasses and smiled.
"Why stop? Finish three glasses and then we'll talk about your project."
The words were exactly what President Qin had just said to Jiang Bin.
President Qin laughed awkwardly and drank two more glasses until his face was bright red.
"Now, President Tang, can we talk about that coal mine deal?"
Tang Zhisong gave a cold, lazy smile and had his assistant bring an even larger glass.
"You didn't hear me. I said: After these three glasses, then we talk."
Even when he was being overbearing, Tang Zhisong looked like a perfect gentleman. President Qin finally realized what was happening. He looked at Jiang Bin in terror.
Tang Zhisong’s eyes turned cold.
"My wife cannot hold her liquor. If you want someone to drink with, I will keep you company."
Wife?!
The room went silent. President Qin almost fell out of his chair. He began frantically apologizing to Jiang Bin. Tang Zhisong had just given her his full protection.
Before President Qin passed out, he not only approved her payment but promised to meet her next week to sign the acquisition deal.
* * *
Outside, a mild evening breeze stirred the air. They stopped by the fountain, the sound of splashing water filling the silence.
Tang Zhisong stood a few paces ahead. Jiang Bin caught up and spoke directly. "Thank you for tonight. I owe you one."
Tang Zhisong didn't reply immediately. He took off his glasses and hooked them onto his shirt, looking out at the city skyline. Jiang Bin could sense a subtle tension in him. A cold irritation she couldn't quite place. He had helped her yet he seemed displeased.
Finally, he looked at her, his gaze sharp without the barrier of his glasses.
"If you have the leverage and refuse to use it," he said, his voice low, "then what was the point of this marriage?"
He was reprimanding her. He was frustrated that she had nearly let herself be mistreated by a sleazy man like President Qin instead of simply using her status as his wife to end the conflict.
"I didn't want to overstep," Jiang Bin replied. "But I understand. I’ll be more careful next time."
She realized that his intervention had cost him social capital.
"How will you handle President Qin now?"
"I’ll handle it," he said simply. "You don't need to worry about it."
For someone used to fighting alone, hearing that she didn't need to worry about something felt strange. Tang Zhisong then went to his car and retrieved a small box from the glove box. He clicked it open to reveal two wedding rings.
The lady’s ring held a stunning, heart-shaped pink diamond.
"The cutting took some time," he explained, his tone as clinical as if he were discussing a business report. He didn't mention it was a raw stone from his own family’s mine.
He put on his own band and handed the box to her. There was no ceremony or romantic gesture. It was a simple exchange of symbols. Jiang Bin took the ring and slid it on. It was a perfect fit.
"Thank you." she said, looking down at the shimmering heart on her hand.
"It’s beautiful."
Tang Zhisong glanced at her hand. The soft, feminine glow of the pink diamond stood in stark contrast to her sharp, black business attire, momentarily softening her icy edges.
"As long as you like it," he replied simply.
He didn't linger. He got into his car and drove off into the night.
Jiang Bin watched his car disappear. She turned to her assistant.
"Add Tang Zhisong to my VIP Client list."
This meant he would now receive the highest level of attention, gifts, and care she gave to her most important business partners. Including a gift for the upcoming Qixi holiday.
Translator's Notes:
In early July, Jiang Bin went on several business trips. She was fulfilling her end of the marriage deal: helping Tang Zhisong’s managers enter the Jiang Group’s home renovation market. She also used the time to inspect her own branch offices and finalize several large projects.
When she flew back to Shanghai in late July, her phone rang the second she landed.
"What’s wrong?"
Xiao Zhou’s voice sounded panicked.
"Boss, the Changjing Group project is stuck. The contract says the payment was due today, but nothing has moved. I called their finance office, and they said President Qin hasn't signed the approval yet."
Jiang Bin checked her watch: 5:30 PM. Finance staff would be heading home. President Qin was clearly ignoring her on purpose.
"Where is he?"
"He’s at the Zhou'an Club," Xiao Zhou replied.
"I’m waiting in the lobby to catch him."
Xiao Zhou didn't have enough status to force a meeting. Jiang Bin had to go herself.
"Send me the location. I’m on my way."
The Zhou'an Club was a high-end private venue in Shanghai known for "shady" business deals. Women of Jiang Bin's social standing usually avoided it. She knew President Qin had gone there specifically to force her to come to him.
While her elder brother held the real estate division and her sister managed energy and films, Jiang Bin’s long-term plan was to take over their territory bit by bit. Changjing Group had been losing money in the film industry and Jiang Bin wanted to buy their film subsidiary. She had spent a year building a relationship with them through a consulting project but President Qin was arrogant and difficult to deal with. Now, he was holding her payment hostage to see how far she would go for the acquisition.
In her car, she applied a quick layer of makeup and headed to the club.
* * *
The club was a maze of billiards rooms, pools, and private suites. Xiao Zhou led her to President Qin’s room.
The door was partially open. Inside, President Qin was drinking with a group of 'fair-weather friends'. He looked surprised to see her.
"Oh? President Jiang is here?"
The room smelled heavily of alcohol. Jiang Bin, dressed in a sleek black dress, handed her bag to her assistant and walked in with a professional smile. Her cold, elegant beauty made everyone in the room stop and stare.
The sales director, who had been failing to get Qin to sign, quickly gave up his seat next to the President.
"My team is a bit young and might have annoyed you, President Qin. I've come to personally apologize." Jiang Bin said smoothly as a waiter brought her a fresh glass.
President Qin laughed.
"Now that’s more like it. You're a straightforward person, President Jiang."
They toasted. Jiang Bin finished her drink; Qin barely sipped his.
Jiang Bin didn't mention the money yet. She noticed a shy, young man at the end of the table. President Qin explained that the boy was his "godson" whom he wanted to push into the entertainment industry. When President Qin tried to force the nervous boy to toast Jiang Bin, she stepped in.
"President Qin, why drink with a kid? I’d rather drink with you." She refilled his glass herself.
President Qin smirked.
"You're quite protective of handsome young men, aren't you?"
Jiang Bin ignored the jab and pivoted to business, mentioning that Qin’s latest film had flopped. This hit a sore spot. Qin complained that his high-budget movie had lost to an animation.
"Domestic animation is growing fast," Jiang Bin said. "Even my Father's film company has been very careful with money lately."
Mentioning Jiang Chengxiao made Qin narrow his eyes.
"If the Chairman is avoiding film, why do you want to buy my company?"
"I heard you were a risk-taker in your youth," she replied with a smile.
"I'm just trying to follow your lead."
The flattery worked. President Qin was delighted.
"I wish I’d met you sooner! Let's drink!"
He pushed away her wine and brought out a bottle of heavy Baijiu (white spirits). Her team tried to stop him, but Qin insisted. Jiang Bin knew she couldn't avoid it.
"I’ll drink one glass. How much will you do, President Qin?"
"If you drink one, I’ll call my finance team right now to send your payment," Qin shouted.
Jiang Bin shook her head.
"I'm not here for the money. You’re a man of your word, the payment is a small thing. I'm here for the merger. I drink one and we'll talk about the acquisition. What do you say?"
She wasn't a hostess. She wouldn't drink just for a check. President Qin laughed.
"Fine. You drink three glasses and we’ll talk about the merger."
Three glasses of Baijiu would put her in the hospital. If she were her sister, Jiang Yao, Qin wouldn't dare do this. But everyone knew her Father didn't support Jiang Bin.
Just as she was about to answer, a scoff came from the door.
Tang Zhisong was standing there. He looked tall and imposing in a silk white shirt, with a couple of buttons undone. He looked like he had been drinking elsewhere.
"Are you hosting a party, President Qin?" he asked calmly.
Qin was shocked.
"President Tang! What are you doing here?"
In the business world, President Qin was Jiang Bin’s client, but Tang Zhisong was President Qin's client. The Tang family controlled the international energy trade that his company relied on.
Tang Zhisong sat down right next to Jiang Bin.
"I was upstairs with friends and heard your voice," he said politely.
President Qin immediately began sucking up to him, offering his best liquor and bragging about playing golf with Tang’s grandfather. Tang Zhisong acted relaxed, letting the sleazy man drink a full glass while he didn't touch his.
When President Qin stopped, Tang Zhisong adjusted his glasses and smiled.
"Why stop? Finish three glasses and then we'll talk about your project."
The words were exactly what President Qin had just said to Jiang Bin.
President Qin laughed awkwardly and drank two more glasses until his face was bright red.
"Now, President Tang, can we talk about that coal mine deal?"
Tang Zhisong gave a cold, lazy smile and had his assistant bring an even larger glass.
"You didn't hear me. I said: After these three glasses, then we talk."
Even when he was being overbearing, Tang Zhisong looked like a perfect gentleman. President Qin finally realized what was happening. He looked at Jiang Bin in terror.
Tang Zhisong’s eyes turned cold.
"My wife cannot hold her liquor. If you want someone to drink with, I will keep you company."
Wife?!
The room went silent. President Qin almost fell out of his chair. He began frantically apologizing to Jiang Bin. Tang Zhisong had just given her his full protection.
Before President Qin passed out, he not only approved her payment but promised to meet her next week to sign the acquisition deal.
* * *
Outside, a mild evening breeze stirred the air. They stopped by the fountain, the sound of splashing water filling the silence.
Tang Zhisong stood a few paces ahead. Jiang Bin caught up and spoke directly. "Thank you for tonight. I owe you one."
Tang Zhisong didn't reply immediately. He took off his glasses and hooked them onto his shirt, looking out at the city skyline. Jiang Bin could sense a subtle tension in him. A cold irritation she couldn't quite place. He had helped her yet he seemed displeased.
Finally, he looked at her, his gaze sharp without the barrier of his glasses.
"If you have the leverage and refuse to use it," he said, his voice low, "then what was the point of this marriage?"
He was reprimanding her. He was frustrated that she had nearly let herself be mistreated by a sleazy man like President Qin instead of simply using her status as his wife to end the conflict.
"I didn't want to overstep," Jiang Bin replied. "But I understand. I’ll be more careful next time."
She realized that his intervention had cost him social capital.
"How will you handle President Qin now?"
"I’ll handle it," he said simply. "You don't need to worry about it."
For someone used to fighting alone, hearing that she didn't need to worry about something felt strange. Tang Zhisong then went to his car and retrieved a small box from the glove box. He clicked it open to reveal two wedding rings.
The lady’s ring held a stunning, heart-shaped pink diamond.
"The cutting took some time," he explained, his tone as clinical as if he were discussing a business report. He didn't mention it was a raw stone from his own family’s mine.
He put on his own band and handed the box to her. There was no ceremony or romantic gesture. It was a simple exchange of symbols. Jiang Bin took the ring and slid it on. It was a perfect fit.
"Thank you." she said, looking down at the shimmering heart on her hand.
"It’s beautiful."
Tang Zhisong glanced at her hand. The soft, feminine glow of the pink diamond stood in stark contrast to her sharp, black business attire, momentarily softening her icy edges.
"As long as you like it," he replied simply.
He didn't linger. He got into his car and drove off into the night.
Jiang Bin watched his car disappear. She turned to her assistant.
"Add Tang Zhisong to my VIP Client list."
This meant he would now receive the highest level of attention, gifts, and care she gave to her most important business partners. Including a gift for the upcoming Qixi holiday.
Translator's Notes:
- "Fair-weather friends" (酒肉朋友): People who are only your friends when you are buying them "wine and meat." They have no real loyalty.
- Baijiu (白酒): A potent Chinese grain liquor (usually 40-60% ABV). Drinking "three glasses" of this is a significant feat and often used in business as a test of sincerity or a method of bullying.
- "Pity the fragrant grass and cherish the jade" (怜香惜玉): A poetic idiom meaning to be kind and protective toward women.
- Moutai (茅台): The "national liquor" of China and a status symbol. Offering it shows the highest level of respect in a business setting.
- Qixi (七夕): Often called "Chinese Valentine's Day," it falls on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month.
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