Chapter 350

Chapter 350

Wang Xingcai was unaware that Lin Xianglian wanted to cheat on him, mainly because she had the desire but lacked the courage—after all, she still relied on Wang Xingcai for her livelihood. She merely approached Fu Yulin in the same way one might court an opera singer.

In Lin Xianglian’s eyes, movie stars were just glorified opera singers—simply a different profession.

Back in Shanghai, elites of all ages flocked to support opera stars. That’s why, after the founding of the PRC, when salaries were standardized, famous opera stars each received over two thousand yuan per month.

Even the head of state earned only a few hundred yuan.

Now, like other wealthy ladies, Lin Xianglian flirted with the idea of fawning over Fu Yulin, though her future intentions remained unclear.

Lin Xianglian believed Wang Xingcai would die before her, so she had to plan for the future. She resented that while her son was promising, her daughter was a lost cause.

Though Wang Baozhu had threatened Wang Xingcai with suicide, she hadn’t actually wanted to die—she had accidentally cut too deep while slitting her wrist.

Addicted to drugs and in a drugged haze, she couldn’t control her strength.

After being confined, no matter how much she raged, she couldn’t escape. When withdrawal symptoms struck and she was tied up, Wang Baozhu felt trapped between life and death, wailing about dying. Yet, she endured. Over time, her dependence on drugs weakened, and she gradually resumed normal eating, no longer refusing meals.

She thought she’d soon be released, but she remained locked up at home—merely moved from the storage room to her own bedroom, with doors and windows tightly sealed, making escape impossible.

The reason was that Wang Xingcai had consulted a doctor and learned that kicking the habit physically wasn’t enough. For someone like Wang Baozhu, professional treatment—both medical and psychological—was necessary. Only after two or three years of abstinence could she be considered fully detoxified, though relapse remained a risk.

Though Lin Xianglian pitied her daughter, she knew Wang Xingcai acted in her best interest and didn’t oppose him.

Still, this daughter was damaged goods.

Forget marrying into a prestigious family—even an ordinary household would hesitate.

Unlike Lin Xianglian’s indifference toward Wang Baozhu, Wang Xingcai didn’t want to confine her forever in the house tied to his youngest son’s inheritance. He went scouting properties nearby, intending to buy a separate property to keep her in.

This way, she’d have more space to move around without disrupting his youngest son’s life.

After all, what respectable family would let their daughter marry Wang Baofeng if they knew his elder sister was locked up at home?

Hearing from a real estate agent that a prime property was available on Peak Road, Wang Xingcai took the agent to see it. There, he saw another agent showing the property to a young couple.

The man was exceptionally handsome, the woman had a dusky complexion.

Wang Xingcai recognized them at once. “Yulin, are you also buying a house?”

Fu Yulin smiled and nodded. “Yes, Mr. Wang. Binbin plans to keep serving as Martial Arts Instructor and bodyguard for Well, so we’re looking for a house nearby as our future home—for easier access.”

“You’re getting married?” Wang Xingcai couldn’t hide his surprise.

He’d seen the news in the papers but paid it no mind.

Though Fu Yulin was just a movie star with only a few leading roles to his name, he came from a distinguished family and was a graduate of the University of Hong Kong. If he wished, he could excel in any industry. With his extraordinary looks—rivaling Xie Junyao—there was no need for him to lower himself to Well’s hired help.

Yan Bin was downright plain.

Apart from her martial arts skills, she brought nothing to the table.

Wang Xingcai initially kept Wang Baozhu under constant surveillance at home, but later became lax, often going to the Peak Road to have tea and play chess with old friends. Naturally, he was well aware of the backgrounds of everyone around Hao Hao.

Yan Bin glanced at Wang Xingcai but said nothing.

She knew many people, like Wang Xingcai, would find their pairing hard to believe.

So what?

She had gained real advantages and saw no need to care about outsiders' opinions.

Yan Bin prided herself on having thick skin—she could handle it.

Fu Yulin was the one who answered, his eyes and brows full of happiness, his voice cheerful and clear: "Didn’t you live in the mainland for many years after the founding of the PRC? Surely you’ve heard this saying."

"What saying?" Wang Xingcai didn’t catch on immediately.

"Any romance not aimed at marriage is just playing games," Fu Yulin said.

Wang Xingcai was left speechless.

After a pause, he smiled slightly. "Young people’s affairs are for them to decide. As long as you’re willing, no one else has the right to interfere. When’s the wedding? Don’t forget to invite me—I’ll prepare a grand gift for you."

Fu Qing had only this heir left.

It wasn’t easy.

Fu Yulin immediately bowed deeply. "I thank you in advance, Grandpa Wang."

His demeanor was elegant and charming, a delight to behold.

Yan Bin’s eyes sparkled, feeling she had hit the jackpot—how could someone as talented and dashing pursue her? It was like her ancestors were smiling on her.

Ever since meeting Lu Mingzhu and Hao Hao, her luck had been consistently good.

Unlike their harmony, the two competing agents exchanged glares before separately pitching the mansion’s details to their clients, each hoping to close the deal first.

Wang Xingcai inspected the house inside and out, finding it somewhat old.

Upon asking, he learned it was nearly thirty years old.

Fu Yulin felt the same.

For a home for newlyweds, buying such an old mansion was not ideal.

He said, "Grandpa Wang, what do you think?"

"Aren’t you the one buying?" Wang Xingcai was slightly surprised.

Fu Yulin smiled. "I’d prefer a newer house, one that only needs minor adjustments before moving in."

Frequently mingling with these tycoons, he had dipped into investments and earned some money—not a fortune, but enough for marriage and raising a family, way more than his acting pay.

Even so, it wasn’t enough to buy land, tear down, rebuild, and decorate a new house.

"If you’re not interested, I’ll buy it," Wang Xingcai said, glancing up at the mansion. Suddenly, he thought of Wang Baozhu—giving her a new house was pointless.

An old one was fine; she could ruin it, and they could tear it down later for reconstruction.

The agent who brought Wang Xingcai was thrilled, flashing a smug glance at his rival.

Fu Yulin’s real estate agent wasn’t concerned and smiled at Fu Yulin, saying, "Mr. Fu, no worries if this house isn’t to your liking. There’s another great one on Barker Road, built less than ten years ago. It originally belonged to a wealthy businessman from Shanghai, but his family is planning to emigrate, so they’re selling it."

"Let’s take a look first," Fu Yulin replied, then asked Yan Bin, "Do you have time?"

"Yes." As long as Hao Hao got home safely after school and there were no martial arts classes scheduled, Yan Bin had all the time in the world—her job was a breeze.

She used to spend her free time training; now, she used it for dates.

When they got to nearby Barker Road, they found it was indeed a fine house—four stories high, luxuriously decorated, with an excellent environment. The best part was the huge lot, complete with a spacious garden and a view of Victoria Harbour.

The catch? The price—600,000 HKD.

The owner, still there, saw Fu Yulin’s interest and said, "This house is truly exceptional. Do you know who the neighbor is?"

"Who?" It was indeed important to consider the neighbors when buying a house.

The owner chuckled. "The famous Lu Mingzhu herself. The house next door is hers. She hasn’t stayed there yet, but who knows what the future holds? If they ever renovate and move in, you’d be neighbors. Getting to know them could really pay off."

Fu Yulin didn’t know whether to laugh or scoff. "What a coincidence?" He thought about it but wasn’t shocked.

Lu Mingzhu had so many properties, even he lost count. Most weren’t for living—just storage.

Yan Bin blinked and asked Fu Yulin, "Should we buy it?"

"Let’s think it over and consult Auntie first." Dropping 600k HKD upfront would be rough for Fu Yulin, but a mortgage was an option. He turned the question back to Yan Bin, "Do you like it here?"

"Love it." It was spacious, luxurious, and even had room for a martial arts training area.

Fu Yulin decided right then—no need to ask Lu Mingzhu—and made the decision on the spot: "Then let’s buy it—jointly under both our names, but we’ll need to take out a loan."

He didn’t play the big spender in front of Yan Bin.

Yan Bin, meanwhile, gasped. "600,000 HKD!" Back in Huacheng, this kind of money was unimaginable.

Fu Yulin smiled. "I could cover it if I sold some places, but I don’t want to sell the gift Auntie gave me for getting into the University of Hong Kong, so we’ll take a loan."

Yan Bin nodded. "We can pay it back together. I earn two salaries a month!"

"Use your pay for fun money. I’ll handle the loan." Fu Yulin held her rough yet strong hand. "I pull in tens of thousands a movie, and if I work harder, I’ll earn even more."

Hearing their conversation, the owner said to Yan Bin, "Girl, a good man’s hard to find. Hold onto him."

Yan Bin smiled and nodded.

She knew a bit about HK law—spouses maintained separate property ownership. Initially, she’d assumed the house would be solely under Fu Yulin’s name, but now she realized he intended to co-own it with her.

That alone meant the world to her.

Having their own place meant no more feeling like a guest.

After signing the purchase agreement, Fu Yulin paid a deposit he’d prepared in advance, with the remaining sum to be settled upon the property transfer.

The owner personally saw them out. Down the street, trucks were lined up outside the neighbor’s place, unloading wooden crates with great care and carrying them inside.

It contains cultural relics salvaged from the sea.

These were from the shipwreck Lu Mingzhu had mentioned to He Yun. Collaborating with archaeologists from the mainland, they sorted and divided the findings equally. Lu Mingzhu moved her share (a quarter) of the artifacts to this grand house for storage, arranging security personnel as well. Restoration work would require professionals, but with their scarcity, the items would have to remain as they were for now.

Zhang Huaizhi and Mr. Zhang were willing to help, but with just the two of them, they were stretched thin. The previous shipwreck's artifacts alone would keep them and their team busy for a lifetime.

The sheer volume was staggering—enough to bring tears to one’s eyes.

Since Lu Mingzhu didn’t have many expenses, she increased her investment in shipwreck salvage operations. She even asked her father if he’d like to contribute, saying, "Leaving these treasures for future generations is better than leaving money."

Her father shrugged it off. "Are you short on funds?"

He wasn’t addressing Lu Mingzhu, but He Yun.

He Yun poured tea with effortless grace, his motions fluid. "If you want to cover Mingzhu’s expenses, I have no objections."

"That won’t be necessary, right?" Lu Mingzhu had more money than she could spend and didn’t want to appear greedy by taking her father’s. "If you invest, consider it a share. You can give whatever you receive to whomever you choose."

Her father let out a sigh.

"What’s wrong?" Lu Mingzhu asked. "You’re surrounded by grandchildren, wealth, and comfort—what could possibly trouble you?"

"I’m actually a bit unaccustomed to it," her father admitted. "It’s been years since you asked me for money or gifts."

Lu Mingzhu paused, then laughed. "If you offer, I won’t refuse. Go on, what treasures have you recently acquired for your beloved daughter? I’ll take anything."

Lu Ning hadn’t married yet, and after Lu Changgen, there were two more unwed sons. Combined with his investments over the years, he remained immensely wealthy.

Though he had donated generously, what remained was still substantial.

Even the stocks Lu Mingzhu had once told him to keep had soared to staggering values.

Taken aback, her father paused. "What do you want?"

Lu Mingzhu couldn’t think of anything. "I lack nothing."

So, there was nothing she particularly desired.

"A daughter who’s too well-behaved leaves her father stumped on what to give," her father mused, as if Lu Mingzhu had never asked him for anything before. He accepted the teacup from He Yun and inhaled its fragrance. "You’ve collected so much art—letting it sit idle is a waste. Should I open a gallery for you? Sell if you wish, or simply exhibit. Huang He excels in both painting and calligraphy. Have Well study under him—you should plan for her future."

Since Lu Mingzhu wasn’t writing novels or scripts these days, her father felt she needed something to occupy her.

Lu Mingzhu fell into thought.

He Yun nodded in agreement. "It’s worth a try."

Lu Mingzhu perked up and said, "Since both fathers approve, I have no reason not to try. Dad, the gallery setup is in your hands—I’ll just be the figurehead."

Scouting a location, decorating—all the legwork would be her father’s.

She’d bask in the rewards of his work.

Her father agreed without hesitation. "I’ll let you know once the gallery is ready."

For him, it was as simple as giving orders—his people would take care of the rest.

Lu Mingzhu added, "Just don’t name it ‘Mingzhu Gallery.’ People would instantly recognize it as mine."

"How about ‘Zhi Wei Gallery’?" He Yun suggested. "Zhi Wei has a growing reputation in Hong Kong and is highly respected. It’s bound to draw the cultural elite once it opens."

"That sounds great. I'll display Mr. Wu’s original comic strips and illustrations for public appreciation." Although Lu Mingzhu hadn't written new works in a long time, Mr. Wu's painting skills had improved significantly, making him one of Hong Kong’s most sought-after illustrators and comic artists, even invited to illustrate textbooks.

Hearing this, Mr. Lu chuckled, "Since it's called Zhi Wei Gallery, shouldn’t there be works by Zhi Wei?"

Lu Mingzhu was caught off guard.

Though she had inherited the original body's calligraphy and painting skills, her lack of practice meant her works were nowhere near gallery-worthy.

"You’ve bought so many calligraphy supplies, and you brought back even more from the mainland this time. Why not practice at home?" Knowing his daughter's talent, Mr. Lu encouraged her. "You picked up the piano and pipa again like it was nothing—calligraphy and painting are no different. Coincidentally, I've recently become fascinated with painting and acquired some excellent pigments. I’ll send you some later."

Lu Mingzhu pinched her fingers. "Let’s not embarrass me, Dad!"

"Your calligraphy and paintings aren’t bad at all," Mr. Lu said truthfully, recalling the renowned tutors she once had. "The gallery won’t open for a while. You can practice first and then select your best pieces."

Lu Mingzhu didn’t dare agree outright. "Maybe later!"

With her current skill level, displaying her works alongside those of masters would be nothing short of embarrassing.

She refused.

Just as she was about to change the subject, a servant from the Xie family brought over a young man. "Mrs. Lu, this young man, Jin Jianguo, is here to see you. He said you instructed Chairman Wang to send him."

The boy had dark skin and unremarkable features—the kind you’d walk past without a second glance.

Lu Mingzhu straightened up and looked at Jin Jianguo. "Are you Xia Yuan’s son, Jin Jianguo?"

"My biological mother was indeed named Xia Yuan," Jin Jianguo replied respectfully.

In truth, he’d grown up thinking his stepmom was his real mom.

His stepmother always made him work while his younger brother rested, and when there was good food, his brother ate while he could only watch. She claimed bearing the family’s burdens required hardship, while his brother was still young and growing, so he needed better food. Jin Jianguo believed this until he was seven or eight, when Xia Lin spilled the truth.

He was surprised to hear his biological mother’s name from Lu Mingzhu and asked, puzzled, "Mrs. Lu, my biological mother passed away long ago. Why do you mention her?"

"Did you know your mom was adopted?" Lu Mingzhu asked.

Jin Jianguo paused briefly before putting it together. "Do you know someone from my maternal grandparents’ family?"

It was entirely possible.

His biological mother’s parents were Red Army soldiers, and Lu Mingzhu had close ties with the mainland.

Lu Mingzhu hadn’t expected Jin Jianguo to grasp the situation so quickly. She nodded. "I’ve never met your maternal grandparents, nor do I know them, but I know your great-grandfather and great-uncle on your mother’s side—your biological mother’s grandfather and uncle. They’re in the capital and have been searching for your mother. When they learned of her passing, they were devastated. Would you like to go to the capital to meet them? Because of their political positions, they can’t come to Hong Kong to find you themselves, so they entrusted me with this matter."

Jin Jianguo thought for a moment. "My birth caused my biological mother’s death. They might not want to see me, or seeing me would remind them that I’m the reason she died. Rather than meeting and resenting each other, it’s better not to. I’ve heard life is hard in the mainland. I can prepare some supplies for you to send them to help with their living expenses."

Lu Mingzhu was taken aback. "They hold high positions and know you’re innocent."

"Guilty by birth—what innocence do I have?" Though only sixteen, Jin Jianguo carried himself with the composure of an adult. "Knowing they’re well and that they never stopped searching is enough."

Sadly, his biological mother would never know.

Lu Mingzhu looked at him gently. "Jin Jianguo, in Hong Kong, you’re just a struggling young actor. Even if you excel in studies, your future success isn’t guaranteed, and you’re barely scraping by. If you reunite with them, you’d become part of a high-ranking cadre family. Are you really giving up this opportunity?"

Jin Jianguo remained firm. "Yes, I’m giving it up."

If his biological father and stepmother learned he had wealthy relatives, they’d hound him endlessly. The Xia family, who raised his biological mother, would also come demanding their pound of flesh, acting like raising Xia Yuan entitled them to something.

To avoid foreseeable troubles in the future, Jin Jianguo believed that not claiming kinship was the best choice.

Lu Mingzhu nodded. "Since you've made up your mind, I will respect your decision. I'll write to them explaining the situation. As for sending anything, once you've prepared what you'd like to send, bring it to me, and I'll have it delivered to them."

"Thank you," Jin Jianguo said with a slight bow before taking his leave.

The entire time, he never asked about the identity of his great-grandfather, the high-ranking official, or his grandparents.

If he refused to claim them, it was better not to know.

After he left, Lu Mingzhu's father asked what had happened.

Naturally, Lu Mingzhu didn’t hide anything from them and spelled out the whole story. "There’s still another boy whose whereabouts are unknown. I’ll have to trouble both of you to make inquiries."

"It’s a needle in a haystack; it won’t be easy to find him," her father remarked, not believing he and He Yun would have the same luck as their daughter.

Lu Mingzhu also knew the reality. "We gave our word, so we’ll do our best. If we find him, that’s wonderful. If not, at least we can account to them."

They hadn’t placed a newspaper ad for fear of imposters.

Her father sighed sincerely. "Thank heavens your elder brother and sister-in-law didn’t send Ping'an to be raised by others back then. Otherwise, it really wouldn’t have been easy to find him. Just think of all the incidents involving children raised by others—switched at birth, imposters, or even being abandoned on the roadside. Thankfully, the Red Army families knew whether they had sons or daughters, or else we might’ve seen cases where sons were passed off as daughters to be sent back to them."

Sons stood to inherit family fortunes, while daughters had almost no chance.

So, what was the point of swapping daughters?

Only by swapping sons could one gain everything.

Lu Mingzhu laughed. "Dad, you’re absolutely right. I could write a story called *The Dragon and the Phoenix Swap*—about two women giving birth in the same place during wartime, one poor and one wealthy. Seeing the wealthy woman unconscious after childbirth with no one around, the poor woman swapped her own newborn son with the wealthy woman’s daughter. From then on, the fake young master lived in luxury, while the real daughter suffered in poverty. But by chance, they meet and fall in love, only to face fierce opposition from both families."

"And then?" her father asked with interest.

"The wealthy woman and the poor woman both wanted their sons to marry noble ladies, so they made life hell for the girl in every way. The former mocked her at every turn, supported the female rival, and framed the girl, while the latter told her to 'stay in her lane' and not aim for wealth, repeatedly preventing her from meeting the fake young master, even threatening suicide to stop them. Despite all this, the two overcame every obstacle and united in the end," Lu Mingzhu elaborated enthusiastically.

He Yun raised an eyebrow. "No cosmic justice where good is rewarded and evil punished?"

That didn’t sound like Lu Mingzhu’s usual style.

Lu Mingzhu took a sip of tea and set the cup down. "The real daughter loved the fake young master. How could she turn her back on him after learning the truth? Of course, they had to marry with their parents’ blessings and carry on the family line, proving their unwavering love while ensuring the family fortune wasn’t handed to outsiders."

This kind of happy ending was most beloved by soap opera fans.

For a while, Lu Mingzhu often saw TV dramas featuring one "mother" or another, all categorized as melodramas.

At this point, she gagged theatrically. "If I write this story, I’ll have to use a different pen name and not publish it in *Mingzhu Daily*. I absolutely can’t let anyone link it back to my previous pen names."

Whether it was Xiao Xie or Zhi Wei.