Chapter 131: Unable to Find a Female Companion

Chu Dong inadvertently caught sight of a headline naming Wang Dongliang as a top contender for the "Top Ten Outstanding Young People of Dalian." He found it hilarious; he felt it should have been the "Top Ten Money-Losing Young People" instead.

As he scrolled further, he was surprised to find his own name: "Chu Dong, the current president of Silver Dragon Group, is constantly embroiled in controversy and has now become the number one most divisive figure in our city."

He shrugged it off. A top ranking was a top ranking, regardless of the category, and at least he wasn't being lumped together with that jerk Wang Dongliang—that in itself was a consolation. Chu Dong didn't care about these things at all. There was no award ceremony, and it wasn't an evaluation by any legitimate organization; it was just the media amusing themselves. Who would actually take this seriously?

However, the following paragraph, which sounded like a provocation, truly caught his attention.

"After comparing the individuals on the list, financial experts in our city note that the 'Top Ten Outstanding Young People' are truly the cream of the crop among their peers. They have made significant contributions to the city's economic development and have shouldered social responsibilities beyond the ordinary. With rare maturity, they bear heavy burdens that many of their peers cannot even imagine. Conversely, those among the 'controversial' figures, while also born into wealth, lack this sense of responsibility. Their minds are occupied more with their own self-indulgence; it would be a blessing if they simply didn't cause trouble for others.

The 2009 Dalian Red Cross Charity Gala is approaching. Many of the figures on the list will be invited. We shall wait and see how these prominent socialites conduct themselves!"

"What the hell is this nonsense? Are they soliciting sponsorships or looking for a fight?" An indignant Chu Dong tracked down the source of the article—it was the internal publication of Haifeng Group!

Self-aggrandizement, really? He searched online for information about the charity gala and found quite a bit. There was an art exhibition featuring works from painters of the Dalian Calligraphy and Painting Association, all of which would be auctioned off, with the proceeds donated to the Red Cross as charity funds.

Of course, there would also be jewelry, antiques, and jade donated by wealthy individuals to be auctioned on-site, attended by many successful members of the upper class.

"Buying a reputation with money." Though Chu Dong's comment was somewhat extreme, it struck a chord with many. For these people, such events were merely opportunities for posturing and increasing their exposure. The money they spent was negligible to them, or in some cases, not spent at all—there were rumors of fake donations that had been exposed, though most remained whispered behind closed doors.

As dawn broke, Chu Dong saw that Tan Xue was still sleeping soundly, so he didn't wake her. After washing up, he drove out to buy breakfast. Upon returning, he discovered that Li Youlan had actually slept on the living room sofa; perhaps feeling the chill, she had curled into a ball in the corner.

He went to her and Tan Xue’s room, grabbed a blanket, and gently covered her. Then, carrying a portion of breakfast, he headed out to work.

The company security guard had already opened the doors. When Chu Dong went upstairs, no one else had arrived yet. After finishing his breakfast, the employees began to trickle in. When his secretary came in to clean the office, she was surprised to see Chu Dong already there and apologized profusely for not knocking.

"It's fine. By the way, if any invitations for me arrive in the next couple of days, bring them straight to me," Chu Dong instructed before turning his attention to some documents.

That afternoon, the secretary brought in an invitation. She was amazed at Chu Dong's foresight. "Boss, how did you know there would be an invitation?"

"Heh, if someone is plotting against you, how could they possibly forget you?" Chu Dong gave a faint, cynical smile without further explanation. He opened the invitation and read the gilded, elegant script:

"To Mr. Chu Dong: The 15th Charity Gala of the Dalian Red Cross Society will be held on November 15, 2009, in the Multi-function Hall on the second floor of the Furama Hotel. Your presence is requested."

The signature at the bottom read: Dalian Red Cross Society, November 2, 2009.

Chu Dong closed the invitation with a mischievous smirk. An idea sparked in his mind: since they wanted to make him famous, he might as well play a big game and give them a real taste of fame.

He pulled out his phone and dialed George’s number.

"Wise Boss, the great George is at your service." It was that same cocky tone. George still hadn't adjusted to the time difference; he was sleeping during the day and working at night.

"George, I entrusted you with a task last time. I’ve already authorized you with 8% of the total shares of Haifeng. How is the situation?"

"When has the great George ever failed to deliver on a task assigned by the boss? I’ve been buying and selling simultaneously without using a single cent of the company's money. Now, I’ve managed to secure about 15%. Boss, do you have any other orders?" George chuckled on the other end.

"You really are something. How did the value climb so quickly?" Chu Dong was a bit startled.

George was a master of operations, but earning an additional 15% in Haifeng shares in such a short time was no easy feat, especially since Haifeng’s stock had been remarkably stable with little fluctuation. Generating over a billion in profit was harder than reaching the heavens.

"Haha, the great George is omnipotent!" George shifted from a chuckle to a full-blown laugh. "The authorization level you gave me was quite high. After I changed the password and logged in, I discovered that this account could actually mobilize some of Haifeng's own funds. So, I just moved money from the left hand to the right and back again, earning a little bit each time. One thing led to another, and it turned into what you see now."

Chu Dong was speechless regarding Wang Dongliang. Such a weak opponent hardly deserved his energy; even humiliating him felt like a degradation of his own stature.

"Alright, George, stop there. Don't use that access to mess with them anymore; it’s too boring. Prepare to split the shares; set aside about 4% for me. I have a use for them. At the same time, keep a close watch on the market and be ready to jump in at any time." Having gained an unexpected windfall, Chu Dong felt even more composed.

After hanging up, it was time to get off work. Chu Dong picked up Little Yu’er and, instead of heading straight home, drove to the bridal photography studio near Qingniwa to check on their wedding photos.

The spacious studio was crowded. It took Chu Dong a while to find the person who had served them last time. Upon seeing him, the young receptionist looked nervous. "Do you not recognize me, or do I look that intimidating?"

In truth, Chu Dong had already spotted their photos—enlarged and draped in thin veils—displayed throughout the lobby, along with even more photos of Tan Xue and Little Yu’er in the display windows. It was the studio using them for advertising. Many such shops would display their best work to attract customers.

"I recognize you, I recognize you! Let me get the manager. Please wait a moment." The young girl hurried off to find the manager, reporting Chu Dong's arrival. The manager was sweating, fearing Chu Dong had come to demand compensation, as using their photos so extensively without permission was indeed hard to justify.

However, the manager had his own prepared defense. Upon meeting Chu Dong, he led him into his office with great enthusiasm. "Mr. Chu, please forgive me for acting on my own initiative. I took the liberty of printing extra photos. Honestly, I’ve never seen a wife and sister as beautiful as yours; the photos turned out exceptionally well. I had the shop print a few more as a blessing for your wedding, and also to let more people see the quality of our work. But every single one was so beautiful that I couldn't bear to choose, and before I knew it, I had printed so many I ran out of space. That’s why I had to cover them with veils. But don't worry, the cost won't increase; it’s all on me."

"Well, I suppose I should thank you then." Chu Dong laughed. He wasn't a petty man; even if the manager hadn't offered that explanation, he wouldn't have made a scene. "I appreciate your kindness. I’ll have someone come by to take them home so you can clear up some space."

"Heh, well, that's fine too, whenever it's convenient for you." The manager was clearly reluctant. He had received quite a lot of money from Chu Dong, but the sheer volume of photos—crystal frames, deerskin prints, massive murals—had cost a small fortune to produce. It was enough to host a solo exhibition.

"It's convenient right now. You don't need to worry about it; I'll arrange for the movers myself." Chu Dong pulled out his phone, looked up a moving company, and placed a call. After explaining the situation, they promised to arrive immediately.

Tan Xue and Li Youlan had spent the entire day stewing in frustration, having failed to extract any secrets, and even having "slept" a night with Chu Dong. Though nothing had happened, it was a major blow to Tan Xue's confidence. She had thrown herself at him, and he hadn't reacted. Of course, she didn't know that it was her own sudden kick that had prevented her from falling into the tiger's den.

Just as the two were discussing whether they should try slipping him a sedative next time, Chu Dong returned with Little Yu’er and the photos. The moving company workers were efficient and professional, quickly helping them arrange the hundreds of large wedding photos.

The workers had been puzzled by the sheer number of photos at first, but once they arrived at the villa, they stopped talking. They were clearly dealing with the ultra-wealthy; for people like this, extravagance was the norm.

Tan Xue was busy admiring the photos, and Li Youlan walked around appreciating them, though not as excitedly as Tan Xue and Little Yu’er.

Seeing Tan Xue so happy made Chu Dong feel content. Thinking of the invitation in his pocket, he called out to Tan Xue, who was about to carry a framed photo of herself and Little Yu’er to her bedroom. "I’m going to have a gown made for you in the next two days. There’s a gala on the 15th, and you need to accompany me."

"I’m not going," Tan Xue replied with extreme crispness and determination.

"Really not?"

"Really not. Find someone else. I’m not going, period." Tan Xue had accompanied him to a gala once before, and he had transformed from her secretary into her superior overnight. Who knew what would happen this time? If he announced a wedding or something, it was better not to be involved.

"Li Youlan, I helped you out, don't you think you should return the favor? You can't let me attend alone, can you?" Chu Dong turned to Li Youlan.

Li Youlan’s response was even more final, crushing his hopes completely: "I only attend galas with my husband. Anyone else? Don't even mention it!"

"I don't believe I can't find anyone. Yu’er, it’s just for the evening, why don't you go with me?" Chu Dong was truly out of options. With only three women around, he had to ask Little Yu’er.

"Brother-in-law, my studies are really busy." Even the usually eager little girl had an excuse.