Lu Hu not only invested his own money but also encouraged the other three bodyguards to invest their money as well. Together, the four of them contributed over 300,000 yuan. When Zhong Shi settled the accounts, he gave them 3 million yuan, leaving it to them to distribute the money among themselves.
The other three had not known that Lu Hu had used the money for betting on football matches; they thought he had an urgent need at home. If not for Zhong Shi's assurance, Lu Hu would not have dared to take on the responsibility so confidently. When he threw a bag full of money in front of the other three, Zhao Xingyun, who usually spoke with a sharp and sarcastic tone, held a cigarette and mumbled, "Hu Zi, where have you been lately? Did you strike it rich or something?"
The other two laughed at this. Recently, Mr. Liao's most respected guest had arrived, and Mr. Liao had even sent his wife and children to Tsim Sha Tsui for this guest. Surprisingly, the guest was a child around ten years old, which shocked the three bodyguards. What shocked them even more was that the usually quiet and reserved Lu Hu had been attached to the child 24/7, and even Mr. Liao Chengde, who had always treated Lu Hu with respect, did not say anything about it.
After all, Lu Hu was Mr. Liao Chengde's savior. After Mr. Liao Chengde escaped a crisis, he immediately doubled Lu Hu's salary, but Lu Hu had politely declined.
Of course, these were things the other three only found out later.
"Yeah, I did strike it rich!" Lu Hu said nonchalantly, kicking the bag and teasing the others, "Guess what's in this bag?"
Seeing the usually stoic Lu Hu joking around, the three became interested and put down their work to gather around.
"From what you're saying, it can't be money, right?" Zhao Xingyun threw away his cigarette butt and, looking at the delighted Lu Hu, boldly guessed.
"Exactly! It's money! A lot of money!"
Lu Hu unzipped the bag and spilled out 3 million yuan in cash, shaking the travel bag and shouting, "We've struck it rich! There's 3 million here! Three million yuan!"
"What?"
The three were initially stunned by Lu Hu's response, but when the wads of banknotes flew in front of them, they were all dumbfounded, unable to react.
"Are you saying you did something illegal?"
Zhao Xingyun picked up a Hong Kong dollar bill, examined it carefully, and found the Queen's portrait to be genuine. Seeing so much cash, he regained his composure and immediately thought about the source of the money.
"What?"
Lu Hu threw the travel bag to the ground and said boldly, "Brothers, I've decided to split this money equally. This way, each of us can buy a house of a few hundred square feet. Isn't that great? We came to Hong Kong, and we never thought we'd have our own houses so soon..."
However, before he could finish, the other two also reacted. They trembled as they looked at the pile of banknotes and the fresh ink smell, but their faces showed a hint of worry.
"What's wrong? Do you think the money is dirty?"
Seeing the three nod, Lu Hu laughed, "Do you know where this money came from? You don't think I robbed a cash truck, do you? Let me tell you, this money is absolutely legitimate. I guarantee every cent is clean."
Hearing this, the three felt relieved. If the money was dirty, they would rather not have their share. As the saying goes, "A gentleman loves wealth, but he acquires it in a righteous way." If they wanted to take shortcuts, they wouldn't be bodyguards.
Thinking about each getting 750,000 Hong Kong dollars, the three became excited. They let out a strange cry and hurriedly picked up the thousand-dollar bills, fearing they would be blown away by the wind.
"Hu Zi, you're too selfish. Why didn't you tell us about this great way to make money? Do you have a conscience?" Li Gang, who was picking up money from the ground, complained, but it didn't sound like he was really complaining.
"Heh, I didn't tell you because I wasn't sure at first. Actually, this money includes what I borrowed from you last month. Otherwise, I wouldn't have shared a single cent with you!" Lu Hu opened the travel bag and stuffed the money back in, feeling a bit regretful for showing off earlier.
"Hey, Hu Zi, where did this money really come from?"
While picking up the money, Zhao Xingyun asked curiously. The other two slowed down their movements and perked up their ears.
"Actually, this money is from betting on football. You know the World Cup? I bet on Argentina and won seven times the amount. After deducting other expenses, this is all that's left!"
Lu Hu looked around and lowered his voice, speaking only loud enough for the four of them to hear.
"What? You could guess that? You must be a god!"
"Hey, you're amazing! Teach me a few tricks sometime..."
The four laughed and joked as they quickly picked up the money and left the scene like thieves.
...
In the Liao family mansion, the butler, Mr. Lin, respectfully served a cup of pure coffee and quietly retreated.
"Zhong Shi, what have you been up to lately? Why are you avoiding me?"
Liao Chengde ran his hand through his hair, noticing the strands that had fallen between his fingers, and sighed, "I'm getting old. My hair keeps falling out. I'm not what I used to be!"
"Old Liao, you're still young at heart. What's wrong? Not satisfied with the returns from Japanese investments? Want to play a big game with me?"
Zhong Shi took a sip of coffee, barely wrinkling his nose. The butler, Mr. Lin, was quite perceptive, remembering that Zhong Shi preferred pure, unsweetened, and undiluted coffee, specifically freshly ground Blue Mountain, which was extremely pure.
Blue Mountain coffee was ubiquitous in the future, available in any coffee shop. However, this coffee, produced in Jamaica, had an annual output of only a few hundred tons, most of which were bought by the Japanese, so most of what the bourgeoisie drank was counterfeit.
Money could make the devil push the millstone. For the current Liao Chengde, buying authentic Blue Mountain coffee beans was not a big deal. Besides, he had to entertain Zhong Shi, who had a discerning palate.
"I wouldn't dare. I don't understand the things you young people play with. I'll stick to stocks. I just hope you can recommend a few stocks like 'Cheung Kong Holdings' to me."
Liao Chengde smiled bitterly. He had heard that several friends who played futures had lost everything, and even an old friend of over ten years had considered suicide with his entire family. He secretly resolved not to touch futures again, as playing stocks still had a chance of recovery, while playing futures could lead to total loss.
"Alright! Since that's the case, I won't force you. When I have time, I'll find some potential stocks for you to hold long-term. By the time you're sixty, you'll be one of the top tycoons in Hong Kong."
Zhong Shi chuckled, and anyone could hear the teasing in his voice.
Sure enough, Liao Chengde smiled bitterly and pointed at Zhong Shi, saying, "You, I don't know which of your words are true and which are false..."
"What I said is true. Old Liao, didn't you say you wouldn't put your money in my portfolio?"
Zhong Shi's expression turned serious, and he spoke solemnly, as it was time to discuss serious matters.
"Yes. What's the matter? Do you have the money to pay me back now?"
Zhong Shi's sudden question left Liao Chengde confused. He didn't understand why Zhong Shi was bringing this up now, as the money had not been due for a year, and he hadn't even asked for repayment.
"Besides the 20 million from the bank, there's also the 20 million you helped me with, making a total of 40 million. Check it out?" Zhong Shi pulled out a checkbook, wrote 40 million Hong Kong dollars, and handed it to Liao Chengde.
Looking at the HSBC check, Liao Chengde had no doubt about its authenticity. What left him incredulous was the source of this money.
Liao Chengde knew that Zhong Shi had cashed out from the Japanese stock market. However, he never expected that in just one month, Zhong Shi had turned that money into such a large sum.
"How did you do it? Did you make a fortune in the futures market again? That's impossible!"
Liao Chengde suppressed his shock and said bitterly. At this moment, he was already regretting his decision not to get involved in the futures market.
"Old Liao, don't overthink it. This isn't from the futures market. As for how I made it, that's none of your business! Oh, by the way, I might be looking for a house in Hong Kong soon. Do you have a good real estate agent?"
"You want to buy a house in Hong Kong? What type? How about the Mid-Levels? The scenery is beautiful, and the facilities are complete. It's one of the most popular residential areas for the rich!"
Liao Chengde, still in shock, felt a sense of unease. He unconsciously used a flattering tone, despite his seniority. Without Zhong Shi's help, he didn't know what he would miss, but he was sure he would regret it for life.
"Besides buying a villa here, I will transfer all my money to my cousin's account. You know, family is family, and I trust him!"
"What? Mr. Zhong, are you going to abandon me completely?"
Liao Chengde was shocked, quickly standing up. Sweat beads appeared on his forehead, and his face turned pale and red. He didn't understand what he had done wrong to make Zhong Shi think of leaving him.
"Uh... You misunderstood. I mean, my cousin will handle my business in Hong Kong, and I will stay behind the scenes. You are still part of my future plans. Don't overthink it, Old Liao!"
Zhong Shi didn't expect such a strong reaction from Liao Chengde. (Request for clicks, recommendations, and collections)