Chapter 007
Upon hearing Lu Mingzhu’s inquiry about jewelry brokers, Zhao Sinan promptly took out a business card and handed it to her with both hands. “A jewelry broker serves the same role as a real estate agent, acting as an intermediary for buying, selling, and leasing both properties and jewelry. I have been in this profession for ten years and have established my own brokerage firm, offering numerous high-quality properties and jewelry pieces. Since we are fellow townspeople, Miss, you can rely on me for any property or jewelry transactions, thus avoiding being deceived by others.”
The diamond wristwatch on her arm is exceedingly rare!
It signifies that she comes from a highly distinguished background.
Those aboard this cruise ship are either wealthy or noble; moreover, the chief steward of the Wang household addressed her as “Miss.” Her recent inquiry about property prices indicates that, like many affluent merchants and celebrities who previously fled Shanghai to settle in Hong Kong, she will either purchase or rent a home upon her arrival.
With the real estate market currently in a downturn, Zhao Sinan, who has returned home to visit relatives, is adept at seizing every opportunity.
Before the meal, he had already struck a deal with a jeweler who was leading his entire family away from Shanghai to settle in Hong Kong; once they arrived in Hong Kong, he would help them find a residential building.
At the same time, Zhao Sinan also became their family’s jewelry broker.
Seeing that the business card bore the name “Hong Kong Sinan Brokerage Company” along with Zhao Sinan’s name, address, telephone number, and other details, Lu Mingzhu accepted it, placed it in her handbag, and smiled as she said, “Mr. Zhao, what quality properties do you have available?”
Energized by her interest and with her permission, Zhao Sinan carried his Western-style dinner plate to an empty seat at Lu Mingzhu’s table and spoke enthusiastically: “From grand houses on the Peak and large mansions on the Mid-Levels down to tong lau buildings, bungalows, and commercial shops—no matter which type of property you prefer, we will provide corresponding services. Currently, the five finest grand houses in our portfolio are…”
“Where are they located?” Lu Mingzhu asked, her eyes sparkling.
“A three-story detached villa on Kadoorie Hill, a four-story house in Repulse Bay, and another four-story residence in Deep Water Bay,” Zhao Sinan listed all three in one breath, then paused before continuing, “The fourth property is on Sassoon Road in Pok Fu Lam, just one house away from Mr. Wang Bohui’s home, though with a smaller land area. The final one is in Kowloon Tong. All five grand residences are detached villas with large gardens; the oldest was built twenty years ago, the newest five years ago, and all are ready for immediate occupancy.”
Lu Mingzhu’s eyes widened until they were big and round.
They were all super-luxury mansions!
In the future, these will be worth nine or ten figures.
“A detached house with a large garden doesn’t come cheap!” Lu Mingzhu indeed had plans to purchase a luxury estate, both for its comfortable living environment and its potential for appreciation.
It would serve both as a residence and an investment.
Money kept idle in hand won’t grow on its own.
Yet, well aware that wealth should not be flaunted, she refrained from revealing whether or not she intended to buy.
Hearing this, Zhao Sinan smiled. “Expensive properties have their advantages: spacious and bright rooms, lush gardens, and an elegant environment, perfectly suited for a young lady of your stature. Your noble demeanor and graceful presence clearly show you were born amidst luxury, destined to enjoy wealth and comfort. Of course, there are cheaper options too—tong lau buildings costing tens of thousands or simple bungalows priced at a few thousand, all dilapidated and run-down. I’m afraid they wouldn’t meet your standards.”
Lu Mingzhu rested her chin on her hand, her eyes calm like still water. “Let’s wait until we reach Hong Kong before deciding; it’s too early to discuss anything now.”
“That’s true.” Zhao Sinan finished his last bite of steak and drained the champagne from his glass. “If you need anything, Miss, feel free to call me anytime. There are two phone numbers listed above—one for the office and one for my home. Someone is always available by the phone, so no call from any distinguished guest will ever be missed.”
Lu Mingzhu nodded. “When the time comes, I shall certainly have to rely on Mr. Zhao’s assistance.”
At this moment, Butler Li spoke up, “Miss Mingzhu, when the master first arrived in Hong Kong, he entrusted Mr. Zhao to purchase that grand mansion.”
This means you can trust him without worry.
Zhao Sinan smiled and said, “Mr. Wang was exceedingly generous; he purchased four large mansions in one go, registering them under the names of the four young Masters Wang. It is the largest transaction our company has ever handled.”
Lu Mingzhu was utterly astonished. “Uncle Li, is this true?”
Butler Li nodded affirmatively.
“Godfather is so wealthy!” Lu Mingzhu exclaimed, her face brimming with envy.
Butler Li chuckled softly, “Not as wealthy as Master Lu and Madam Lu.”
Who in all of Shanghai did not know that Madam Lu was the wealthiest woman? Sadly, she could not survive a severe illness, and no one knows who ended up with her private fortune.
Based on the gold, silver, and other assets Lu Mingzhu exchanged for foreign currency with Wang Xingcai, Butler Li deduced that she had not inherited her mother’s estate.
It is indeed very strange.
Mrs. Lu had only one biological child: Lu Mingzhu.
By all rights, all the wealth she possessed in her lifetime should have belonged to Lu Mingzhu.
Lu Mingzhu lowered her hand, resting it on the dining table. “Uncle Li, please don’t mention that old man to me. His money is his; it has nothing to do with me. I was never blessed enough to receive any of it.”
Butler Li said, “Miss Mingzhu, I can guarantee that you will see Master Lu once you arrive in Hong Kong.”
Lu Mingzhu quickly caught on. “That’s right! Godfather said this cruise ship will reach Hong Kong in three days. How long does the ordinary vessel Old Man Lu is taking need? Ten days? Half a month?”
“About ten days, certainly no more than half a month,” Butler Li stated with certainty.
Lu Mingzhu clapped her hands and laughed heartily. “Excellent! I’ll wait for him. When I see him, I must demand money from him!”
Every extra cent counts.
Although the assets Lu’s father left her before his departure were not insignificant, and she had even dug up the six large chests of antiques and porcelain he had hidden, Lu Mingzhu still wanted more money.
She suspected that Lu’s wife’s inheritance was in his possession.
Zhao Sinan listened quietly to the conversation between the two, only then realizing that the young girl before her was none other than Lu Mingzhu, renowned as the most beautiful woman in Shanghai.
He had long heard of her fame.
Raising his eyes, he secretly studied her slightly dark and ordinary features; Zhao Sinan could hardly believe what he saw. If this was what the “most beautiful woman” looked like, then wouldn’t everyone be considered beautiful?
Her peach-blossom eyes, however, were truly stunning—beautiful as a pool of autumn water.
No one cared what was going on in Zhao Sinan’s mind. After the meal, Lu Mingzhu returned directly to her cabin, declining Butler Li’s suggestion that he accompany her with some staff to the deck for a breath of fresh air.
She needed to quickly familiarize herself with traditional Chinese characters to avoid exposing herself.
Except for mealtimes, she hardly ever left her room; occasionally, she even had the maid bring meals directly to her cabin.
Before her transmigration, Lu Mingzhu had worked as a screenwriter and was also a moderately well-known web novelist. She had always been content staying indoors, and here in the cabin, free from the need to wear makeup, her skin could finally breathe fully.
Three days passed in a flash.
The ship docked.
Zhao Sinan disembarked first, stopping by to bid farewell before leaving.
He had traveled in third class and carried little luggage, holding just two suitcases.
They left by rickshaw.
Lu Ping’an was fine, but Lu Mingzhu had quite a bit of luggage; fortunately, the servants were strong, and with help from the cruise ship’s staff, everything was quickly moved ashore.
Immediately, someone pulled up a rickshaw and asked, “Miss, Sir, would you like to take a rickshaw?”
Before Lu Mingzhu could carefully observe the surroundings of the dock, Butler Li waved his hand at the rickshaw puller, saying, “No need, no need, we don’t require one.”
Wang Xingcai had informed Wang Bohui in advance. Butler Li had assumed that Wang Bohui would send someone and a car to pick them up; little did he expect that as soon as the words were spoken, Wang Bohui himself stepped out of a sedan.
He had actually come in person to receive Lu Mingzhu!
In the original body’s memories, her adopted elder brother Wang Bohui, though ordinary in appearance, was tall and slender with sharp, piercing eyes. Thanks to his meticulous self-care, he looked nearly ten years younger than his actual age, exuding an unmistakable aura of authority whenever he walked.
Lu Mingzhu called out, “Eldest Brother!”
Hearing the familiar voice, Wang Bohui’s face broke into a slight smile. But when he clearly saw Lu Mingzhu’s appearance, he was startled. “Mingzhu, what has happened to you?”
Where had his sister, known as the number one beauty, gone?
Lu Mingzhu chuckled and said, “I’m wearing makeup.”
Wang Bohui suddenly understood, then broke into a smile of approval. “Hong Kong is quite chaotic; it’s better to be cautious.”
Having said that, he invited Lu Mingzhu and Lu Ping’an to join him in his car. The luggage was naturally handed over to Butler Li and the servants he had brought along, sparing their masters any worry.
Lu Mingzhu touched the seat. “Big Brother, how much did this car cost?”
She was wondering whether she should buy a car for transportation. Before her transmigration, she had already obtained her driver’s license and accumulated several years of driving experience; with some refreshment, she could quickly be back on the road.
Uncle Wang Bohui, sitting in the front passenger seat, turned around and said, “Two thousand US dollars.”
Lu Mingzhu abandoned her original plan. “I’d rather use my money to buy property!”
Forget about cars; they’re nothing but depreciating assets.
Wang Bohui smiled faintly. “Don’t tell me you don’t even have enough money to buy a car?”
“I do, but buying property is far more important. Ping’an and I will depend on rental income to make a living in the future!” Property values can appreciate a hundredfold or even a thousandfold, whereas cars only end up as scrap.
Just like the story of the Santana and an apartment in Shanghai.
Wang Bohui shifted his gaze to Lu Ping’an, suddenly narrowing his eyes as he studied him carefully for a moment before saying, “It’s been several years; Ping’an has grown even more handsome. I almost didn’t recognize you.”
Lu Ping’an smiled shyly. “Uncle Wang, I hope you have been well since we last met?”
“Very well, very well indeed.” Wang Bohui glanced at him a few more times and laughed. “With a man’s spirit housed in a woman-like appearance, great wealth and nobility await. Mingzhu, this nephew of ours is certainly no ordinary creature confined to a mere pond.”
“May your auspicious words come true,” Lu Mingzhu replied happily.
Indeed, she had never seen a more handsome youth than Lu Ping’an, who was also exceptionally intelligent, calm, and composed.
Uncle Wang Bohui said nothing more.
He sat up straight, gazing ahead with a distant and profound look, lost in his own thoughts.
Lu Mingzhu paid it no mind; before closing her eyes, she whispered softly to Lu Ping’an, “Call me when we arrive.”
Lu Ping’an nodded obediently.
The dock where the cruise ship berthed was quite close to the Wang family residence; a clear, unobstructed road led straight to an ornate European-style iron gate. Once the gate opened, the car drove directly inside.
Lu Ping’an woke Lu Mingzhu, and her eyes instantly widened in awe.
What a magnificent mansion!
It took about a minute to drive from the gate to the four-story villa; walking would surely have taken several minutes. On both sides of the driveway stretched lush lawns and blooming flowers and trees.
Lu Mingzhu, without blinking, asked, “Big Brother, how much did this grand residence cost you?”
She wanted to buy one too.
Mr. Wang Bohui smiled and said, “Three hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars.”
Lu Mingzhu quickly calculated the money she had on hand, her large eyes curving into a smile. “Big Brother, just wait until we become neighbors!”
As soon as she obtained her identity card, she would contact Zhao Sinan to secure the grand residence he had mentioned.
“I’ll be waiting,” Mr. Wang Bohui replied, asking Lu Mingzhu and Lu Ping’an to get out of the car. Just then, they were greeted by Mrs. Wang and her eldest daughter-in-law, Liao Wanru, who had come out of the house to welcome them; Mrs. Wang was, of course, Mr. Wang Bohui’s wife.
No one else was present.