Chapter 16: The Conservatory

His manner and bearing were nothing like those of a typical rich heir. In many situations, he even seemed rather inexperienced, handling matters with great caution. He appeared to lack real business ventures or connections, yet his financial power was undeniably immense.

Ordinary billionaires, even if they had a few hundred million in assets, would never directly spend eighty million on a luxury home. That’s basic cash flow management. Only those worth several billion, or even tens of billions, would make such grand purchases.

Of course, as bodyguards, the employer’s information was strictly confidential. We take the money, we do the job, and that’s an ironclad rule.

And after a few days together, they had a good impression of their new boss. Despite his youth, he was understated, courteous, and, most importantly, understood how to genuinely respect others. This made things very comfortable for the two brothers.

For a bodyguard, the worst thing is encountering some arrogant, immature employer. Even the best in the business don’t want to clean up after someone who’s always making trouble.

Back at the State Guesthouse, Zhuang Chen took a hot shower to clear his head. Staring at his reflection in the mirror, he couldn’t help but feel helpless.

Others go to bars, spending money like water, surrounded by admirers, with a night worth a king’s ransom. But when it was his turn, why did things always play out so differently?

Still, he had no regrets. Taking advantage of someone in need simply wasn’t in his nature. Besides, the money had practically fallen from the sky; if someone needed it to save their life, how could he not help? It was an act of kindness.

Not to mention a hundred thousand—even more, as long as fate decreed it, he couldn’t refuse. To hoard ill-gotten gains and become heartless would surely bring down retribution.

Thinking of this, Zhuang Chen exhaled, feeling much more at peace. After drinking all that wine, he had no appetite, so he called the brothers to order dinner, then lay on the bed, lost in thought.

He took out his phone, found Tang Hong on WeChat, and asked if she was free the next day. Now that he had a home, with a walk-in closet of at least fifty square meters, he planned to fill it in one go—outfits for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, all at once.

She replied quickly, and they agreed to meet at Xidan at ten-thirty the following morning. He was slowly getting used to having bodyguards—no need to worry when going out, and a luxury car with a chauffeur really was the mark of a true tycoon.

The next morning, after a run around Yutan Lake, the fresh air left him feeling invigorated. Being able to breathe clean air in the capital made every penny spent worthwhile.

He headed to Wangfujing, where Tang Hong was already waiting. Zhuang Chen stepped out of the luxurious Bentley and greeted her with a smile, “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Not at all, I just arrived early,” Tang Hong replied politely, taking in the impressive sight of Zhuang Chen, flanked by two bodyguards.

“This time, I hope to get a full wardrobe—enough for all four seasons,” Zhuang Chen said as they walked into the mall. Jokingly, he added, “No need to save me money; I’ve brought muscle just for carrying the bags today!”

Tang Hong smiled and nodded. Now that they were more familiar, she found this young client to be polite and reserved, easy to get along with.

They began shopping. Having worked with Zhuang Chen before, Tang Hong already understood his taste and style, so she quickly got into the groove.

Zhuang Chen began the endless task of trying on clothes, determined to buy as many sets as possible in one trip. With a full wardrobe at home, he wouldn’t have to bother shopping again for a long time.

There was mutual interest and goodwill.

The shopping progressed quickly. The bags in Xia Long and Xia Hu’s hands multiplied—from sportswear to business attire, formal suits to casual outfits—over twenty sets in one go. Eventually, it was too much to carry, and they had to take some back to the car.

Tang Hong grew more enthusiastic; it was rare to meet a well-built tycoon she could dress up in countless combinations. Time flew by, and they even forgot lunch.

Finally, Zhuang Chen couldn’t take it anymore and called a halt to the shopping, giving the three men a chance to catch their breath. They went to a nearby restaurant to restore their strength. As soon as Tang Hong sat down, she sighed, “Ah, if only we could do custom tailoring…”

Zhuang Chen’s heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly picked up the menu to order. He dared not respond to that suggestion!

Still, he was very satisfied with Tang Hong’s expertise—every outfit matched his taste perfectly. Though some were expensive, a man needed a few good suits; it was money well spent.

He ordered a few simple dishes. After getting used to the cuisine of Diaoyutai’s master chefs, this was merely passable. Tang Hong ate little, probably dieting, and finished her meal gracefully. She suggested, “Do you have time this afternoon?”

“If you do, we can keep going. You’re still short a few pairs of shoes and some accessories; it’s a rare opportunity, after all…”

Her eyes shone with anticipation. Clearly, Zhuang Chen was a true big spender—he’d spent 980,000 in three hours without batting an eye.

She had met many wealthy clients, but most were either overweight, sloppily dressed, or simply didn’t care about style. Some would force themselves to buy a couple of designer suits in a day, but only wear them on special occasions to show off.

Zhuang Chen was a rare find—tall, strong, courteous, and spending money like water. This was the aura of a real tycoon.

Zhuang Chen set down his chopsticks, sensing her anticipation, and could only nod in agreement. Since he was here, he might as well enjoy it to the fullest.

They continued in the afternoon, focusing mainly on accessories. Six pairs of leather shoes, ten ties, five belts, four wallets, and, with her final persuasion, three luxury watches.

A classic Patek Philippe for 650,000.

A Vacheron Constantin ultra-thin for 730,000.

And, at Tang Hong’s insistence, a Rolex—because, as she put it, in some circles, only “pure gold” will do.

Not until the neon lights began to shine did they finally leave the mall. Seeing Tang Hong’s look of satisfaction, Zhuang Chen exchanged a glance with Xia Long. Good grief, her stamina was impressive.

In the car, Zhuang Chen noticed Tang Hong subtly rotating her ankles. Spending the day in eight-centimeter heels was no small feat.

“Are you free tonight?” he asked, taking the initiative. “Would you do me the honor of having dinner together?”

Sensing his goodwill, and already having a good impression of Zhuang Chen, Tang Hong teased, “At last, the tycoon makes his move!”

Zhuang Chen burst out laughing and had Xia Hu drive towards his home. They stopped by a nearby supermarket, where he explained, “Since you’re gracing me with your presence, it wouldn’t be sincere to eat out. I’ll cook myself—consider it a housewarming dinner.”

“Housewarming?” Tang Hong was taken aback, but the sheer genuineness of his smile made her accept gladly.

In the supermarket, watching Zhuang Chen expertly choose ingredients and carefully compare produce, she suddenly had a strange feeling…

Could this be his real self?