Chapter 010

Chapter 010

Lu Pingan's initial idea was for Lu Mingzhu to invest in Wang Bohui's real estate company in her personal name, but how could she take advantage of a child?

She just couldn't bring herself to do that.

200,000 was not a small amount; it was a huge sum, enough to buy a luxury house in Hong Kong.

Therefore, she firmly stated that she and her nephew would jointly invest 1.2 million, with her taking 40% of the shares and Lu Pingan getting 10%.

Lu Pingan was about to decline, but Lu Mingzhu said, "Even though they say clear accounts make for good relationships, we don’t need to be so strict about everything. I'm your aunt, and I know what's best for you."

Lu Pingan swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue, his eyes moist and his voice soft, "Thank you, Auntie."

"Good child." Lu Mingzhu was very pleased.

In the eyes of someone who had social experience before her transmigration, Lu Pingan was truly a child, albeit a prematurely mature one.

He didn’t talk much, was shy by nature, but had a strong sense of purpose.

Wang Bohui was somewhat swayed seeing the genuine intention of the two to invest.

His father, who was back in the mainland, had Uncle Li convey the message that the family was in dire need of money. He was asked to send foreign exchange and purchase as much strategic material as possible to be transported to the northeast. Moreover, Lu Mingzhu's idea of tiered sales could indeed make money.

Last night, Xie Junyao called him, saying that after consulting a lawyer and checking with the land office, the tiered sales model was feasible and did not violate any legal regulations.

If the funds were still insufficient after the three-party cooperation, they could borrow from the bank. Xie Junyao's elder brother, Xie Junhao, was a major shareholder and executive director of Wing Fung Bank.

To make this work, cooperation was essential.

It was a win-win situation.

After a moment of thought and confirming the intentions of the two, Wang Bohui immediately took them to the company.

The company was named 'Glory Real Estate Company.'

"Hui" meant radiance.

Brilliant and splendid.

Wang Bohui asked the accountant to show Lu Mingzhu and Lu Pingan the company’s financial records. He had previously asked and learned that Lu Pingan had often gone out with Mrs. Lu to check accounts a few years ago and was quite knowledgeable.

Since they were partnering in business, honesty was paramount.

Lu Mingzhu was straightforward, and Wang Bohui was also decisive, naturally leading to a quick conclusion.

While she was grateful for the help from Wang Xingcai and his son, not a single necessary procedure was overlooked. Thus, Lu Mingzhu and Lu Pingan spent the day checking the accounts from morning to night, confirming that the net assets of Glory Real Estate Company were slightly over 1.2 million with no current liabilities.

Then, Wang Bohui called in witnesses and the top lawyer from a law firm, the renowned Nie Hongkun.

Xie Junyao was one, and the other two were wealthy merchants well-known in Hong Kong's business circle.

One was Chen Hai, a fellow countryman whose family owned a textile factory and had substantial business dealings. The original body knew him, as his daughter, Chen Jianing, was a middle school classmate, and the two families had been frequent visitors.

The other was Li Shize, a man in his fifties, very tall and obese, his features distorted by his bulk. The original body felt somewhat unfamiliar with him, but according to Wang Bohui's introduction, he was involved in import and export trade and held an important position in the Shanghai compatriot association. Many wealthy merchants from Shanghai revered him for his experienced handling of affairs.

The most important point was that he was the cousin of Lu Mingzhu's mother, so Lu Mingzhu had to call him "Uncle."

"Uncle?" Lu Mingzhu was truly surprised.

Do wealthy people always have intricate connections?

I remember Mr. Wang saying that the original body's godmother, Godmother Ruyi, is in Hong Kong, running a film company. I should find time to visit her!

Not using one's network of connections would be foolish.

Miss Lu was no fool. To establish herself in Hong Kong, she naturally needed to leverage these connections.

Li Shize was very happy to see Miss Lu, showing his teeth like a Maitreya Buddha. "If Bohui hadn't invited me to be a witness, I wouldn't have known you and Pingan were in Hong Kong. Mingzhu, I'll give you my address and phone number. Feel free to visit me anytime. I'll have the servants prepare bird's nest and sea cucumber soup for you, great for beauty and skin."

Miss Lu accepted the business card he handed her, smiling brightly. "Thank you for your concern, Uncle."

During their catch-up, upon learning the reason why she and Lu Pingan came to Hong Kong, Li Shize immediately launched into a heated rant about her father.

He had a strong bond with Miss Lu's mother from their sibling relationship and had relied on her a lot in business. However, after he moved his entire family to Hong Kong, they hadn't met again. Seeing Miss Lu and learning of her mother's passing, he couldn't help but feel deeply emotional.

With this connection, he examined the contract especially carefully.

Mr. Wang and his son Bohui had an excellent reputation in the business world. Everyone who had worked with them praised their integrity. There were no issues with the contract, and they hadn't set any traps just because Miss Lu and Lu Pingan were young.

Miss Lu was not the carefree original body. With her experience from her past life, she understood some tricks of the trade.

The contract stipulated that she and Lu Pingan would enjoy all the rights of shareholders, not just dividend rights.

There were no problems. She signed her contract first and then, as Lu Pingan's guardian, signed his contract, finalizing the transfer of funds on the spot.

According to today's exchange rate, 33,000 pounds and 112,000 US dollars could be converted to 1,167,520 Hong Kong dollars, of which she had Lu Pingan contribute 32,000 US dollars, with her covering the rest.

Xie Junyao took the opportunity to sign a cooperation agreement with Glory Real Estate Company.

Glory Real Estate Company would contribute 2,000,000 Hong Kong dollars, and his Xie's Peak Real Estate Company would contribute 3,000,000, jointly establishing Shengfeng Real Estate Company. Glory would hold a 40% stake, and Xie's Peak would hold 60%, with Xie Junyao serving as chairman, fully responsible for the company's operations, assisted by Wang Bohui, who would also serve as an executive director.

After Wang Bohui and Xie Junyao shook hands, Miss Lu also shook his hand, happily saying, "Mr. Xie, I look forward to our cooperation."

"I look forward to your guidance in the future, Miss Lu," Xie Junyao said gently, exuding an elegant demeanor.

Suddenly noticing that Miss Lu was dressed simply today, her complexion looking somewhat tired and her features less striking than usual, but her eyes still sparkling and clear, more beautiful than an average person.

Xie Junyao couldn't help but take a few more glances.

Miss Lu noticed and tilted her head, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "What is Mr. Xie looking at?"

Caught, Xie Junyao remained calm. "I'm very pleased to have reached a cooperation with Miss Lu, but there are some details I didn't fully understand. I'd like to invite Miss Lu to a meal tomorrow to discuss them. Would you do me the honor?"

"It would be my pleasure," Miss Lu replied. How could she say no to a meal with such a handsome man? She gladly accepted.

With such a handsome companion, the meal would surely be more enjoyable.

Xie Junyao's lips curved up, making him appear even more handsome and suave. "It's settled then. I'll come by Mr. Wang's place to pick you up at noon tomorrow."

Miss Lu nodded in agreement, then turned to Wang Bohui and said, "Brother, you all chat slowly. Pingan and I will head back first!"

She didn't understand company management and had no intention of learning, finding it too tiring. But noticing Lu Pingan's interest, always listening intently to the conversations between Wang Bohui, Chen Hai, and Li Shize, Miss Lu quickly changed her tune. "I'll go back by myself. Pingan can stay and learn from the elders here."

Wang Bohui, however, said, "Don't rush off. Stay for the meal, and I'll send you home afterward."

It was essential to treat his three friends and business partners who were acting as witnesses.

The location was a large restaurant nearby, where a table of carefully prepared dishes was ordered: crab roe shark fin, bird's nest with rock sugar, braised abalone, prawn balls, crispy chicken, dried abalone slices, roast pigeon, and more.

Raising cups and exchanging toasts, a lively exchange ensued.

Both Miss Lu and Pingan didn’t drink; instead, they poured wine for everyone, displaying utmost politeness and attentiveness.

When Lu Mingzhu went outside to "get some air," she settled the bill.

The total for the food and drinks came to 155 Hong Kong dollars.

She handed over 200 Hong Kong dollars, and received 45 dollars in change.

Seeing this, Xie Junyao regretted coming out too late. "Miss Lu, you were too quick. You should have given us men the chance to show our gentlemanly chivalry."

Lu Mingzhu smiled in response. "In this new era of gender equality, who says it must be the man who pays the bill?"

She never took advantage of anyone.

As they finished eating and drinking, Wang Bohui and the others began to come downstairs one by one. When they learned that Lu Mingzhu had already paid the bill, Li Shize, Chen Hai, and Nie Hongkun all smiled and thanked her, promising to return the favor next time.

As they left the restaurant, Lu Mingzhu still had over 3,000 Hong Kong dollars left, which was all the cash she had.

After seeing off the distinguished guests, Wang Bohui offered to have someone drive Lu Mingzhu home, but she declined.

"Big Brother, you take Pingan back to the company. I'm going shopping," she said. Since arriving in Hong Kong, she had been busy with this deal. Now that everything was wrapped up, Lu Mingzhu felt it was time to start planning for the future.

The investment wouldn’t yield returns anytime soon, so she needed to find a way to secure a place to stay.

At the same time, she wanted to learn about the local customs of Hong Kong.

Wang Bohui disagreed. "How can I let a young girl like you shop alone? No, no, I can't be at ease. Let the driver take you to the department store. Buy what you need and then come home. I've told you before, Hong Kong can be quite chaotic. There are often shady characters lurking in the streets and alleys. It's not me exaggerating; please listen, Mingzhu."

"Big Brother, no need to be so cautious. I'll just stroll around nearby and won't go far. When I get tired, I'll come back and wait with Pingan until you finish work," Lu Mingzhu patted her handbag. "I'm well-prepared and dressed inconspicuously, so I won't attract trouble!"

Wang Bohui pondered for a few seconds. "Let Pingan accompany you. He wants to learn about business; he can come to the company anytime."

Lu Pingan nodded eagerly. "Auntie, listen to Uncle."

"Alright." Faced with her family's concern, Lu Mingzhu had no choice but to compromise.

Previously, while staying at the Wang family, she had been chauffeured on the main roads and only saw the glamorous side of Hong Kong. Now, walking through the narrower streets, she realized that compared to what she considered the less prosperous Shanghai, Hong Kong was far behind.

The shops on both sides were small and run-down, clearly lagging behind.

There were many poor people walking around, some barefoot, carrying poles, and selling fruits on the street.

No wonder Wang Xingcai and Uncle Li had said Hong Kong felt like a rural area; it was indeed quite impoverished.

After walking for a bit, Lu Mingzhu spotted a slightly larger jewelry store on her left, a three-story building. The store had wooden signs hanging outside, advertising services for buying gold and silver, as well as diamonds, gems, and foreign currency exchange.

Her eyes lit up, and she stepped inside.