Chapter 182

Chapter 182

Not being very familiar with Macau, Lu Mingzhu couldn't quite make sense of it.

But she was sure she could afford it.

The rent came in on time every month, and this month included the dividends from the previous quarter, none of which had been touched.

Though Macau's gambling industry is booming and the hotel business is thriving, property prices might not be as high as in Hong Kong. A few hundred thousand dollars could definitely buy a nice mansion, especially since Lu Mingzhu had several hundred thousand in her account.

Seeing this, He Yun chuckled.

He sat on the sofa, crossed his legs, and clasped his hands on his knees, "You certainly don't lack the money to buy a house, but finding one on Taipa Island that's better or comparable to mine isn't easy."

"So I really can't accept it. You must keep it for yourself, as you're the one who frequently comes to Macau for business inspections, and it's not suitable for you to stay in hotels often," Lu Mingzhu said, sitting down on the sofa with her back straight, her eyes sparkling with clarity and vitality, "My base is in Hong Kong, so just buying any house in Macau will suffice."

The property price increase in Macau doesn't seem as significant as in Hong Kong, making it not the first choice for investment.

Besides, Lu Mingzhu's money needs to be invested in her brother's business. Even if it's not appropriate to expand under her brother's company name, she can buy farms and ranches in her own name!

With farms, there's grain; with ranches, there's meat.

In short, dealing with the impending disaster is the most important.

Lives are at stake!

As for investment, there'll be plenty of opportunities after the 1960s.

Lu Mingzhu isn't in a hurry.

After hearing Lu Mingzhu's words, He Yun said, "Since you don't want this mansion, there's another villa halfway up the mountain, a bit smaller than this one. Surely you can't refuse this."

Lu Mingzhu blinked, "Godfather, are you really so eager to give me a mansion?"

"Yes," He Yun didn't deny it, "You're my savior. Without you, how could I continue to enjoy these riches? Giving you more isn't excessive."

Lu Mingzhu covered her cheeks with her hands, "I've already received so many benefits!"

"Not enough," He Yun said, "If you're willing to accept, I'll give you a company too."

Lu Mingzhu was startled, "A company is unnecessary. I'm not good at management; it's always been handled by others, and I just take the dividends."

"You must accept one of the two," He Yun insisted.

"Then I'll take the mansion halfway up the mountain." A mansion worth a few hundred thousand is certainly not as valuable as a company.

Lu Mingzhu thought it was a good deal, unaware that this mansion halfway up the mountain had two basement levels, comparable to a bank vault, filled with countless priceless treasures.

In time, the value of these treasures might not be less than that of a company.

Seeing that Lu Mingzhu agreed, He Yun immediately took her to complete the property transfer procedures, and on the way back, they stopped by to take a look at her new mansion.

This mountain is located on Taipa Island, named Great Taipa Hill.

The luxury mansion at the Peak where Lu Mingzhu first stayed isn't actually at the very top of the mountain, just a bit higher than halfway up, while this mansion is located at the halfway point, both mansions on the same road.

Surrounded by corridors, with very high walls.

The property is very large, estimated to be at least twice the size of Lu Mingzhu's home, possibly more, as it's hard to measure.

The entrance is flanked by rare, lush trees and vibrant flowers.

Beyond the large iron gate stands a striking, milky-white building nestled against the mountain. The sprawling garden is dotted with exotic plants and features an artificial lake. A long walk along the white-tiled path led to the front of the building.

The ground floor, expansive in size, houses the garage and servants' quarters, while the upper floors comprise the main residence.

A three-story mansion.

Beside the main entrance lies a large swimming pool with crystal-clear, deep blue water, flanked by sculptures and flower beds.

Lu Mingzhu blinked, "Stunning!"

The sculptures are masterpieces by renowned artists!

He Yun explained that the first floor features a living room, dining room, tea room, reception room, kitchen, and servants' quarters. The second floor houses bedrooms, a study, and a walk-in closet, while the third floor includes a gym, entertainment area, and another walk-in closet.

As Lu Mingzhu entered the living room, she was struck by its opulence.

The house boasts custom rosewood furniture, walls adorned with famous paintings, and curio cabinets brimming with antiques. Any single piece, if preserved for half a century, might rival the value of this mansion.

Having already accepted it, regrets were futile.

Lu Mingzhu set aside her worries and eagerly explored every corner.

Each floor is lavishly decorated, featuring exquisite designs and high-end furniture.

She casually opened a walk-in closet, larger than the first-floor living room, packed with neatly arranged clothes.

Back in the first-floor hall, Lu Mingzhu accepted tea from the servants and remarked to He Yun, "No wonder everyone says my house is small. My two-story home is about the size of just this first floor."

Back then, she simply didn’t have the funds; the gold bars could only buy her a modest villa.

He Yun sipped his tea, "Just buy another plot of land and build something grander."

"I’m waiting for my dad to gift it to me!" Lu Mingzhu grinned slyly, "He promised, and he’ll deliver."

She’s not spending a dime of her own money.

To her, investing in real estate pales in comparison to antique paintings and calligraphy—it’s more refined and discreet. As long as she keeps it quiet, the outside world will never know.

Hong Kong journalists are relentless; they always uncover the locations and values of tycoons’ homes.

She buys properties to rent solely to make ends meet.

While antique paintings and calligraphy appreciate significantly, they offer no short-term returns, and she still needs to support herself.

Naturally, she won’t make any major purchases anytime soon.

He Yun chuckled, "You and Changsheng are truly cut from the same cloth."

"Biological ones!" In this regard, Lu Mingzhu feels more like Lu Changsheng's sister than the original body, "Godfather, how did you create billions of wealth?"

When the time comes to make a TV series, she will definitely write a grand entrepreneurial drama based on him.

He Yun was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting Lu Mingzhu to be curious about his past. He looked down at the golden tea in his cup, "In my teens, to get a meal, I went to Southeast Asia with others, but was tricked by piglet traffickers into signing a contract. I was illiterate at the time and didn’t even know I was being tricked, thinking that working hard in Southeast Asia would fill my stomach."

"What happened next?" Lu Mingzhu asked, resting her chin on her hand.

He Yun chuckled, "At that time, I was crammed into the bottom cabin of a large ship with hundreds of others, damp and stuffy, with poor air quality, eating, drinking, and relieving ourselves all in the same place. It was very tough. Some fell ill on the way with no medicine and were thrown into the sea to feed the fish when they died. I can’t quite remember how many days the journey took, but upon arrival, we were escorted to a piglet house. Piglet means hard labor, and as the name suggests, a piglet house is a place where hard laborers are held, with high walls and deep courtyards, few and small windows to prevent escape, and heavily guarded with countless iron gates, making it impossible to escape."

Lu Mingzhu felt heartache, "It was so harsh; those scoundrels were truly inhuman."

"What’s humanity? They didn’t have any; they only knew how to exploit us for profit." Time had passed, and when mentioning it again, He Yun was calm, "I knew escaping was impossible, so I stayed obedient; those who disobeyed were often whipped and denied food. According to the labor term on the indenture, I don’t remember which warehouse I was assigned to, only that different terms meant different warehouses. After a few days, employers came to buy piglets, and I was chosen because I was young and weak. After my contract was transferred, I was sent to work in a sugarcane plantation."

Lu Mingzhu breathed a sigh of relief, "Was working in the sugarcane fields a bit easier?"

He Yun laughed, "Yes, it was a bit easier, but you have to know that the employers had no humanity. Not long after, as I grew stronger, I was sold to a mine for hard labor. It was brutal—barely enough to eat, terrible food, and we mined day and night. If you were too exhausted to work, you’d be whipped. This went on every single day, with no monthly pay, just a pittance, and no proper clothing. The conditions were so dire that if you fell ill, there was no treatment—life or death was left to chance. My indenture was for five years, and I had to wait four and a half years to regain my freedom. When I couldn’t take it anymore, I rallied the miners, convinced them to join me, killed the brutal foreman, and escaped."

Lu Mingzhu gasped, "Weren’t you afraid someone might betray you? People’s motives are hard to predict."

He Yun chuckled.

Sure, some miners wanted to turn me in, but I dealt with them before they could.

Perhaps sensing his ruthlessness, many miners didn’t dare to defy him, and coupled with the fact that everyone no longer wanted to endure the dark and endless life of hard labor, they followed him.

After the escape, most parted ways with him, thinking he was dangerous; only a few young ones stayed.

He Yun did not mention these, only saying, "After leading the escape, we left the area and continued doing hard labor, though it was easier than mining."

"Why keep doing hard labor? You’re smart and brave—couldn’t you find something better?" Lu Mingzhu was puzzled at first, then realized, "Was it because you didn’t have a legal identity at the time?"

He Yun nodded, "I saved up from hard labor, worked as a dockhand, and even dove for pearls. Luckily, the world was chaotic then, and many lacked proper identities, so we blended in. I made my first fortune by selling a large pearl I stumbled upon, and I finally got a legal identity."

"A large pearl?" Lu Mingzhu exclaimed, "Your story is incredible! What happened next? Did that first fortune set you on the path to becoming the wealthiest man in Southeast Asia?"

He Yun did not deny it, "Pretty much. I used that money to trade grain and ended up in Myanmar."

Lu Mingzhu blurted out, "Jadeite!"

Ming Yue said he had gem and jadeite mines in Myanmar.

"That’s right, through the grain trade, I befriended a local armed group and secured a small jadeite mining operation. The jadeite market in the mainland was huge, so I sold jadeite ore to the mainland." Recalling the business at the time, He Yun’s lips curled into a faint smile, "Back then, I acquired a high-quality jadeite rough, took it to Shanghai myself, and sold it for a hefty sum. Do you know who I sold it to?"

"Was it my grandfather or my father?" Lu Mingzhu said, "It’s more likely my grandfather."

Listening to He Yun’s experience, he should have been quite young at that time.

Mr. Lu was a few years younger than He Yun, so he might not have had the chance to deal with him.

He Yun nodded, "That’s right, it was your grandfather. At the time, Mr. Lu was known as the Jewelry King—sharp-eyed and bold. Others hesitated, unsure if the rough was worth the risk, but he bought it outright."

"How much did he pay?" Lu Mingzhu was dying of curiosity.

She really didn’t expect that her family had such a connection with He Yun. Did Mr. Lu know?

He Yun replied, "I asked for a million silver dollars, but your grandfather was a shrewd negotiator and haggled it down to 800,000. When it was opened, it was a sensation—it was a piece of green jadeite as transparent as glass, with a uniform color, emerald green and translucent, incredibly vivid. Although there were a few flaws and cracks, it didn’t affect the carving. Your grandfather had the jade craftsmen in the jewelry shop work on it with all their might, guarded by nearly a hundred people, and they made hundreds of jadeite ornaments, which were almost all snatched up by the dignitaries."

"He must have made a lot of money." Lu Mingzhu said.

The original body’s glass jadeite made over a dozen sets of jewelry and dozens of individual pieces worth several million Hong Kong dollars, let alone hundreds of jadeite ornaments.

He Yun extended a finger, "Just in silver dollars, your grandfather made a full 10 million! Some were bought by foreign jewelers, paid in USD, also over a million."

Lu Mingzhu marveled, "Impressive!"

"The jadeite you wore on your birthday came from that piece of material." He Yun said, "Your grandfather was generous—he gave me a set, but later bought a lot of jadeite rough from me at a bargain. I’ve collected it for decades, giving it to you is like returning it to its rightful owner."

Lu Mingzhu instinctively touched her neck.

Today, she skipped the large jade bead necklace and its matching bracelet, earrings, and ring. Instead, she wore a green diamond pendant on a simple platinum chain.

It was the green diamond He Yun had given her. She had a jeweler craft a simple setting and clasp, leaving the diamond unadorned.

This allowed for easy modifications later.

Noticing this, He Yun smiled once more. "The money I made from your grandfather laid the foundation for my rise as the wealthiest man in Southeast Asia. While running the jade and gemstone mining business, I partnered with others to open mines, particularly metal mines for weapons. These were in high demand globally. Later, I acquired rubber and sugarcane plantations and established my own rubber and sugar factories. The business expanded rapidly, and I diversified into various industries, all thriving. Shortly after your Sister Xuan’s wedding, I was dubbed the wealthiest man in Southeast Asia."

Whether he truly deserved the title, he wasn’t certain.

Many were wealthier and more established than he was.

Not to mention the astonishing wealth of several families in the United States.

Lu Mingzhu was full of admiration. "Godfather, you really should write an autobiography when you have the chance. I’m certain it would outsell 'The Swordsman.' Everyone’s eager to learn the secrets of wealth. Your autobiography might even become a timeless classic!"

He Yun, however, shook his head. "Some experiences are best kept from outsiders."

He omitted many details, fearing they might alarm Lu Mingzhu.

Hearing He Yun’s words, Lu Mingzhu agreed wholeheartedly. "Indeed, your experiences must be kept secret. I understand."

She mimed zipping her lips shut.

He Yun couldn’t help but laugh. "No need for that. I simply prefer not to discuss the past with outsiders."

"I get it even more. As your daughter, I’m no outsider, so I’m privileged to hear your stories firsthand," Lu Mingzhu smiled sweetly. "I’m truly honored!"

Just then, the clock in the corner struck the hour.

A cuckoo bird emerged from the golden clock’s tiny house and chirped six times.

It was exactly six in the evening.

He Yun said, "Let’s call it a day. Time to head back for dinner."

Though the mansion was Lu Mingzhu’s, they returned to their mountain home each night.

Lu Mingzhu, ever easygoing, slept soundly that night.

The next day, she woke up early, but He Yun was even earlier, already sitting in the tea room on the first floor, drinking tea. "Come have breakfast. After breakfast, I’ll take you to the nearby golf course to meet two old friends. Zhang Zhenxing will arrive in the afternoon, and we’ll meet him in the evening."

The talent and equipment were scarce and required discreet handling.

Even He Yun didn’t want to attract attention from the British and Americans.

Breakfast was local specialties, and Lu Mingzhu ate with great satisfaction.

Seeing her like this, He Yun’s appetite increased, and he ate quite a bit.

After breakfast, they changed into golf attire, and He Yun took Lu Mingzhu to the golf course, where a tall, robust man with graying hair, about the same age as He Yun, was waiting for them under a sunshade at a small round table.

"This is Nie Congyun," He Yun introduced to Lu Mingzhu, and then said to Nie Congyun, "This is my daughter, Lu Mingzhu."

Nie Congyun shook hands with Lu Mingzhu, smiling kindly. "I’ve heard so much about you. Finally meeting you today, you truly live up to your name, a natural Mingzhu, exquisite and clear."

At this moment, Lu Mingzhu was quite shy. "Your reputation precedes you."

So, the gambling king, huh!

The current gambling king.

He’s not connected to the gambling kings from before her time travel.

He Yun said to Nie Congyun, "If you’d gone to Hong Kong two months ago, you’d have met my daughter sooner."

"I invited you to play golf so I could give my niece a gift," Nie Congyun beckoned to a middle-aged man in a white shirt and black trousers, who came over and handed him a document.

Under Lu Mingzhu’s curious gaze, Nie Congyun smiled and said, "Your godfather doesn’t want the shares in the Hongyu Hotel, so they’re yours."

Lu Mingzhu politely declined, "They should go to Sister Xuan, really."

After all, a goddaughter is not a real daughter.

"You take it; giving it to Ah Xuan doesn’t make sense," He Yun didn’t want to give it to He Xuan. "The Hongyu Hotel is tied to the gambling business, hosting wealthy gamblers from around the world. It might help your brother in the future."

Gamblers are reckless; when they’re desperate, they’ll do anything to settle their debts, and many are willing to help.

Lu Mingzhu firmly shook her head, "No, godfather, if I take it, my dad will break my legs when he gets back! If Mr. Nie gave me jewelry or an antique, I’d take it, but I can’t touch anything tied to gambling."

Breaking the Lu family’s rules means getting kicked out.

He Yun suddenly remembered the Lu family’s three prohibitions and immediately said to Nie Congyun, "Seems like your idea of a big gift doesn’t impress the young lady. In that case, you should change it."

Upon hearing this, Nie Congyun had to take back the document, "Fine, then."

But secretly, he admired Lu Mingzhu even more.

Compared to the Hongyu Hotel shares, jewelry and antiques are nothing.

"I own a few cinemas in Macau, and I’ve heard your company’s movies are great. I’ll have them send some over for screening someday," Nie Congyun talked about other things. "I want to watch movies, but there’s nothing good out there."

"The movies Mingzhu wrote and produced are really good," He Yun said.

Nie Congyun remarked, "She’s talented and beautiful—no wonder you value her so much."

As they spoke, another elderly man arrived.

Tall and thin, energetic, with a sharp glint in his eyes.

He Yun introduced him, "Mingzhu, come meet Uncle Zhong."

"Hi, Uncle Zhong," Lu Mingzhu stood up and greeted him politely, but she didn’t know him at all.

Living across the sea, she wasn’t up on Macau’s happenings.

Zhong Shaokang looked at Lu Mingzhu for a moment, nodded in response, "Good girl."

He turned and took a wrapped box from his attendant and handed it to Lu Mingzhu, "We couldn’t make it to your birthday in Hong Kong due to the chaos here, so here’s a belated gift for you."

Lu Mingzhu accepted it with both hands, "Thanks, Uncle Zhong."

Is my godfather bringing me here just to get birthday gifts?

She wondered.

As a result, the three old friends sat opposite each other under the sunshade, having tea. He Yun spoke up, "I plan to withdraw my share of the dividends to invest in a shipyard. What do you think?"

Nie Congyun and Zhong Shaokang shook their heads simultaneously. "If you're in shipping, just buy the ships. Why would you want to buy a shipyard?"

"We’ll build ships and sell them," He Yun replied with a smile. "Shipbuilding tech is the key. Master the tech, and ships will follow. I’ve got a partner lined up and wanted to ask for your opinions. I know you have the money."

Running a casino is like printing money.

Sure, it’s shady, but it indeed makes money, and everyone’s raking it in.

"What made you think of a shipyard?" Nie Congyun asked directly, not understanding. "I heard you're also getting into the oil business. You should’ve brought us in."

He Yun smiled slightly, "I was in the States with a partner at the time and couldn't contact you."

Nie Congyun listened and said, "Still sticking with that partner for the shipyard?"

"Exactly," He Yun didn't deny it.

Lu Mingzhu stopped mid-sip. Wasn't the partner for the oil company her and Lu Pingan?

Or rather, it was her father.

Investing in a shipyard, classic Dad.

It must be because the country lacks shipbuilding technology, so he decided to invest in a shipyard.

Smart move!

Nie Congyun and Zhong Shaokang had no interest in the shipyard. "We’ll stick to our entertainment and hotel gigs. A shipyard’s way out of our league."

He Yun didn't insist, "Suit yourselves."

After finishing the tea, he said, "Let's go, Mingzhu. I’ll show you the ropes on the golf course and let you see if these two uncles' skills have declined."

Lu Mingzhu followed with a smile.

With her godfather teaming up with her dad on shipbuilding, she needed to curry favor.

Perhaps feeling a bit guilty for rejecting He Yun's proposal, Nie Congyun and Zhong Shaokang went easy on him during the game. Nie Congyun even gave Lu Mingzhu a substantial gift during lunch.

Lu Mingzhu didn't have time to look at the gifts they gave. After the meal, she went home with He Yun to prepare for her meeting with Zhang Zhenxing.

As night fell, the father and daughter quietly appeared on a cargo ship.

The personnel and equipment were all on this ship. He Yun had made arrangements in advance; they lived and ate on the ship and hadn't disembarked since arriving in Macau.

Crossing the river to the other side, they indeed saw Zhang Zhenxing and the soldiers in disguise.

Unable to travel by sea, crossing the strait was troublesome, so they had to take the land route, bringing manpower and trucks, lying low in the shadows.