Chapter 275

Chapter 275

After Xie Junyao purchased the land and materials, the design for the grain warehouse was quickly finalized, and construction workers immediately got to work, working at full steam.

In just half a month, everything was in order.

You could always count on him to get things done.

The company contacted by Xie Junhao was thrilled to learn that his younger brother’s wife, Lu Mingzhu, intended to buy large quantities of grain. They happily offered 300,000 tons of wheat and 200,000 tons of corn, to be delivered before and after the Lunar New Year, with a total price of $35 million USD, offering a reasonable discount.

Before Lu Mingzhu could make a move, Xie Junhao transferred the deposit from his company’s account to his friend’s, purchasing the grain under the company’s name. He told Lu Mingzhu, "We’re family—what’s mine is yours."

He thought of his own dreams.

Two years later, the mainland would suffer consecutive years of severe droughts and floods, leading to starvation running rampant.

Had Lu Mingzhu had the same dream? She had previously reminded him to increase Xie Junyao’s security detail.

Xie Junhao was calculating and reserved, never revealing his thoughts. He recalled how Lu Changsheng had been fixated on the grain and oil trade years ago, despite other industries being far more profitable. Even his two-year stint in real estate, all profits had gone back into the grain company.

Their actions couldn’t be without reason.

Xie Junyao, unaware of what his elder brother was thinking, realized the newly built warehouse couldn’t hold 500,000 tons of grain. So, he bought another plot of land in the New Territories to construct an additional warehouse.

Originally, he had considered building it in Macau for easier transportation, but he couldn’t stand being away from his wife and kid.

Nothing made him happier than coming home to them every day.

When Lu Mingzhu heard from Xie Junyao that Li Qingyun had gotten burned badly in real estate and was forced to sell land, she realized that Hong Kong’s housing market crashed ahead of schedule. The downturn had begun in the second half of the year, with cumulative losses now reaching around 40%—far steeper than the historical decline she knew of, proving the ripple effect of small changes.

Though Li Qingyun wasn’t reduced to poverty overnight, the ordeal left him financially crippled, wiping out his savings. After selling his land in the New Territories, he still owed the bank nearly $1 million in loans.

In the end, he had to rely on his garment factory.

Lu Feifei still hadn’t withdrawn her shares and continued to receive dividends year-round, which was more than enough for her pocket money.

Under these circumstances, Vivian took Li Qingyun’s ailing mother into her own home, hiring help to tend to her. It was her way of repaying the kindness Li Qingyun’s mother had shown her and her son during their marriage, ensuring she wouldn’t have to worry about living expenses or medical care.

The elderly woman had been too sick to recover, yet not sick enough to die, lingering in poor health.

This act of kindness won Vivian glowing praise from Li Qingyun and widespread admiration. Garment factories that had previously hesitated to work with her now flocked to purchase her zippers for jeans, jackets, and dresses.

Though she wasn’t the daughter of the Diamond King, her integrity made her trustworthy.

In business, no one wanted to deal with swindlers.

Meanwhile, the surge in property listings was met with dwindling demand, as buyers chased highs and avoided lows, leading to a sharp decline in transactions.

Xia Lin quietly counted her blessings for heeding Lu Mingzhu’s advice and selling most of her properties early, earning a substantial profit—some even two or three times what she’d paid. Now, she could buy back properties at lower prices, further increasing her wealth.

Yang Huan seized the opportunity to purchase a building.

She came up a little short, but her mother and sister lent her their savings.

True to her word, Lu Mingzhu also bought a building in Happy Valley for Fu Yulin—one she sold as a tenanted property.

The purchase was originally supposed to be made right after Fu Yulin passed the interview at the University of Hong Kong, but at that time, Lu Mingzhu was preoccupied with childbirth and had no energy to spare for him. Making up for it now doesn’t count as breaking her promise.

Since he couldn’t refuse, Fu Yulin used the money he had originally planned to spend on buying a floor to commission a golden rooster from a jewelry store.

Haohao was born in the Year of the Rooster.

Solid gold, no hollows.

He had attended Haohao’s full-month banquet and her hundred-day celebration, so he decided to give this golden rooster as a Christmas gift.

Before they knew it, it was December 2nd.

He Yun’s birthday banquet went ahead as planned.

He’d rather keep it simple with just family, but He Lan and his other siblings had already sent out invitations far and wide, inviting a crowd. Thus, he had no choice but to show up and accept congratulations from all directions.

Lu Mingzhu did not bring Haohao along.

She was still too young, not even four months old.

Before leaving, she fed Haohao one more time, then changed into a red embroidered cheongsam.

Her upper body had filled out noticeably, making her waist appear even slimmer.

Utterly captivating.

Xie Junyao’s eyes darkened slightly as he picked up an embroidered shawl and draped it over her shoulders. “Don’t catch a cold.”

It was the end of the year, and the weather was chilly.

Lu Mingzhu shot him a playful glare before heading downstairs to call for Xie Junhao. “Big Brother, are you ready?”

“Yes.” Xie Junhao, who had been sitting on the sofa reading the newspaper while waiting for them, set it aside. He was dressed in his usual suit and tie, even his tie a deep blue, with faint wrinkles at the corners of his eyes—quietly confident, radiating mature charm.

Lu Mingzhu glanced at him, then at Xie Junyao.

Little Xie was the better-looking one.

At home, he acted playful, but his demeanor outside was enough to impress. The moment they stepped into the He family mansion, someone greeted him, praising how he was taking after his elder brother more and more.

Xie Junyao smiled faintly. “You’re too kind.”

Interlacing his fingers with Lu Mingzhu’s, he gave a slight bow, with effortless grace. “We’ll go offer our birthday wishes to Father-in-law now. Excuse us.”

“Of course.” Only then did the other person remember he was He Yun’s son-in-law.

He Yun was delighted to see Lu Mingzhu. “Good girl.”

She was wearing the jade bead necklace he had given her.

Glass-like jadeite, in blue-water green.

Lu Mingzhu’s jade collection was truly extensive, with green jade being the most common. Without close inspection, the colors were almost the same, so everyone assumed she was wearing an old piece and paid it no mind, instead gushing over the sapphire necklace Ming Yue wore that day.

She and Meng Ruyu had arrived quite early.

Ming Yue had gained some curves after childbirth, her face as round as the moon, brows like delicate brushstrokes, lips like rouge—as dazzling as Noble Consort Yang.

She was envious of Lu Mingzhu’s slim figure and asked how she’d bounced back so quickly.

Lu Mingzhu smiled, "Didn't I introduce you to the doctor and instructor who taught me Kegel exercises and postnatal yoga? Did you not follow their advice?"

"I did, but it didn’t work well," Ming Yue wondered if it was because she ate too much.

Before and after childbirth, her appetite had surged, doubling her pre-pregnancy intake. Even her mother said she wasn’t bloated—just plain chubby.

"Give it time. Your baby is only two months old," Lu Mingzhu comforted her.

Her gaze drifted casually before suddenly freezing.

Noticing her reaction, Ming Yue and several other socialites followed her line of sight and murmured in surprise, "'Isn’t that Mrs. Ye?'"

"'Mrs. Ye'? That’s just Dong Cuijun."

After Mr. Ye’s unexpected passing, Dong Cuijun got only a few hundred thousand in cash—nothing else—drawing widespread ridicule in high society. She had been downcast for a while, but it seemed she had bounced back remarkably fast.

Indeed, women like her couldn’t be kept down.

Her male companion was also familiar—the cheerful, pudgy Jin Yongze.

He had once pursued Yang Huan unsuccessfully and, after being reprimanded by He Yun, returned to Malaysia. It was only during Lu Mingzhu and Xie Junyao’s grand wedding that he reappeared in Hong Kong.

No standards at all.

Lu Mingzhu was amazed.

Since he had once helped Xie Junhao search for Xie Junyao and Lu Mingzhu at sea, she went over to greet him.

Jin Yongze beamed, his eyes narrowing into slits. "Mrs. Xie, it’s been forever since you’ve been out."

She looked even more stunning—more radiant.

Lu Mingzhu had always kept to herself, even more so after marriage and before childbirth. Postpartum confinement made it next to impossible to spot her at social events. People joked she was too busy counting her money at home.

Lu Mingzhu chuckled lightly. "Well, you’re seeing me now. What’s the story with you and Mrs. Ye?"

"You mean Cuijun? She’s single now—no longer Mrs. Ye. She never even took the Ye surname." Jin Yongze patted Dong Cuijun’s bare arm, exposed by her sleeveless qipao. "She’s been through a lot. She admired power but got played by Mr. Ye. Fortunately, she met me. We’re dating now and planning to buy a villa on Barker Road as our home."

Not bad—just 150 grand.

"Does your wife not object?" Lu Mingzhu asked, partly to remind Dong Cuijun.

Talented, beautiful, and financially secure—why always chase easy money?

Though Mr. Ye hadn’t left her a vast fortune, the cash she received was enough to buy property and live comfortably.

Dong Cuijun lowered her head, her neck flushing slightly, feigning shyness.

After years of serving Mr. Ye, dining on gourmet food every day, her beauty remained intact—one bright spot.

She had finally switched to new jewelry.

Lu Mingzhu recognized them—a matching set of apple-green jade beads, bracelets, rings, and earrings from the same collection she’d placed for sale at Mingzhu Diamond Jewelry Store, the same set she’d given her bridesmaids.

Jin Yongze seemed to adore Dong Cuijun’s newfound gentleness and grace. Smiling, he said, "A man having multiple wives is perfectly normal. My wife never complains. Besides, Secretary Dong is excellent in English and highly capable—she’s been a great help to me."

Dong Cuijun holds British citizenship, which could offer considerable advantages when she plans to do business in Hong Kong.

Since Madam Jin has no objections, Lu Mingzhu refrains from further comment.

Everyone makes their own choices, and as long as they bear the consequences themselves, others truly have no right to interfere.

Ming Yue, who adores gossip, had been confined indoors during her postpartum period and was nearly suffocating from boredom. Clinging to Lu Mingzhu’s arm, she listened to their conversation, glanced at Dong Cuijun, and smiled, "Don’t forget to share any good news with us in the future!"

She suspected Dong Cuijun might become Jin Yongze’s concubine.

Apart from the incident with Mr. Ye, Dong Cuijun remained active in high society but had no better options left.

No one’s that naive.

Unless she finds some senile old fool smitten by her.

But their heirs won’t be so gullible.

What a waste.

Her background wasn’t bad—a British-born Chinese, university-educated, and strikingly beautiful. If she’d played her cards right, she could’ve landed a good match. After all, not every rich girl even gets into college, and top families love a pedigreed bride.

Even Xia Lin’s name wasn’t as tarnished, let alone Yang Huan, who had maintained impeccable conduct since her debut.

She swats away sugar daddies and trust-fund brats, spending her days solely on filming, advertisements, and promotional events, never sucking up to anyone.

Even Liao Wanru couldn’t resist pulling Lu Mingzhu aside to ask, "Does Yang Huan have a boyfriend?"

"Ah?" Lu Mingzhu blinked.

Liao Wanru explained, "My eldest son, your eldest nephew—that kid’s all books and labs—a total nerd. He’ll return next year to Hong Kong as a university professor. Your godmother and I are dying to get him hitched."

"You’ve got your eye on Yang Huan?" Lu Mingzhu asked curiously.

Liao Wanru looked slightly embarrassed. "Your godmother said she thinks Yang Huan is wonderful, but we’re not sure if my boy’s even in her league."

She had always admired the old lady’s discernment, except when it came to her father-in-law.

Lu Mingzhu nodded. "Sister-in-law, though I’m her employer, I don’t impose on my employees. I’ll float the idea to Yang Huan, but I can’t guarantee anything. What’s his name again? How old is he? It’s been so long, I’ve forgotten his exact age."

"Wang Hao, Hao as in ‘boundless.’ He’s twenty-seven now and already holds a Ph.D." Speaking of his academic achievements, Liao Wanru brimmed with pride.

Lu Mingzhu acknowledged, "I’ll remember that."

As it turned out, Liao Wanru wasn’t the only one interested in Yang Huan.

A less familiar wealthy lady, apparently some relative of the Xie family, sneered and brought up Yang Huan’s name. "Mingzhu, why don’t you play matchmaker for your cousin? A girl like Yang Huan should be grateful we’d even consider her. As long as she can keep your cousin from straying, I’ll make sure she’s taken care of."

Lu Mingzhu cut in, "No need. Yang Huan’s not into social climbers—or your family."

Wait—that cousin of Xie Junyao’s?

Xie Junyao hadn’t introduced him in detail, implying he wasn’t significant. Lu Mingzhu hadn’t inquired further, never expecting he’d *still* be hung up on her.

The wealthy lady’s expression darkened, but before she could speak, Lu Mingzhu interjected, "Oops—godfather’s summoning me!"

The socialite immediately fell silent, not daring to obstruct.

Lu Mingzhu walked over to He Yun and called out, “Qiyé.” (A term of respect for a godfather-like figure)

“Mingzhu, weren’t you optimistic about the development of the grain and oil industry? This is a big-time American farmer,” He Yun introduced Edward, a portly, white-haired American with gray eyes, to Lu Mingzhu. “His farm produces about 20,000 tons annually. Half has already been sold this year, with the other half remaining.”

10,000 tons was no small amount.

Lu Mingzhu immediately flashed a sweet smile. “Hello, are you looking to sell?”

The wrinkled Edward chuckled. “Of course. Mr. He just mentioned that you’re interested in purchasing?”

“Yes, my brother runs a grain and oil company with substantial demand.” Facing different people, Lu Mingzhu adjusted her story for stockpiling grain, yet always managed to sound convincing. Even when lying, her expression was utterly sincere.

Soon, she struck a deal with Edward: $700,000.

Mr. Lu arrived rather late.

Because the elderly Mrs. Lu suddenly felt unwell, the butler promptly notified Mr. Lu, who first took her to the hospital. Only after confirming she was fine did he return.

By the time he arrived, Lu Mingzhu had already wrapped up agreements with two grain suppliers.

Xie Junyao, who had been detained by friends and couldn’t accompany Lu Mingzhu, watched everything unfold. He couldn’t help but feel she was absolutely glowing at this moment—her brilliance would be a shame to confine at home.

Fortunately, they only had one child keeping them grounded.