Sick and on medication makes me drowsy; not taking it leaves me miserable, severely impacting my writing.

The second update for today will likely be late, so I'm giving a heads-up: please don't wait up tonight; check back tomorrow for three updates instead.

Even though I'm behind schedule, Hongchang Fucai still shamelessly begs for monthly votes.

Given that I'm pushing through while sick, how about some monthly votes? ..............

The two foot-massage attendants looked up in surprise at the sound, instantly spotting Wang Zhuo's awkward display.

Wang Zhuo's level of embarrassment was indescribable.

He wanted something to cover himself, but the only magazine in the room was in Guan Yingying's hand.

The only other items were the TV remote on the table; there wasn't even a towel, just a pack of facial tissues.

The two attendants chuckled, and seeing the guest's mortification, the one attending to Wang Zhuo's feet tried to comfort him understandingly, "This is a normal physiological reaction, sir, don't be embarrassed.

We understand." As she spoke, she deliberately pressed a few extra times on the acupoint rumored to benefit the kidneys.

The attendant serving Guan Yingying remembered a joke and laughed, "Sir, your kidneys are just like you—not weak at all." Guan Yingying finally couldn't hold back her laughter.

Wang Zhuo felt silent tears welling up, wondering if he was being teased.

This young woman looked about his age, and although slightly flushed, she could look a man's physiological reaction squarely in the eye with such ease.

It was he who was acting so hesitant—what kind of situation was this? Guan Yingying snickered for quite a while before her conscience kicked in, and she handed the magazine to Wang Zhuo so he could temporarily hide his shame.

The foot massages finally ended, and the two technicians left.

Wang Zhuo's gaze pierced through the wall, watching them walk back to the rest area, laughing and chatting, gesturing with their hands as they walked, seemingly discussing matters of length, thickness, and girth.

Wang Zhuo immediately decided that before he turned forty and became a failure like Microsoft, he would absolutely never set foot in such a dreadful place again unless he had relieved himself first.

In truth, this was an overreaction.

Having women serve him and give him a foot massage was a first-time experience; once he got used to it, this situation wouldn't recur.

Once they were in the car, the incident was finally behind them.

While Guan Yingying could tease Wang Zhuo in front of the attendants, now that it was just the two of them alone, bringing it up again would feel too intimate and decidedly unladylike.

It was a pity Qi Fei wasn't there; otherwise, she would have had someone to joke around with, as Wang Zhuo's embarrassed state had been too amusing.

The two arrived at Wang Zhuo's residence.

Guan Yingying couldn't help but marvel at the power of money.

Wang Zhuo had settled down into a house shortly after arriving in Jiangzhou.

Not long ago, he was still a struggling high school student; now, he had become a man capable of standing on his own two feet. "Miss Guan? Welcome, welcome! Please, come in." Qiu Lu warmly welcomed Guan Yingying into the living room, busying himself by pouring water and washing fruit.

Wang Zhuo, the owner, showed little self-awareness and simply mingled, enjoying the refreshments. "Where is the rough material?" After taking a sip of water, Guan Yingying got straight to the point. "It's all here." Wang Zhuo led her toward the south-facing master bedroom.

The bedroom floor was covered with cardboard boxes, where a pile of rough stones lay scattered haphazardly.

Some had lines and circles drawn on them, some already had windows cut into their exteriors, and others looked like ordinary rocks, completely untouched. "That's quite a bit," Guan Yingying had heard Wang Zhuo and Qi Fei mention the quantity of these stones, but seeing them still gave her a slight jolt of surprise. "I want to cut one." As she was rubbing her hands in anticipation, Qiu Lu gave a wry smile and said, "I've already received several complaints from neighbors.

Some went through property management interference, and others simply showed up at the door.

So, I haven't cut any for the past half a month." Guan Yingying realized the situation and nodded with a smile, asking Wang Zhuo, "So, what is your next plan?" Wang Zhuo chuckled, "I'm going to rent a workshop in the suburbs, hire a few technicians, and set up a studio." "Is the idea mature?" Guan Yingying was a little taken aback.

This kid truly dared to think big and act decisively.

Wang Zhuo affirmed, "It's a case of crossing the river by feeling the stones.

I've been actively looking for a place whenever I have free time." "Good, young man, you have ambition," Guan Yingying patted his shoulder and teased, "Keep it up, I have high hopes for you." "Oh, right, Wang Zhuo," Qiu Lu said, "Sister Qi just sent over the pictures.

You two should take a look." On the computer screen, the photos showed a piece of material completely stripped of its outer layer, immersed in highly transparent mineral oil that perfectly showcased its characteristics.

Strangely, the material looked multicolored and nothing like jade.

Guan Yingying asked in surprise, "Is this what the big steamed bun peeled into?" "Yes, it's the piece the three of us jointly invested in," Qiu Lu laughed happily. "The reaction when this piece was exhibited in Hong Kong was fantastic.

We really made a fortune this time." Guan Yingying flipped through the subsequent photos; some showed minor celebrity tycoons and even foreigners posing with the finished material.

She couldn't help but ask, "Have you finalized the design for carving?" "We designed several sets of plans, and now it's basically settled: we're going to carve a 'Five Dragons Aurora Jade Bi' (a circular jade artifact).

There will be two dragons on each side, with one five-clawed single dragon above the jade disc.

If you flip a few more times, you'll see the blueprints and renderings." The blueprints were created using CAD software, incredibly detailed and clearly organized.

The renderings were stunning, capturing the translucency of the jade, the five dragons vividly lifelike, and the flowing aurora effect equally captivating. "It's a pity Empress Dowager Cixi is gone; otherwise, this would be another national treasure," Guan Yingying praised sincerely.

Wang Zhuo and Qiu Lu nodded in deep agreement.

This lustrous, flowing material was exceedingly rare.

Because its appearance was so unique, even the weakness of its recent mine origin was less pronounced.

To be blunt, once this jade bi was completed, it would undoubtedly be one of the pinnacle masterworks in the jade collecting world of recent years.

If only it could be slightly larger, perhaps even the word "one" could be dropped. "If we sold it, we probably wouldn't have to worry about money for the rest of our lives, right?" Guan Yingying joked. "We wouldn't run out for several lifetimes," Qiu Lu laughed heartily; this time, they truly had no future worries.

Wang Zhuo said with a faint smile, "We plan to donate to ten Project Hope primary schools first." Guan Yingying instantly held them in high esteem—what a grand gesture! For so many years, China had topped the richest lists, and many wealthy individuals were featured, but no one was known to have donated ten Project Hope schools all at once to sponsor the nation's long-term endeavors.

In reality, she didn't know that countless wealthy people had shed tears over philanthropy, only to have donations misappropriated, squandered, or disappear without a trace, leaving the donors branded as fools, suckers, or mere showmen.

Under such circumstances, those who persisted in charity often did so anonymously.

More people went from anger to helplessness, and eventually to numbness. "There was some news recently; have you heard about it?" Qiu Lu spoke with some emotion. "A young overseas Chinese donated 300,000 RMB to his hometown, hoping to build a Project Hope school.

His hometown is a nationally designated poor county, extremely impoverished.

Half a year later, when he returned, there was no school to be seen, but the county Party Secretary had acquired an Audi A6 a few months prior." Wang Zhuo frowned and asked, "Three hundred thousand wouldn't buy an Audi A6, right?" Qiu Lu shrugged, "He diverted some road construction funds, so it was just enough." "The County Party Secretary is at the department level, right? How could he drive such a high-end car?" Guan Yingying expressed her confusion. "In the county, he is the absolute ruler, the emperor.

Never mind an Audi A6; if he had the money, he’d want a private jet," Qiu Lu said resentfully.

He rarely spoke such cutting words, but he was genuinely furious this time. "Damn it," Wang Zhuo couldn't help but curse, "I won't donate then.

We'll build them ourselves." ...

Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road are Jiangzhou's most prosperous districts, proudly nicknamed the "First Commercial Street of China." This street spans five kilometers, lined on both sides by over six hundred shops and commercial buildings, many of which are century-old establishments, specialty stores, or large department stores.

After gaining a degree of understanding about Jiangzhou, Wang Zhuo turned his sights here.

His philosophy was: if you don't do it, don't bother; if you do it, do it the best.

Although this area is geographically vast, securing a foothold there is far from easy.

First, you need someone willing to sell, and second, you must have access to information.

Most importantly, the land prices here are astronomical; without serious money, it's simply not affordable.

After selling the Imperial Green jade, Wang Zhuo had twenty-eight million in cash on his books.

However, money acquired easily is spent quickly.

He distributed two million each to Guan Yingying, Qi Fei, and Qiu Lu, then purchased three properties, a cluster of garages, and two luxury cars.

Plus a large inventory of rough material and various other miscellaneous expenses, he was left with just over ten million.

This sum might qualify someone as well-off in a medium-sized city, but for an international metropolis like Jiangzhou, it was merely enough for a decent apartment.

To establish a storefront on Nanjing Road? Sorry, you could only rent one.

Wang Zhuo had always considered himself a bit wealthy, but after the real estate agency provided him with several transfer listings and initial quotes, he realized his self-assessment had been overly generous.

With a bit of cash in hand, he had become presumptuous, thinking he could buy property on Nanjing Road? That amount would barely cover a public restroom. "I guess I'll just rent," he admitted awkwardly to the beautiful manager. "Renting is fine too; it actually gives you more options," the beautiful manager wasn't disappointed at all.

She had encountered countless clients like this; it was routine.

Meeting one genuinely capable of purchasing would be a surprise.

As she spoke, she clicked and swiped a few times on the computer screen, displaying a panoramic view of Nanjing Road.

She zoomed in and pointed, "Here, here, and here—all have shops for sublease.

I'm sure there is something that will satisfy you." "Hmm..." Wang Zhuo mused, "I want a completely independent space, the kind where I can manage my own security.

The area must be no less than three hundred square meters, preferably multi-level.

My neighbors shouldn't be involved in snacks, dining, or entertainment venues; ideally, they should be century-old shops with cultural heritage, or perhaps jewelry companies, antique dealers, or art and craft stores." His requirements were quite high.

The beautiful manager maintained her professional smile while mentally calculating; securing this deal would likely earn her a substantial commission. "Sir, could you perhaps disclose what you plan to use this location for?" After speaking, the manager quickly added, "It's fine if you don't say; we don't pry into commercially sensitive information." "It's fine to tell you," Wang Zhuo smiled. "I plan to open an art investment company, primarily dealing in gold and silver ornaments, jewelry, jade, rare stones, and jadeite.

That's why my requirements for the storefront are a bit particular." Opening a jewelry store? The manager could hardly conceal her excitement; she had clearly encountered a rich second-generation playboy.