https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-506-Harcourt-House-and-Windsor-House/12580254/
Chapter 505: Becoming an Idol
Chapter 505: Becoming an Idol
On Saturday, Lu Jiaxin accompanied Su Heyuan and Hu Huihui to an Italian restaurant for dinner. As they reached the entrance, the two female hostesses bowed and greeted excitedly, "Welcome, Miss Lu, to our restaurant."
Lu Jiaxin was startled. She had visited this place numerous times before, but the reception had never been as enthusiastic as today. Sighing, she thought to herself, "Those entertainment magazines are troublesome. Now everyone knows who I am."
Fortunately, high-end restaurants like this usually had well-trained staff. After the warm greeting, the hostesses politely ushered them into a private room.
Once seated in the private room, Lu Jiaxin asked curiously, "There are many wealthy and influential people who dine here, so there's no need to be so extravagant, is there?"
With a suppressed smile, Hu Huihui replied, "That's different! Most of those wealthy and influential people come from prominent families or are already well-off, giving them a head start compared to ordinary folks. But you, you immigrated here four years ago with nothing, and you've built your wealth from scratch without relying on anyone's help. You, my dear, have become an idol for all the young people in Hong Kong."
Becoming an idol was the last thing she desired.
Lu Jiaxin frowned, "I just want to make my money quietly. With all this attention, it'll be hard to keep a low profile from now on."
Hu Huihui chuckled, "You won't be able to keep a low profile anymore since everyone knows you now. But it's not a big deal. You'll get used to it."
Su Heyuan, however, was more concerned about her safety, "Jiaxin, you still don't have enough people around you. We need to hire some more reliable bodyguards."
Lu Jiaxin nodded, "Ah Zhan has found two mercenaries for me, and Zong Jinghua also recommended one of his former teammates. Gu Wenfeng is also helping out and has found five people. We're in the process of getting their paperwork sorted out."
The five people Gu Wenfeng had found would need to undergo training by Yan Yijun before they could start work, but the mercenaries and Zong Jinghua's friend could start immediately.
In the past, she would travel in a single car, but now whenever she went out, three cars were required. One in front, one behind, and she would be in the middle car, which was bulletproof, so even if there were kidnappers, she would be safe. However, this also meant that whenever she went out, all her bodyguards had to come along. Sighing, she recalled how she used to see celebrities being surrounded by their entourage and thought it looked quite impressive. But now that she was in that position, she didn't feel happy about it at all.
Su Heyuan didn't fully trust the mercenaries as their loyalty could only be bought, "We don't need too many mercenaries. The three you have are enough. The truly reliable ones should be our own people. Don't worry about this, I'll handle it."
In the past, when Jiaxin didn't have much money, she had donated over 20 million to help orphans and impoverished students. Now that she was wealthy, her donations would only increase, as evidenced by the 10 million yuan she had recently given. With the mainland's focus on economic development and Lu Jiaxin's strong financial position and connections, it was certain that she would invest there in the future. For this reason alone, her uncle and his associates should ensure her protection.
Lu Jiaxin smiled at Su Heyuan. How was he planning to handle it? Most likely, he would turn to Xie Kaixiao. However, the people recommended by Uncle Xie, whether it was Gu Wenfeng, Yan Yijun, Li Qing, or others, were all trustworthy and capable, allowing her to place her full confidence in them. As for Zong Jinghua and Miao Na, her trust in them was limited.
"Heyuan, I'll leave this matter in your hands."
Rather than being jealous, Hu Huihui was delighted to hear this. If she were in Jiaxin's position and had the means to help others, she would also do her best to protect them and ensure they came to no harm.
During the meal, the conversation turned to business matters. Su Heyuan asked, "Jiaxin, your Xin Xin Real Estate has stockpiled a lot of land. I dare not compete with Wan Sheng Real Estate for the larger plots or older buildings, but I hope we can cooperate on the smaller ones with Yuan Sheng."
Lu Jiaxin readily agreed and then added, "After the stock market crash, I asked my stockbroker to buy shares in Yuan Sheng and Wan Sheng Real Estate. Currently, I hold a 25% stake in Yuan Sheng Real Estate and a 19% stake in Wan Sheng Real Estate. Ah Zhan also mentioned yesterday that one of the shareholders in Wan Sheng is planning to immigrate and wants to sell their 4% stake. We're already in talks, so it should be a done deal."
Wan Sheng Real Estate was expanding and diversifying into the farming industry, with plans for future overseas investments. On the other hand, Yuan Sheng's focus would be on the mainland, where they expected to experience booming growth in over a decade. Thus, she intended to hold onto her shares in both companies.
Su Heyuan, naturally, hoped that her stake would increase, "Yesterday, He Ming called me and said you would lend him 10 million Hong Kong dollars to buy a production line. Is that true?"
Lu Jiaxin smiled, "Yes, it's true. The total cost is 18 million. I'll lend him 10 million, you can contribute 8 million, and the rest can come from the factory. That way, we'll have the money for the new production line."
Seizing the opportunity, Su Heyuan said, "Jiaxin, let's consider this 10 million as your investment. Our home appliance factory is currently valued at about 5 million yuan, and I'll give you a 25% stake in the factory."
Lu Jiaxin was aware of his superstitions and his belief that she brought good fortune. He thought that if she became a shareholder in the appliance factory, it would prosper and become even more profitable. She didn't refuse, but said, "Heyuan, He Ming is the one managing the factory, so you'll have to discuss this with him."
Su Heyuan waved his hand, "If it were anyone else, he probably wouldn't agree. But since it's you, I'm sure he'll be fine with it without even asking."
Knowing and doing were two different things. Even though she knew He Ming probably wouldn't mind, it was still polite to ask about such a significant matter. It was the basic respect one showed to a business partner. "Heyuan, He Ming is your younger brother, but he's also your partner. You should show him more respect."
Hu Huihui remained quiet throughout the conversation, simply eating her meal.
Su Heyuan hadn't expected another lecture, but he took it in stride, "Alright, I'll call him tomorrow to discuss this."
After the meal, Lu Jiaxin slipped away. Instead of going home, she first bought some nutritional supplements and then made her way to the Shallow Bay villa. When she arrived, workers were busy constructing the backyard. As it was winter, planting had to wait until spring, so they were just preparing the area for now.
Next, Lu Jiaxin headed to the mid-levels to visit Gu Haifan. He attended a boarding school and only returned home on weekends, but with Gu Xiuxiu coming back, he would switch to a day school next semester.
Upon seeing Lu Jiaxin, Gu Haifan smiled and asked, "Are you here to visit Auntie?"
Having witnessed Lu Jiaxin's dramatic transformation after her mountain hike—from pale and frail to tanned and slim—he was no longer concerned about her health.
Lu Jiaxin nodded, "Yes, I came to visit Auntie, and I also have something to discuss with you."
Gu Haifan was a top student at his school and, influenced by Lu Jiaxin, was also an avid sports enthusiast, excelling in basketball, tennis, and badminton. He was well-liked by his peers.
"Go ahead, Auntie is sleeping. What do you want to talk about?"
Lu Jiaxin shared the news about purchasing the Shallow Bay villa, "Once the renovations are done, you and Auntie can move in. It's a waste to leave this place empty, and it's not good for the house. We can rent it out instead."
Gu Haifan was taken aback, "You bought a villa in Repulse Bay for Auntie and me to live in?"
"It's for Auntie to live in, and you're just tagging along," Lu Jiaxin clarified with a smile.
Even with that clarification, Gu Haifan was still overjoyed. Smiling, he said, "Jiaxin, do whatever you think is best. I have no objections."
(End of Chapter)
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