In the night, the black Mercedes business van drove out of the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, passed through the Aberdeen Tunnel onto Hong Kong Island, and headed east toward the Repulse Bay area.
In just over ten minutes, the scenery changed completely.
Repulse Bay is located on the southern side of Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island. Backed by mountains and facing the sea, its crescent-shaped bay is known as "the Finest Bay Under Heaven" and also dubbed the "Hawaii of the East." It is one of Hong Kong's most beautiful and iconic seaside locations.
It is both a famous tourist destination and one of Hong Kong Island's prestigious residential districts. The area is dotted with luxury homes and surrounded by five-star hotels, Ocean Park, golf courses, large supermarkets, and other commercial facilities.
Lu Chen's residence in Hong Kong was in Man Kam Apartments at 268 Repulse Bay Road.
"The one at your place really had foresight, buying property here so early,"
Sitting in the front passenger seat, Wan Xiaoquan said to Lu Chen, half joking and half serious. "With today's housing prices here, even if I worked my whole life without eating or drinking, I probably still couldn't afford one!"
Originally, Lu Chen had only asked his assistant Zhang Xiaofang to drive him over. Although it was Zhang's first time in Hong Kong as well, the van had a complete navigation system, so there was no concern about getting lost.
But Wan Xiaoquan was a little uneasy, and he also had a few things he wanted to discuss with Lu Chen, so he decided to come along.
Lu Chen smiled. "If things develop smoothly here, I think you'll be able to afford one very soon."
Property prices in Repulse Bay were extremely high. When Chen Fei'er purchased this 137-square-meter apartment ten years ago, she had spent all her savings and even taken out a bank mortgage.
Now, ten years later, the property's market value had increased by more than tenfold. In terms of investment returns, few projects could compare.
More than a decade ago, mainland celebrities had already begun purchasing properties in Hong Kong. Some had even transferred their residency here, which also contributed to the steady rise in property prices.
Chen Fei'er had bought three properties in Hong Kong over the years. She had sold the other two during a housing market surge for substantial profit. This Repulse Bay apartment was her favorite, kept as a personal holiday home.
Now it conveniently benefited Lu Chen. Otherwise, renting such a large apartment in such a prime location in Hong Kong would cost an astonishing amount every month.
Wan Xiaoquan shook his head. "Buying one place here would be enough to buy two or three in the capital."
Lu Chen replied, "Let's not talk about houses for now. In Hong Kong, not having a car is out of the question. How about this, you and Uncle Qiang go buy two BMWs and put them under the Workshop's account. Use them as work vehicles."
Lu Chen had never been stingy. Especially now, when a single television drama could generate over a hundred million in revenue, buying a few cars was nothing.
Wan Xiaoquan was the Artistic Director and director of the new film at Lu Chen's Hong Kong Workshop, while Chen Wenqiang was the Workshop's manager. To a large extent, they represented the Workshop's public image. If they didn't even have respectable vehicles, it would reflect poorly on him as well.
Hong Kong people cared a great deal about appearances. Even business owners deeply in debt would still drive luxury cars, otherwise, it would be difficult to negotiate deals.
Wan Xiaoquan was both surprised and touched. "Isn't that a bit too much?"
He did indeed need a car for work, but Lu Chen offering a BMW outright made him feel somewhat overwhelmed.
After all, since coming to Hong Kong to set up the film Workshop, money had been flowing out like water, yet the movie project still had not truly taken shape. Wan Xiaoquan couldn't help but feel that he hadn't worked hard enough and was letting Lu Chen down.
Lu Chen smiled. "There's nothing inappropriate about it. It's settled. Go to the 4S dealership tomorrow."
Seeing Lu Chen's firm insistence, Wan Xiaoquan could only gratefully accept his goodwill.
Deep down, his resolve to serve Lu Chen wholeheartedly grew even stronger.
Having experienced the warmth and coldness of human relationships and the fickleness of the world, Wan Xiaoquan deeply understood how rare and precious Lu Chen's trust and generosity were. This was also his best opportunity to start anew.
The Mercedes stopped in front of a high-rise residential building.
After getting out, Lu Chen said to Zhang Xiaofang, "You and Director Wan head back first. I'll go up by myself. Come pick me up around eight tomorrow morning."
Zhang Xiaofang nodded. "Okay, Boss."
After bidding them farewell, Lu Chen walked alone toward the apartment building.
The residences along Repulse Bay Road were all part of upscale communities, so security was extremely tight. However, Lu Chen had the access card Chen Fei'er had given him. The property management company had already been notified back when he was in the capital, and his security code and fingerprint information had been updated. He entered smoothly.
Taking the elevator straight up to the 58th floor, Lu Chen found apartment 5801.
Man Kam Apartments had a total of 60 floors, another characteristic of Hong Kong. With limited land and usable space, buildings were constructed tall to maximize capacity.
Repulse Bay was already considered spacious by Hong Kong standards. In truly densely populated neighborhoods, the high-rises were packed together to an almost overwhelming degree.
Beep!
Lu Chen pressed his fingerprint onto the door lock. The red indicator light immediately turned green, and with a click, the door unlocked.
When he pushed it open, the entryway lights and the living room lights switched on automatically. Soft illumination filled the entire space evenly, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Closing the door behind him, Lu Chen took off his shoes and casually surveyed his new residence.
The luxury apartment had a three-bedroom, two-living-room, two-bathroom layout. The interior design was meticulous, with thoughtful, creative touches evident throughout. Especially striking was the large floor-to-ceiling window in the living room, which offered a direct view of the distant bay.
The rooms were spotless, cleaned, and prepared in advance.
He walked over and pushed open the glass sliding door onto the spacious balcony. A gentle sea breeze greeted him, instantly refreshing his spirit. Looking up at the bright moon hanging in the sky, he saw the shimmering waves of the blue sea below, with bonfires dotted along the long stretch of beach.
At that moment, Lu Chen even felt the urge to settle down here for the rest of his life.
Ring, ring,
Just then, his phone rang.
Lu Chen answered directly. "Hello?"
Chen Fei'er's sweet and charming voice came through the receiver. "So? Have you arrived home?"
Lu Chen smiled. "I was just about to call you. I just got in."
Chen Fei'er asked, "How's the apartment?"
Lu Chen sighed contentedly. "It couldn't be better. So I've decided, I won't work anymore. I'll just live off you from now on!"
Chen Fei'er burst into laughter. "Nonsense! As long as you like it. I was worried you might not get used to it."
Lu Chen asked, "How are things on your end?"
Chen Fei'er complained playfully, "It's exhausting. Much harder than filming 'Autumn in My Heart' and ''Full House''."
(End of Chapter)
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