Chapter 176: Chairman Li of the Far East Chamber of Commerce, a Sharp Eye Spotting Talent, Bets on Qing Shan

Just after eight o'clock, Huang Chaowen appeared in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel, his suit crisp, a delicate briefcase in hand. He scanned the surroundings, made sure there were no suspicious people, and then dialed Lu Qingshan's room phone.

"Mr. Lu, I'm waiting for you downstairs."

Lu Qingshan emerged from the bathroom, still shrouded in steam. He had barely slept last night, his mind constantly rehearsing the upcoming strategy. A capital of HK$56 million was enough to stir a considerable wave in the Hong Kong Island stock market.

"Qingjun, tidy up, it's time to set off."

Lu Qingjun stuck his head out of the adjoining room, still biting his toothbrush, and said, "Second brother, what kind of person is Chairman Li? To be able to produce HK$50 million in capital at once, he must be extremely wealthy."

"You'll know once you meet him," Lu Qingshan said, adjusting his shirt cuff. "Remember, speak little later, listen and observe more. People of this caliber embed meaning in every sentence."

Ye Ning was already waiting in the living room; she had deliberately changed into a dark professional outfit today, looking more capable. A thick stack of documents sat on the table, all market analysis reports she had compiled overnight.

"Mr. Lu, these are the materials I prepared, including technical analysis of the main sectors and forecasts of capital flows," Ye Ning's voice sounded a bit weary, clearly having not slept well last night.

Lu Qingshan flipped through a few pages, nodded, "Well done. But today's focus isn't these numbers; it's to make Chairman Li believe we can handle this capital."

The elevator doors opened, and Huang Chaowen stepped out, followed by four burly men. They were all in dark suits, their eyes behind sunglasses sharp and professional.

"Mr. Lu, these four are professional bodyguards from the Far East Chamber of Commerce, responsible for your personal safety from today onward," Huang Chaowen introduced, "The leader among them is Li Mingqiang, A Qiang, a veteran with extensive experience."

A Qiang stepped forward, his voice low, "Mr. Lu, from now on your safety is our responsibility. If you need anything, just give the word."

Lu Qingshan sized up the bodyguards, silently nodding to himself. Their posture and gaze indeed marked them as trained fighters. With this layer of protection, the upcoming operations would be more secure.

"Thank you all for your effort," Lu Qingshan said courteously, "But I hope you stay as low‑key as possible, not to affect normal business activities."

"Understood," A Qiang replied succinctly.

Huang Chaowen handed over a set of car keys, "Mr. Lu, this is the vehicle the Far East Chamber of Commerce prepared for you, the Tiger‑Head Run, equipped with a dedicated driver. At your call, it will be ready."

Tiger‑Head Run! Lu Qingjun's eyes widened. It's one of the top luxury cars on Hong Kong Island, worth over HK$600,000. In this era, only a handful of people can drive such a car.

"Manager Huang, Chairman Li is truly very courteous," Lu Qingshan said as he took the keys, while his mind was already calculating other matters. The Far East Chamber of Commerce's high regard for him shows they have great expectations for this cooperation. Yet it also means greater pressure and responsibility.

At 9:10, the group walked out of the hotel lobby. Two luxury cars were parked at the entrance; the black Tiger‑Head Run gleamed in the Hong Kong Island sunlight, beside it the bodyguards' vehicle.

The driver was a man in his forties, wearing white gloves, his movements precise as if from a military service background. He respectfully opened the door for Lu Qingshan:

"Mr. Lu, my name is A Hua, and I will be your dedicated driver from now on."

Sitting in the car, Lu Qingshan felt the softness of the genuine leather seats and the lavish interior décor. The sensation reminded him of the billionaire lifestyles he had once seen online in a past life. He hadn't expected to enjoy such treatment in this life.

"The destination is the Li Villa on the Mid‑Levels," Huang Chaowen said from the passenger seat, turning to the driver.

The car slowly left the hotel, climbing the mountain road of Hong Kong Island. Through the window, the splendid view of Victoria Harbour unfolded. Lu Qingjun watched intently, occasionally exclaiming praise.

"Second brother, do you think we're dreaming?" Lu Qingjun whispered, "Just a few days ago we were eating instant noodles in a Shenzhen City guesthouse, and now we're riding the Tiger‑Head Run to meet the big shots of Hong Kong Island."

"Not a dream," Lu Qingshan said softly, looking out the window.

Half an hour later, the car stopped before a grandiose villa. Its sheer footprint was jaw‑dropping. Situated on the Mid‑Levels, the view was expansive, the whole of Hong Kong Island spread below, like a throne overlooking all living beings.

The security guards at the gate, all towering, saw the license plate and immediately stood at attention and saluted, then pressed a remote to open the massive iron gate. The car drove along a driveway paved with white marble chips, toward the main building, flanked by gardens trimmed with artistic precision.

"Chairman Li's villa… it's practically a palace," Ye Ning couldn't help but exclaim, her voice trembling.

"On Hong Kong Island this would only be considered medium‑scale," Huang Chaowen said with a hint of pride, "The truly top‑tier tycoons live in places a hundred times more lavish. But Chairman Li is different; he values power and influence more."

The car stopped at the villa's main entrance, and four servants in matching uniforms immediately stepped forward to open the door. A middle‑aged woman in an exquisite cheongsam emerged, her demeanor elegant as a noble.

"Mr. Huang, you have arrived," the butler said gently and respectfully, "Mr. Li is in the study discussing important matters with several distinguished guests; please wait a few minutes. He specifically instructed that Mr. Lu should experience the highest‑standard reception."

The butler led everyone into the villa's reception hall. As soon as Lu Qingjun entered, he inhaled sharply; the décor was suffocatingly luxurious. Every calligraphy and painting on the walls was priceless, and the tea set on the coffee table was clearly an antique treasure.

Lu Qingshan sat on a genuine leather sofa, surveying the surroundings. Every detail spoke of the owner's status and rank. This living environment further solidified his ambition.

Ten minutes later, a low murmur came from the study, followed by steady footsteps approaching the reception hall.

A man in his fifties appeared at the doorway, not tall but extremely solid, his eyes sharp and deep like a hawk's. Every step exuded the authority of a superior, as if he were born to give orders.

"Mr. Lu!" Li Fuying's voice was booming and strong as he reached out, but his gaze quickly scanned Lu Qingshan, "I've long admired your reputation! I am Li Fuying, Chairman of the Far East Chamber of Commerce and the Far East Exchange. After Manager Huang told me of your legendary achievements, I've been eager to meet this young financial prodigy."

Lu Qingshan rose to greet him, feeling the heft and latent strength in his handshake. He was no pampered rich heir, but a true overlord who had fought his way out of a sea of blood.

"Chairman Li, you flatter me," Lu Qingshan said, his tone neither servile nor arrogant, his gaze calmly meeting Li Fuying's, "It is an honor for a junior to earn your favor."

"Haha, the young indeed have daring!" Li Fuying nodded approvingly, though his eyes scrutinized further, "Come, sit and talk. Turning fifty thousand into five hundred thousand in a day—such a record would be legendary even in Hong Kong Island's finance world."

Everyone sat down again, and the servants brought out a top‑grade crimson robe. Li Fuying personally poured tea for Lu Qingshan, a detail that made Huang Chaowen display a surprised expression.

"Mr. Lu, to be frank," Li Fuying set down the teapot, his gaze suddenly as sharp as a blade, "I've been fighting on Hong Kong Island for thirty years; of the so‑called geniuses I've seen, not a thousand but eight hundred at most. Ninety‑nine percent of them are flash‑in‑the‑pan frauds."

The air instantly solidified; Lu Qingjun's palms sweated with tension, and Ye Ning dared not speak. Everyone could feel the murderous aura in Li Fuying's words.

"But you are different," Li Fuying suddenly shifted tone, lifting his tea cup for a sip, "Exiting precisely at the Hang Seng Index 1610 points is a judgment no luck can achieve. I want to ask, what makes you believe you can handle a massive HK$56 million fund?"

Lu Qingshan was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly, his voice calm yet confident, "Chairman Li, what do you think is the essence of the stock market?"

"You answer," Li Fuying said, interested, looking at him.

"The essence of the stock market is a game of greed and fear," Lu Qingshan's eyes flashed with a spark, "Control the human heart, and you control the market. I happen to possess insight into human nature beyond the ordinary."

Li Fuying's eyes brightened, his body leaning slightly forward, "Tell me the details."

"The Hong Kong Island stock market is about to face an unprecedented turmoil," Lu Qingshan's voice was low and powerful, "Political risk, economic cycles, the battle of international capital—all factors are brewing a financial storm. Entering now is a once‑in‑a‑millennium opportunity."

"Are you that certain?" Li Fuying's eyes flashed a dangerous glint, "If the judgment is wrong and HK$50 million is lost, what will you be held accountable for?"

Lu Qingshan smiled calmly, lifted his tea cup and drank it in one gulp, "Chairman Li, if I lacked absolute certainty, would I gamble with my own life?"

As soon as the words fell, the temperature in the reception hall seemed to drop several degrees. Li Fuying stared intently at Lu Qingshan, trying to read cowardice or bluff from his gaze.

But the young man's eyes were clear as water, deep as the sea, without any tremor.

After a long pause, Li Fuying burst into a hearty laugh, "Good! That's daring! Mr. Lu, I, Li Fuying, have roamed Hong Kong Island for thirty years, and I most admire people like you who have both courage and insight!"

Li Fuying examined Lu Qingshan's expression closely, trying to glean more information.

But the young man's gaze remained calm and profound, making it impossible to discern his true thoughts.

"Then, what are your plans next?" Li Fuying changed the subject, "HK$56 million is no small sum. A slight misstep could mean total loss."

Lu Qingshan was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly, "Chairman Li, I can only say the opportunity outweighs the risk. The Hong Kong Island market structure is about to undergo a major shift; entering now is the best timing."

"Specifically?"

"I cannot disclose the concrete operational strategy," Lu Qingshan's tone became firm, "But I can assure you, the Far East Chamber of Commerce will never regret this cooperation."

Li Fuying nodded thoughtfully, without further questioning.

Smart people all know that some secrets cannot be spoken.

"Fine, I trust you." Li Fuying stood up, "Since that's the case, let's wish our cooperation pleasant."

Lu Qingshan also stood, and the two shook hands again.

At that moment, a massive financial plan was officially launched.

After seeing off Lu Qingshan and his party, Li Fuying returned to the restaurant.

A man in his sixties sat at the table, sipping tea.

"Mr. Wang, what do you think of this young man?" Li Fuying sat down and asked.

Wang Qizhen set down his teacup, pondering: "This lad is extraordinary, but his depth is unclear. He could be a peerless genius, or…"

"Or what?"

"Or he's just a lunatic." A hint of worry flashed in Wang Qizhen's eyes, "A fifty‑million wager, and let's see further."