A century-old wealthy family that rose from Shanghai

Chapter 146 A chance encounter

One day after the Qingming Festival, Chen Guangliang was itching to practice his marksmanship, so he rushed to the suburbs of Shanghai with two bodyguards to practice his marksmanship.

In this era, many places in Shanghai are suburban areas, so even if the sound of gunfire is a bit loud, people around are used to it.

After all, guns are very popular among the people, and Guangdong Province is the region where gun ownership is most prevalent. This is all because the founding father believed that farmers who own guns will become the masters of the country.

But if it happened in a downtown area, the sound of gunfire would definitely lead to investigation by the police station. Chen Guangliang naturally didn't want to cause too much trouble, so he went to the suburbs to practice shooting every time.

The car was heading towards Sheshan in SJ District. Just as it entered Sheshan District, Chen Guangliang discovered that a car had broken down on the side of the road.

This was none of his business, and he should even be alert. After all, he was a hot commodity in the eyes of robbers, and someone might even want to assassinate him.

But next to the broken-down car, there were several female students standing, who seemed quite pretty, which aroused Chen Guangliang's interest.

Maybe I've been single for too long!
So he pulled the car over to the side (he still didn't trust his men to drive), and then walked away.

There should have been only one car that broke down, but there were two parked cars. The two male drivers seemed helpless, and several female students looked anxious.

"What's wrong with the car?"

Everyone's eyes turned to Chen Guangliang, and the two male drivers were even a little wary.

They are real drivers, that is, servants, and cannot be companions.

There were four other girls, all of whom were pretty and about the same age as his cousin.

A girl said boldly: "The tire of the car is punctured"

Chen Guangliang immediately said: "Isn't this a backup plan?"

The girl complained, "Two idiot drivers who can't even change a tire!"

The most beautiful girl (in Chen Guangliang's opinion) quickly said, "Huibao, stop talking nonsense!"

Chen Guangliang smiled and said, "Let me do it. It won't take more than a few minutes!"

After these words were spoken, not only did the four girls not feel happy, but they all looked at Chen Guangliang warily!
Huang Chujiu's daughter, Huang Huibao, said even more bluntly, "You're not a bad person, are you?"

Chen Guangliang was originally quite angry, as he was still being suspected for doing good things. However, when he thought about the era, and the fact that three grown men got off the car, and two of them looked very fierce, he thought that the girls' worries were normal!

He then took out a business card, handed it to Huang Huibao, and said, "My business card."

Then he took off his coat and went to the car to check.

The four girls all paid attention to the business card!

"Chen Guangliang, general manager of Changjiang Real Estate, general manager of Oriental Daily, general manager of Changjiang Car Dealership, is also a small boss?" Huang Huibao said.

What is a big boss? Of course, someone like her father Huang Chujiu is considered a big boss.

The most beautiful Yan Renmei quickly said, "Huibao, be polite! Besides, this boss is quite impressive. Haven't you heard of the Oriental Daily News, which has been making a lot of noise in Shanghai lately?"

Zhang Hanfen, daughter of Deputy Minister of Finance Zhang Shouyong, said, "So it's him, the new newspaper tycoon!"

Shen Youfen, the granddaughter of the Xi family of Dongting, Suzhou, looked at the busy Chen Guangliang with great interest and said, "He's quite a gentleman. He looks to be in his early twenties. I didn't expect him to be so impressive!"

Huang Huibao's mouth drooped, and she said, "You...you better think carefully. He offered to help, so he must have set his sights on someone. The way he looked at Renmei just now was different!"

Zhang Hanfen laughed and said, "Pfft, pfft, pfft, I think you've seen all sorts of people, you act like this to everyone you meet!"

Huang Huibao's father, Huang Chujiu, runs the "Big World", which is a den of filth and dirt.

Seeing Huang Huibao about to retaliate, Shen Youfen said, "I'll go get a drink and some snacks as a thank you!"

After saying that, he went to another car.

Chen Guangliang had sharp ears and could hear the girls chattering, but he pretended not to hear.

The tire was quickly changed, and Chen Guangliang clapped his hands and said, "Alright, it shouldn't delay the ladies' spring outing!"

Shen Youfen asked, "How did you know we were going on a spring outing?"

Chen Guangliang laughed and said, "You all took out snacks, what else can we do if it's not a spring outing?"

Shen Youfen immediately handed over drinks and snacks and said, "Mr. Chen, we are students from Zhongxi Girls' High School. This is our thank you gift, a token of our gratitude. Thank you for letting us have a pleasant spring outing."

Chen Guangliang took it up generously, and then said: "It's a small matter, then ladies, let's set off!"

He bowed, said goodbye to the four girls, and walked towards his car.

Why don't you ask my name?
He had sharp ears. Just now, he heard someone say "Renmei" and then "Zhongxi Girls' Middle School". He had guessed that the most beautiful girl was called "Yan Renmei". In his previous life, he had read news reports about Yan Renmei.

Just know the name, no need to ask more!

Zhang Hanfen said in surprise: "Huh, he didn't even ask our names?"

Huang Huibao suddenly didn't know what to say. It was completely different from what she had just suspected.

Yan Renmei walked into the car with a smile, and didn't seem to care much!
Only Shen Youfen was a little disappointed as to why she didn't report her own name and why Chen Guangliang didn't take the initiative to ask their names!
the other side.

After getting in the car, Chen Guangliang said, "Today we are going to climb Sheshan Mountain, not practice shooting!"

What are you still practicing for? Why not follow this group of girls on a spring outing to Sheshan? What are you waiting for?

He fell in love with Yan Renmei, who was really beautiful, and Yan came from a prominent family, so she and he were a perfect match!

Zhou Xinggao asked, "Boss, do you want to follow their car? What if they don't go to Sheshan?"

It was obvious at a glance that the boss had his eyes on a certain girl, otherwise, given his cautious personality, he would never have stopped the car and interfered.

Chen Guangliang was not embarrassed when his heart was touched. Instead, he said generously: "I can't follow you. I have to gamble on fate!"

Done.

He led the van and drove quickly forward, leaving the two cars with the four girls behind before starting.

Following someone else's car would be a sign of "bad intentions"; if they could meet again in Sheshan, it would be "fate." Besides, Chen Guangliang already knew Yan Renmei was beautiful, so he could just propose directly. Why bother with all that trouble?

After all, this era emphasizes "parents' orders and matchmaker's words."

When they arrived at Sheshan, Chen Guangliang and others chose to wait at a place halfway up the mountain, which was a popular route.

As a result, Chen Guangliang guessed correctly. He saw four young and beautiful girls leading the way, followed by two bodyguards and drivers, and two maids.

When Shen Youfen saw Chen Guangliang, her face immediately lit up and she was the first to speak: "Mr. Chen, I didn't expect you to be here for the spring outing as well?"

Chen Guangliang fixed his gaze on Yan Renmei, then on Shen Youfen, and said with a smile, "Well, we are here to climb the mountain, but we haven't prepared anything!"

When Shen Youfen heard this, she said, "Would you like to join us? We'll share some snacks with you later!"

This is truly a godsend. It seems that Shen Youfen is my helper!
Although based on his experience, it was Shen Youfen who was interested in him, this did not prevent him from using Shen Youfen.

"Okay, let's climb the mountain together!"

Without waiting for the other girls to express their opinions, Chen Guangliang agreed readily.

In this way, it can't be considered as him taking the initiative, and the other girls can't say anything. After all, what if Shen Youfen likes him?
Afterwards, Chen Guangliang walked with the five girls, and his men naturally fell behind.

Sheshan is a continuous mountain range, but the developed area is a Catholic missionary site. Currently, the Catholic Church is still building a church, but it has not been completed.

There is no road in Sheshan now, so they just parked the car in another place and then took the water route to Sheshan.

During this time, Chen Guangliang saw Yan Renmei holding a book and asked, "Are you learning English?"

Yan Renmei nodded, but did not answer!

She's still a little arrogant, but that doesn't matter. Chen Guangliang knows that he doesn't need her consent to marry her.

Huang Huibao seemed quite displeased with Chen Guangliang, the sudden intruder, especially since the other girls had been complaining about her impoliteness. So she said to Chen Guangliang, "Does Mr. Chen know English? I heard you only studied in a private school for a few years."

Who are you looking down on?
It’s good that I have a college degree, but it’s just a college degree from my previous life; besides, I have been studying hard for the past two years in this life.

Chen Guangliang ignored Huang Huibao and said to Yan Renmei, "You don't have to force yourself to learn English. You just need to spend half an hour every day memorizing words, and then communicate more with English speakers."

Yan Renmei tilted her head and asked curiously, "Mr. Chen knows?"

Chen Guangliang said in English: "Of course. I started learning English two years ago, but now I can give speeches to foreigners. Oh, and there is another key to learning English, and that is to speak boldly!"

Yan Renmei was confused. She didn't quite understand what was said and her face began to turn red.

Obviously, she was influenced by others and thought that Chen Guangliang's cultural knowledge was not that high and he definitely couldn't speak English.

But now, people speak English very fluently.

At this time, Zhang Hanfen, daughter of Zhang Shouyong, Deputy Minister of Finance, reported to everyone: "Mr. Chen is saying..."

As expected, the children of high-ranking officials pay more attention to study!
Huang Huibao said in disbelief, "I don't believe it. How can you learn it in two years? Unless you're a genius!"

Although Chen Guangliang hated this kind of girl, he said gracefully: "I am not a genius, but I have mastered the tricks of learning English."

After hearing this, Yan Renmei was finally moved and asked, "What is a bold speech?"

What else could it be? Crazy English!
"Just be bold and don't be introverted. (Switching to English) From now on, you can communicate with me in English. I guarantee you'll learn a lot today."

At this time, the women finally saw Chen Guangliang’s goal!
Unfortunately, Yan Renmei was quite arrogant and did not do what Chen Guangliang said, or did not do it immediately.

As a result, Chen Guangliang tactfully did not sit down with everyone to enjoy snacks, but instead said goodbye to everyone.

Zhang Hanfen teased, "Renmei, I'm interested in you, but you don't even give me a chance!"

Shen Youfen was a little disappointed at this time. She was attracted by Chen Guangliang, who was handsome and had a unique charm.

As for Huang Huibao, she was gloating at this moment. She looked down on Chen Guangliang, a "small boss" and someone who did not come from a "celebrity background".

Yan Renmei said quietly at this time: "Don't talk nonsense, he is quite talkative to everyone. Besides, I just want to study now, I don't want to think about anything else!"

Her father was extremely patriarchal, but she just liked studying. Now that she had finally gotten the opportunity to study, why would she think about anything else?

Although she had some feelings for Chen Guangliang, it was only a little bit!

After returning to the city center, Chen Guangliang immediately put today's affairs aside.

After all, considering Yan Renmei's family background, it was somewhat insecure for his client to rashly propose marriage to her father.

Yan Renmei's father, Yan Zhiduo, was the "grandson" of Yan Xinhou, an aide to Li Hongzhang. Yan Renmei's grandfather was Yan Zijun, and she was Yan Zhiduo's eldest daughter.

Yan Zijun inherited his father's business and opened two money houses, Yuanji and Deyuan, in Shanghai, becoming quite wealthy, at least tens of millions of yuan. Yan Zhiduo, Yan Zijun's legitimate son, married Liu Chengyi, the granddaughter of Liu Yong, the leader of the "Four Elephants" of Nanxun, Huzhou.

{PS: "Elephant" refers to the level of wealth. At the time, those in Nanxun Town with assets of ten million silver taels were called "elephants," those with five million were called "oxen," and those with one million were called "dogs." Thus, there was a ranking of Nanxun's wealthy merchants represented by "four elephants, eight oxen, and seventy-two golden dogs." This ranking originated during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty and appeared among the people of Nanxun, Huzhou, and in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions.}
Therefore, Chen Guangliang is still a little insecure now. After all, this is not an era of free love, and sometimes "being well matched" is the most important thing.

Of course, he was also very confident. Naturally, he would make the name of "Changjiang Real Estate" famous and become a "real estate tycoon" in Shanghai. That would be enough of a status for him.

If he wanted fame and power, he had the Oriental Daily; if he wanted wealth and influence, he had Cheung Kong Real Estate and Cheung Kong Motors.

Why is Chen Guangliang so keen on currying favor with the powerful?

It's very simple. He had touched all kinds of women in his previous life, so he is not so keen on women in this life. Otherwise, he would have played with countless dancers in Shanghai.

In this life, what he pursues is "fame and fortune" and a "century-old family".

The reason why he chose Yan Renmei today, besides her beauty, was her "origin" and "lifespan".

Especially in terms of "life expectancy", Chen Guangliang feels that he can live until 2025 (based on his own physical condition), and as far as he knows, Yan Renmei also lived to be 106 years old.

In this way, the two have something in common - 'handsomeness', 'background (Chen Guangliang himself is his own background)', and 'luck'.

Especially in terms of "luck", Chen Guangliang believes that longevity is a kind of luck.

Now, Chen Guangliang feels that he must make Changjiang Real Estate a well-known real estate company as soon as possible, so that he can go to propose marriage in the second half of this year.

(End of this chapter)