Financial freedom starts from graduation

Chapter 595 Foreign Lands and Old Friends

It takes about 15 minutes to travel from Hong Kong Island to Macau Island by helicopter.

Even if you take a ferry or a bus, it only takes about an hour, which is equivalent to going to a nearby prefecture-level city.

Zhou Wang sat in the cabin of the large business helicopter ACH160, looking down at the Australian island in the distance, and couldn't help but shake his head.

"Brother, what's wrong?"

Sitting next to Zhou Wang, holding his hand tightly, Su Yaqing noticed Zhou Wang's unusual behavior and asked curiously.

Although inside a helicopter, the Airbus ACH160 is touted as the quietest helicopter in its class, and communication is not a major problem as long as the noise level is slightly higher.

"It's nothing, it's just that Hong Kong Island already feels small enough, but I didn't expect Macau Island to be even more outrageous... If you don't look at those skyscrapers, its area seems to be about the size of a large town in the mainland."

Zhou Wang said with a smile.

(Helicopter view - Aerial view of Australia)
"It seems so..."

The girls who were frantically taking pictures with their phones suddenly realized that although Hong Kong Island is not very big, it still covers an area of ​​over a thousand square kilometers, but from the helicopter, you can't see the end of it at a glance.

In contrast, Australia is the kind of city where you can see the whole thing at a glance if you stand on a slightly higher vantage point.

The reason is simple: this legendary city, known to almost everyone in China, has a total land area of ​​only 33 square kilometers, and that's after land reclamation... It was even smaller in earlier years.

But this city, which is roughly the size of Guangzhou University Town, has consistently ranked among the top three in the world in terms of GDP per capita, on par with Luxembourg, Ireland, and Singapore, and far surpassing Hong Kong Island and first-tier cities in mainland China, including Beijing and Shanghai.

Of course, this only considers GDP per capita; in terms of total GDP, Macau is roughly on par with Zhuhai.

As for why Australia is so prosperous... those who know, know; no need to elaborate.

"Brother, what is that golden building?"

Su Yajing leaned against Zhou Wang and pointed to the most eye-catching golden high-rise building in front of her, asking a question.

"That should be considered a landmark of Macau."

Zhou Wang glanced at it, then smiled and said, "The Grand Lisboa Hotel, built with an investment of 50 billion yuan by King D, is the second tallest building below the Macau Tower and one of the largest five-star hotels in Macau..."

"Can we stay there?"

Su Yaqing had always liked this luxurious style, and her eyes immediately lit up as she asked.

"It's definitely not possible today. Let's talk about it after tonight."

Zhou Wang smiled and shook his head.

Su Yaqing didn't ask why it couldn't be today, and immediately nodded obediently.

Amidst a group of girls taking various selfies from the air, the helicopter flew over a small part of the island of Australia before slowly descending towards a cluster of golden-white buildings below.

"Hey brother, this place is nice too. What is this place?"

Su Yajing's eyes lit up when she saw the architectural complex below, which was not much inferior to the Grand Lisboa Hotel in terms of grandeur.

"Galaxy Resort City".

Zhou Wang stretched and said, "That's where we'll be sleeping tonight."

Zhou Wang wasn't really fond of this slightly flamboyant style, but considering that this seemed to be the prevailing fashion in Australia, which emphasized being eye-catching and luxurious, Zhou Wang quickly accepted it.

The helicopter slowly landed on the helipad on the top floor of the hotel. On the open rooftop, a large group of people could be seen waiting in front and behind.

The girls were secretly astonished. Even if they could guess that Zhou Wang would be staying in the best room, wasn't this welcome a bit too much...?

There were nearly twenty waiters, followed by security guards who stretched all the way to the stairwell, and several men and women who were clearly above the management level standing in the front row.

At the very front stood two young men in sharp suits, exuding an air of distinction. They were about ten years apart in age, but their features bore a striking resemblance.

"Ah, isn't that Li Youjun?"

"That's true, I've seen him on variety shows..."

Yu Duo and Cui Min'er suddenly started chattering behind them.

Zhou Wang was taken aback, but then he understood.

The two men standing in front were the brothers Li Youlong and Li Youjun from the Li family of Yinhe.

Li Youjun, who almost got into a fight with Zhou Wang before, had opened a social media account online. Although the number of fans was not as large as those big V's, it still numbered in the hundreds of thousands, of which the majority were female fans.

The female fans who follow him are probably similar to those who follow Wang Sicong: he's rich, has a good family background, and is young and handsome—these reasons are enough.

Although Yu Duo and Cui Min'er weren't exactly fans of Li Youjun, they were online surfers every day and still recognized each other at a glance.

Su Yajing knew the other person, but Shen Yutong, who rarely watched variety shows and hardly ever followed celebrities, didn't know who this young man was. However, from the three sisters' sudden change in demeanor, they could guess that the other person might be some important figure.

Just then, the helicopter came to a stop, and the elevator extended down. The two brothers, Li Youlong and Li Youjun, who were standing at the front, strode over. Li Youlong's smile was friendly and natural, while Li Youjun's was slightly stiff, but he had also stretched his mouth to its widest extent.

At Li Youlong's prompting, Li Youjun had no choice but to step forward, and then, to everyone's astonishment, she suddenly bent over at a 90-degree angle.

"Mr. Zhou, welcome to Macau... I was too reckless last time. I was young and ignorant. Please forgive my mistake!"

Li Youjun's words seemed to have been rehearsed; he not only spoke loudly but also very fluently.

The tarmac fell silent for a moment, and Su Yajing and the other three girls all stared wide-eyed.

They knew nothing about the relationship between Zhou Wang and Li Youjun, but they had a "very clear" understanding of what kind of person Li Youjun was, despite having read too many marketing accounts.

Therefore, the scene of Li Youjun bowing to Zhou Wang at this moment was particularly shocking to them.

The four artsy underachievers never really had a clear idea of ​​how rich Zhou Wang was, but if you compare Zhou Wang with Li Youjun, shouldn't Li Youjun be the richer one?
These are their subconscious thoughts.

After all, he's the son of the D family of Macau...

But now it seems they were wrong again.

Moreover, judging from Li Youjun's "humble" demeanor in front of Zhou Wang, they were not only wrong, but extremely wrong.

Zhou Wang was also surprised.

He then realized that this must have been Li Youlong's arrangement.

Regardless of Li Youlong's motives, since Li Youlong has given him such a great deal of face, Zhou Wang should respond positively both morally and logically.

Most importantly... Zhou Wang has already taken all the benefits. The 20% original shares of Galaxy Group's Interstellar Hotel are the most substantial of the three companies' apology gifts, with an asset valuation exceeding 30 small goals.

Even if Li Youjun apologized to his face again, or even if he scolded him again, Zhou Wang would most likely just smile and say, "Well said."

Zhou Wang quickly stepped forward and helped Li Youjun up. "Young Master Li, you're too kind. It was just a misunderstanding last time. I should be the one apologizing to you..."

Hearing the sincerity in Zhou Wang's tone, Li Youjun's expression softened considerably. After exchanging a few pleasantries, the atmosphere became more natural as Zhou Wang deliberately drew them closer. At this moment, Li Youlong smiled and stepped forward, extending his hand to Zhou Wang.

"Mr. Zhou, it's a pleasure to meet you... We actually met once two years ago, but my father was in charge of family affairs at the time, so you probably don't remember me much."

"How could that be? I have a very deep impression of President Li. Galaxy Group has not had a smooth journey in the past few years, but it has been able to make steady progress and its market value has increased instead of decreased. I admire it very much!"

Faced with Li Youlong's clasped hands, Zhou Wang showed equal respect, not daring to underestimate this young man who was more than ten years older than him. He spoke a string of nice words, but there was also a lot of sincerity in them.

Old Master Li had lived a life full of ups and downs. In Macau, he was a powerful figure whose every move could shake the entire city. He had also contributed a lot to the return of Macau, and Zhou Wang had always held him in high esteem.

After Old Master Li fell seriously ill, Li Youlong took over the Li family business. It happened to be a special time during which the industries in Macau were in decline, but Li Youlong managed to hold on and preserve many of the Li family's businesses.

Although it seems that Li Youlong has not done anything great, his ability to maintain the status quo alone is enough to surpass many people. When Zhou Wang was having dinner with the Huo family tycoon in Hong Kong, Huo Yingxiong also spoke highly of Li Youlong.

Zhou Wang was self-aware; if he hadn't been given a cheat code, he could never compare to Li Youlong, let alone receive such great treatment from him.

Li Youlong clearly sensed the sincerity in Zhou Wang's words, and began to grip Zhou Wang's hand tighter, saying half-jokingly, "Although the original shares of the Interstellar Hotel were originally owed to President Zhou by our Li family, after hearing what President Zhou said, the last bit of discomfort in my heart has finally disappeared... If President Zhou doesn't mind, you can just call me Da Long, that's what my close friends call me."

"Then I should call you Brother Long."

Zhou Wang was taken aback, but his smile then became much brighter.

Since Li Youlong was able to say these words so frankly, it means that any misunderstandings that might have existed between the two have been completely eliminated.

"Let's call it Big Dragon..."

"I think Brother Long sounds better."

Zhou Wang insisted.

"If you insist on calling me that, then I can only call you 'Brother Dog'."

Zhou Wang was surprised that Li Youlong even knew his nickname.

"Hahaha...surprised, aren't you?"

Li Youlong laughed and then gestured for him to come this way. "Brother Gou, this way please. You'll soon find out who betrayed you."

……

Five minutes later, in the living room of the Galaxy Suite, the most luxurious suite in the Galaxy Hotel, Zhou Wang met an unexpected person.

"Brother Yu?"

Zhou Wang was slightly taken aback.

Qiu Zeyu, who was fiddling with cigars on the sofa, burst into laughter when he saw Zhou Wang and the others come in. He handed the cigars to Miss Wang, who was sitting next to him, and then got up to greet them, giving Zhou Wang a bear hug.

"Hahaha, Brother Dog... Damn it, I've been in Macau for two days already, and I was thinking that if you didn't come soon, I would have to go to Hong Kong to find you."

Zhou Wang glanced at Qiu Zeyu, then at Li Youlong who was smiling silently beside him, and immediately understood.

"You and Brother Long have known each other for a long time?"

"We're more than just acquaintances; we were roommates when we were studying in Europe..."

Qiu Zeyu smiled and explained the background of the matter.

Zhou Wang suddenly realized.

Both were over thirty, came from similar family backgrounds, and had studied abroad together, so it was quite normal for them to become family friends.

"You little rascal, didn't you say you were going on a trip? How come you've made so much noise without making a sound... I always thought I knew you well enough, but now it seems I was too naive."

When Qiu Zeyu said this, his gaze was incredibly complex, clearly indicating that he had already learned something from Li Youlong.

...This was after he had digested the results for two days; otherwise, the reaction would have been even worse.

When Zhou Wang met Qiu Zeyu, he came to understand some things.

Li Youlong probably gained a better understanding of him from Qiu Zeyu's words, and considering their past relationship, he likely did intend to befriend him.

These thoughts only lingered for a moment, and Zhou Wang did not show them on his face. After greeting Qiu Zeyu, Zhou Wang also exchanged a few pleasantries with Miss Wang.

Although Miss Wang was just an "actress" in the eyes of the wealthy, Zhou Wang had seen Qiu Zeyu bring her to various occasions more than once, which showed Qiu Zeyu's favoritism towards her.

If it weren't for her status, Qiu Zeyu would probably be willing to give her a formal title, but realistically, that would be extremely difficult.

Zhou Wang then introduced Su Yajing and the others to Qiu Zeyu and Li Youlong, but Qiu Zeyu and Li Youlong could clearly see the strangeness in each other's eyes.

Because there's a specific way to present something.

Normally, to avoid complications, Zhou Wang would only need to introduce his girlfriend to them.

But... Zhou Wang introduced all four of them.

With their discerning eyes, Li Youlong and Qiu Zeyu could easily tell that these four girls came from respectable families and were definitely not the kind of young models who could be easily slept with just money.

Through Zhou Wang's introduction, it was also revealed that the four girls, each with their own unique beauty, actually came from the same dormitory...

"Brother Dog, you're awesome!"

Both Li Youlong and Qiu Zeyu silently shared the same sentiment.

Such a blessing of having multiple wives is something they wouldn't even dare to dream of, let alone enjoy.

Zhou Wang naturally noticed the strange look in their eyes, but he couldn't explain it, so he could only cough to cover up his embarrassment.

"It's still early before lunchtime, Mr. Zhou. How about I show you around? This Galaxy Resort is our group's largest flagship store right now, and I can't wait to show it off to you..."

After sitting down and having a cup of tea, Li Youlong, seeing that it was almost time, announced the next steps.

This was only to be expected, and Zhou Wang also wanted to visit the "Interstellar Hotel," or more accurately, the "Interstellar Casino," for which he had just acquired shares, so he readily agreed.

At this moment, Ms. Wang, who was chatting happily with Su Yaqing, said with a smile, "Brother Yu, President Zhou, why don't you men go have fun by yourselves? I'll take these ladies out for a stroll... I doubt you'd be willing to go to the places we want to go."

Zhou Wang was initially a bit troubled about how to arrange things for Su Yajing and the others, but when he heard that Miss Wang had taken the initiative to solve the problem for him, he immediately looked at Miss Wang gratefully.

Look at their emotional intelligence...

Su Yajing and the others naturally had no objections. Immediately, the group split into two groups. Miss Wang took Su Yajing and the others to the water park, while Zhou Wang, Qiu Zeyu, and the Li brothers began to tour the various facilities of the Galaxy Resort.

The massive Galaxy Resort was developed entirely independently by the Galaxy Group, with the concept of "providing guests with a world-class luxury entertainment experience".

It includes casinos, hotels, amusement parks, top-tier shopping malls, food courts, international variety shows... and also boasts the world's largest rooftop water park.

It can be said that this place has transcended the general concept of a "resort" and can be called a fully-equipped small city. The facilities are so complete and luxurious that even Zhou Wang, with his extensive experience, was somewhat amazed.

After walking and stopping along the way, when they arrived at the variety show venue, Qiu Zeyu seemed to remember something and said to Zhou Wang with a smile:
"Oh, by the way, Likun just told me that a very famous girl group from South Korea is coming here for a tour these days. If you're interested, I'll have Youlong give you a few insider tickets later..."

Which girl group?

Zhou Wang had limited knowledge of South Korean girl groups, and responded casually with little interest upon hearing this.

"BLACKPINK...that seems to be the name."

Qiu Zeyu thought for a moment and said uncertainly.

BLACKPINK?

What the hell!

This is one of the few girl groups that Zhou Wang actually admires, mainly because he thinks they're pretty...

Zhou Wang's eyes lit up, and he was about to say something when his phone suddenly vibrated, an alarm clock notification.

Alarm clock?

Zhou Wang was initially a little confused because he almost never set an alarm for himself... He wasn't an animal, so being on time didn't mean much to him.

But when Zhou Wang saw the memo notification that popped up on his phone, his expression suddenly changed.

He finally remembered what the thing he had forgotten was.

The "side effect aura" generated by using the item [Ali's Conch (Imitation)] was set to have a delayed onset three days ago. He was afraid he would forget, so he set an alarm to remind himself.

The alarm clock ringing at this moment means that there are only ten minutes left before the unknown "side effect halo" takes effect.

(End of this chapter)