Chapter 279: Information is Priceless
Chapter 279: Information is Priceless
After completing the procedures, Lu Jiaxin and Nie Zan left, while Nie Jingwen promised that the mortgage payment would be transferred to Nie Zan's account within three days.
It was only when they were alone in the private room of the restaurant that Nie Zan said, "Since you don't have an account with Wan Sheng Bank, I asked my brother to transfer the money to my account. Rest assured, I'll have someone transfer the money to your own account tomorrow."
Lu Jiaxin understood. If the money wasn't transferred to his account, Nie Jingwen would probably suggest that she open an account at Wan Sheng Bank. This wasn't a bad idea, but the issue was that she wasn't yet an adult, and opening an account would require a guardian's signature. While she had a good relationship with Su Heyuan, she didn't want him to know about everything she did.
"I never thought of that. Thank you."
Nie Zan smiled and said, "I didn't lie to my brother. I really do want to help you with your investments, but you're just not interested."
Lu Jiaxin joked, "When I have spare money to invest in the future, I'll consult you first, and you're not allowed to charge me a consulting fee at that time."
She felt that Nie Zan had a more precise grasp of international affairs than she did, and this was related to the fact that he had grown up abroad and had his own social circles. Asking Nie Zan for information would allow her to obtain first-hand knowledge faster than others, giving her an edge. As for investing, she already knew the global development trends, so she wouldn't trouble Nie Zan with that.
Nie Zan smiled gently, "Rest assured, I won't take a single cent, and I'll be there whenever you need me."
On the way back that evening, Lu Jiaxin called Zong Jinghua and informed him that she wanted to go to Wall Street and asked if she could accompany him there.
On the third day after receiving the money, Zong Jinghua's daughter underwent a bone marrow transplant surgery. The operation was successful, and the child was out of danger the next day. Now, she just needed careful care and attention.
Zong Jinghua expressed his agreement, "Miss, let me take care of the plane tickets!"
"Okay," Lu Jiaxin replied.
Upon learning that they were going to Wall Street and that she couldn't join them, Qian Xiaoxiao expressed her concern, "Both Feng Ge and that Zong Jinghua are men. You won't be able to follow them everywhere, even when they go to the bathroom."
Lu Jiaxin reassured her, "Don't worry, I'm just going to take a look at Wall Street. It's full of wealthy people, so the security is pretty good."
Qian Xiaoxiao said, "Sister Jiaxin, I also want to become a Hong Kong citizen so that I can get my passport quickly."
Lu Jiaxin smiled and said, "Next time before we go abroad, we'll make sure to get your passport ready."
Nie Zan was surprised to hear that she was going to Wall Street and asked her what she was planning to do there.
Lu Jiaxin had already prepared an excuse, and she smiled as she replied, "Wall Street is the financial center of the world. I want to take a trip there before school starts to broaden my horizons and gain some knowledge."
Being born in the 90s, Lu Jiaxin only knew about the Plaza Accord and Black Friday from the 1980s, and not much else. This was one of the reasons she wanted to visit Wall Street. She intended to invest in US stocks, but the information available in Hong Kong City wasn't as comprehensive.
"I'll accompany you," Nie Zan offered.
Lu Jiaxin immediately refused, "I heard from Sister Yadan that you've been very busy lately, with your schedule fully packed. Nie Zan, I don't want to hold you back from your work."
Smiling, Nie Zan said, "Then I'll come find you once I'm done with my work."
Lu Jiaxin didn't object to this.
Two days later, Lu Jiaxin traveled to Wall Street, keeping a low profile, so not many people knew about her trip. After returning from Hawaii, Gu Wenfeng had been diligently studying English and could now manage simple conversations.
Wall Street was a magical place, bustling with people of various skin colors, all rushing about with purpose.
Lu Jiaxin spent a week in Wall Street before returning to Hong Kong City. This time, she stayed at the Furama Hotel, another five-star hotel as renowned as the Peninsula Hotel.
After mortgaging the antiques, Nie Zan transferred the money to Lu Jiaxin's accounts with HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank the very next day. Lu Jiaxin took a day to rest before visiting the two banks and asking their managers to help her purchase stocks. She bought shares in McDonald's, Volvo, Altria, and Disney.
One reason she chose these particular stocks was due to a conversation she had with Nie Zan, where he mentioned that consumer goods and service industries had been growing rapidly in America over the past two years. After looking into it, she found his words to be true. Her plan was to hold these stocks for the short term, following the overall upward trend and ensuring she wouldn't make a loss.
Having completed her stock purchases, Lu Jiaxin went shopping, spending a good half of the day browsing. By the time she returned to the hotel, she was exhausted and called for a female masseuse.
Seeing her lying on the sofa, Xiao Xiao commented with a smile, "Sister Jiaxin, you said you weren't tired and were full of energy earlier, but now you're back at the hotel, you're completely worn out?"
Lu Jiaxin loved to shop, both to keep up with fashion trends and because shopping brought her joy. "You wouldn't understand the joy of shopping," she replied.
Xiao Xiao immediately expressed her disinterest in understanding. In her opinion, the cost of such understanding was far too high, as she would cringe every time she saw Lu Jiaxin splurging.
That evening, Nie Zan called Lu Jiaxin. "My grandfather is ill, so I'm staying home to take care of him today. I'll come and see you tomorrow," he explained.
Lu Jiaxin informed him that she would be returning to the mainland the next day. "When will you be back? I'm not sure at the moment. It could be half a month, maybe a month," she said.
"Why so long?" Nie Zan asked.
"I have some things to take care of, and then I plan to travel around the nearby areas," Lu Jiaxin replied.
She wanted to visit the Xi'an City Wall, the Drum Tower, and then hike Mount Hua to see Laojun Mountain. If possible, she also wanted to see the Terracotta Army.
Nie Zan asked, "Can you leave a few days later? I'll accompany you."
Lu Jiaxin shook her head in refusal. Traveling abroad with Nie Zan was fine, but she didn't want to travel together within the mainland. The conservative nature of the mainland meant that who knows what kind of rumors might start if they were seen together.
Nie Zan was disappointed.
Lu Jiaxin smiled and said, "When I return from the mainland, if you're free, let's spend a few days in Venice."
Venice was known as one of the most romantic travel destinations in the world, and a trip there with Nie Zan seemed fitting.
Nie Zan's mood instantly improved. "It's settled, then."
Even if he had to squeeze out time, he would ensure they had at least a week.
Upon arriving at the ancient capital and exiting the train station, the group spotted Qian Shifu.
Lu Jiaxin surveyed him and laughed. "Qian Shifu, it's been a year, and you've changed so much."
Qian Shifu chuckled. "You don't need to beat around the bush. Just say I've gotten fat. These days, without any worries, I eat and drink well, and I've gained a bit of weight."
It wasn't just that he had gained weight; his complexion had also become much fairer. "Qian Shifu, you're at the perfect weight now. If you gain any more, you'll start having health issues—cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure..." Lu Jiaxin warned.
Qian Shifu's head started to hurt just listening to her.
"Old man, listen up," Xiao Xiao interjected. "From now on, eat less meat or don't eat it at all. That way, living to eighty-eight won't be a problem."
Qian Shifu wasn't happy about this suggestion. "What's the point of living to eighty-eight if I can't enjoy the things I like? I'd rather eat and drink to my heart's content and be content with living to sixty-eight."
Xiao Xiao turned to Lu Jiaxin, seeking her support in convincing Qian Shifu.
Lu Jiaxin smiled and added, "Qian Shifu, as we age, our digestive functions decline, so it's best to opt for a lighter and less oily diet. Stay away from deep-fried and spicy foods."
"And don't say that living to sixty-eight is enough. If you can close your eyes and pass away peacefully, that's a blessing. The fear is ending up bedridden after a stroke, half-dead and a burden to others, suffering each day," Lu Jiaxin advised.
Qian Shifu fell silent.
(End of Chapter)
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