Chapter 659: Everyone Made a Profit
Chapter 659: Everyone Made a Profit
Upon learning of the 70% plunge in the Japanese stock market, Hu Zhifeng regretted not selling off his investment in the automobile manufacturing industry. Three years ago, a 40% crash in Hong Kong City was partly due to a misstep by relevant authorities, a human factor at play. But the sharp decline in Xiao Ri couldn't be blamed on that, and it would be challenging for it to rebound to its previous heights. Nonetheless, with 85% of his funds recovered, he could only accept the loss on this remaining investment.
When Hu Zhifeng returned home, he told Zong Shimeng, "I'll transfer 30 million to you tomorrow. Feel free to buy whatever you want."
Zong Shimeng was also aware of the Japanese stock market crash, and she happily agreed before adding, "Zhifeng, from now on, when you're discussing matters with Nie Zhan, stay focused."
Hu Zhifeng, full of regret, replied, "Don't worry, I won't let it happen again. I owe you a big one this time; otherwise, I would have suffered heavy losses."
He had invested over 100 million, and to gather that sum initially, he had sold off quite a few of his assets. Now, with more than 300 million returned, he had doubled his money.
Although the stock market had crashed, the real estate market remained quiet for now. But a chilly winter was undoubtedly coming for that sector as well. If not for Lu Jiaxin's tip-off to his wife, not only would he have lost the profits, but he might not have even recouped his principal. It was because he had made a substantial profit that he was now more generous with Zong Shimeng.
Zong Shimeng said, "Nie Zhan and Jiaxin have had very profitable investments over the years. If he has any good projects in the future, you should consider investing in them as well."
She wouldn't have brought this up otherwise. Jiaxin was now involved in big business, and her few thousand million wasn't enough to join that league. A good relationship was all the more reason to maintain a sense of propriety.
Hu Zhifeng's expression changed slightly.
Noticing this, Zong Shimeng asked, "What's wrong? Did Nie Zhan invite you to invest, and you turned him down?"
Hu Zhifeng didn't hide it from her and explained how Nie Zhan had invited him to open a branch of the Wan Sheng Bank in SL (an abbreviation for a place name) :: "SL's system is different from ours. Going there to open a bank is like sending meat to a dog—it won't come back!"
Zong Shimeng tried her best to hold back, but she eventually lost her temper and angrily said, "Jiaxin has made so much money over the years, and she's never squandered it, at most buying some things she likes. They must think that investing there will bring them generous returns."
Compared to her earnings, the expensive watches and antiques she bought were insignificant.
The more she spoke, the angrier she became. "Nie Zhan invited you because of your years of friendship, and you turned him down. If there are good projects in the future, they won't look for you. Just wait and regret it later!"
Hu Zhifeng gloomily said, "At that time, I only had over 10 million on hand, and my father refused when I asked him to participate in the investment under the company's name."
Hearing this, Zong Shimeng's mood also sank. Her father-in-law was truly too rigid. He had refused to let them hoard land twice, while Nie Zhan and Jiaxin had been snapping up land, and the two of them now had land worth two to three hundred million.
"Is there really no other way?"
Hu Zhifeng said, "I'll give him a call tomorrow and see if there's a chance to salvage this."
He now felt that Nie Zhan's project would be profitable, as the two of them were excellent at seizing opportunities. Based on their friendship, Hu Zhifeng didn't think Nie Zhan would refuse, but he never expected that the opportunity would truly be gone.
Upon learning that the other investors included the heirs of the Zheng and Guo families, Hu Zhifeng deeply regretted his decision. The willingness of these two to invest indicated their optimism about the project. Sighing, he thought, "I should have invested back then, even if I had to take out a loan!"
But there was no point in dwelling on a missed opportunity. Hu Zhifeng said, "Ah Zhan, don't forget about me next time you have a project!"
This time, Nie Zhan didn't agree. "The project to open a branch in SL is something Jiaxin wants to do.
Upon hearing this, Hu Zhifeng's expression froze. In other words, he wouldn't be able to participate in future projects either. However, remembering the relationship between his wife and Jiaxin, he felt there might still be a chance.
The next day, Lu Jiaxin received a call from Yu Meotong, inviting her to dinner. "Jiaxin, thanks to you, Tao Yong avoided a huge loss. You must accept this dinner invitation."
Lu Jiaxin laughed and said, "Not tonight, but how about Friday?"
These days, she went to bed before ten o'clock and got up at 6:10 in the morning to go for a run. If she went out for dinner, she wouldn't get to bed until nine or ten, and insufficient sleep would affect her the next day. She didn't like disrupting her routine.
"Then I'll come to you after work," Yu Meotong offered.
"Come to my place! I'll ask Auntie to make your favorite crystal cake," Lu Jiaxin suggested.
"Yes, yes! In addition to the crystal cake, I also want to eat Auntie's lotus seed soup," Yu Meotong said. She didn't know where Jiaxin had found this Auntie, but the cakes and soups she made were exceptionally delicious.
Yu Meotong took the afternoon off and went shopping in Central with Tao Yong. They bought so much that Yu Meotong felt she hadn't had such a spending spree in a long time.
Lu Jiaxin waited for them in the living room and was surprised to see them carrying twenty or so bags. She knew they would bring her gifts, but she didn't expect so many. She joked, "Did you buy out the whole mall?"
Yu Meotong laughed, "Some of these are for you, some for Nie Zhan, and some for your father-in-law. It's not that much when you calculate it per person."
Then she took out two diamond watches she had chosen. "These are the latest couple watches from Patek Philippe. Do you like them?"
Lu Jiaxin smiled and said she liked them, taking off the watch she was wearing and replacing it with the ladies' watch Yu Meotong had picked out. "It's beautiful. I really like it," she said with a smile.
Hearing this, Tao Yong breathed a sigh of relief. It was thanks to Lu Jiaxin's reminder to Yu Meotong that he had benefited and avoided a significant loss.
Three years ago, he hadn't listened to their advice, but this time he had learned his lesson. He had not only sold all his Japanese stocks but also persuaded several major clients to liquidate their Japanese holdings as well. Last night, those clients had called to express their gratitude, so he wouldn't have to worry about a lack of clients going forward.
In addition to the watches, Yu Meotong had also chosen a set of jewelry worth 1.6 million Hong Kong dollars, even more expensive than the two Patek Philippe diamond watches.
When Lu Jiaxin saw the jewelry, she knew it was priceless and shook her head. "Tao Yong, Meotong, I'll accept the watches, but I can't accept the jewelry. It's too expensive."
"Sister-in-law, you warned me a few days ago, and I made over 70 million because of that. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to keep my principal by now," Tao Yong said.
Yu Meotong smiled and said, "Jiaxin, I spent the whole afternoon buying these gifts and even sprained my foot..."
Lu Jiaxin interrupted her, concerned, "Are you okay?"
Yu Meotong waved her hand to indicate she was fine. "It hurt a lot at the time, but I went to a beautician at a nearby beauty salon, and after a half-hour massage with essential oil, I felt much better. Jiaxin, you helped us avoid such a huge loss. Please don't refuse this small token of our gratitude."
Lu Jiaxin smiled and accepted.
(End of Chapter)
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