Chapter 225: Wealth and Desire

Of course, on the surface, Xu Yuexin did not reveal his inner thoughts.

"Let's see."

"Could you make a call and ask Miss Zhang Manyu if she has time?"

Xu Yuexin said in an unusually refined, gentlemanly manner.

"Alright."

Lin Qingxia nodded and thought it was a bit odd.

Why did Xu Yuexin suddenly become so polite?

She walked to the living‑room phone and dialed the number Zhang Manyu left when signing the contract.

"Hello, Yu Yu, this is Lin Qingxia."

"Hehe, no need to be polite. Are you ready to start the job?"

"Exactly. The company will later tailor resources for you, like movies, songs, and so on, to launch your career."

"I'm calling today mainly to ask if you have time; Chairman Xu Sheng wants to meet you."

"Alright, no need to rush over; we'll come pick you up."

"Okay, bye~"

After hanging up, Lin Qingxia got up and walked toward the door.

"Wait at home for a while; I'll drive and pick her up."

"No need, I'll drive and take you together, and we'll find a place outside to sit."

Xu Yuexin also stood up.

Lin Qingxia stopped, turned, and looked at Xu Yuexin.

He seemed, like herself, to place great importance on this newcomer named Zhang Manyu.

Otherwise, why would he personally drive to pick her up?

……

Soon, Xu Yuexin drove a Rolls‑Royce to the address Lin Qingxia gave, arriving at Zhang Manyu's building entrance.

It was an ordinary apartment block, its outer wall slightly peeling, with old window frames set with hazy glass.

"I'll call her."

Lin Qingxia took her phone out of the shoulder bag and dialed Zhang Manyu's home number again.

"Hello, Yu Yu? We're already downstairs at your place."

"The Chairman is coming personally to pick you up, hurry down."

"The Chairman is here?"

A slightly panicked young female voice came from the mobile phone, "Please wait a moment, I'm coming right away."

Beep.

Lin Qingxia hung up, smiled at Xu Yuexin, "She's a bit scared."

"Normal."

Xu Yuexin nodded, "Later, talk to her nicely, be gentle."

After speaking, he rolled down the car window to check outside.

A youthful, radiant figure appeared in the hallway ahead, then turned a corner and went down.

Soon after, a young girl with a fresh, strikingly beautiful face emerged from the building, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

Lin Qingxia opened the car door, stepped out, and waved to the girl: "Yu Yu, come here."

"Hello, General Manager."

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

The girl hurriedly greeted Lin Qingxia and jogged toward the Rolls‑Royce.

"We've just arrived."

"The rear door is open."

Lin Qingxia said, then returned to the car.

The girl opened the Rolls‑Royce door and sat in the back seat.

She had intended to greet the Chairman, but once inside the car she was drawn to the spacious interior and luxurious décor of the Rolls‑Royce.

Instead, Lin Qingxia was the first to introduce her to Xu Yuexin.

"This is Zhang Manyu, the company's star of hope unanimously recognized by me and everyone."

"Come, greet the Chairman."

Zhang Manyu finally reacted, hurriedly and respectfully greeting, "Chairman, hello, honored to meet you."

"Hmm."

Xu Yuexin looked at Zhang Manyu's beautiful face in the rearview mirror, nodded slightly and said, "Her face is very distinctive."

The Xiangjiang film industry isn't short of beauties, and Zhang Manyu's memorability largely stems from her highly distinctive face.

"Thank you…"

Zhang Manyu blushed at his praise, shyly nodding.

"That's exactly why I value her. So when you offered her a salary of 200,000, I immediately agreed."

Lin Qingxia said from the passenger seat.

"Thank you Chairman Xu, General Manager Lin, for valuing me, I will definitely…"

Zhang Manyu said nervously and cautiously, and at that moment Xu Yuexin interrupted her.

"Let's go to the tea house and talk."

After speaking, Xu Yuexin pressed the accelerator and set the Rolls‑Royce moving forward.

The street scene outside the car window slowly faded away.

In the back seat, Zhang Manyu stared blankly out the window, still unable to process what had happened.

These past few days have brought changes that are simply too great for her.

She just entered the workforce and already landed a job with an annual salary of 200,000.

Before even starting, she was summoned by the Chairman and taken into his luxury car.

The car's aromatherapy and its sleek, luxurious interior were utterly unfamiliar to Zhang Manyu, yet they thrilled her.

So, this is the world of the rich?

If she works hard at the company and becomes a big star, can she also live like this?

Zhang Manyu felt a flutter in her heart as she said.

A moment later, the Rolls‑Royce stopped beneath a high‑end tea house.

Xu Yuexin turned off the engine and got out of the car with Zhang Manyu and Lin Qingxia.

At the tea house, Xu Yuexin picked up the menu, ordered a tea for himself, and then let Zhang Manyu and Lin Qingxia order.

Zhang Manyu lifted the menu and saw that even the cheapest tea cost 600 yuan, causing her to gasp.

The Chairman is truly generous to her.

He gave her a 200,000‑yuan‑per‑year job, picked her up in a top‑tier car, and even a cup of tea is of such high standard.

She knows she must work twelve‑fold harder from now on to repay the Chairman's recognition.

Zhang Manyu silently resolved, and finally ordered the cheapest tea.

"Yu Yu, are your family okay with your debut this time?"

After she finished ordering tea, Xu Yuexin casually asked.

"My parents both agree,"

Zhang Manyu hurriedly replied, fearing any delay.

"Oh, your parents are very open‑minded and don't interfere with you."

"Hmm… mainly because Chairman Xu, the salary you offered is just too high."

Zhang Manyu covered her mouth with a laugh, a hint of embarrassment in her eyes.

"Zhang Manyu is just as straightforward as I am."

Lin Qingxia said with a smile.

"Being direct is good; nobody works for free, haha."

Xu Yuexin leaned back in his chair, relaxed, and said, "By the way, have you set up Yu Yu's future development plan?"

"It's already set; we plan to secure some movie and TV drama opportunities for her first."

Lin Qingxia reported, "In terms of positioning, we'll focus on a youthful, lively girl image."

"Because her temperament appears both resolute and sunny."

"Oh, Yu Yu, do you have any ideas yourself?"

Xu Yuexin nodded and looked at Zhang Manyu, saying,

"No, Director Lin is right; I'll follow whatever the company decides."

Zhang Manyu immediately replied.

She is only an undebuted artist, yet the Chairman asked her about her future positioning.

This made Zhang Manyu feel respected and deeply moved.

"Alright, you can voice your own ideas in the future as well."

Xu Yuexin gave a gentle nod and said.

At that moment, the tea was brought out.

Zhang Manyu lifted the cup, took a small sip, and instantly sensed the fragrant aroma.

This…

Is this the tea that costs 600 yuan a cup? It's indeed far different from ordinary fare.

The three of them drank tea, chatted a while longer, then settled the bill and left.

"Do you have a car?"

As they left the tea house, Xu Yuexin asked Zhang Manyu,

"No… I plan to save up after working for two years before buying a car."

"An artist of the company can't get around without a car."

"Let's go look at cars together."

"But Chairman Xu, I really have no money right now."

Zhang Manyu shook her head awkwardly and said.

Xu Yuexin and Lin Qingxia were both amused by her simple, cute demeanor.

"Don't be silly, little Yu."

"Since the Chairman said he'd buy you a car, he'll definitely foot the bill."

Lin Qingxia lifted the corner of her mouth and chuckled,

"How could that be any better?"

Zhang Manyu said earnestly, "The car is so expensive…"

Is the Chairman buying a car?

Is this a perk a newcomer can enjoy?

Zhang Manyu thought with sincere fear and trembling.

"When you debut later, you'll still have to drive to take part in the company's events."

"Why not just buy one now."

Xu Yuexin, calm and untroubled, explained to her, "Do you have a brand you like?"

Zhang Manyu was completely thrown into confusion.

It seemed there was no way to refuse the car today.

The Chairman… why would he have such kindness toward me? Is it simply because he sees a promising future for himself?

Zhang Manyu guessed uneasily, her heart pounding like a drum, "I like whatever the Chairman buys."

Seeing she could not decline, Zhang Manyu had to say.

"Alright, then I'll buy according to my own preferences."

After speaking, Xu Yuexin walked to the Rolls‑Royce and prepared to get in.

At that moment, Zhang Manyu hurried ahead of him, ran to the side of the car, and opened the door.

She's quite sensible.

Xu Yuexin thought, after getting in, he would drive them to a dealership and pick a BMW 5 Series for Zhang Manyu.

The BMW 5 Series is a classic model; since its launch in the 1970s it has remained timeless, and its appearance is very appealing.

"Madam, may I ask how much this car costs?"

Having settled on the model, Xu Yuexin asked the dealership salesperson.

"Sir, are you asking about this BMW 5 Series? The base price is 35,000, and there are several optional configurations."

"Oh, show me what configurations are available."

……

Xu Yuexin discussed with the salesperson for a while and finally chose a configuration costing 4,000 Hong Kong Dollar.

In the meantime, he also sought Zhang Manyu's opinion.

Zhang Manyu naturally had no objection; everything would be done as the Chairman instructed.

"Did you hear? Pick up the car in half a month."

After paying, Xu Yuexin said to Zhang Manyu, "From now on, drive this BMW 5 Series to events."

"Mm‑mm, it's the Chairman."

Zhang Manyu quickly agreed; her restrained demeanor made Xu Yuexin and Lin Qingxia laugh.

……

A few days later, Zhang Manyu joined Huanqiu Juxing, officially working for the company as a signed artist.

On the morning Zhang Manyu started, Xu Yuexin arrived at the company and opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate.

"Let us wish Little Yu boundless stardom and a soaring future."

In the company activity room, Xu Yuexin raised his glass and, before all the staff, toasted Zhang Manyu.

"Thank you, Chairman, for your generosity! From now on I will work hard and obey the company's arrangements."

Zhang Manyu, excited and happy, raised her glass and said, drinking the entire cup regardless of her tolerance.

Zhang Manyu had previously heard people say the entertainment circle is treacherous.

However, after signing with Huanqiu Juxing, what she felt was the Chairman's care and warmth.

Hmm, Chairman Xu is truly wonderful.

Zhang Manyu felt grateful in her heart, unknowingly developing a reliance on Xu Yuexin.

After finishing the champagne, Xu Yuexin took Zhang Manyu out of the activity room and went to the Chairman's office to discuss the company's plan for her acting career.

Lin Qingxia was also present, because she had personally devised the plan for Zhang Manyu.

"The company has secured a television drama resource for you these past few days."

Based on the report Lin Qingxia previously provided, Xu Yuexin said to Zhang Manyu, "Take a look at the materials and prepare for the role."

After speaking, Xu Yuexin placed a stack of documents in front of Zhang Manyu, who promptly picked them up and began reading.

"How do you feel about it?"

When Zhang Manyu had read most of it, Lin Qingxia asked from the side.

"Report to Director Lin, I am confident I can play the female lead well."

Zhang Manyu put down the documents, her eyes filled with self‑assurance.

"Hmm, the company itself has investments in the drama."

"So this female lead was originally tailor‑made for you."

"Mm‑mm… thank Chairman Xu and Director Lin for nurturing me."

Zhang Manyu quickly nodded and said.

"Play the role well and make the drama a hit; that will be the best reward for us."

Xu Yuexin said with a cheerful smile.

After a few days of interaction, Xu Yuexin had a very good impression of Zhang Manyu.

Because when Zhang Manyu was with him and Lin Qingxia, she almost never stopped saying thank you.

Although a few thank‑yous may not mean much, politeness is better than rudeness, right? …

When Zhang Manyu began filming the series, Xu Yuexin did not leave Xiangjiang, but stayed.

He is now a senior in college, and his school has few classes.

So he can stay in Xiangjiang longer and devote more energy to his career.

After a while, the second‑year rent for the building was paid, a full 20,000,000.

Including the rent for the first year, the total comes to HK$35 million.

This is Hong Kong in 1982; adjusted for purchasing power, HK$35 million is roughly equivalent to 700 million in later times.

With this huge sum, Xu Yuexin can ensure that the Crystal Element Company and Huanqiu Juxing's cash flow will not break.

Come to think of it, his purchase of the building last year was an incredibly wise decision.

Because over the past year, with Hong Kong's economy developing, office rents have surged.

Not to mention that Huaguang Crystal Element works inside, saving a rent payment that would have gone to someone else.

After receiving the HK$35 million, Xu Yuexin plans to transfer the whole amount to Standard Chartered Bank.

But as soon as he went to make the transfer, the branch manager of Standard Chartered's Hong Kong office began to complain to him.

"Xu Sheng, you are truly shrewd, being able to anticipate exchange‑rate trends in advance."

"The US‑dollar loan we gave you, we have no idea how much loss we've incurred now."

The manager said with a grim face, frantically making it clear to Xu Yuexin.

Earlier, Xu Yuexin borrowed US$36 million from Standard Chartered, agreeing to repay principal and interest totaling HK$240 million after five years.

And over the past year or so, the HKD‑USD exchange rate has kept falling, and Standard Chartered has already absorbed all the interest losses.

If the exchange rate keeps dropping like this, the bank will start losing principal.

Therefore, the manager hopes Xu Yuexin can repay early to end their losses.

"Heh, Manager, you're overstating it; I, Xu, am just an ordinary businessman, how could I anticipate exchange‑rate trends in advance?"

Xu Yuexin spread his hands, his face as calm as water, saying, "As for whether there's a loss, sir, don't joke about it; a bank never loses money."

"Moreover, not only is the company's account opened at your bank, but my personal deposits are also with you."

"Sir, you should have a clear idea about this, right?"

"Ha, indeed it is so."

The manager detected the threatening tone, chuckling wryly and scratching his head, "I just hope… if Boss Xu still has some leeway, could you perhaps repay a portion early?"

"Now it's probably difficult; I need to keep the money for company operations."

Xu Yuexin first spoke firmly, then shifted his tone, "When I earn more later, I'll use it to repay your loan."

When I have the money, I'll repay…

From that sentence, the manager could understand what Xu Yuexin was thinking.

He must intend to keep exploiting the HKD‑USD decline, using the loan to earn money from the bank.

The problem is, even if he understands Xu Yuexin's intent, he still can't sit on anything.

The contract stipulates repayment of principal and interest at the five‑year maturity, and for a key client like Xu Yuexin, they would never dare to force a recall.

Thus, even if the manager harbors countless grievances, he can only swallow them silently, unable to voice his discontent.

"Fine, I trust Xu Sheng is a man of his word, never one to break promises."

The manager said with a sharp edge, "I hope that when you have deposits in the future, you'll continue to keep them with us."

"Just that one sentence."

Xu Yuexin smiled and agreed.

Xu Yuexin, of course, understood the manager's insinuation.

As for what to do… let him say what he will.

Having reaped the wool for free, one should at least let the sheep cry out a few times in pain.

Xu Yuexin thought happily.

When he first took the loan, the HKD‑USD exchange rate was around 5.5; now it has fallen to 6.1.

That means he has skimmed off wool equivalent to 10% of the loan amount, i. e., HK$20 million.

And in the coming years, the HKD‑USD rate will continue to drop.

That means the wool Xu Yuexin can reap will increase, eventually enough to weave a wool coat.

Others pay interest when borrowing; he can earn the bank's money in return.

It's a thing that feels secretly satisfying just to think about.

After dealing with the manager's complaints, Xu Yuexin completed the transfer formalities, took the remittance slip, left Standard Chartered, and headed to Huanqiu Juxing.

Huanqiu Juxing is still in its startup phase; the three shareholders have spent part of the money they invested, making the capital tighter than before.

Lin Qingxia, as the general manager responsible for daily operations, cannot help but be exhausted at this time.

Xu Yuexin plans to show the remittance slip to Lin Qingxia, letting her see that he still has money in hand, so she need not be so anxious.

"Good day, Director Xu."

When Xu Yuexin drove up to the building's entrance, the security guards at the door greeted him through the window.

Xu Yuexin slowed the car, and after the barrier lifted, he gently drove into the premises, parked, and entered.

Huanqiu Juxing and Huaguang Crystal Element do not share the same building.

Because the entertainment company often needs to conduct filming, auditions, and other activities on site, a regular office building's interior cannot meet set‑building needs.

Therefore, Xu Yuexin and Lin Qingxia rented another floor of office space in Central for daily operations.

Huanqiu Juxing's office is on the first floor, making it convenient to move props and various photographic equipment.

After entering, the receptionist saw the chairman arrive, immediately bowed and greeted, stepping forward to welcome.

"Is the general manager here?"

Xu Yuexin asked the receptionist.

"Report, Director Xu, General Manager Lin has just returned," the receptionist replied.

The receptionist replied.

"Alright, noted."

Xu Yuexin nodded, signaling with his eyes that the receptionist need not follow, and walked alone toward Lin Qingxia's office.

As he reached the office door, he vaguely heard Lin Qingxia and Zhang Manyu talking inside.

And besides the two of them, there was also the voice of an unfamiliar young girl inside.

Probably another artist from the company?

Xu Yuexin thought to himself.

"Jie Ying, may I ask whether your parents support your debut?"

Just as he was about to knock, Lin Qingxia's voice came from within.

Jie Ying?

Could she be…

Xu Yuexin vaguely realized.

Could it be the girl later hailed as "Stunning Beauty of Wutai Mountain"?

"Qingxia, I have something to discuss with you."

Surprised yet composed, Xu Yuexin knocked on the General Manager's Office door.

(End of chapter)