Chapter 007

Chapter 007

Seeing that Lu Mingzhu was asking about jewelry brokers, Zhao Sinan immediately handed her a business card with both hands. "A jewelry broker is like a real estate agent, but for jewelry. They act as intermediaries for the buying, selling, or leasing of jewelry and properties. I’ve been in the business for ten years and have established a brokerage firm with many quality properties and pieces of jewelry. Since we’re from the same hometown, Miss, whether you’re buying or selling properties and jewelry, you can come to me to avoid being deceived."

That diamond watch on her wrist was pretty rare!

It indicated that she came from a very good background.

The people on this cruise were either wealthy or well-connected, and besides, the head butler of the Wang family called her Miss. Just now, she inquired about property prices, which indicated that after arriving in Hong Kong, like wealthy merchants who had fled Shanghai and settled in Hong Kong, she would either buy or rent a house.

The recent real estate market had been sluggish, and Zhao Sinan, who had returned to his hometown to visit relatives, was good at seizing every opportunity.

Before the meal, he had already negotiated a deal with a jeweler who was leaving Shanghai with his entire family to settle in Hong Kong. Upon their arrival 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 had the name and address of Hong Kong Sinan Brokerage Company and Zhao Sinan’s name, along with his phone numbers, Lu Mingzhu accepted it and put it in her handbag, smiling. "Mr. Zhao, what top-tier luxury properties do you have available?"

Zhao Sinan perked up and, with permission, sat at an empty seat at Lu Mingzhu’s table with his Western food plate, and began to speak fluently. "From luxury mansions on the Peak, to large houses in the Mid-Levels, to older apartment buildings (Tong Lau), bungalows, and shops, no matter what kind of property Miss prefers, we will provide the corresponding services. Right now, we have five top-tier luxury mansions available."

"Where are they located?" Lu Mingzhu asked with bright eyes.

"One is a three-story European-style villa in Kadoorie Hill, one is a four-story European-style villa in Repulse Bay, and another is a four-story European-style villa in Deep Water Bay," Zhao Sinan said in one breath, pausing before continuing, "The fourth one is located on Sha Tsui Road in Pok Fu Lam, separated by only one house from Mr. Wang Bohui’s place, but it has a slightly smaller land area. The last one is in Kowloon Tong. These five villas are all independent homes with large gardens, built as early as twenty years ago and as recently as five years ago, ready to move in."

Lu Mingzhu’s eyes widened in surprise.

They were all super luxury mansions!

In the future, these would be worth nine to ten figures.

"Independent villas with large gardens aren’t cheap!" Lu Mingzhu did have a plan to buy super luxury mansions; firstly, for a comfortable living environment, and secondly, for appreciation.

It’s great for both living and investing at the same time.

Money doesn’t grow on trees if you just hold onto it.

But she knew the principle of not revealing her wealth, so she didn’t say whether she would buy them or not.

Zhao Sinan smiled upon hearing this. "Expensive things have their benefits. The houses are spacious and bright, with beautiful gardens and an elegant environment, very suitable for a lady from a wealthy family like you. You have such an elegant and refined presence, clearly born into wealth and destined to enjoy prosperity. Of course, there are cheaper houses too, traditional Chinese-style apartment buildings (Tong Lau) for tens of thousands, bungalows for a few thousand, old and run-down, but I’m afraid you wouldn’t fancy those."

Lu Mingzhu rested her cheek on her hand, her eyes soft like water. "We’ll see after arriving in Hong Kong; it’s too early to say anything now."

"That’s true." Zhao Sinan finished the last bite of his steak and drank the champagne in his cup. "If Miss has any needs, you can call me anytime. There are two phone numbers on the card, one for the company and one for my home, and someone is always available to answer calls, so we won’t miss any calls from our valued clients."

Lu Mingzhu nodded. "I will definitely need to ask Mr. Zhao for help then."

At this point, Uncle Li spoke up. "Miss Lu, when Master first arrived in Hong Kong, he entrusted Mr. Zhao to buy a large mansion."

Implying that it was safe to rely on him.

Zhao Sinan smiled. "Mr. Wang was very generous, buying four large mansions in one go, placing them under the names of the four young Mr. Wangs. It was the biggest deal our company has ever made."

Lu Mingzhu was astonished. "Uncle Li, is that true?"

Uncle Li nodded affirmatively.

"Wow, Godfather must be loaded!" Lu Mingzhu’s face was full of envy.

Uncle Li chuckled. "But not as rich as Mr. and Mrs. Lu."

Everyone in Shanghai knows that Mrs. Lu was the richest woman in town. Unfortunately, she didn’t survive a serious illness. No one knows who got hold of her private stash.

Based on the gold, silver, and other valuables Lu Mingzhu exchanged with Wang Xingcai for foreign currency, Uncle Li deduced that Lu Mingzhu did not inherit her mother’s estate.

It’s truly strange.

Mrs. Lu only had one child, Lu Mingzhu.

By all rights, everything she had should have gone to Lu Mingzhu.

Lu Mingzhu lowered her hand, resting it on the table. “Uncle Li, don’t mention that old man to me. If he has money, that’s his business. It has nothing to do with me, and I don’t have the fortune to enjoy it.”

Uncle Li said, “Miss Lu, I can guarantee that you’ll meet Mr. Lu in Hong Kong.”

Lu Mingzhu quickly responded, “Oh, right! My godfather said this cruise would reach Hong Kong in just three days. How long would it take for the old man on a regular ship? Ten days? Half a month?”

“About ten days, no more than half a month,” Uncle Li said confidently.

Lu Mingzhu clapped her hands and laughed, “Perfect! I’ll wait for him. When I see him, I’ll ask him for money!”

Even a little extra would help.

Although her father had left her a fair amount of wealth before he set off, and she even unearthed six large boxes of antique porcelain that her father had hidden, Lu Mingzhu still wanted more money.

She suspected that Mrs. Lu’s inheritance was in his hands.

Zhao Sinan listened quietly to their conversation and only then realized that the young lady before him was the renowned Shanghai beauty, Lu Mingzhu.

He had heard much about her.

Looking up, he secretly glanced at her slightly dark and ordinary face. Zhao Sinan couldn’t believe what he saw. If this was what passed for the top beauty, wouldn’t everyone be considered beautiful?

Her almond-shaped eyes were indeed beautiful, like pools of clear autumn water.

No one paid attention to Zhao Sinan’s thoughts. After the meal, Lu Mingzhu returned to her cabin, declining Uncle Li’s suggestion to have someone accompany her to the deck for some fresh air.

She needed to get up to speed with traditional Chinese characters fast to avoid blowing her cover.

Apart from meals, she barely left her cabin, and occasionally had the maid bring her food there.

Before she traveled back in time, Lu Mingzhu worked as a screenwriter and was a well-known online writer. She was used to being a homebody, and in the cabin, she didn’t need to wear makeup, allowing her skin to breathe freely.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

The ship finally docked at the bustling Hong Kong harbor.

Zhao Sinan disembarked first and came to say goodbye before he left.

He stayed in third-class accommodations and didn’t have much luggage, just two suitcases.

He left in a rickshaw, a two-wheeled carriage pulled by a person on foot.

Lu Pingan was fine, but Lu Mingzhu had more luggage. Fortunately, the servants were strong, and the waiters from the cruise ship helped out, so they quickly moved everything ashore.

Immediately, someone pulled up a rickshaw and asked, “Miss, Sir, would you like a rickshaw ride?”

Before Lu Mingzhu could take a closer look at the dock, Uncle Li waved at the rickshaw driver, “No need, no need. We don’t require one.”

Wang Xingcai had already contacted Wang Bohui in advance. Uncle Li had expected Wang Bohui to send a car and driver for them. However, just as he finished speaking, Wang Bohui emerged from a sleek black car.

He actually came to pick up Lu Mingzhu in person!

The memory of her adoptive brother Wang Bohui from her original body depicted him as having an ordinary appearance, but he was tall and slender with sharp eyes. Because he took good care of himself, he looked about ten years younger than his actual age and exuded an air of authority.

"Hey, big bro!" Lu Mingzhu called out.

Hearing the familiar voice, a smile appeared on Wang Bohui's face. However, when he saw Lu Mingzhu's appearance clearly, he was startled. "Mingzhu, how did you end up like this?"

What happened to my sister, the top beauty?

Lu Mingzhu grinned slyly, "I'm wearing makeup."

Wang Bohui suddenly realized and then showed a look of approval. "Better to be cautious."

After saying that, he asked Lu Mingzhu and Lu Pingan to get in the car with him. The luggage was naturally left to Uncle Li and the servants he brought along; there was no need for their masters to worry about it.

Lu Mingzhu touched the seat and asked, "Big brother, how much did this car cost?"

She was thinking about whether she should buy a car for commuting. She had obtained her driver's license before she transmigrated and had several years of driving experience. She could quickly get back on the road if she relearned.

Wang Bohui, sitting in the front passenger seat, turned his head and said, "Two thousand US dollars."

Lu Mingzhu reconsidered her original plan. "I'd rather invest in property instead!"

Cars lose value over time, so it’s not worth it.

Wang Bohui smiled faintly. "You don’t even have enough for a car?"

"I do, but investing in property is more important. Pingan and I will have to rely on the rent to live!"

It’s like buying real estate versus a car—real estate appreciates, while cars depreciate.

Wang Bohui's eyes shifted to Lu Pingan, and he suddenly narrowed them, scrutinizing him for a moment before saying, "It's been a few years, and Pingan has grown to look even better. I almost didn't recognize him."

Lu Pingan smiled shyly. "Uncle Wang, how have you been?"

"Very well, very well." Wang Bohui looked at him a few more times and smiled. "A boy with delicate features is destined for great wealth and honor. Mingzhu, this nephew of ours will surely become something extraordinary."

"Thanks for the good luck!" Lu Mingzhu said happily.

Indeed, she had never seen a younger man more handsome than Lu Pingan. He was very intelligent, calm, and composed.

Wang Bohui didn't say anything more.

He sat up straight, gazing ahead, deep in thought.

Lu Mingzhu didn't pay attention either. Before closing her eyes, she whispered to Lu Pingan, "Wake me up when we arrive."

Lu Pingan nodded obediently.

The pier where the cruise ship docked was quite close to the Wang family's residence. The road was clear, and it didn't take long before they stopped in front of a magnificent European-style iron gate. When the gate opened, the car drove in directly.

Lu Pingan woke Lu Mingzhu up, and she was instantly amazed.

Wow, this place is massive!

It took about a minute to drive from the gate to the front of a four-story villa. It would have taken several minutes to walk. The driveway was lined with lawns and flowering plants, lush and verdant.

Lu Mingzhu's eyes were wide open. "Big brother, how much did this mansion cost?"

Lu Mingzhu also wanted to buy one.

Wang Bohui smiled and said, "300K Hong Kong dollars."

Her eyes lit up, "Buddy, just wait to be my neighbor!"

Once she got her ID card, she would find Zhao Sinan and snag the mansion he mentioned.

"I'll be waiting for you," Wang Bohui told her and Lu Pingan to get out of the car, just in time to meet his wife, Mrs. Wang, and his daughter-in-law, Liao Wanru, who came out to greet them.

No one else was around.