"Xuanyuan, didn't you say your ex had a hard time finding a job after college and ended up selling real estate? How did he suddenly turn into some 'President Lu'?"
Yuan Mingliang's face shifted from green to red as he forced the question out.
"That's right, he works at the Spring & Autumn Moon sales office. President Gao must have mistaken him for someone else."
Fang Zixuan was equally confused.
If Lu Chen were really some bigshot, how could she not know? Would she have ditched a handsome guy who treated her wholeheartedly, who was obviously better-looking than Yuan Mingliang, just to follow this notorious playboy?
Wasn't it simply because Lu Chen was poor?
Looks can't buy you a luxury bag.
"Director Lin, what's going on?"
Seeing he couldn't get an answer, Yuan Mingliang turned to Director Lin.
Director Lin was stunned too. He had never seen President Gao treat anyone with such enthusiasm. But the ownership transfer of Taifu Plaza had only happened earlier that day, and only Gao Jianli knew the details. The staff wasn't yet informed.
"Well… I'm not sure either. But that man must have quite a background."
Yuan Mingliang frowned.
When he first tried to steal Fang Zixuan away, even though he liked to play around, he wasn't stupid enough to provoke someone with real connections.
So he investigated Lu Chen back then—only to find nothing special.
A poor guy from a small town, ordinary salary, no background, no connections.
Aside from being good-looking, hardworking, and having apparently practiced martial arts for a few years, he had nothing notable.
But school martial arts clubs? Taekwondo clubs?
He never took them seriously. His own bodyguards were retired soldiers.
That was why he had dared to pursue Fang Zixuan so brazenly.
…
Inside the office, Gao Jianli respectfully served a cup of freshly brewed Da Hong Pao tea. After a few polite words, he went straight to the point.
"President Lu, this quarter's property management fees for Taifu Plaza have been fully collected. After deducting salaries, benefits, and emergency reserves… the net income is exactly one billion. Here's the breakdown. If everything looks fine, I'll transfer it to you immediately."
"B-billion? One… billion?"
Lu Chen almost sprayed the tea out. He forced himself to swallow and pretended to stay calm.
Inside, ten thousand curses rampaged.
Ten billion a year just lying down and collecting rent?
This jump was too big. His heart almost couldn't take it.
While Lu Chen was trying to digest the shock, Gao Jianli misread his silence as dissatisfaction.
"Boss, because Tower B is being renovated and we replaced several brands in the mall this year, some stores are currently under refurbishment. So this quarter's income is slightly lower. But don't worry—next quarter, I'm confident I can raise it to one point five billion."
"…"
Another five hundred million?
Was making money really this easy?
Still silent, Lu Chen made Gao Jianli even more anxious.
Was the new owner displeased? Did he think Gao wasn't doing well enough?
For him, 1.5 billion per quarter was already the limit.
"Boss, if you have any instructions, please let me know."
"Huh? Oh, no problem. You did well. I checked the accounts—they look fine. Keep it up, President Gao. I'll leave everything here in your hands."
"That's my duty! As long as the boss is satisfied!"
Hearing this, Gao Jianli sighed in relief, his attitude growing even more respectful.
If the new boss approved, his position was secure.
And in Jiangdu City, no commercial complex could compare to Taifu Plaza—why would he want to leave?
"Boss, I'll transfer the money now. Please give me your account number. From now on, I'll deposit each quarter's funds directly into it."
"Alright, my account number is…"
Two minutes later, Lu Chen's phone vibrated.
The transfer had arrived.
Staring at the long string of zeros, he felt weightless.
This was more exhilarating than winning the lottery.
Just as they were about to continue chatting, the office door suddenly swung open, making Gao Jianli frown.
"President Gao, this kid is just a low-level salesman at a sales office! He's not anyone's 'President Lu'. You must have the wrong guy!"
Ignoring Director Lin's attempts to stop him, Yuan Mingliang barged in with Fang Zixuan.
"That's right, President Gao! His name is Lu Chen—my ex-boyfriend. A college graduate who never started any business. How could he be the big boss you're talking about? Please don't be fooled!"
Fang Zixuan echoed loudly.
Gao Jianli was about to scold them—but the moment he heard "ex-boyfriend," he instinctively glanced at Lu Chen.
Seeing Lu Chen frown in disgust, he instantly understood.
He quickly filled in the blanks:
Lu Chen never revealed his wealth to his girlfriend.
The woman couldn't stand a plain life, cheated with a rich second-generation, and abandoned him.
A classic gold-digger.
"No manners! Ever heard of knocking? Get out!"
Now that he understood, he naturally wanted to perform well.
"President Gao, don't be fooled! This guy—"
"Shut up! Director Lin, who are these people? Take them out!"
"Sorry, President Gao," Director Lin said quickly. "These two came to sign the lease for Unit B-501 today at 4 PM. I failed to stop them and disturbed you. I'll take them out right away."
He signaled the two security guards who had rushed over.
"Wait."
Lu Chen suddenly spoke.
"I think Taifu Plaza should carefully screen its tenants. People like them don't deserve to be here."
"Heh, you really think you're some president? A guy making a few thousand a month thinks he can decide who gets to rent in Taifu Plaza?"
Fang Zixuan mocked sharply.
She needed to regain face—otherwise Yuan Mingliang wouldn't let her off later.
"President Lu is right," Gao Jianli declared immediately. "Director Lin, cancel their contract and blacklist them. Taifu Plaza will never welcome people like this again."
"What?! Why?!"
Yuan Mingliang finally panicked.
He had spent a fortune pulling strings for that lease—and now it was gone?
Worse, he was blacklisted from the entire Plaza?
"Why?"
Gao Jianli snorted.
"Because the man you're insulting—Lu Chen—paid in full today to acquire Taifu Plaza. He is the new owner."
"WHAT?!"