Chapter 340: Changing Attitudes
Chapter 340: Changing Attitudes
Just then, the phone rang, interrupting their conversation. Lu Jiaxin, assuming it was Nie Zhan, answered the call only to find it was Su Heyuan on the other line. "Su Heyuan, what's the matter?"
Gu Wenfeng and Zong Jinghua, sensing the change in topic, politely excused themselves from the living room, and Qian Xiao Xiao followed suit.
"I just saw the magazine headlines about you splurging tens of millions to buy a villa for Nie Zhan. When did you buy the house, and why didn't you tell me about it?" Su Heyuan asked.
"I bought it four days ago. I intended to tell you during our next meal together, but I didn't realize the paparazzi would find out so quickly," Lu Jiaxin explained.
"You need to clarify this matter," Su Heyuan advised. "You can't let people believe that you're a kept woman. If you're perceived that way, people will look down on you in the business world."
Lu Jiaxin smiled. "Deliberately issuing a clarification would be a lesser move. Whether I rely on Nie Zhan or my own abilities will soon become apparent to everyone."
"Are you planning to start a company?" Su Heyuan asked, his curiosity piqued.
Lu Jiaxin denied his speculation but didn't elaborate on her plans.
"Why did you choose to buy a property in Deep Water Bay? I heard it's a quiet area with not many residents," Su Heyuan probed further.
The latter part of his question was the key—it was important to live among the wealthy, not only as a status symbol but also to forge connections with other affluent individuals.
"Deep Water Bay has a pleasant environment and is indeed quiet," Lu Jiaxin replied with a smile. "The villa also has a garden and a swimming pool, meeting my requirements perfectly."
"When can you take me to see it?" Su Heyuan asked, clearly intrigued.
Lu Jiaxin explained that she had an exam coming up in a week and wouldn't have time to accompany him. "If you really want to see it, I can ask Xiao Xiao or Zong Jinghua to take you there."
"How big is the place?"
"It's about 13,600 square feet," Lu Jiaxin replied, adding that she intended to purchase the surrounding land to expand the property, at which point she could plant her favorite flowers in the garden.
Su Heyuan was impressed by Lu Jiaxin's boldness. He had once considered buying a villa with a garden but had abandoned the idea due to the high price tag.
The two chatted for a while longer before ending the call.
At that moment, Nie Zhan was at the ancestral home. He had been summoned by Nie Elder early that morning, and upon arriving, he sensed an unusual atmosphere, especially from Nie Manli, whose gaze seemed to convey disappointment in him.
In the study, Nie Zhan asked, "Grandfather, why was it so urgent to call me here?"
Nie Elder, furrowing his brows, looked at him and asked, "Is it true that you bought a villa of over 10,000 square feet for that Miss Lu?"
If Nie Zhan had spent a couple of million on a high-end apartment or a large unit for Lu Jiaxin, he would have let it slide. But spending tens of millions on a 10,000-square-foot garden villa for this woman seemed foolish, and he felt compelled to intervene.
Nie Zhan was irritated by the intrusion into his personal life, but he owed his upbringing to Nie Elder. "Who told you about this?" he asked.
To avoid family discord, Nie Elder replied, "It wasn't your aunt or your older brother. I heard it from an old friend, and it seems the news is spreading. Nie Zhan, is it true?"
Nie Zhan's expression softened slightly as he said, "I don't know who told you this, but I didn't buy the villa for her. She bought it herself. In our time together, the only gift I've given her is a car, and she has reciprocated with gifts of her own."
He pointed to the ring on his finger and the watch on his wrist. "This ring is a design by Jiaxin herself, crafted by Bulgari. And this watch, worth 460,000, was also a gift from her."
Nie Elder was taken aback. "Where did she get so much money?"
Nie Zhan found the question rather silly, but he was thinking long-term; he intended to marry Jia Xin. If he was going to marry her, he couldn't let his grandfather hold any resentment towards her. As for Nie Manli, she wasn't as important to him, and even if he explained, she might not believe him.
With this in mind, Nie Zhan softened his tone and said, "Jia Xin is incredibly talented in business. Two years ago, when she was down on her luck and penniless, she stumbled upon an ancient painting. She's very business-savvy; she knew that the painting wouldn't fetch a high price in the mainland, so she went to Guangzhou, thinking that the Hong Kong businessmen there would have money to spend."
Hearing about the painting from two years ago, Elder Nie suddenly thought of the one he had been given: "Was the painting she had the one you gave me as a birthday gift?"
Nie Zhan nodded. "Yes, that's the one. According to the market in the mainland, that painting would be worth around 30 to 40 thousand yuan at most. But she said that buying that painting and gifting it to an elder would be the best blessing. Those words moved me, so I bought it from her for 50,000 yuan."
Elder Nie was astonished. "You two met two years ago?"
Nie Zhan shook his head. "No, I didn't go to meet her. Wang, my secretary, handled it. She designed a few shoes and used the money from the painting as capital. In less than three months, she made over 2 million."
Elder Nie knew his grandson wouldn't lie to him, but he still had his doubts: "Could the shoes she designed really sell that well?"
Nie Zhan smiled and said, "Grandfather, she's a genius, the kind that's blessed by heaven. Qi Rui Fashion Company was founded by her and Su Heyuan. However, she feels that her studies are more important, and she doesn't want to be disturbed, so she stays behind the scenes."
Although he didn't understand why Lu Jiaxin wanted to stay behind the scenes, he knew that by the time she graduated from university, she would be running her own business. At that time, she would prove all the naysayers wrong.
Elder Nie had heard of this 'genius' before, but since it had nothing to do with his family, he hadn't paid much attention. He never would have imagined that this genius would become his future granddaughter-in-law.
Now that he knew Lu Jiaxin's background, Elder Nie's attitude changed immediately. "You child, why didn't you tell me about something so important?"
Nie Zhan indicated that if it weren't for this incident, he wouldn't have told him: "You know that I would definitely want to introduce her to you. Meeting you as an elder would carry a different meaning, and with her personality, she wouldn't have agreed to it before graduating from university."
After saying this, he added, "Jiaxin being a genius is not something we've publicized. She doesn't want to be disturbed, and her plan is to complete her studies before doing business."
Elder Nie wasn't foolish; he understood the implication of these words. Her reluctance to meet the elders meant that the relationship wasn't completely settled yet. That made sense; the young lady was only seventeen and so capable—why would she want to marry so early?
Once he understood this, Elder Nie's attitude changed drastically. "Ah Zhan, such a good girl, you must hold on to her tightly. Don't let anyone else take her away."
Nie Zhan knew that Elder Nie had never been particular about matching social status or family backgrounds. As long as the person his grandchildren chose was smart, capable, and had a clean family background, he would approve. Now that he knew how outstanding Jiaxin was, he could only give his blessing.
Nie Zhan smiled and said, "Grandfather, rest assured. Jiaxin is the one I've chosen, and I will marry no one else in this life. As long as she feels my sincerity, she will definitely marry me."
Elder Nie nodded in satisfaction. "What does Miss Lu like? You two have been dating for so long. As her future grandfather-in-law, I should also show my appreciation."
Nie Zhan quickly refused. If he sent a gift now, Jiaxin would definitely not be happy to accept it, but she might not be able to refuse it because of his face: "Grandfather, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. There's no rush right now."
(End of Chapter)
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