Chapter 036 Gazing at the nearly full chest of cash, He Yun let out a soft chuckle, his tone slow yet firm.

"Mingzhu, you saved my life; how could you call that no merit? My life is far more precious than those things I gave you. Apart from those items, I have little else to offer in return, so why must you calculate everything so precisely?" Lu Mingzhu countered,

"Mr. He, in your eyes, what exactly am I?"

He Yun seemed to pause for a few seconds, or perhaps he didn't, before smiling lightly and replying, "A friend. A friendship transcending age."

Thus, it was settled.

"Since we are friends, our relationship should remain pure; it is best not to involve financial transactions."

Lu Mingzhu reached out and pushed the leather suitcase forward with her finger, but it wouldn't budge, leaving her fingertip slightly sore.

"As I said before, when I saved Mr. He, I expected no reward, and Mr. He's recompense has already been more than generous. There is truly no need for further gestures; they would only become a heavy burden on me. Friendship thrives on mutual exchange—if your gifts are too valuable, I cannot reciprocate appropriately. Moreover, should outsiders witness this, it would appear improper and inevitably invite gossip."

"Mingzhu,"

He Yun addressed her thus. She raised her eyes, their clarity reflecting his image. Handsome and refined, dignified yet at ease, time had endowed him with an inexplicable charm. Indeed, he is outstanding to the extreme. But in Lu Mingzhu's eyes, what sets him apart from Xie Junyao is his life experience. And life experience is precisely what Lu Mingzhu cares about the least. Growing together, maturing together, and aging together—that is what Lu Mingzhu truly seeks. He Yun spoke slowly, "Mingzhu, I am already an old man, nearing the end of my days. There are many things I can no longer contemplate or do; I can only quietly await time's final judgment upon me. My life is as still as stagnant water, without any ripples or waves. Only those objects can attest to past glories, which is why I often give them to younger generations—not just to you. Truly, there is no need for overthinking."

Lu Mingzhu's eyes sparkled as she said, "Mr. He, I still stand by my own thoughts."

She was a woman, and besides self-respect, a woman must also maintain her dignity. Yes, her background had caused her to develop many flaws. She loved money, valued wealth, adored beautiful clothes and jewelry—superficial and vulgar perhaps—because money could resolve over ninety percent of life's troubles. Yet what she loved most was the money she earned herself. Now, she enjoys prying money out of her biological father, Mr. Lu. The source is absolutely clean, leaving no room for any suspicion. He Yun gazed at her for a long while before finally sighing.

"Since you are so determined, I will accept it."

Lu Mingzhu felt a wave of relief wash over her; two deep dimples appeared on her face, sweet and intoxicating.

"Thank you for your understanding, Mr. He. Please also forgive my boldness today. I have prepared a banquet at my new residence this coming weekend, and I sincerely hope you will honor us with your presence."

"Very well," He Yun agreed.

Lu Mingzhu suddenly remembered the two maids and added, "Thank you very much, Mr. He, for finding me these two maids. From now on, I will pay their salaries myself, so as not to burden you with further expenses." He Yun quietly replied,

"Very well."

"Then I shall await your honorable presence at my new residence," Lu Mingzhu said, having achieved her purpose, and rose to take her leave.

Decisive and straightforward, without a hint of hesitation. He Yun escorted her to the door and watched silently as she got into the car and drove away. Lu Mingzhu happened to glance back and found him still standing before the main gate, his tall figure motionless like a statue, guarding this building that might witness a century of history, almost blending into it. He was probably angry. He had not attended the housewarming party held on Sunday. He Xuan presented a purple clay teapot and its accompanying tea set on behalf of her father, smiling as she said, "Mingzhu, my father is hosting a group of officials and wealthy merchants from Nanyang and simply cannot get away. He regrets having to break his promise to you and has asked me to convey his congratulations on your housewarming instead." Lu Mingzhu breathed a sigh of relief.

"Mr. He is too kind; official duties take precedence."

Simple and straightforward was best. He Xuan then presented a pair of Qianlong-era famille-rose vases adorned with motifs of "full hall of riches and honor,"

prepared jointly by herself and Minghui, before turning to converse with Mrs. Wang, Lu's father, and the others. Wang Bohui kept his promise and indeed joined forces with Liao Wanru to deliver two large, heavy, and extremely sturdy safes. Mrs. Wang presented a gift on her own: an oval-shaped "Thunder God Egg"

of medium size, containing vivid purple crystal that resembled grapes, glowing with a radiant red hue—beautiful and mysterious. Lu Mingzhu, continuously receiving gifts, beamed with delight. Xie Junyao's eyes were filled entirely with her. When Lu Mingzhu moved left, his gaze followed left; when she turned right, his attention immediately shifted right; and if Lu Mingzhu sat down, his eyes remained fixed upon her. Anyone could see how much he liked Lu Mingzhu. A deep affection. Mingyue, attending as a classmate alongside her parents to join the festivities, presented a bouquet of flowers and embraced Lu Mingzhu with a cheek-to-cheek greeting, positioning herself directly facing Xie Junyao, in whose eyes she detected a hint of jealousy. Was he envious that they could exchange such an intimate greeting? Mingyue pressed even closer. A beauty like jade, with smooth skin and an exquisite touch. Seeing Lu Mingzhu place the flowers into one of the vases gifted by He Xuan and Minghui, Mingyue deliberately smiled and said, "Mingzhu, may I call you Mingzhu from now on?"

"Of course!"

Although Lu Mingzhu addressed He Xuan as 'older sister,'

that did not prevent her from treating Mingyue as a friend. They are of similar age, making it easier to get along. Mingyue said with a cheerful smile, "Our families live very close to each other, and we're classmates too. I liked you the moment I first saw you. Can I come visit you often? Shopping together is the most fun thing for girls." Lu Mingzhu agreed.

Shopping—what girl doesn't love it? It gave her the perfect excuse to bring out a few items from her spatial storage.

"Mingzhu, I can accompany you shopping anytime; there's really no need to trouble Miss Ming," Xie Junyao said, presenting the gift he had nearly forgotten upon seeing Lu Mingzhu.

It was a coral bonsai adorned with an emerald live-ring ear basin. The jade is emerald green, the coral a vivid red; the two colors complement each other beautifully. Lu Mingzhu's eyes lit up.

"So beautiful!"

Throughout history, the most prized coral has been that which is deeply red, densely branched, and tall in stature. Yet this particular piece was delicately charming, perfectly matching Lu Mingzhu's aesthetic taste.

"If you like it, then I've chosen well."

Xie Junyao helped her place it on the tall side table beside the sofa. Standing beside her, he smiled at Lu Mingzhu, his features clear and refined, like a jade tree bathed in breeze, exuding an innate elegance. Lu Mingzhu returned his smile, her bright eyes and white teeth making her appearance exceptionally graceful and beautiful. A perfect pair of golden boy and jade girl, embodying the beauty of youth. Yet Lu's father interrupted their exchanged glances, saying, "Mingzhu, come over and see the gift I've brought for you. Do you like it?"

"Let me see, let me see."

Lu Mingzhu hurried over in three quick strides, bouncing up to her father's side. She saw a row of bodyguards presenting a line of gifts—all old items her father had once used in the Lu family garden. Gemstone bonsai, white jade ruyi scepters, jadeite cabbages, agate dishes, famille rose plates, Ru kiln brush washers, linked-bead vases, coral trees, ancient calligraphy and paintings… Lu Mingzhu let out an amazed "Wow!"

"Dad, are you giving me your entire fortune?"

Fine treasures, all of them fine treasures. Antiques. A smile appeared on Father Lu's face.

"I have no use for them; I'll just pick a few for you to play with."

Lu Mingzhu burst into joyful laughter, her eyes crinkling so much that only her teeth were visible.

"I love them so much! Thank you, Dad."

This greatly enriched her collection. Minghui was deeply impressed, gazing at Father Lu with fervent admiration.

"Mr. Lu truly embodies a father's boundless love for his daughter; giving away so many antiques without the slightest hesitation."

"No one should outshine us."

Lu's father hinted at He Yun. Unfortunately, neither Minghui nor He Xuan knew this. Lu Ping'an stepped forward with a smile, presenting a flat rosewood jewelry box inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

"Auntie, I'm different from others. While they give gifts to decorate houses, mine will make you look even more beautiful."

"What a good child; you truly understand my heart."

Lu Mingzhu accepted it without hesitation. Opening it revealed a set of jade jewelry. A single safety bangle, a ring, a pair of earrings, and a necklace set with nine large cabochon diamonds. Vivid green, comparable in quality to what Mrs. Lu left to the original body. Also former possessions of Mrs. Lu. The craftsmanship is by Cartier, exquisitely done and truly timeless. Lu Mingzhu recalled what Lu Ping'an had said about the jewelry left to him by his grandmother. Since she lacked nothing herself, she intended to return it.

"Isn't this meant for your future wife, as your grandmother intended? Take it back. Someday, earn your own money and buy me a gift then."

Lu's father was immensely wealthy, and since her original self had died young due to his unauthorized arrangement of her marriage, Lu Mingzhu felt entirely justified in demanding her share. As for Lu Ping'an, forget it. He is still a child. Lu's father glanced at him and said, "His giving it to you is a gesture of his heart; just accept it. Tomorrow, I will give him another set in return."

"Ping'an, you heard that? Remember to ask your grandfather for it when the time comes."

Lu Mingzhu accepted it without hesitation, then added with a smile, "Your grandfather's belongings are better than your grandmother's; I've seen them myself."

Most of the fine items Mrs. Lu once possessed have likely already been sold off for cash. Lu Ping'an agreed with a cheerful grin. Lu Mingzhu then turned to the several women in the room with a smile and said, "I have a piece of exquisite jadeite material that Master Qu has been longing for quite some time. I haven't agreed to give it to him yet. Tomorrow, I'll ask my father to find someone to carve and craft it into a set of jewelry for each of us ladies."

She immediately fetched a sheet of paper.

"Come on, everyone, tell me your wrist measurements."

Mrs. Wang and Liao Wanru had taken great care of her, and she had also received substantial help from her adoptive father and adoptive brother; thus, she gave these gifts willingly and wholeheartedly. There was also He Xuan, who had given her many valuable gifts; being He Yun's daughter, it seemed reasonable to Lu Mingzhu to present both her and Mingyue with a set of jade jewelry each. As for the others, if they wanted something, they could pay for it! Custom orders are accepted. Lu's father nodded in approval: "I have trained several excellent jade artisans under my wing; I will have them work exclusively on your piece when the time comes."

He was well aware of the quality of that emerald rough. Translucent and lustrous, they were exceedingly rare. The few female comrades singled out by Lu Mingzhu naturally tried to decline, but could not dissuade her.

"We women have shared a close bond; wearing matching jadeite jewelry would make us look so harmonious and elegant."

Not only did Lu Mingzhu note their wrist and finger measurements, she also recorded their preferences. Whether they preferred large or small beads, long or short necklaces, fortune bangles or peace bangles, and so on. Very meticulous. Minghui, envious of the special treatment his wife and daughter received, couldn't help but ask, "Don't we men get any share?"

Before Lu Mingzhu could speak, Xie Junyao said, "I don't want any. If I ever want cufflinks, rings, or other ornaments like Mingzhu's, I'll find a piece of jadeite myself and have something made just for the two of us." Everyone laughed upon hearing this, all understanding his meaning.

Lu Mingzhu felt not a shred of shame; smiling brightly, she said, "Of course. What belongs to the two of us doesn't overlap with anyone else's." Xie Junyao laughed happily.

He has a beautiful smile, very sunny.

Just then, a maid entered and announced that the banquet was ready, inviting everyone to proceed to the dining room. While enjoying the fine cuisine, Lu Mingzhu noticed a piano placed in one corner of the dining room and personally played it to liven up the gathering for everyone. The girl who shared her exact name and identity was actually created by Grandma Zhang using her as a blueprint; however, the elderly lady deliberately added several layers of embellishment in the novel to make the character more charming. Compared to that fictional version, she herself fell far short. After arriving in this world, Lu Mingzhu never treated her original self as a mere fictional character. This is the space-time where the original body lived, bearing traces she left behind, and everyone I've encountered here is vividly alive. The original body had studied four foreign languages, and so has Lu Mingzhu; however, one of the languages differs between them.

The original body was fluent in Japanese, whereas Lu Mingzhu learned Russian, taught by Grandma Zhang without ever attending a formal Russian department. Before English was introduced into textbooks, everyone studied Russian, which was removed only after the relations between the two countries deteriorated. Grandma Zhang came from a wealthy family, had studied abroad, and possessed talents no less than those of the original body. Lu Mingzhu could play the piano, having learned it as a child from Grandma Zhang, whereas the original body excelled at the pipa; the pipa is more difficult than the piano, requiring patience and talent that most people lack, yet it stands as the foremost among classical instruments. Of course, the original body could also play the piano. Once one thing is mastered, everything else becomes easier; since she already knew the pipa and understood music theory, learning the piano was much simpler. The Lu family had a piano, free for her to play whenever she wished.

Lu Mingzhu could drive and ride horses, and so could her predecessor; however, the original girl, at merely ten years old, dared to shoot dead bandits who broke into the Lu family villa with a Browning pistol—an act that surpassed even Lu Mingzhu herself. The scant memories unearthed from obscure corners served as proof. In short, the original girl was brave, resolute, and upright, truly living up to the reputation of being an "Oriental Pearl."

Recalling her predecessor, Lu Mingzhu played the piano with even greater vigor. When the piece ended, everyone applauded. Xie Junyao's eyes sparkled with unbelievable brilliance. Aside from her dancing and fluent English, this was the first time he had seen Lu Mingzhu display another talent; seated before the piano, she resembled an elegant princess, her complexion radiant and her skin so fair it seemed to glow. Lu Mingzhu slowly bowed to everyone in gratitude, her demeanor poised and graceful. Returning to the banquet, she smiled and asked Xie Junyao, "Did I play well?"

In truth, she was no professional; she had learned the piano as a special skill merely to cultivate her sentiments, so her performance was not particularly outstanding. Yet she longed to hear compliments—many, many compliments. Xie Junyao exclaimed in admiration, "It was absolutely magnificent!"

Lu Mingzhu proudly lifted her chin. She also knew a bit about drums and guitar, skills her predecessor lacked, which would likely remain buried forever unless she found time to relearn them. But there was no time now; she had to focus on her studies first, then return to her old profession. The script for "Liang Zhu"

had been sent out long ago, yet there had been no reply. The review process was truly slow, with no definite word on whether it would be accepted or not. Lu Mingzhu was highly confident in her work and did not believe she would be rejected. To be honest, doing anything at home was incredibly convenient. Outside the villa, lush green trees provided shade, while inside, a cool tranquility prevailed. With no noisy neighbors nearby, the serene atmosphere was perfectly suited for writing. She had indeed made the right choice in buying this luxurious mansion. Money was certainly not spent in vain; Lu Mingzhu felt that everything met her expectations perfectly. Lu's father also thought it was excellent and asked Lu Mingzhu to prepare a room for him, so he could stay there whenever he had time. Given the money involved, what choice did Lu Mingzhu have but to agree?

After dinner, everyone spent half the afternoon playing in the garden before departing one by one as evening fell. Lu's father left four bodyguards and a brand-new Mercedes-Benz car with Lu Mingzhu, delighting her beyond measure! Agreeing to prepare a room for the old man was definitely worth it! Two maids and four bodyguards lived on the first floor, while the entire second floor belonged to Lu Mingzhu, allowing her to sleep soundly. The tension that had been constantly present since her transmigration suddenly eased. Indeed, only one's own home provides a sense of security. Her body and mind relaxed, filling her with immense joy. Next, Lu Mingzhu began to gradually smuggle items out of her spatial dimension—clothing, books, and other objects—which she placed in the home's wardrobes, bookshelves, and cabinets, pretending they had been brought back from outside. These were mixed in with the clothes and books originally belonging to He Yun; the maid responsible for cleaning rooms, doing laundry, and cooking paid no particular attention.

Presumably carefully selected by He Yun, the two maids worked efficiently and discreetly. Upon learning that their salaries would now be paid by Lu Mingzhu, they became even more diligent and devoted in their duties. Regrettably, Xie Junyao has had no time to accompany Lu Mingzhu these past few days. Probably sensing the pressure from He Yun, and given that Lu Mingzhu is escorted by two bodyguards ensuring her safety, he has gone to the company to actively handle work matters and oversee the construction of the new building project. To bring the new building to completion sooner, after discussing with Wang Bohui, he engaged more than a dozen reputable construction companies known for their high quality to begin work simultaneously. The only exception was the construction company owned by Zhang Baoyi's uncle. Xie Junyao held grudges with particular tenacity. Uncle Zhang Baoyi arrived at the door bearing lavish gifts, yet each time he was denied entry.

The residential buildings Kaijian planned to sell to wealthy households and high-income earners were located in relatively prime areas within Hong Kong Island's affluent districts, while those intended for ordinary citizens were situated in slightly more peripheral locations outside Hong Kong Island, and would naturally be priced lower. Having purchased several additional plots of land, the company faced tight cash flow; pressed urgently by his father, Wang Bohui consulted with Xie Junyao before securing a loan from Yongfeng Bank. After the assessment, a total loan of 1.5 million USD was approved, sufficient for them to complete all projects. With ample funds and abundant manpower, the first batch of buildings was completed swiftly. Following the newspaper advertisement, the strata sales model unsurprisingly sparked a huge sensation in Hong Kong.

Before long, teachers, employees, housewives, small business owners, and others with certain savings flocked to the sales office, immediately securing their ideal homes. The first floor, priced at 20,000 yuan per thousand square feet, was far more cost-effective than the previous "10,000 yuan key money plus 400 yuan monthly rent."

As long as one wasn't purchasing an entire building, many financially stable citizens could afford it. After all, they had all been renting before. The first twelve buildings completed, comprising sixty units, were sold out within three days. When Lu Mingzhu read the news in the newspaper, her face immediately lit up with joy. At the very least, profits could more than double.

Meanwhile, Lu Mingzhu also received a reply from Ruyi Film Company.