Chapter 18: Angel Investor

Tang Hong refilled their glasses and, after a moment of contemplation, said calmly, “It’s better to work for yourself. Working for others isn’t a long-term solution.”

“In our line of work, there are no absolute standards. As long as the clients are satisfied, that’s all that matters. In the end, it’s all about sales—selling our expertise and aesthetic judgment.”

“I’ll take a break for a while, use my connections to earn some living expenses, and then find a place to open a studio. No need for a big team, just two or three people will do.”

As she spoke about her career plan, Tang Hong’s face radiated confidence. Zhuang Chen could clearly sense her longing and hope for the future. An idea flashed through his mind, and he probed, “How much startup capital would you need?”

“About a little over a million,” Tang Hong replied quickly. She looked at Zhuang Chen and joked, “Why? Is the big tycoon thinking of investing?”

Raising his glass and taking a sip, Zhuang Chen responded casually, “It’s worth considering.”

Tang Hong was taken aback, not expecting such an answer. She asked earnestly, “Are you an angel investor?”

Zhuang Chen burst out laughing. The title sounded appealing—many business moguls liked to invest in new ventures after retiring. If they could do it, why couldn’t he?

Besides, the inheritance had already been converted into shares of a top-tier company. As a shareholder, he received substantial dividends; in essence, he was already an investor.

“Tell me your thoughts,” Zhuang Chen leaned back on the sofa, looking at Tang Hong. “Maybe I can help you.”

Tang Hong’s expression shifted; she quickly stood up, asking seriously, “May I wash my face first?”

She headed to the bathroom and, after more than ten minutes, came out with her makeup refreshed. Her face was still slightly flushed, but she had regained her elegant, professional composure.

“Mr. Zhuang, here’s my plan: first, let me briefly introduce the market prospects for private consultants…”

“In the early stages, most costs will be for choosing and decorating the studio. The goal is a high-end office building. It doesn’t need to be large, but the décor must be exquisite, so clients feel our professionalism…”

“Initial clients will mainly come from my network. With just five orders a month, we can break even. I’ll need two assistants to handle daily contacts…”

Zhuang Chen listened—her plan was logical, her goals clear, and she’d even scouted a few locations. This was no spur-of-the-moment idea; she was well prepared.

Clearly, her resignation was inevitable. No one wants to spend their life working for others. Even chefs dream of owning their own restaurant, becoming the boss, creating a chain, and building a brand.

After more than twenty minutes, Tang Hong finished and took a deep breath. She concluded, “I have over six hundred thousand saved. It’s best if the startup capital is one and a half million. Within a year, we’ll definitely turn a profit!”

She looked at Zhuang Chen with bright, anxious eyes. Though this was only their second meeting, she had a good impression of him; he seemed steady and reliable, with an oddly world-weary air.

Zhuang Chen nodded, thought for a moment, then sat up straight and said seriously, “I’ll invest two million. You’ll be in charge of operations. Is that a problem?”

“Really?” Tang Hong hadn’t expected him to actually invest. She was overjoyed but suppressed her excitement as she replied, “No problem! I’m confident we’ll make money!”

“How about this? The investment can start as a personal loan, and I’ll write you an IOU. Once the studio is set up, we can convert it into equity.”

“You put in one and a half million, I’ll put in five hundred thousand. The registered capital will be two million, and shares will be distributed according to investment. Salaries and dividends will follow actual contributions…”

Zhuang Chen waved his hand dismissively. For him, two million was a trivial sum, just a whim. He had a good impression of Tang Hong, and the money was just sitting idle. If he became an angel investor, he’d have a new identity to claim.

He picked up his phone and transferred the two million instantly. Tang Hong, upon seeing the notification, hurried to find pen and paper, wrote the IOU, and handed it to him with both hands, grateful. “Rest assured, I’ll start preparing the studio tomorrow. I won’t let you down.”

She checked her watch—it was already half past nine. Nervous, she said, “It’s getting late. What do you think…”

Zhuang Chen frowned slightly, as if waiting for something. Tang Hong’s heart skipped a beat—did he really expect something to happen?

“Boss, the cake is here.”

Xia Long knocked and entered, carrying a birthday cake. Zhuang Chen gestured for him to set it on the table, unwrapped it, lit the candles, and smiled. “Thank you for gracing my housewarming. Let me also celebrate your birthday—hope you don’t mind?”

As the lights dimmed and the candlelight flickered on the cake, Tang Hong’s eyes suddenly reddened. She fought back tears and choked out, “Thank you.”

“Make a wish before you blow out the candles,” Zhuang Chen said with a gentle laugh. “Best wish would be for our business to thrive and make a fortune every day!”

Tang Hong couldn’t help but laugh, closed her eyes, and made a wish. She leaned toward the cake and blew out the candles, then sliced the cake and handed a piece to Zhuang Chen.

“Thank you, boss. In the future, I’ll work like a horse or an ox to repay your kindness!” she joked.

Everyone laughed. After finishing the cake, Zhuang Chen asked Xia Long to drive Tang Hong home. He tidied up, then soaked in the luxurious massage tub, savoring his new home.

With his eyes closed, he reflected on recent days. A phrase lingered in his mind, refusing to fade away:

“I hope you can live easily and happily… Don’t be like me… Go realize your dreams!”

If not for the inheritance, he’d still be living in a basement, scrambling to make ends meet, sweating in a smoky kitchen. Fate was truly wondrous.

First, fate had brought him to Su Yun, then Tang Hong. Both were beautiful women, especially Su Yun. It would be a lie to say he wasn’t moved.

But Zhuang Chen had his principles—he wouldn’t take advantage of others. Encounters were fate’s arrangement, perhaps even a test. If he turned his back on someone in need…

Well, as long as they weren’t gold-diggers, he’d help when he could. Being an angel investor wasn’t so bad—even if the investment failed, he’d still have the title of “angel.”

That thought comforted him, making it easier to sleep.

With that realization, Zhuang Chen felt at ease. Since things had come to this, he might as well accept them. His phone chimed—it was Su Yun, sending her hospital admission proof. He put his phone aside, took a long hot bath, and fell fast asleep in his double bed.

The next morning, he jogged twice around the lake, then had a simple breakfast. He asked Xia Long, “Are there any high-end clubs in the capital for entertainment?”

“If you want the very best…” Xia Long replied, “it would have to be the Chang’an Club.”