Zhou Yun Sheng thought that the two of them would quickly go to the next stage once attraction was established– hook up. But Du Xu Lang's ideas were clearly beyond his expectations.
The other man seemed to be earnestly pursuing him, a phone call every couple of days evolved into a couple of calls a day. When he visited A country, he always took him out to dinner, but it was always a simple meal, and he always maintained an attentive but not overly explicit attitude. Every New Year festival, he'd send expensive gifts.
Zhou Yun Sheng had no choice but to shamelessly think – Du Xu Lang was pursuing him, and his attitude was very serious. This feeling, to him who suffered miserable deaths and was hated as the villain by male and female protagonists from start to finish, was undoubtedly novel. He died an unsightly death in each lifetime, he failed to obtain true love in each lifetime, he suffered betrayal in each lifetime. Zhou Yun Sheng thought that he had already grown numb to 'love'.
But after breaking free of the system's shackles, he found that he had only buried the desire deep in his heart. Since Du Xu Lang was determined, he would also go with the flow, as for whether the two of them could last, that was another topic.
While he was thinking, the phone on the table rang, sure enough, a man's low magnetic voice came out from the other end: "Did you like the watch I sent? I also bought the same style, it's a good match … …"
———
J Country, Capital
Du Xu Lang was standing on the top floor of a skyscraper, while talking affectionately on the phone, he smoked in satisfaction. The other side must've said something amusing because he chuckled, eyes flashing a happy light.
"Yes, I know, I'll see you next week, you choose the place." He caught sight of his nephew walking in without knocking. Du Xu Lang frowned, and had no choice but to end the call.
Zhou Wenjing sized him up inconspicuously, very curious about what type of person could let his uncle be so gentle.
"Uncle, did you find me an aunt?" He joked probingly.
Du Xu Lang was clearly pleased by the word 'aunt', he chuckled for a while before nodding, "Yes, I found you an aunt." Then he added in bad taste, "When I wangle him, I'll introduce you guys, you must get along well."
Still needs to be wangled? Zhou Wenjing was secretly relieved, obediently promising. He had already learned Du Xu Lang's true identity. The first feeling was incredulity, the second feeling was pleasantly surprise, and then fear. It took a year or two to adapt and gradually restore their original naturally causal relationship.
Under Du Xu Lang's protection, he founded his own company, and it was now on the rise, his prospects were very broad. He was no longer the original easily bullied illegitimate child of the Zhou family. In J Country, even if he met a business big shot, they would respectfully shout 'Jing-shao'.
All of this was what Du Xu Lang gave him. If Du Xu Lang set up his own family, would he still treat this no blood relationship nephew so wholeheartedly? Would his wife and children tolerate his presence?
Zhou Wenjing's nature was mistrustful, lacking a sense of security, he was even somewhat guarded against Du Xu Lang someone who generously invested in him.
The flash in his eyes didn't escape Du Xu Lang's strong perception, his heart couldn't help but be disappointed. Yun Sheng also knew his identity, yet his attitude hadn't changed in the slightest from the past. His nephew, although he tried hard to cover it up, still couldn't conceal the fear and fawning in his words. Before, he felt that Yun Sheng was inferior to his nephew, but the facts were proving that his judgment ability was lacking.
Zhou Wenjing was scared silly by his uncle's observation, he had no choice but to open his laptop and change topic, "Today is the final day of 'Trade War'. I want to take first place to show you."
"Oh? Already the last day?" Du Xu Lang indeed threw away his distracting thoughts, walking over to focus on the screen.
"Trade War" was an online game sold by Noah Universal, it was very popular among business people. Because of the excellent production and environment with impeccably realistic details, many business leaders forced their children to compete in the game, using it to hone their skills. This year was 'Trade War's' second anniversary, the game held a genuine 'Trade War', but only allowed people under the age of 25 to participate.
The war created an instance of Haicheng, the competition lasts 30 days. Each player could only hold 10,000 yuan in starting funds, and at the end of the countdown, the computer would select a winner according to overall quality. Simply put, the one who earned more money, won.
Zhou Wenjing was a loyal fan of "Trade War", but also one of the expert level players, so far, he was ranked first. This game had a huge player base around the world, standing out from the crowd usually required extraordinary ability, naturally, his identity was also extraordinary. Those who participated anonymously aside, real name participates had strong backgrounds one after another, a self-made business upstart, a conglomerate or group, etc.
Who would think that the unknown Zhou family illegitimate son could overpower the bigwigs and settle in first place? Even Zhou Wenang, Zhou father's praised to high heaven son, was eliminated early on. But Zhou Yun Sheng made no appearance, perhaps he was too afraid of failure?
With a strong sense of superiority, Zhou Wenjing pointed to the map and explained, "The land reclamation project between Shuangba Island and Clear Water Bay has been completed. This place will become an important commercial port, and the once penniless Clear Water warehouse will double in value and become the center of distribution."
"When the government announced the start of the reclamation project, I'd already purchased Xinglong Group. The Xinglong Group holds a 20% stake in Clear Water warehouse, so I indirectly own a controlling stake in Clear Water warehouse. Haicheng instance's gold mine has already been won by me."
Du Xu Lang glanced at the data on the screen, and raised an eyebrow, "Your celebration seems a bit early. This person holds a 22% stake, more than you,"
Zhou Wenjing followed along his fingertip to look at the screen, only to find that a player named Deicide had released a share certificate on the communication channel, the bright red 22% stung his eyes.
"What the!? Which hole did this Deicide crawl out from?! I've never seen him before!" Zhou Wenjing turned pale in fright, he quickly searched up the other's information and found that the other side's performance was mediocre, but when his investments were added up, the results were shocking.
The industries he invested in were very diverse-, there was food, technology, real estate, entertainment .... Although there were no sudden and huge profits, the profits were steady, with no chance of a loss. In just twenty-nine days, he actually quietly accumulated huge wealth. His ranking just happened to stop at eleventh place, but the network only published the movements of the top ten players, this caused Zhou Wenjing to not be alerted.
Du Xu Lang stare at Deicide's transactions list and raised an eyebrow, "It seems that his foresight is more long-term than yours. When the government first sent the survey team to Clear Water Bay, he had already started buying stock in Clear Water warehouses. Never making a sound, yet amazing the world with a single brilliant feat ah."
Either don't move, or one move will kill you, this really was someone's style of action. Du Xu Lang smiled in interest.
Zhou Wenjing scorned, "Even if he has 2% more than me, my Xinglong Group is based in the real estate and finance industries, it has long been in bed with the International Trade Bank. As long as I chat with the chairman of the International Trade Bank, Simon (NPC), the International Trade Bank will terminate all financial transactions with Decide. As long as he doesn't want to go bankrupt, he'll have to give up his current shares. The business world is like this, just because it's in your hand, it doesn't mean that it belongs to you."
Du Xu Lang hooked up his lips, his meaning unknown. He casually shook out some cigarette ash. This nephew was very outstanding, his ability was also very outstanding, but he was afraid that he still wasn't Yun Sheng's opponent.
Zhou Wenjing and the chairman of the International Trade Bank quickly reached a consensus, however, a strange change suddenly occurred. The second ranked Shenghe Group announced their intention to compete for the Clear Water warehouse. Shenghe Group was engaged in the shipping industry, and was currently Haicheng's shipyard big shot. His real identity happened to be Lei Shenghe, the great-great-grandson of the shipping tycoon, Lei Shi Zu.
Shenghe Group and the International Trade Bank had strong capital ties, and Lei Shenghe was the honorary vice chairman of the International Trade Bank. His intimacy with Simon was far above Zhou Wenjing. His strong involvement intensified the game to the climax.
Inoue Shuzan was Du Xu Lang's personal assistant. He'd always paid attention to the game's developments, so when he saw his boss and his boss' nephew through the glass window in the office, in the middle of competing, he couldn't help but come in to observe.
"Today's young people are so powerful, us old guys better watch out. Deicide, God Killer, quite a fierce name, but the strength is actually the weakest. He holds 22% of the shares, the hot potato. I'm afraid Xinglong Group and Shenghe Group will reduce him to cannon fodder. His performance has been very smooth up until now, the acquisition of Clear Water warehouse will probably become his downfall. This shows a lack of ability to be content with what you can hold. Although you need courage to engage in business, a calm mind is even more needed." He impartially evaluated.
Zhou Wenjing nodded in agreement, Du Xu Lang forcibly snubbed off his cigarette, giving Inoue Shuzan a meaningful glance. Inoue Shuzan hooped his arms around his chest, suddenly feeling a bit cold.
At that moment, Zhou Yun Sheng was sitting in front of his computer screen. When he saw that Lei Shenghe, as expected, had joined the fight, he immediately opened a private chat. The two people discussed in secret for a moment, then they finally reached a consensus.
On the other end, Zhou Wenjing was surprised to see that Deicide, at the low price of 30 yuan per share, had transferred his shares to Lei Shenghe. And Lei Shenghe persuaded the International Trade Bank to let Deicide buy a 46% stake in its subsidiary company, Jialing Group. Henceforth, Deicide officially became the largest shareholder of Jialing Group, and joined the main board of directors.
Jialing Group was involved in the food manufacturing industry, its development potential was far less than Clear Water warehouse, which was bound to become a mountain of gold and silver. But when converted, the market value was also worth at least 6 billion.
When Deicide originally bought shares in Clear Water warehouse, Clear Water warehouse's stock price was very low, even if he sold it for the low price of 30 yuan, he still earned 360 million off Lei Shenghe. This 360 million was all used to purchase Jialing Group. In other words, he bought something worth 6 billion yuan without spending a penny.
When the announcement came out, everyone was extremely shocked, finally understanding. From the beginning, perhaps Deicide never had his eyes set on Clear Water warehouse, but on Jialing Group. But he didn't directly go after it, he turned so many roads, his final plan to get Jialing Group without spending a penny.
"This 'tie a white wolf with bare hands' strategy is too fearsome!" Inoue Shuzan pushed up the glasses that had slipped off his nose, feeling that his handsome face had been slapped soundly by Deicide.
Zhou Wenjing endured and endured to not crush the mouse in his hand. With Du Xu Lang watching him from the side, he suddenly felt the pressure double, and resorted to the most despicable means. While Lei Shenghe was convening with the board of directors, he spread on the world channel that he would buy Clear Water warehouse's shares at 45 yuan per share to acquire 49.9% of the stock.
Why 49.9%? Because corporations law provides that once a shareholder held more than a 50% stake in a company, the company would enter into a compulsory acquisition stage. In other words, once you owned more than 50%, whether you had the money or not, you'd have to buy the rest of the shares from the other shareholders, until 100%, otherwise you would have to bear the corresponding legal responsibility.
This provision was created in order to prevent malicious acquisitions and to protect the company's interests.
A comprehensive acquisition of Clear Water warehouse would cost tens of billions, the current Xinglong Group and Shenghe Group didn't have that strength.
While the acquisition was in full swing, Zhou Yun Sheng saw what Lei Shenghe sent him in a private chat, and let out a satisfied smile.
Zhou Wenjing's shareholdings slowly rose, but, when victory was imminent, Lei Shenghe posted in the world channel that he would buy Clear Water warehouse's shares for 10 yuan more than Xinglong Group's offer, until 49.9%. The investors that were watching from the sidelines immediately flocked towards Shenghe Group.
In the end, the acquisition battle ended with the fierce defeat of the Xinglong Group, the countdown signs all turned 0, and the game ended.
Zhou Wenjing wiped his face, pulled his hair, then suddenly smashed the mouse in his hand. The computer screen showed rapid changes, clearly, the statistics of all the players were being summed up, then the winner would be picked.
Du Xu Lang patted his nephew's shoulder in placation, then looked toward Inoue Shuzan, "Who do you think won?"
"It's certainly Lei Shenghe. He's worthy of being the great-great-grandchild of the shipping tycoon. The student surpasses the master." Inoue Shuzan said confidently.
"No, Deicide won." Du Xu Lang pointed to the screen, "The final acquisition war involved nearly 9 billion in funds. Lei Shenghe, although the market value of his shipyard is very high, his fluid funds are lacking. Where did he get 9 billion in such a short time?"
"Borrowed?" Inoue Shuzan thought of a possibility, his heart couldn't help but jump. My God, young people today are really too formidable.
Seeing his twisted expression, Du Xu Lang laughed, "Yes, the last 9 billion was borrowed, as for who lent it… see for yourself."
At that moment, Deicide's stats had a new update. In his total assets column, 20% dry shares in Clear Water warehouse suddenly appeared. Haicheng's biggest cake, in the end, he still took a big bite out of it, his calculating turned everyone in circles.
"This is the real big winner." Du Xu Lang walked to the French window, his lowered eyes filled with wonder and infatuation. Zhou Yun Sheng, his name seemed to be a spell, once he got involved with him, it was difficult to disentangle himself.
"Incredible! Just how big is this person's brain? Other people take one step and watch ten steps ahead, but he finishes the game before it even starts! Everyone's moves were within his expectations. 100% investment success rate, long-term business foresight and excellent ability to operate, this person is a genius! In the future, I'm afraid he'll even run neck and neck with you boss!" Inoue Shuzan was in complete worship mode.
Du Xu Lang smiled happily.
"Success in the virtual world doesn't represent real world success." Zhou Wenjing pushed open the leather chair and strode out, coldly saying, "Let's see if he has the ability to earn a few billion in reality. There are many geniuses, how many can make it to the top?"
The ZongDa Group he'd founded was based in the real estate and financial industry, he earned money very quickly. In just two years, his assets were already in the hundreds of millions, and he was only a third-year university student this year, less than 20 years old. Compared to the vast majority of young people, he was undoubtedly one of the best.
His great success made his already proud nature gradually change to conceit. He couldn't accept a victory at his fingertips being snatched away by a nobody.
Du Xu Lang stared at his hurriedly retreating back, shaking his head in disappointment. As the saying goes, there were men beyond men, and heavens beyond heavens, his nephew obviously forgot this. He was indeed very outstanding in reality, very business minded, but compared to Yun Sheng, he was still too lacking. Yun Sheng's Noah Universal had long replaced the illustrious Riel Technology, becoming the tech industry leader. The software he developed penetrated all walks of life, greatly facilitating people's lives and work.
Mankind was unavoidably stepping into the information age. How much profit could the information industry produce? People not involved in this area could never fully imagine. Making money was just secondary, even more dreadful, was the ability to quietly dominate people's lives. Noah Universal's strength had long been able to compete with the business giants like Du Conglomerate.
While he was disappointed in his nephew, Du Xu Lang was also proud of his beloved. He logged into his own account for a private chat with Deicide.
Inoue Shuzan had already turned to leave when he caught sight of his boss' movements. He stood still, asking incredulously, "You know the guru?! Can you introduce me?" He had already risen from a passer-by to Deicide's zealous fan.
Du Xu Lang didn't reply, focused on the computer screen. On the other end, the handsome face that he yearned for day and night really appeared. The man was pouring a glass of red wine, the top two buttons of his white shirt were undone, revealing a very sexy collarbone.
"Zhou, Zhou Yun Sheng!" Inoue Shuzan often helped his boss buy gifts, so he naturally knew the young man. Seeing his face, he made an expression of sudden realization and complete acceptance. So young yet extremely wealthy, plus, he was completely self-made, his talent was enough to surpass all the younger generation. In the past, Inoue Shuzan's impression of the youth was only a vague 'excellent', but after that thrilling fight, he finally realized his power.
No wonder he could let an equal opportunity lecher like the boss settle down and remain chaste. Inoue Shuzan pushed up his glasses frame and inwardly sighed.
"Congratulations." Du Xu Lang's burning hot gaze lingered on the other man's collarbone and Adam's apple.
Zhou Yun Sheng smiled, raised his glass to the camera and shook, "Cheers."
"What wine are you drinking?" Du Xu Lang asked while he also opened a bottle of red wine and poured.
"1992 Imperial Screaming Eagle, Cabernet Sauvignon."
A selling price of 500,000 in A Country's currency, equivalent to more than 3 million in C Country's currency, equivalent to 59 million in J Country's currency, really living it up. Du Xu Lang chuckled, then put down his glass and sighed: "My wine is not as good as yours, why don't you invite me over?"
Zhou Yun Sheng narrowed his eyes and pondered for a moment, then he hooked his finger toward the camera, "Then come over. I'll not only invite you for a drink, you can even stay for breakfast."
The young man's tone was deep and hoarse, containing implicit ambiguousness, making Du Xu Lang's heart jump wildly. Barely maintaining a calm attitude, he probed, "Are you serious? You know what happens before breakfast, right?"
"If I don't know, why would I ask? After chasing me for so long, you don't dare go further?" The young man raised his eyebrows, his face flushed by the wine was stunning.
If he continued restraining himself, he wasn't a man!
Under Inoue Shuzan's stupefied gaze, Du Xu Lang, without even taking his jacket, rushed out of the office. The leather chair, shaken by his sudden departure, issued a loud bang as it fell over.
From the other side of the screen, cheerful, youthful laughter could be heard.
NSFW
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T/N:
hook up- yuē pào, (slang) to hook up for a one-night stand, booty call
Haicheng- lit. Sea Town/City
Inoue Shuzan- It's Inoue Xiushan, but since he's obviously supposed to be Japanese, I gave him the Japanese
equivalent first name
tie a white wolf with bare hands- to gain valuable things with worthless things or even nothing
dry shares- shares which do not carry dividend rights in prescribed circumstances
there were men beyond men, and heavens beyond heavens – There's always someone better than you out there
equal opportunity lecher- the raw uses some fancy idiom, something about lingering in flower bushes, that means womanizer, then it calls him someone who eats both men and women, So, there you go.
go further- to take something seriously and take actions firmly; to get real about something