Frankfurt is a city of immigrants. Here, you can encounter people of different colors and nationalities, including many Chinese. It's common to see shops with Chinese signs. Two friends chatted happily as they observed the streets and scenery outside the car window. The azure sky, gentle sunlight, flocks of pigeons, and exotic buildings seemed to enchant everyone.
As they stopped at a red light, Rui Xiaodan asked, "What is a private equity fund? Is it illegal?"
Xiao Yawen replied, "There are no laws yet, so how can it be illegal? As I understand it, private equity is unregistered personal wealth management, similar to a trust. All the funds Mr. Ding raised came from Germany but are entirely focused on the Chinese stock market. Simply put, it's your capital, my expertise, and together we make money on the stock market. Guaranteed profits."
Rui Xiaodan scoffed, "There's no such thing as guaranteed profit."
Xiao Yawen said, "Do you think German money is easy to use? Any losses are covered by the guarantor, not the investor."
The light turned green, and Rui Xiaodan drove through the intersection. She asked again, "Aren't the guarantors afraid of losing money?"
Xiao Yawen said, "Of course they are. The guarantor only backs you if they're confident you won't lose their money. It all depends on their trust in your ability. But for the investors, it's guaranteed profit."
Rui Xiaodan asked, "If it's such a good deal, how much did you invest?"
Xiao Yawen sighed, "With a 30 million yuan entry fee, can we even afford it? I thought about secretly investing a little, but my conscience couldn't handle it. It's beyond my moral limits."
The car reached a street near the pedestrian area, and Rui Xiaodan found a parking spot.
They walked along the pedestrian street to the Römer Square, asking strangers to take photos of them. In the square, they asked an elderly German man, sitting under a sun umbrella and enjoying his coffee, to take their picture. The gray-haired man, perhaps an amateur photographer, enthusiastically and proudly chose several characteristic backgrounds and took a dozen photos of them, before contentedly returning to his now cold coffee.
From Römer Square, they walked to the Main Bridge. The setting sun cast a golden-red glow over the tranquil river. After taking a few more photos, they walked along the bridge, chatting. Rui Xiaodan carried her bag in her left hand and had her right hand in her coat pocket, the wind blowing her coat hem and tousling her hair.
Xiao Yawen asked, "You've got your lawyer's license. What's next?"
Rui Xiaodan said, "I'm just preparing for a career change. I haven't been laid off yet."
Xiao Yawen sighed, "Not many of our female classmates are still in the police force, and even fewer are in the criminal investigation team. Women just can't keep up as criminal investigators, physically or mentally. In the end, even being a 'flower vase' in uniform isn't enough. How much longer do you think you can hold out? Until you're 30?"
Rui Xiaodan replied, "No, if I wait until I'm 30 to apply for studying abroad, it'll be hard to get approved. I plan to work for another two years, then study at the University of Frankfurt. It'll save money on living expenses here, and I can become a lawyer when I return. Law is my only skill. I can only earn a living in this field. But I'm not confident about making a living as a lawyer either. It requires high logical thinking and broad knowledge. Many lawyers struggle to make ends meet. We'll see."
Xiao Yawen laughed, "Lawyers make money just by talking."
Rui Xiaodan said, "Women don't have the talent to become great lawyers. I'd be happy just to make a living. What about you? What will you do after the private equity fund dissolves?"
A hint of melancholy flashed in Xiao Yawen's eyes, "Still drifting in Beijing. Without skills or capital, what else can I do but work? Save money and see if there are any opportunities in the future."
...
Rui Xiaodan spent the afternoon showing Xiao Yawen around the attractions near Römer Square, taking three rolls of film. They had dinner together and then arrived at Frankfurt Airport an hour early.
The airport hall was brightly lit. After completing the check-in process, Xiao Yawen bid farewell to Rui Xiaodan at the entrance.
In their final moment of farewell, Rui Xiaodan looked into Xiao Yawen's eyes and said sincerely, "Yawen, I'm a police officer. I don't want anything unpleasant to happen between us."
Xiao Yawen thought for a moment and said, "Legally, I assure you there's no problem. I can't explain the person to you. I can only say that with my intelligence, I can't understand him."
Xiao Yawen gave a faint, apologetic smile, waved gently, and said goodbye.