Chapter 14: Playing Something New
"Good thing you didn’t sell; just hold on to it for now."
Lu Liang didn’t ask how much Zhang Qian had invested—probably just a few thousand yuan, nothing that would impact the market.
Knowing how cautious Zhang Qian was, he figured she’d only tested the waters with a small amount, definitely not going all in.
Lu Liang looked at the 19.25-yuan price cap and his holding of 588,800 shares.
He sold 3,800 shares, cashing out 73,100 yuan.
Even though he knew the stock would double in price and peak at 39.82 yuan, his recent expenses—gym membership, a high-performance computer—had left him with only a few thousand yuan.
If he didn’t take some cash out now, he’d barely be able to afford gas.
“Got it. I’ll follow your advice.”
It was Zhang Qian’s first time here at one of the country’s top complexes. Though curious, she kept herself composed, trying not to look out of place.
But once they exited the elevator and stepped through the long hallway, Zhang Qian was stunned as Lu Liang opened the door, revealing a vast balcony with an unbeatable river view.
After all, without being born into wealth, most people would never have the chance to see this view from such a vantage point.
Looking at Lu Liang, her gaze grew warmer. He was one of those people—born without it, yet here he was.
The apartment’s decor was modern and luxurious, but the boxes stacked in one corner spoiled the effect.
“Brother Liang, your place has a bit of a… casual vibe,” Zhang Qian finally said, finding a tactful way to put it.
“If it’s not needed, I just leave it there. I’ll have housekeeping clear it out in a few days.”
Over the past few days, Lu Liang had accumulated a lot of boxes from deliveries but hadn’t bothered to carry them downstairs, figuring he’d have the cleaners handle it during their weekly visits.
“It does look a bit messy, though.” Unable to hold back, Zhang Qian shrugged off her shawl and started tidying up, quickly stacking the boxes in one corner of the balcony.
“There. A bit of effort, and it’s tidier already.”
“True, a woman’s touch makes a difference,” Lu Liang said, putting an arm around her waist. Her slender frame fit perfectly in his grip, about two and a half hands around.
Burying his head in her soft, slightly wavy, wine-red hair, he took a deep breath. “Did you change your perfume? It smells different from last time.”
“Do you like it?” Zhang Qian rested her hand on his, glancing around the empty-feeling apartment, briefly wondering if they could be more than just friends. But just as the thought emerged, she brushed it aside.
Years ago, she’d learned her lesson. Now, she was only focused on making money.
“I like it.” Lu Liang whispered, slowly lifting her skirt.
Facing the river breeze, he thought it would be something unique to have her by the balcony, looking over the river.
“It’s already noon. Shouldn’t we eat first?” Zhang Qian teased, slipping out of his reach with a mischievous smile.
Men never valued what came too easily.
Sometimes, a bit of resistance was the best allure. Like a spring, the more it’s compressed, the more forcefully it rebounds.
If she let Lu Liang get what he wanted whenever he pleased, he’d lose interest soon, and her charm would lose its hold.
“So, what do you feel like having for lunch?” Lu Liang took a breath, smiling as he reined in his desire.
“Relax, I’m all yours these next few days.” Zhang Qian gave him a tender look, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his cheek.
With that, she skipped over to the semi-open kitchen. Though the appliances were all there, there wasn’t a trace of oil or cooking remnants.
She checked the cabinets and called out, “Brother Liang, when was the last time you ate at home? I’m actually a good cook—want me to make you something?”
Given Lu Liang’s background—someone who had climbed up from the bottom and gone through a divorce—standard tactics probably wouldn’t work on him.
Zhang Qian decided to take a different approach. She wouldn’t actually invest her emotions, but she’d play the part, aiming to give him a taste of a cozy home life.