Chapter 144: December 31, 1950, Invitation to the New Year's Eve Party

"Chairman Lu, I really can't hold on much longer."

Manager Wang's emotions were much more stable now.

"After Wei Er got off the ship, the first thing he did was to completely sideline me; up until now, there hasn't been a single bit of news."

Lu Chen nodded slightly, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.

After a long while, he finally spoke softly.

"I will guarantee your safety, please hold on until the very last moment. Also, go back and tell Wei Er that you are preparing to send your family to Piaoliang Guo; Li Xuanhua will meet your family there."

Lu Chen paused slightly before continuing.

"If he doesn't agree, tell the people Chen Mo has protecting you, and they will arrange everything."

Manager Wang turned his head and stared blankly for a moment at Chen Mo, who was standing outside the door; after a long time, he nodded slightly.

He took a United Neutral Bank check out from his pocket.

Only then did he speak softly.

"Chairman Lu, this is my entire life savings. Please hand it to them after my wife and children arrive in Piaoliang Guo."

Lu Chen did not take it, but just watched Manager Wang silently for a moment before looking down at the check.

3.7 million pounds.

"I'll keep the money for you. Once you arrive there, Li Xuanhua will pay it out to you."

Lu Chen sighed and spoke softly.

"I don't even care for this bit of money. Before you leave, just get things done for me. Stay steady, don't be anxious, you won't be in any life-threatening danger."

This time, Lu Chen did not give Manager Wang a Cigar, but tossed him a pack of 555s and lit one for himself as well.

Only then did he continue.

"Don't be afraid. You are a bank manager after all; just work as normal. As for when to withdraw, I will arrange the ship ticket for you in advance."

After sending Manager Wang away, nothing major had happened for some time.

The project was also progressing quite smoothly.

To be honest, Lu Chen was living a rather boring life.

However, Lu Chen had passed quite a few of the law exams.

It even surprised Professor Li a little.

After all, what took others three years of coursework only took Lu Chen a few months.

Of course, quite a few small things had happened during this time as well.

Just like the Crown securitization project; to be honest, it had already intensified to the point where it simply couldn't be stopped.

Even quite a few servants in the Zhuangyuan had resigned.

Well, including at the company, quite a few people had also left.

It could be said that many people had come and gone during this period.

However, the core team remained very stable.

Which made Lu Chen feel as reassured as ever.

Of course, during this time, Li Xuanhua did make a trip back to Xianggang, left behind the brocade box and a document Lu Chen had given him previously, and then hurriedly returned to Piaoliang Guo.

And just on the morning of December 31, 1950.

After Lu Chen went downstairs, he discovered that the Zhuangyuan was even more deserted today.

There were only 4 people in the reception hall.

Butler Wang, Shen Wanyu, Chen Mo, and Tingting.

"Sir, good morning. Today's breakfast might be a bit simple, just noodles. Secretary Shen and Manager Chen don't know how to cook, and I only know how to make noodles."

Butler Wang remained elegant, but there was a hint of embarrassment on his face.

After all, the most important duty of a butler is to coordinate the operation of the entire Zhuangyuan.

Cooking was not his primary job.

But... at the moment, there were only the 5 of them in the Zhuangyuan.

"By the way, Manager Wang from Crown called in the middle of the night yesterday, saying that Director Wei Er invites you to attend tonight's New Year's Eve banquet..."

Butler Wang said softly.

"He won't be coming over to deliver an Invitation Letter this time; anyone with status can enter the New Year's Eve banquet, there is no Invitation Letter this time."

Lu Chen was stunned for a moment and nodded slightly.

Only then did he speak softly.

"Let's go eat outside; we won't eat at home today. While we're at it, we'll buy some fast food or something. You all will have to make do tonight."

After a few seconds, Lu Chen chuckled slightly and then spoke.

"Let's go, everyone go change your clothes. Wanyu, dress the little girl up; Uncle will buy you new clothes and delicious food today."

Lu Chen hugged Tingting and handed her to Shen Wanyu.

He went straight back upstairs and changed into a jacket.

Only then did he sit in the main seat of the reception hall and wait.

By the time he finished smoking a Cigar, the two beauties finally arrived late.

It made Butler Wang and Chen Mo, who were sitting in the reception hall, feel a bit restless.

The group drove slowly out of the quiet villa area, but the streets were not very lively.

After parking in Central, Lu Chen and the others searched for a long time before finding a tea restaurant that was still open.

After ordering a pile of food, Lu Chen asked the owner out of curiosity.

"Let me ask you something, why are so many tea restaurants closed?"

"Sigh, it's just because I didn't manage to buy that securitized thing."

The boss chatted with Lu Chen while busy with his work.

"If I had bought it, I would have closed shop long ago. I really envy Old Wang at the place across the street; he bought it, and now look, he's taken his whole family and immigrated to Daiying."

The boss pointed at a tea restaurant across the street that had already closed down.

His tone was filled with deep envy.

"Young man, you ordered quite a lot, you might not be able to finish it all."

"Boss, aren't you afraid it will drop then?"

Lu Chen was actually a bit curious now.

"Drop? Drop what? It's been 3 months now, hitting the daily limit every day. If it drops, let it drop. Even if it drops a bit, what they've earned is still more than what they'd lose."

The boss carried the tray over, placed it in front of Tingting, and took the opportunity to tease the little girl.

After finishing the meal, Lu Chen packed up a bunch more.

Anyway, no one at home knew how to cook, so buying more was the right thing to do; after all, who eats plain noodles!

Especially with the little girl Tingting; while waiting, Lu Chen had heard Chen Mo complaining that she wouldn't eat a single bite.

After another marathon-like shopping trip, the three grown men lay side by side on the lawn of the Zhuangyuan.

They watched Shen Wanyu and Tingting, one big and one small, running back and forth from the car to the house in excitement.

Tingting, with her small stature, carried the bags with some difficulty, moving her short legs to help Shen Wanyu.

The three of them looked at each other, and in the end, Chen Mo got up and took care of all the remaining items.

Although it was already the end of the year, it wasn't cold at all.

Lu Chen lay on the lawn until evening, then got up, returned to his room to take a shower, and changed into a new suit.

He ate a little something with Butler Wang and the others.

Only then did he leave Chen Mo to stay behind and head to the New Year's Eve banquet with Butler Wang.

The dim streets were already hung with colorful lights; although not as beautiful as before he transmigrated, it was much livelier than usual.

At this time, the streets were much more prosperous, but there were far fewer shops open.

Banshan Jiudian.

Butler Wang slowly parked the car at the main entrance.

He got out and opened the car door for Lu Chen.

Lu Chen straightened his suit before getting out.

A waiter drove the car away.

Wei Er was not in the banquet hall but was waiting at the entrance.

Lu Chen stepped forward and shook his hand.

"Welcome, Director Lu, to today's New Year's Eve banquet."

Wei Er spoke softly with a smile on his face.

"It's only right. This is my first time attending a New Year's Eve banquet in Xianggang."

Lu Chen smiled lightly.

"Director Wei Er, you've been riding high lately. I wonder if there will be any opportunities for us to cooperate in the future."

Lu Chen narrowed his eyes and spoke in a low voice.

"Easy to say, easy to say. Operating costs are skyrocketing now, so there will be plenty of cooperation between us."

Wei Er patted Lu Chen on the shoulder lightly and spoke softly with a smile.

"The construction of Nitan cannot stop. If you lack funds, I can lend them to you through operating costs for small amounts; for large amounts, we'll need to go through investment."

Lu Chen nodded slightly, chatting with Wei Er as they walked.

Wei Er beckoned to Wang Jingli.

Wang Jingli's eyes lit up; he trotted over and nodded slightly to Wei Er.

"Director Lu, please come with me."

He gestured and led Lu Chen inside.

"What's the situation?"

Lu Chen asked in a low voice.

"Wei Er is holding a celebration tonight; it's highly likely he's officially announcing the success of the securitization."

Wang Jingli sighed in a low voice and then added a sentence.

"Tonight's event is open to all industries in Xianggang; as long as you are in a middle-management position or higher, you can enter freely."

"I reckon quite a few people are coming in to fish in troubled waters and grab a free meal."

Listening to Wang Jingli's introduction, Lu Chen frowned.

"Wait a moment, Butler Wang, come here."

Lu Chen beckoned to Butler Wang, who was not far behind him.

He whispered a few words in his ear.

Then he walked back to Wang Jingli's side.

"After you finish greeting guests tonight, leave. Go to my Zhuangyuan first, and then I'll have you sent out. As for your family, they should leave now."

Lu Chen looked around and gave the instructions in a low voice.

"Understood."

A look of surprise appeared on Wang Jingli's face, and then he quickly changed his expression.

He looked around, and after realizing that no one seemed to have noticed him, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Very well, thank you for your understanding, Chairman Lu; I have been worried to death during this time."

"Enough, stop with the chatter. Leave if you must, or hide out the storm here in my Zhuangyuan; we can talk about whether you want to stay in Xianggang later."

Lu Chen patted Wang Jingli lightly and sighed softly.

"Chairman Lu, this is our new gadget, the latest model of television, brought back from Piaoliang Guo. If you don't have one yet, shall I get one for you later?"

Wang Jingli pointed at the television in the venue and spoke in a low voice.

"Wei Er was very sensible; he went to great lengths to get this, just to curry favor with a big shot like you."

Lu Chen glanced at Wang Jingli and gave a soft hum.

He revealed a trace of disdain.

This kind of thing, while expensive, was not lacking among the upper echelons, and the middle echelons couldn't bear to buy it, yet Wei Er couldn't bear to give it away either.

"Chairman Lu, this way."

Upon entering the venue, Lu Chen saw Luosha sitting in an empty corner.

She waved at Lu Chen.

Lu Chen nodded slightly, then spoke softly to the butler.

"You go now, and find a way to leave without anyone noticing; you have met the people who will meet you."

Only then did he put on a faint smile and walk toward Luosha.

"Long time no see."

He shook her hand lightly and sat down beside her.

"What have you been busy with lately?"