"So you're Lu Chen? Nice to meet you. I'm Ruan Mingliang, Xuanxuan's current boyfriend. I've heard about you for a long time. Thank you for taking care of her before, but from now on, she's my responsibility."
Ruan Mingliang stepped forward and extended his right hand.
It looked like a polite handshake, but the contempt and mockery in his eyes were undisguised.
"She broke up with me… because of him?"
Ignoring Ruan Mingliang, Lu Chen looked at Fang Zixuan, the woman he had been with for nearly four years.
"That's right."
"All for a few lousy bucks?"
The moment he saw Ruan Mingliang, Lu Chen instantly understood. He just didn't expect that four years of relationship still couldn't withstand the temptation of sugar-coated bullets.
"A few lousy bucks? He drives a Ferrari, lives in a villa, and his company is in Taifu Plaza — in Tower A, the most prime spot. See this bag? Twenty-eight thousand. He bought it without even blinking. And you? Two dishes and one soup every day, living in some old one-bedroom flat with a broken AC. I want a bag and you'd need half a year's salary plus bonuses just to scrape it together."
"He has money you could never earn in several lifetimes. So Lu Chen, let's end here. Even if you chase after me, I won't be with you again." Fang Zixuan, at this moment, completely let loose, lashing out nonstop.
Beside her, Ruan Mingliang watched with an amused smile, clearly enjoying the scene.
What surprised him was that Lu Chen wasn't angered at all. Instead, he became calmer and calmer.
Yes — Lu Chen was unusually calm. His tightly clenched fists slowly loosened. Because a woman like this simply wasn't worth it.
Besides, now that he was no longer who he used to be, breaking up might not be a bad thing.
"I understand. Fine — we're done. From now on, we have nothing to do with each other. And for the record, I didn't come here for you."
He turned and walked into the building without hesitation.
"This guy's useless. Good thing you dumped him. He doesn't even dare argue back," Ruan Mingliang clicked his tongue, sounding bored. He had actually been looking forward to Lu Chen putting up a fight so he could show off.
"Liang, he knows the gap between you two. What would he fight you with? Not even the same league."
"You and your sweet mouth, hahaha."
He put an arm around Fang Zixuan's waist and gave her hip a pat, then the two walked into the building.
At the elevator, seeing Lu Chen waiting, Ruan Mingliang looked around and suddenly smiled toward a middle-aged man.
"Director Lin, what a coincidence."
"Oh? Young Master Ruan? Here this early to sign the contract? Still some time before the scheduled four o'clock."
The man known as Director Lin put on a professional smile when he saw Ruan.
He was Lin Zhengmin, the director of Taifu Plaza's property management.
"Being able to move into Taifu Plaza is a big deal. And President Gao is a very busy man, so I came early to avoid delaying his later schedule."
While speaking, he glanced proudly at Lu Chen. Fang Zixuan also looked excited.
After all, in Jiangdu, everyone knew Taifu Plaza wasn't a place just anyone could enter — money alone wasn't enough. Being brought here by Ruan Mingliang felt like a huge boost to her status. This would be perfect bragging material for later.
"However, Director Lin, it seems your security needs improvement. Even strays are able to get in now."
Director Lin was stunned for a moment, then followed Ruan's gaze and saw Lu Chen.
Unfamiliar face — that was his first impression. As the property director, he recognized almost every business owner and employee in the building.
And Lu Chen was still wearing the sales uniform from the real estate office earlier, completely different from the corporate attire here — clearly not someone who worked in this building.
Even so, Director Lin said nothing. Especially after noticing the sarcasm in Ruan's eyes.
"Young Master Ruan, Taifu Plaza is in the service industry. We keep our doors open for business. As long as they're not here to cause trouble, everyone is welcome. Perhaps he's here for legitimate matters. We should speak carefully."
Ruan's face stiffened.
Lu Chen, however, was impressed. No wonder Taifu Plaza was so successful — its staff really were well trained.
"Ding!"
The elevator arrived. They entered together.
52nd floor.
"Lu Chen, what is your problem? Why are you following me?" Fang Zixuan finally lost her patience.
"Don't flatter yourself. I'm here on business."
"You? Doing business here? Don't make me laugh."
Even Ruan Mingliang couldn't help commenting. People came here to pay property fees, negotiate leases, or discuss mall event partnerships.
None of that had anything to do with Lu Chen.
"Ah! President Lu, you're finally here! Welcome, welcome!"
A suddenly enthusiastic voice rang out. They turned and saw Gao Jianli.
Since Lu Chen had bought Taifu Plaza, Gao, as the general manager, had naturally studied his photo — so he recognized him instantly.
He hurried over to greet him.
But because they were some distance away, and because Ruan Mingliang was excited to see Gao Jianli, he misheard "President Lu" as "President Ruan."
Grinning, he rushed forward and grabbed Gao Jianli's hands.
"How could I dare call myself President in front of someone like you, President Gao? You flatter me!"
Inside, he was bursting with pride. See? President Gao himself came out to welcome him.
He even glanced disdainfully at Lu Chen and gave Fang Zixuan a triumphant look.
She was nearly trembling with excitement. She really had chosen the right man! Gao Jianli personally coming out to greet them — what an honor. If only she could snap a picture!
But the next moment completely stunned Gao Jianli.
Who the hell was this guy? Why did he suddenly grab his hands? Was he sick?
"And you are…?"
Gao frowned, pulled his hands back, and, without waiting for Ruan to respond, walked quickly past him and straight toward Lu Chen.
"President Lu, everything is ready. Let's head to the office and talk. I've already brewed the best Da Hong Pao for you. Your timing is perfect."
He took Lu Chen's hand and led him toward the office, completely ignoring the frozen, hand-still-extended Ruan Mingliang.
His enthusiasm was like a son welcoming his father — his face beaming with joy.
Of course. Gao Jianli was a powerful figure in Jiangdu.
But that was just Jiangdu.
Outside this city, there were countless people stronger than him.
Someone capable of buying Taifu Plaza in full cash wasn't just wealthy — the power behind him definitely wasn't something to underestimate. Offending such a person could easily cost him his position.
This scene left Ruan Mingliang and Fang Zixuan utterly dumbfounded.
"What… what's happening?"