In 1992, a state-owned department store went bankrupt. Jiang Ning, a laid-off female worker, boarded a green train heading south to buy and resell goods, carrying everything she owned.
Hard-sleeper tickets were impossible to get, so she had no choice but to share a berth.
The man sharing it was Lu Chenye, a cold and stern man who spoke with a broad Cantonese accent, wore a Rolex, and smelled strongly of crisp pine.
On the long journey, in the cramped berth and swaying carriage, Lu Chenye's voice was seductive: "Little sister, got a light?"
Jiang Ning stared at his perfect bone structure, rolled her eyes, and decided to lend him a light first, then borrow the man himself.
By day, she busied herself reselling clothes and trading subscription vouchers. At night, she slipped into Lu Chenye's luxury suite, and they each got what they wanted.
Every speculator in the Special Economic Zone knew that Boss Lu had impossibly high standards and a ruthless streak.
Everyone thought Jiang Ning was a kept woman who traded her looks for access to suppliers.
Until, at the negotiating table for a border trade deal worth millions, Jiang Ning appeared in a red dress. With fluent Russian and a shrewd eye, she drove out every competitor and took half of Lu Chenye's profits.
Lu Chenye cornered her against the wall, laughing in fury. "Boss Jiang, you've been sleeping with me for so long without paying, and now you're taking my business too. Don't you think it's time to settle the bill?"
Jiang Ning blew out a ring of smoke. "Feelings are feelings, business is business. Mr. Lu, can't take the heat?"
