Chapter 26
Lu’s father truly managed to show no reaction whatsoever toward Lu Ping’an.
Carrying the suitcase, he walked out of the study and said to Ping’an, who was in the living room keeping Wang Bohui company, “Study hard with your aunt.”
Without hesitation, Lu Mingzhu extended her hand: “Give me the money!”
Lu’s father was stunned by his daughter’s shamelessness. “You just took ten or so of my prized possessions, and now you’re asking me for money?”
“Tuition fees!” Lu Mingzhu declared indignantly. “Yesterday, you publicly promised to pay our tuition. How can you go back on your word? Eldest Brother, don’t you agree?”
Wang Bohui immediately laughed. “Mingzhu, I will cover the tuition fees for you and Ping’an.”
For him, it was a trivial matter!
Lu Mingzhu’s father said unhappily, “There’s no need. I’ll have Changgen deliver it to you later. You’re only allowed to pay their tuition fees, not give them any living expenses. It’s not like we’re short of money; you just know how to squeeze your old father dry, as if you won’t stop until the last drop of blood is extracted.”
Lu Mingzhu made a funny face at him.
As long as her goal was achieved, she didn’t care what he said.
With thick skin, one can always get a piece of meat.
Those with thin skin get nothing.
Ping’an also pressed his lips together in a smile, his eyes curving into crescents.
Lu’s father was too exasperated to even muster anger; he pointed at the two of them and said, “I need to have a word with Boye. Neither of you is to follow us—stay far away. If I catch either of you eavesdropping… hmph!”
“As you wish—we’ll stay a hundred thousand miles away,” Lu Mingzhu replied, secretly delighted.
She needed to stash her newly acquired treasures away immediately, right this instant.
Fortunately, these dozen or so pieces of jewelry and the pouch of colored diamonds were small enough to fit into her storage space without needing to clear anything out first; she could simply squeeze them in alongside the other items already nestled in her jewelry box!
Regrettably, Lu’s father is too stingy to part with more jewels of such quality anytime soon.
Still, his collection is truly impressive!
That entire chest is filled with treasures.
He surely has more than just one trunk; there must be at least several dozen.
How enviable!
Lu Mingzhu secretly pondered how she could draw closer to him and make him willingly continue giving her gifts.
Wang Bohui escorted Lu’s father toward the door and, appearing casual yet speaking with genuine seriousness, asked, “Uncle Lu, do you plan to remain in Hong Kong, or will you depart for another country? If you need any assistance, please say so outright. My business here in Hong Kong is doing reasonably well; arranging your passage on a luxury liner would pose no problem, and I can secure first-class tickets for you.”
Lu’s father sighed, “I originally intended to go to England, but since Mingzhu and Ping’an are both in Hong Kong, I’ve decided to settle here.”
Having received the answer he hoped for, Wang Bohui said cheerfully, “It’s better for us all to watch out for one another here than to be thousands of miles away from home. Are you planning to buy a house next? Shall I inquire whether there are any large mansions for sale atop Victoria Peak?”
“Live on the Peak?” Lu’s father knew that Chinese people had previously been forbidden from residing there.
Wang Bohui smiled gently. “Starting three or four years ago, quite a few wealthy Chinese merchants have moved onto the Peak. I myself once considered joining them, but lacking sufficient funds at the time, I ultimately couldn’t bring myself to do it. Mingzhu, however, was fortunate; introduced by Junyao, she purchased a two-story villa on Peak Road and will be moving there soon. If you settle on the Peak, you and your daughter will live close by, making it convenient to look after each other.”
Lu’s father scoffed lightly, “You have enough money to buy a building, yet you pretend to be poor before me. How much was that building valued at?”
“After purchasing it, she had no money left! Not counting taxes and fees, she spent 250,000; I’m truly not deceiving you.” Uncle Wang Bohui still sided with Lu Mingzhu in his heart. “The young lady possesses great integrity. Had she kept the 200,000 British pounds Mr. He gave her, converting them into 3.2 million Hong Kong dollars to buy property in Hong Kong for rental income, she would never have to worry about food or clothing for the rest of her life. Yet she didn’t. I don’t know what she told Mr. He last night, but through Mrs. Ming, he instructed me and Minghui to transport large quantities of military supplies to the mainland—rubber and gasoline, each amounting to 100,000 tons.”
He added, “Previously, Mr. He also offered her a company owning 200 units in Happy Valley under its name, but she declined.”
Lu’s father felt not the slightest surprise. “The little girl has done well!”
Uncle Wang broke into a smile. “Not even a word from you?”
Lu’s father was utterly speechless. “After just a few days with Mingzhu, have you already picked up her habit of demanding money? How much of my estate did I leave behind in China? Didn’t I donate it all? After spending most of my life building that fortune, this tiny bit is all I managed to bring out. No one is to think about it again.”
“Yes, yes, yes, you are deeply principled.” Wang Bohui also knew that the assets he had left behind in the country were worth no less than tens of millions.
As they neared the entrance, Lu’s father said to him, “Don’t worry about purchasing buildings; I’ll ask Minghui for help. He has good connections with foreign officials and major merchants. Once I’m settled, I’ll buy two buildings and several shops for Ping’an. I’ll call you then; you bring him to me so I can handle the transfer procedures. There’s only one requirement: come quietly, and under no circumstances let Mingzhu know.”
Wang Bohui was utterly perplexed. “Even before knowing that Ping’an is her biological son, the aunt and nephew already shared a strong bond; it will only grow stronger in the future. Why are you keeping this from her?”
Lu’s father countered, “If I don’t keep it from her, do you think she wouldn’t come asking me for some too?”
“Definitely!” Wang Bohui laughed heartily. “She’s quite the little money-grubber. Judging by what she usually says, her lifelong wish is to become a landlady, raking in gold every day while lounging at home without lifting a finger.”
Lu’s father asked puzzledly, “How come I remember her vowing to become the greatest collector under heaven?”
Wang Bohui paused, startled. “Is that so?”
He had never heard of it.
“Her teacher, surnamed Zhang, worried about precious artifacts leaking abroad, so he often took her out to teach her how to appraise jewelry and antiques—either assisting others with appraisals or making purchases himself. Through constant exposure, she gradually developed an interest in the field. Over those past years, she spent no small amount of my money and even made several costly mistakes in appraisal. Fortunately, she lacked funds; otherwise, like her teacher, she would have not only squandered the entire family fortune chasing a few calligraphy scrolls and paintings by ancient masters but also borrowed money from Mingzhu.” Recalling these events, Lu’s father widened his eyes. “At that time, Mingzhu asked me for 50,000 silver dollars to lend to her teacher. That money was never repaid! Moreover, those few scrolls and paintings were donated to the state last year. What a spendthrift daughter! A spendthrift! A spendthrift!”
Wang Bohui found himself at a loss for words.
Hearing this, it became clear that Lu Mingzhu’s extravagance rivaled that of her brother.
Then again, how could collecting antiques be considered squandering? Many people, after rising to prominence, engage extensively in collecting to enhance their cultural depth.
Uncle Wang Bohui quickly changed the subject, “You’ve always been so generous to Mingzhu. I remember how especially fond you were of her when she was little; why did you grow distant later? And the rumors became increasingly absurd, claiming she brought you misfortune.”
Lu’s father sighed, “Having too many women and children in one household is nothing but trouble; they squabble like fighting roosters. It’s not as peaceful as your home.”
Sensing part of the truth and seeing Lu’s father had no intention of elaborating, Uncle Wang asked no further questions—not even inquiring about Lu Changsheng’s current name or position. He simply said, “Uncle Lu, rest assured that the two children are staying with me.”
“There is nothing for me to worry about,” Lu’s father replied, patting his shoulder before adding, “The one I cannot trust is Xie Junyao.”
How many days has Lu Mingzhu been in Hong Kong?
She possesses a beauty capable of toppling kingdoms; could Xie Junyao truly not have been motivated by lust at first sight?
Only a man truly understands another man.
“Uncle Lu, I thought you wouldn’t care.” Wang Bohui chuckled, then briefly outlined Xie Junyao’s family background, character, and education, concluding, “He is an exceptional young man; few can compare to him.”
Lu’s father frowned. “The Xie family… Never mind. Mingzhu is young and fickle; who knows when she might change her mind.”
Uncle Wang Bohui felt a hint of sympathy for Xie Junyao deep down.
It was evident that Lu’s father was dissatisfied with the Xie family.
Without another word, Lu’s father picked up his suitcase and stepped into the sedan provided by the hotel for his use.
The driver, arranged by the hotel, was fluent in foreign languages and familiar with the roads; however, the two other burly bodyguards were trusted confidants of the Lu family, so Lu’s father had no worries whatsoever that carrying a large quantity of jewels would invite trouble.
Moreover, he personally carries compact yet advanced weapons.
This is a habit he has cultivated over many years.
Wang Bohui stood where he was, watching the car disappear before turning back inside. He found Ping’an chatting with Mrs. Wang and Liao Wanru, but Lu Mingzhu was nowhere to be seen. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, “Where is she?”
Mrs. Wang smiled. “She’s gone to hide her newly acquired treasure.”
Wang Bohui casually remarked, “When she moves into her new home, I’ll gift her two safes as a housewarming present.”
“Auntie will surely love them,” Lu Ping’an said with a smile.
Gazing at his face, which bore a five-tenths resemblance to Lu Changsheng’s, Wang Bohui felt a surge of pity rise within him once he had confirmed the boy’s identity. “Ping’an, is there anything you desire?”
Lu Ping’an shook his head. “No.”
Whether or not he was biologically born into the Lu family mattered little to him; the only ones who had ever shown him kindness were his grandmother, his aunt, and his great-grandfather. What relation did he have to those biological parents who had neither raised nor even seen him?
Having never spent any time with them, he felt no attachment; content with his own comfortable life, he couldn’t even be bothered to ask what their names were now.
Now we are worlds apart; may each of us find peace in our own path.
Lu Mingzhu descended lightly, her pink gauze dress flowing gracefully, blooming like a rose with every step she took. “Ping’an, don’t be so reserved! Your aunt is in high spirits today. Tell me whatever you desire, and once I start earning money, I’ll buy it for you!”
Ping’an smiled and replied, “Truly, there is nothing.”
Lu Mingzhu clicked her tongue twice. “So young, yet already so free from desire.”
She couldn’t do it.
“Not at all, I really enjoy doing business.” At these words, Ping’an’s face lit up; he particularly loved the sense of accomplishment that came from making money. Turning to Wang Bohui, he asked, “Uncle, can I stop attending school? Let me learn business from you. Right now, Hong Kong is brimming with opportunities, and I have countless ideas for making money just waiting to be put into action.”
Having inherited Mrs. Lu’s true teachings, he felt as though gold littered the ground, simply waiting for him to pick it up.
Lu Mingzhu also looked toward Wang Bohui and cautiously voiced her own thoughts: “Eldest Brother, I don’t want to go to school either.”
Before transmigrating, her mother and Grandma Zhang had pressured her all the way to a master’s degree, nearly causing her to go bald from stress; in this life, she never wanted to step foot on a campus again!
Going to school is holding her back from making money.
As long as she has wealth and beauty, who cares whether she’s a high school student!
Besides, with the national illiteracy rate reaching 80%, graduating from high school already counts as an exceptionally high level of education.
Once she achieves fame and success, she might even secure an honorary doctorate from a Hong Kong university; such precedents exist, where individuals with initially low formal qualifications ultimately earn doctoral titles based on their societal accomplishments.
Wang Bohui asked, “Neither of you wants to go to school?”
Lu Mingzhu and Ping’an nodded in unison, their identical eyes sparkling brightly as they eagerly awaited the outcome they desired.
Wang Bohui stated firmly, “Absolutely not! Both of you must attend school diligently. Ping’an, I have already made arrangements for you to enroll in middle school at the Royal Academy. Study hard and strive to gain admission to the University of Hong Kong; your father was a university graduate himself. Mingzhu, in a few days you will attend an interview at the University of Hong Kong. With your original admission letter in hand, passing the interview will allow you to continue your studies there.”
Ping’an’s heart was filled with regret.
But he was not good at refusing, so he could only nod and accept Wang Bohui’s kindness, remaining unmoved by the mention of Lu Changsheng being a university student and making no further inquiries.
Lu Mingzhu, however, refused to give up: “Eldest Brother, in truth, I have already reached an age where attending school is unnecessary.”
“Mingzhu, no wonder your father always said you talk nonsense; indeed, he was right.” Wang Bohui placed great importance on education and had no intention of indulging the young girl before him. “There are still a few days left; prepare yourself properly. I will accompany you to the university. Education in Hong Kong differs from that in Shanghai; instruction is entirely in English. I recall your English is excellent, so there is no need to worry about the outcome.”
Lu Mingzhu made a final, desperate struggle: “I have forgotten all my English and cannot pass the interview; it is better not to go and embarrass myself.”
Do you believe Wang Bohui?
Believe him? Not a chance.
At the Ming family’s dinner party last night, most of the conversation was in English; she showed no sign of struggling, even speaking more fluently than most attendees.
That evening, Lu’s father sent Lu Changgen to deliver ten thousand US dollars. Seizing the opportunity, Wang Bohui declared, “Mingzhu, if you and Ping’an study diligently and enroll smoothly, I’ll hand over this money to you. Otherwise, don’t even bother asking.”
Shifting her gaze from the $10,000 to Wang Bohui’s face, Lu Mingzhu sighed heavily, “Alright!”
Nearly 60,000 Hong Kong dollars!
The old man isn’t quite as stingy as I thought!
Ping’an, however, said, “Uncle, may I change my name? I don’t like being called Ping’an.”
Lu Mingzhu nodded in agreement, “The name ‘Ping’an’ is too rustic; people might mock it. It’s fine as a nickname, though. What name are you thinking of changing it to? Would you like my elder brother and me to help you choose? Let’s pick one that’s both meaningful and pleasant.”
“I’d like to change it to Lu Shen,” Ping’an replied.
Lu Mingzhu was taken aback. “Shen? As in cautious? You’re my own nephew; there’s no need for you to live so carefully.”
If the old man had any conscience, such a vast family fortune would surely include a share for his eldest legitimate grandson.
If he won’t give it, then we must fight for it.
Which wealthy family in Hong Kong doesn’t battle over inheritance?
Ping’an’s lips curled upward as she smiled and said, “Auntie, I chose this name for myself a long time ago to remind myself to always act with caution, treat others with sincerity, and never be blindly arrogant or complacent.”
Wang Bohui clapped his hands and said, “An excellent name; it is very good that you hold such thoughts.”
But it requires Father Lu’s approval.
When he told this to Lu Mingzhu and Lu Ping’an, the aunt and nephew exclaimed in unison, “Why tell him? He doesn’t even provide living expenses; we’ll act first and report later!”
After speaking, they looked at each other and burst into laughter, sharing a clear understanding.
In reality, the tuition didn’t need to be that high; the remainder was certainly meant for living expenses. But who could argue when Father Lu had stated it so!
They were merely echoing others.
After they returned to their rooms to rest, Wang Bohui had no choice but to secretly call the Xiangjiang Grand Hotel to reach Lu’s father and tell him everything in detail.
Lu’s father did not object: “Ping’an probably wants to change his name because he understands the meaning behind it. Let him change it; anyway, Changsheng never raised Ping’an, and just as his mother wished, he has remained safe and sound, achieving fame and success.”
Wang Bohui suddenly understood.
Ping’an’s name change was certainly not something planned long ago; he likely realized, upon learning of his origins, that his name embodied the elders’ prayers for Lu Changsheng’s safety while away.
Lu Mingzhu also thought of this.
Indeed, the name Lu Shen sounded strikingly familiar, very much like the name of a male protagonist in a novel.
He was handsome, intelligent, and had a complicated background—possessing all the quintessential traits of a leading man.
After her bath, Lu Mingzhu applied body lotion and moisturizing cream, slipped into her silk pajamas, and settled comfortably in bed, waiting for Morpheus to call. In her drowsy state, a novel she had once read flickered through her mind—one where the male lead was named Lu Shen.
Alas, none of them matched.
For a moment, it didn’t occur to her that a supporting male character could also be named Lu Shen.
Overcome by sleepiness, Lu Mingzhu soon drifted off.
The only thought on her mind before sleep was that she still didn’t want to go to school; she wished to stay home and resume her old trade, properly finishing the script to earn those 3,000 Hong Kong dollars and pursue sustainable development.
Unfortunately, she couldn’t resist the two evil forces of Father Lu and Wang Bohui.
Truly, whoever has money speaks with authority.
She was simply too poor!
This unpleasant mood carried over into the next day.
Wang Bohui wanted to laugh the moment he saw her expression; he held it back again and again, but after the meal, he finally couldn’t contain himself and burst out laughing. “Mingzhu, is going to school really that difficult? Just think—you’ll be attending for three years. During those three years, under the pretext of schooling, how much money can you ask your father for?”
Her words struck him like a bolt of lightning: “That’s right—we have a legitimate reason.”
Lu Mingzhu quickly cheered up and said enthusiastically, “Ping’an, let’s go change your name. Once it’s changed, we can wait for registration to begin.”
Wang Bohui was the one who took them there.
Lu Ping’an’s name was changed to Lu Shen, and the home address on the identity documents was updated to the new residence of the aunt and nephew; even Lu Mingzhu had a fresh set of identity papers issued.
Thanks to Wang Bohui’s standing, the police station gave them no trouble whatsoever.
Upon leaving the police station, Wang Bohui offered to escort them home before heading off to work himself, but Lu Mingzhu waved him off, saying, “You two go ahead and get busy at the company; I’ll make my way back on my own.”
She used the same photo as before, so today she did her makeup as usual, with dark hair framing her forehead.
Only this time, she didn’t make herself look quite so ugly.
She looked very delicate and refined.
Spotting a street cart selling curry fish balls, Lu Mingzhu quickly ran over and bought three skewers in one breath!
Her original self, strictly adhering to the upbringing of a proper lady, never ate street food, yet she had no such reservations.
Standing by the roadside, halfway through her second skewer, a brand-new black Mercedes-Benz pulled up before her and slowly lowered its window.