Lu Yiming had already driven the Ferrari into the villa located at No. 99 Xiangzhang Road.
This used to be part of the former French Concession. Now, it was one of the most exclusive luxury residences hidden in the city center. The previous owners of this villa were all influential figures who had left a significant mark in Huaxia’s history. Lu Aijun had spent a hefty sum to acquire this place.
“Yo, Yiming, you’re back.”
As soon as he parked the car, a delicate voice rang in his ears.
“Aunt Zhang.”
Zhang Qian, legally speaking, was Lu Yiming’s stepmother. His biological mother and Lu Aijun had separated shortly after his birth due to irreconcilable differences. To be honest, Lu Yiming had very little memory of his birth mother. Even in his previous life, when he had reached rock bottom, she never once appeared. To say he held no resentment toward her would be a lie.
As for Zhang Qian, she had a very good relationship with Lu Aijun. Together, they had a daughter named Lu Yao, two years younger than Lu Yiming, who was currently studying business administration at a top university overseas. Her academic performance was, frankly, not worth mentioning—but with Lu Aijun’s “money power,” everything was possible.
Lu Aijun firmly believed in raising daughters with wealth and sons with hardship. In the Lu Family, Lu Yao could have anything she wanted.
“Yiming, what brings you back today? I just made some soup—come have a taste.”
Zhang Qian smiled warmly, exuding the air of a gentle spring breeze.
“No need. I’ll be leaving soon.”
To be fair, Aunt Zhang had always treated Lu Yiming decently. Ever since marrying into the Lu Family, she had never mistreated him. But still, Lu Yiming could never bring himself to call her “Mom.”
He didn’t enjoy living at home. Even though it was a mansion, it lacked a sense of freedom.
At that moment, Lu Aijun’s car—a Mercedes Benz with a tiger-head hood ornament—pulled into the villa.
“You’re back. Perfect timing to have some soup.”
Zhang Qian immediately stepped forward to greet him. This was something Lu Aijun appreciated—at least he didn’t have a messy household to worry about. A warm wife at home, a harmonious family.
“You’ve worked hard.”
“We’re an old couple, no need to say such things. Besides, since Yiming’s back, you two should talk. Haven’t you always wanted to see your son return?”
“What nonsense. I’d burn incense if he could go a day without causing trouble.”
In front of Lu Yiming, Lu Aijun always played the role of the strict father. And honestly, if he hadn’t kept a tight leash on his son, who knew how much chaos Lu Yiming might’ve caused.
As for missing his son, Lu Aijun would never admit it.
“Alright, there’s no one else here. What are you pretending for? When he leaves again, you’ll regret it.”
Lu Aijun: (ˉ▽ˉ;)… Could you let me keep some dignity?
Lu Yiming knew all this deep down. He’d just grown used to being carefree. After finally getting into university, he naturally wanted to enjoy his freedom. In his previous life, it was precisely because he took that freedom too far that the Lu Corporation faced disaster. Sadly, he realized it all too late.
“Come with me.”
Lu Aijun gave Lu Yiming a glance before turning and heading toward the study.
Zhang Qian always acted as the “buffer” in the house. This had a lot to do with her mild and uncompetitive nature. She was easily content and had no grand ambitions—she just wanted to live her quiet life.
Lu Yiming nodded and followed behind Lu Aijun.
“Smoke?”
Lu Yiming: (ˉ▽ˉ;)… What kind of divine opening is this? It was the first time his father had ever offered him a cigarette.
“I don’t smoke.”
“You’re not like that outside.”
“Just playing the part.”
“Good. Not smoking is better.”
Seeing this, Lu Aijun simply put the pack of Zhonghua away.
“Tell me, why did you act on your own today?”
“Didn’t Li Li report to you?”
“I want to hear your explanation.”
“It’s more or less the same.”
“Getting cocky, are you?”
“Of course not. It’s just that today’s business world isn’t what it used to be.”
“Go on.”
For the first time, father and son were able to sit down and have a proper conversation. Lu Aijun had noticed the change in Lu Yiming. In fact, he was quite pleased with his son’s current performance.
In the past, Lu Yiming would go weak in the knees whenever they met. He never seemed like someone who could accomplish anything. But now, he could actually sit in front of him and speak with confidence.
They say a man grows up in an instant. That saying might really be true.
“Now it’s all about information. The old ways are becoming obsolete.”
“So you’re pointing fingers.”
Information? He must be hinting that the methods Lu Aijun used to build his empire were no longer effective. And truthfully, Lu Aijun had to admit—the recent foreign trade allocation had posed an unprecedented challenge to the Lu Corporation’s interests. The industry was evolving rapidly, something he hadn’t fully anticipated.
“And the last eight minutes? How do you explain that?”
Originally, the Lu Corporation had made a huge profit. But in the final eight minutes, Lu Yiming had recklessly taken over a massive short position dumped by Wanguo Securities, leading to the Lu Corporation being found guilty of regulatory violations.
Half an hour ago, the final penalty was officially announced.
As for Wanguo, there was no need to discuss it. With nearly 5 billion yuan in debt, there was no way they could repay it. Bankruptcy and restructuring were the only options.
The Lu Corporation, on the other hand, received a lighter penalty. But still, they were fined 140 million yuan in margin funds for the final eight minutes. All trades during that period were declared invalid. The final closing price for national bonds was set at 152.67 yuan. The source of this chapter is NovelPing.
For the Lu Corporation, this was a massive loss.
Li Li had already reported the final numbers. Though they didn’t lose money outright, their profit dropped from 300 million yuan to 100 million yuan—a staggering difference. They could’ve kept the full 300 million without lifting a finger.
“In the business world, your conscience will be chewed up until not even your bones are left.”
“I can earn that money back.”
“Blind confidence and a big mouth. Fine. After graduation, come work at the company.”
That was Lu Aijun’s real goal.
“Alright.”
“You agreed?”
That fast?
He’d prepared a whole speech expecting resistance. This brat used to always go against him. If he said east, Lu Yiming would go west. If he kicked a dog, Lu Yiming would chase chickens.
But now he agreed so easily? It made Lu Aijun feel oddly unsettled—like punching cotton.
“Set up an investment department. I’ll run it.”
“Heh…”
As expected, there was a condition. Investment department? What a bold demand.
“And assign Li Li to me.”
He really was asking for the moon.
“Why should I?”
“Because I’m your son. The Lu Corporation will one day be mine.”
Lu Aijun: (ˉ▽ˉ;)… Can’t even argue with that.
“Fine.”
“You agreed?”
So easily?
“Because I’m your father. Once I close my eyes, everything will be yours.”
Checkmate.
Yeah… the older, the wiser.