Chapter 185: Knocking

Words : 1668 Updated : Sep 21st, 2025

The next morning, Meng Changkun rushed to the company, looking like he had something to say but was hesitating, stammering over his words. Lu Liang felt puzzled and couldn’t help but laugh, "Mr. Kun, just say what you want to say, no need to look like you’re constipated." "I’ll just say it then, don’t get angry too quickly, and let me clarify, these aren’t my words, I only heard about it." Meng Changkun had heard that someone was plotting against Lu Liang, spending money on charity and even publicizing the financial details, which had touched on certain people’s interests. Some people were counting on this "fat of the land" to make a living, and while Lu Liang had earned himself a reputation, he had put the entire industry on the hot seat. Lu Liang chuckled, "So, what are they planning to do to me?" Meng Changkun said, "They probably wouldn’t dare to confront you openly, but I guess they might resort to some mean tactics." After all, Lu Liang was no ordinary person, if they wanted to mess with him, they’d have to ask if they agreed to it first. Gradually, Lu Liang sensed something was off, feeling that Old Meng’s hints seemed more like a warning than just a heads-up. "It’s no big deal, worst comes to worst, we go our separate ways." He said nonchalantly, planning to probe Meng Changkun’s intentions. It was clear from Lu Liang’s attitude that he was sensitive, unable to bear even the slightest grievance. If it came to it, he’d simply dissolve the fund and go it alone, believing that the world was his oyster. Meng Changkun was taken aback, met Lu Liang’s gaze, and sighed, "It doesn’t have to come to that, it’s not that serious." Lu Liang was very perceptive, this time it was indeed more of a warning than a reminder, but it definitely wasn’t his true intention. "Whose idea was it?" Lu Liang asked. Meng Changkun shook his head, "Let’s just say it was mine." Lu Liang’s brow furrowed, and after a long moment of contemplation he said, "There’s no such thing as a free lunch." The comment was meant for Meng Changkun, but it was also intended for the person behind him. If they wanted him to continue making money, they’d have to clean up after him, even if it was a mess he started himself. Meng Changkun nodded in agreement, though he didn’t disclose who exactly had asked him to do it. Lu Liang looked thoughtful, and after a long time, in a calm tone said, "Mr. Meng, is there anything else?" Meng Changkun seemed to have anticipated this, a hint of melancholy flashing in his eyes, as he forced a smile, "No, that’s all." Lu Liang brewed some tea, poured a cup for Meng Changkun, and after they finished drinking, he did not offer more tea. Meng Changkun took the hint, "Mr. Lu, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving now." "I’ll see you out." "No need." Lu Liang smiled and watched Meng Changkun leave until his figure disappeared at the end of the hallway, sighing to himself. He knew there must be some unavoidable difficulties, but since it had been done, he couldn’t pretend that nothing had happened. The dragon’s reverse scale, touch it and meet death; if he gave in because of soft-heartedness, it would be like giving up one city today, and ten cities tomorrow. "Who exactly is it?" Lu Liang returned to his office and lay straight on the couch, sometimes finding the sofa more comfortable to sleep on than a bed. He browsed online news, as the video released by Chen Jinchun yesterday had made the company’s reputation exceptionally good. After all, a company that showed outward "harvesting" and inward charity was really easy to attract followers. They even publicized the financial details, causing countless charity organizations to be called out and derided by netizens. Online public sentiment, although fast to come and go, the internet still had a memory. Corruption cases from 2008 and 2012 were still unresolved mysteries. "Is he afraid of being exposed for past deals, so he had Old Meng come and warn me?" Lu Liang muttered to himself thoughtfully, but didn’t take it too seriously after thinking it over. Having only Meng Changkun deliver the message, instead of someone else, showed that the influence of those involved was limited. Considering Old Meng’s stature, if it had been a warning from Wang Xiaocong, or the financial magnates Shen Peng and Zhu Hu, then Lu Liang would have taken it very seriously. One was the son of the richest man, the other two were heavyweights in finance, and the person capable of convincing them to risk offending Lu Liang had to be even more influential. After a while, Lu Liang got up and checked the business plan; Li Bing’s electric replacement proposal from yesterday had given him a wake-up call. The new energy market was not yet mature, it wasn’t time for him to enter, but some supporting industries could be prepared in advance. Sёarᴄh the Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Charging stations are the gas stations of the future. Everyone knows how dominant the two top oil companies are, and the development of new energy is bound to drive the rise of new industries. Battery swapping is one aspect, and charging piles are another. Although it’s unclear which market has a broader audience, casting a wide net first is never a mistake, especially when there’s a sufficient margin for error. Come nightfall, Lu Liang arrived at Scholarly Splendor. Celebrating Wanyu’s successful entrance into graduate studies, from now on, she would be a graduate student at Tongji. "Isn’t there a saying, ’The first sword strikes the beloved one upon reaching the shore?’" Lu Liang teased with a smile. "Nonsense, there’s no such thing." Wanyu, dissatisfied, wrinkled her nose — she would never strike her beloved. "Let’s celebrate properly tonight. You were all plump and well-fed by me, but now you seem to have slimmed down again." Lu Liang pinched Wanyu’s smiling face. She had been preparing for the retake exams recently, visibly worn out, almost returning to the slim figure she had when they first met. He didn’t like girls being too thin. A bit of chubbiness was best, making for a comfortable embrace. "You’re the one who’s been well-fed and plump. But indeed, it’s definitely time to celebrate properly." Wanyu smiled slyly, stealthily pulling out a string of beads from her pocket and placing it directly onto Lu Liang’s wrist: "Happy Birthday." She had secretly checked their astrological compatibility; Lu Liang was a Taurus man from May, matching perfectly, 100%, with her, a December Capricorn woman. "In the blink of an eye, I’m already 31," Lu Liang stared at the black and white beads that looked like the Nine-Eyed Sky Bead from the Tibetan Region. "So what if you’re 31, didn’t they say, ’a man is a flower at thirty-one?’" Wanyu reassured repeatedly. Thinking that Lu Liang, like girls, would be sensitive about his age, after all, they had an eight-year age difference. "It really isn’t a big deal." Lu Liang said with a smile, wrapping his arms around Wanyu’s waist, but his mind drifted back to last year. At that time, he had sold his house, quit his job, and was in debt by hundreds of thousands, having invested all his funds into the stock market. In just one year, he possessed a car, a house, several close girlfriends, and an estate worth over a billion. The experiences of the past year were a hundred times more exciting than those of the previous twenty-nine years. Suddenly, Wanyu slipped out from Lu Liang’s arms, took small steps to the kitchen, and came back with a cake lit with candles, singing the birthday song. Lu Liang smiled, setting a romantic mood by turning off the main lights, leaving only a dim table lamp. "Make a wish," Wanyu said, hands supporting her cheeks, eyes full of expectation, curious about what wish Lu Liang would make. "I hope for world peace and for everyone to have enough food and clothes," Lu Liang brought his palms together seriously. After saying this, as he prepared to blow out the candles, Wanyu covered his mouth: "Don’t blow it out; that’s so insincere, choose another." "Is it just insincere, or do you not like hearing it?" Lu Liang asked with a grin. "Hmph, both," Wanyu retorted, tilting her chin up proudly. Lu Liang couldn’t help but laugh, brought his palms together again, closed his eyes, mumbling something, then suddenly blew out the candles. Wanyu, full of curiosity: "What wish did you make?" "If I tell, it might not come true. Are you sure you want to hear it?" "Does it involve me?" Lu Liang thought for a moment and nodded: "Yes." Wanyu was torn, curious yet hoping it would come true: "Maybe just give me a little hint?" Lu Liang smiled and shook his head. Wanyu made a pouting face, squirming in his arms like a worm: "Come on, even a hint will do." Lu Liang grinned, unyielding. Wanyu, frustrated, suddenly opened her mouth wide, sucked fiercely on his cheek, and left a mark like a red cherry. Lu Liang’s smile turned mischievous: "You want to play this game with me?" Recalling past events, Wanyu felt uneasy: "Let’s not play, let’s eat the cake instead; I was wrong." "Too late." "Help~" As always, Lu Liang was fair; the red cherry on his face had almost faded, but Wanyu’s neck sported several fresh strawberries. Wanyu’s eyes brimmed with tears, and Lu Liang, leaning close to her cheek, chuckled softly: "My wish is that you can become a mother right after you graduate." Wanyu, delighted, her internal discontent evaporated instantly, blushing yet sneakily raising two fingers: "Then I want two, preferably an older brother and a younger sister."

Chapter 185: Knocking

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