Chapter 140 The Prodigal

Chapter 140 The Scion

Following this, Jiang Luo embarked on numerous ventures:

He managed several factories, brought Huo Zongzhuo in as an investor in Shengfei, and through Huo Zongzhuo, also acquired stakes in several of Huo Zongzhuo's enterprises, while formally entering the real estate sector.

He also tirelessly established several youthful, trendy fast-fashion clothing brands, strategically positioning himself in the downstream segment of the apparel supply chain.

One could say that with his innate talent and foresight, and guided by Huo Zongzhuo, Jiang Luo ascended to heights in mere steps that others might never reach in a lifetime.

Within Haicheng's business community, Jiang Luo was now a widely recognized name.

They knew he had single-handedly expanded his clothing business nationwide, with a portfolio boasting several brands, notably Vilanido.

They knew that beyond the apparel industry, Jiang Luo had diversified into real estate, automotive, and other sectors.

They knew Jiang Luo maintained close ties with Haicheng's illustrious Huo Zongzhuo, and together they were developing several plots in Pudong.

At any subsequent banquet hosted by the Haicheng Chamber of Commerce, Jiang Luo's appearance would be met with a continuous stream of people eager to greet him.

Everyone would gather around him, engaging in lively and enthusiastic conversation.

Even Chairman Qiu would approach him for a friendly chat, praising Jiang Luo's youthful accomplishments.

In October, at a land auction organized by the Shenzhen Bureau of Land Resources, amidst the predominantly Guangzhou and Fujian-based entrepreneurs, a striking figure suddenly emerged:

Tall, slender, and young, with his hair and bangs neatly combed back to reveal a full forehead, his face was a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship, exceptionally handsome.

The young man wore a simple white shirt and black trousers, adorned with a necklace, bracelet, and a conspicuously vibrant fabric belt, exuding a distinct sense of fashion.

His attire was deliberately unconventional—one side of his shirt was loosely tucked into his belt, while the other hung casually outside.

His shirt buttons were left undone, hanging loosely, and his tie was draped unevenly around his neck.

To any observer, he was the quintessential scion, and one blessed with top-tier looks.

Before the land auction commenced, the seated entrepreneurs, upon seeing this "scion," couldn't help but discreetly whisper to their neighbors, "Who is he?"

"No idea."

"Nobody knows."

"Perhaps some rich young master just here for amusement?"

Jiang Luo, idly toying with his bidding paddle, glanced towards a particular spot in the front rows. There, You Junyu, who also appeared to others as a scion, turned his head and raised an eyebrow at Jiang Luo. Jiang Luo offered a faint smile, and You Junyu responded with a similarly languid, smug grin.

Those around them concluded, "Ah, two young masters. Clearly, they're just here for fun."

Little did they know that once the land auction began, one of these young masters secured the first major acquisition, purchasing plot No. 039 for 15 million RMB, sending a ripple of astonishment through the venue.

Amidst the murmurs, You Junyu turned and shot another triumphant eyebrow raise at Jiang Luo: "How about that?"

Jiang Luo simply smiled.

What followed left the other entrepreneurs in the hall speechless—

The handsome "scion" in their eyes ultimately acquired six crucial plots in Futian and other districts for a total exceeding 100 million RMB.

During the bidding, several Guangzhou and Fujianese entrepreneurs practically fought over the plots, their bidding paddles constantly raised.

But no matter how high they bid, the "scion" would invariably follow, relentlessly driving up the prices.

Almost all six plots were sold at prices significantly above expectations.

The entrepreneurs frowned deeply, engaging in continuous hushed discussions with their companions.

The "scion's" expression remained utterly unfazed.

"Where on earth did this young master come from?!"

"Is he truly that flush with cash?!"

The entrepreneurs were practically seething with frustration.

Once the land auction concluded, the "scion" casually put his hands in his pockets and rose to leave.

Someone quickly rushed over to engage him, asking about his origins and surname.

Jiang Luo turned, a nonchalant smile playing on his lips: "My surname is Jiang, as in ginger. I'm from Haicheng."

Huo Zongzhuo had purchased a luxurious residence in Kowloon, Hong Kong, situated right by Victoria Harbour, facing the bay. Its high floor offered a panoramic view of both sides of the harbor.

At night, with the indoor lights extinguished, the floor-to-ceiling windows framed the spectacular nightscape of Victoria Harbour—a dazzling array of illuminated skyscrapers and vibrant neon lights.

Jiang Luo stood by the window, with Huo Zongzhuo behind him.

He leaned his head back onto the man's shoulder, as Huo Zongzhuo kissed his long, slender neck.

His partially unbuttoned shirt hung loosely on his body.

Jiang Luo gazed out, watching the night view, and on the glass, which mirrored the cityscape, he saw their intertwined reflections.

Jiang Luo tilted his head back, leaning against the man behind him, breathing heavily with a suppressed moan.

Each thrust felt like a shattering impact on Jiang Luo's very soul, making it almost unbearable.

He trembled and shivered before the mirror-like glass, his essence merging with the man behind him.

Afterward, both naked, they lay chest to back on the sofa facing the glass in the darkened room.

Jiang Luo was utterly spent, his mind and body blank, slowly regaining his composure.

Behind him, Huo Zongzhuo kissed his earlobe and shoulder, soothing the young man.

Once Jiang Luo recovered, they continued to lie together, engaging in simple conversation.

Jiang Luo brought up the six plots he had recently acquired in Shenzhen for both himself and Huo Zongzhuo, discussing the development plans for several of the commercial ones.

"Hmm."

Huo Zongzhuo lowered his head, still absently kissing his shoulders.

Jiang Luo, once again on the verge of losing his composure from the kisses, decided to abandon the conversation. He turned and kissed Huo Zongzhuo deeply.

Huo Zongzhuo entered him slowly and tenderly, and Jiang Luo's spirit began to tremble and drift once more.

And this luxury residence was indeed Huo Zongzhuo's "golden cage for his beloved"—

All the furnishings were expensive, high-end imported goods.

In the walk-in closet, any item of clothing hanging in Jiang Luo's wardrobe was a designer brand purchased from Hong Kong department stores.

Pulling open the drawers of the island counter revealed an array of luxury watches and fine jewelry.

There was also a large safe, stacked inside with bundles of RMB, US dollars, and Hong Kong dollars.

Jiang Luo loved glamour and extravagance, so Huo Zongzhuo ensured he lived the most opulent life.

But compared to luxury and career, Jiang Luo still preferred Huo Zongzhuo.

So now, apart from his tie, Huo Zongzhuo was also dressed head to toe in luxury brands.

He used to only wear Rolex watches and paid little attention to such things, but now with Jiang Luo, every time Jiang Luo went shopping, he would seek out the absolute best of everything, ensuring Huo Zongzhuo wore it all.

Thus, they had matching suits, identical watches and cufflinks, and shoes of the same style.

Jiang Luo even wished he could buy Huo Zongzhuo the most expensive underwear and socks.

Such extravagance and panache naturally attracted wealthy young masters and ladies from Haicheng, Shenzhen, and surrounding cities, like You Junyu and Zheng Bin.

These young elites already had their own circles, but after meeting Jiang Luo—who was their age, capable, talented, handsome, fun, and even more extravagant than them—they immediately flocked to him like a pack of wolves finding their alpha. One by one, whenever they had the chance, they’d all go out and follow Jiang Luo for fun.

This large group partied from Haicheng to Shenzhen and Guangzhou, then from Shenzhen and Guangzhou to Hong Kong and Macau, going absolutely wild.

Crucially, when they went out, their parents and elders would have normally nitpicked about everything, but now, as soon as they heard it was with Jiang Luo, they’d relax and turn a blind eye—after all, it was Jiang Luo.

You become who you associate with, and being close to Jiang Luo meant becoming the next Jiang Luo—what was there to worry about?

Sure enough, after hanging out with Jiang Luo a few times, these young masters and ladies seemed to have an epiphany, one after another starting to straighten up—pursuing careers, making money, and studying seriously.

Their parents and elders practically wanted to enshrine a golden statue of Jiang Luo at home, chanting prayers and thanking him.

For example, in Haicheng, Chairman Qiu’s notoriously rebellious and hard-to-manage youngest daughter started clamoring to get a job.

Chairman Qiu had a fleeting thought: he considered marrying his daughter to Jiang Luo in the future.

Just as this idea crossed his mind, his daughter grabbed her suitcase and said she was going to Shenzhen with some friends to hang out with Jiang Luo, adding that she also wanted to start a clothing brand and sell stylish clothes.

Chairman Qiu stopped her and asked, “Do you like Jiang Luo?”

“Of course I do!”

His daughter replied matter-of-factly, excitedly adding, “Who wouldn’t like someone like him!”

Just as Chairman Qiu was about to feel pleased, his daughter said with longing, “My goal is to be Jiang Luo’s best bro! Yeah! Best bro!”

Chairman Qiu: “…”

So, turning around, Jiang Luo brought along Wang Chuang, Zheng Bin, You Junyu, and several other close wealthy friends. After partying in Hong Kong, they headed straight to Wuhan for land auctions.

They stunned local and nearby tycoons in Wuhan, who couldn’t figure out where this group of young people suddenly came from, each seemingly rolling in money.

They also shocked the business owners in Haicheng and Shenzhen: What? Hanging out with Jiang Luo makes you better behaved?

Quick! Knock out our good-for-nothing kids and send them to Master Jiang!

For a time, Jiang Luo’s reputation soared.

Soon, Jiang Luo even appeared on a local Haicheng TV station.

On the news, Jiang Luo was neatly dressed, his hair impeccably styled, revealing a handsome face and a perfectly measured smile as he calmly answered the host’s questions about the development of a plot in Pudong.

Behind him was the construction site where a groundbreaking ceremony had just ended.

Watching this news at home on Wukang Road, Huo Zongzhuo smiled, his expression full of admiration, as if watching a child he’d raised himself grow up in the blink of an eye—now standing tall and taking charge—how could he not feel joy?

Meanwhile, after seeing the news, Su Lan and Zhao Guangyuan were also deeply moved and comforted, but also regretful and sad—no matter what they did, Jiang Luo still ignored them and didn’t come home.

Zhao Guangyuan comforted Su Lan: “At least the child is capable and talented, and he’s doing well.”

“Yes,” Su Lan sighed. “This child is too capable. Even if we had raised him, we couldn’t have raised such a child.”

Elsewhere, in their small shop selling pagers, Wang Junwei and Bai Ting were also thrilled. My goodness, look—Jiang Luo was on the news! They always said this kid was talented, and now it was proven.

Bai Ting smiled and said to a customer buying a pager, “This is my son’s best friend. I watched him grow up, and now he’s so accomplished.”

The customer glanced at the TV and chatted with her, naturally asking, “Boss, what does your son do now?”

Bai Ting smiled. “My son is running factories with the guy on TV.”

“You have no idea—several factories, and they’re huge.”

“Their business is big too; they sell clothes nationwide.”

“You must know that ad—‘Buy clothes, go to Shengfei.’”

The customer exclaimed, “So it’s Shengfei! I know it—that ad is everywhere. I see it on TV every day.”

The only ones who didn’t know Jiang Luo was on TV were Jiang Jianmin and Zhang Xiangping.

After their last argument, where they injured an old man and had to pay a hefty compensation, their food cart was confiscated for lacking a hygiene license.

The couple didn’t understand things like hygiene or licenses. With their cart gone and after losing a lot of money, they also lost face in their tenement building and factory, so they gave up on business and dutifully went back to working in the factory, each earning a little over 200 yuan a month.

They didn’t see anything wrong with this—they’d worked these jobs for years, eaten from the “communal rice bowl” for years, and were long used to it.

A salary of over 200 yuan wasn’t bad at all.

What’s lacking? What’s the problem?

Making money in business? That was unreliable—feast today, famine tomorrow, earning a little here and losing a little there. Nothing compared to the stability of factory work.

The couple returned to their factory life, working day shifts and night rotations.

Jiang Jianmin continued drinking and boasting at the factory: “My son is a top student at Fudan University!”

“He went abroad! He’ll get a green card and become an American!”

“America is great! Much better than here!”

“I’ll go to America someday and live the good life!”

Seeing people gradually moving out of the tenement, Zhang Xiangping stubbornly said, “What’s so great about buying a house? A place to live is a place to live.”

“We have money—it’s not that we can’t buy or move, we’ve just lived here so long we have sentimental attachment, understand?”

“What’s so great about buying a house? It’s just a bunch of broken bricks.”

Times were changing, the city transforming rapidly.

Some people moved forward with it, while others stayed where they were.