Chapter 138 Satisfaction

Chapter 138: Contentment

A few days later, Zheng Bin tracked down Jiang Luo in Shenzhen and reported on Chen Xin’s situation.

Inside the Shengfei Factory office, the curtains were drawn, and the lights were on. As soon as Zheng Bin arrived, he tossed a few sheets of paper onto Jiang Luo’s desk, then plopped onto the sofa. Sipping Jiang Luo’s leftover tea, he declared, "Good thing you had me look into it. Guess what? This Chen Xin really is trouble."

Jiang Luo picked up the papers, his gaze sweeping down. The first page detailed the girl’s university records. Under the name column, it read: "Former Name: An Qiao."

It was indeed An Qiao.

Why had she changed her name?

After gulping down enough tea, Zheng Bin stood up and approached. "Boss Ou even told me she was just a high school graduate, never went to college."

"Turns out she’s a Fudan graduate."

"Guess what else…"

Zheng Bin mimicked Wang Chuang, bending over the desk with his rear end sticking out, then made a chopping motion at his wrist. Looking at Jiang Luo, he said, "She attempted suicide at the university when she graduated earlier this year!"

"Over a guy! A relationship gone wrong."

"The incident caused quite a stir. An ambulance came to campus, and the police were there too."

"I found out as soon as I started asking around."

"Her original name was An Qiao. She changed it, and now she’s Chen Xin."

"She graduated from Fudan and was originally assigned to the city’s Planning Bureau."

"But after her suicide attempt, the Planning Bureau didn’t want her."

"After graduating, she changed her name and got a job at Boss Ou’s company."

"She’s pretty impressive, too—must be capable or something. Anyway, it didn’t take long before she owned half the shares in Boss Ou’s company."

"Externally, Boss Ou is the owner, but internally, she’s actually the one managing the company and raising funds."

Zheng Bin sighed, "Is this company even worth investing in?"

"What if that woman tries to kill herself at the company someday?"

But what Zheng Bin didn’t know was that Jiang Luo hadn’t just asked him to investigate An Qiao; he had also tasked Wang Junqing with looking into her.

Wang Junqing flew to Shenzhen two days later than Zheng Bin and brought back even more information.

It was only then that Jiang Luo learned An Qiao’s suicide attempt at university was indeed because of Zhao Mingshi, and Zhao Mingshi had quietly gone abroad after the incident.

Suicide attempt? Name change?

Breakup? Going abroad?

Jiang Luo couldn’t help but wonder: Was it the butterfly effect? How had these people’s lives changed so drastically?

Just because he hadn’t returned to the Zhao family and couldn’t be bothered with Zhang Xiangping and Su Lan?

Jiang Luo couldn’t be sure, nor did he care to overthink or interfere.

Given the current situation, he only cared about one thing: how much return JOVE would bring him in the future.

"Computers?"

Over the phone, Huo Zongzhuo’s gentle voice came through the mobile phone: "That’s indeed a promising investment direction."

"You want to invest?"

"If you want to, go ahead."

"No need for a loan either."

"However much it is, I’ll give it to you."

Jiang Luo laughed teasingly, "Boss Huo is so generous. Ever since you slept with me, you’re willing to give everything so openly."

"Don’t worry," Jiang Luo said confidently, "I have money. The company’s accounts are flush."

"Investing in a small company like this doesn’t require me to ask you for money."

Before investing in JOVE, Jiang Luo met with Chen Xin in Haicheng. They had a simple meal and discussed the company’s situation and future development.

At the end of the meeting, Jiang Luo made it very clear to Chen Xin: "I don’t care about your past, what your real name is, or what you’ve been through. There’s only one thing—"

"If I invest, I must see returns in the future."

"If I invest, I need to see you and me standing on the same side."

Chen Xin raised her glass of red wine, her expression firm, almost resolute: "Boss Jiang, rest assured. JOVE will definitely bring you returns, whether financially or in other aspects."

"You can also be assured that since I’ve taken the wrong path before, I won’t allow myself to make the same mistake again."

"You’re giving me a chance, giving JOVE a chance. You’re my client, so naturally, I stand with you."

And so, the investment was finalized. After signing the contract, Jiang Luo invested two million in JOVE, acquiring a portion of its shares. With his sister’s help, Zheng Bin also secured two million from his coal tycoon father and invested in JOVE. Besides holding shares, he also took on the title of General Manager at JOVE. From then on, he had a company and an identity, and people could address him as Boss Zheng.

The one happiest about Zheng Bin becoming Boss Zheng was none other than his father, the coal tycoon from Shanxi.

The coal tycoon often heard his son and daughter talk about Boss Jiang from Haicheng over the phone. In high spirits, he traveled from Shanxi to visit his children and specifically flew to Shenzhen with his daughter and son-in-law to have a meal with Jiang Luo—costing three thousand per person—hoping to get to know him and thank him for guiding Zheng Bin "onto the right path."

Coincidentally, Huo Zongzhuo was also in Shenzhen and accompanied Jiang Luo to the meeting.

When they met in the hotel’s private room, Old Boss Zheng was surprised to see Huo Zongzhuo: "Boss Huo?"

It turned out they already knew each other—they were on the same side. Old Boss Zheng laughed heartily, extremely pleased.

He also took a great liking to Jiang Luo. During the meal, he clinked glasses with Jiang Luo repeatedly and said in a booming, confident voice, "If you ever need funding in the future, just say the word."

"In Shanxi, I may not have much else, but I have two things in abundance: coal and money."

"If you’re short on funds, just tell Zheng Bin and call me!"

The meal was harmonious and joyful, with both hosts and guests thoroughly enjoying themselves.

After the meal, they returned to Silver Lake Villa. Lying together on the first-floor sofa, Jiang Luo, slightly tipsy, rested his head on Huo Zongzhuo’s chest and said with a smile, "I’m really happy now."

His career was moving forward, he had invested in a company, and he had good friends.

And he had a lover.

Jiang Luo felt that he truly had so much now.

He felt happy and fulfilled.

Huo Zongzhuo held him, stroked his hair, and rubbed his back gently, speaking softly, "I plan to manage a plot of land in Pudong and set aside some shares for you."

"I'll also give you a portion of the auto company we acquired in Shenyang."

"Later, Huachen will list in the U.S. You’ll have shares and receive solid dividends in the future."

"Huh?"

Jiang Luo truly hadn’t expected Huo Zongzhuo to say these things to him.

He lifted his flushed face and asked the man, "Why give me shares? Got another hidden lover?"

Huo Zongzhuo lowered his head and kissed Jiang Luo’s forehead gently. "I know you like these things—building a career, making achievements, earning money."

"Since we’re together now, hand in hand, united, it’s only natural that I pull you up with me."

Jiang Luo nestled quietly against him, listening.

Huo Zongzhuo continued, "I’ve thought about it—instead of giving you money, it’s better to give you a professional foundation."

"With a career, you’ll naturally have money."

"With your own money, you can go wherever you want, do whatever you like, and buy whatever you desire."

"You love Hong Kong, you love Central—get a place overlooking Victoria Harbour, no matter how big or expensive."

"When Pudong takes off, we’ll also get a place by the Huangpu River, enjoying the night view you love. By then, the riverbanks will be lined with skyscrapers and lights."

Jiang Luo felt soft and deeply touched.

He lifted his head and chin, brushing his lips against Huo Zongzhuo’s, and said, "You’re really something."

"I’ve known you for so long, and you’ve always been so good to me."

"You’ve given me so much, and I haven’t given you anything in return."

Huo Zongzhuo kissed Jiang Luo back, his expression full of tenderness. "I’m sharing what’s already mine—it’s no big deal."

"You don’t need to keep count."

"If you feel you haven’t given me anything, that’s just how you see it."

"Same as you, I think you’ve given me a lot."

"Like what?"

Jiang Luo thought for a moment and said, "A couple of ties I made myself?"

One of them was draped loosely around Huo Zongzhuo’s neck at that moment.

Jiang Luo tugged at the tie. "They’re not even that well-made."

Huo Zongzhuo smiled. "Then make me more someday, ones you think are of good quality."

Then, patting his back, he advised, "In relationships, it’s not about counting what I’ve given you or what you’ve given me. You can’t put a number on feelings."

"I don’t want you to weigh things materially between us."

"Got it."

Jiang Luo lifted his head and kissed Huo Zongzhuo again.

He was always quick-witted, and he immediately said something Huo Zongzhuo would like, "Once we buy that place in Hong Kong, let’s install a huge window facing Victoria Harbour. We can do it while enjoying the view."

Huo Zongzhuo laughed.

Jiang Luo looked serious. "Why laugh? I’m serious."

"Okay."

Huo Zongzhuo kissed him again.

Jiang Luo sat up a bit and suddenly remembered something. "I’ll cut you in on my company too."

"Since we can’t get married and we can’t put both names on a marriage certificate, let’s co-own it—both our names on the incorporation papers."

The two chatted warmly.

Lately, perhaps because they were freshly together and head over heels, if Jiang Luo was in Haicheng, he stayed with Huo Zongzhuo. If he wasn’t, Huo Zongzhuo would fly to Shenzhen to be with him.

When they were busy, they focused on work, were on the road, or worked side-by-side in the office. When free, they went out to eat, shop, or watch movies like any regular couple.

Except they couldn’t hold hands or be openly affectionate on the street, nor reveal their unconventional intimacy in public, they were no different from any other couple.

At night, back at their residence, with curtains drawn and doors locked, they explored each other’s bodies.

Jiang Luo used to be the top, but now he was on the bottom. At first, he struggled to accept it both mentally and physically. But then he thought, it was Huo Zongzhuo taking him. So he let go of his hang-ups and relaxed into it, lying back or face down.

The rumors from his previous life about Huo Zongzhuo being inadequate were clearly false—totally bogus. Jiang Luo had firsthand experience proving that Huo Zongzhuo’s body, especially his kidneys, were really amazing.

Jiang Luo also loved kissing Huo Zongzhuo—his lips, chin, cheeks, throat, shoulders, and chest.

Physical intimacy brought a soul-deep connection.

Being his and having him in return made Jiang Luo feel fulfilled and happy.

Afterward, Huo Zongzhuo would hold Jiang Luo tightly from behind or in front, lion-like, lying quietly for a while, stroking his back and patting him soothingly.

Jiang Luo indeed needed soothing, as the process was often intense, leaving him physically overwhelmed. He would often need time to come back to himself, mind blissfully blank.

Huo Zongzhuo held him, kissed him, caressed him, and patted him, like a lion soothing his cub.

"I can’t… I’m done for."

Jiang Luo truly felt he couldn’t handle it.

He would sweat profusely, drenched as if pulled out of water.

His sweat-damp skin looked and felt different—like a bloomed flower exuding even more fragrance, exceptionally enticing.

Huo Zongzhuo would lower his head to kiss him, from his lips to his bare, pale shoulders, then from the nape of his neck to the graceful curve of his waist.

Jiang Luo whimpered softly, "Huo Zongzhuo."

"Hmm."

Huo Zongzhuo responded while kissing him.

Jiang Luo closed his eyes, lifted his chin, and Huo Zongzhuo kissed him again, gently nibbling his soft, pink lips. "Sleep now."