Chapter 329: A Family of Smart People

Words : 1770 Updated : Oct 5th, 2025

"Don’t get too close to Old Jia." Lu Liang smiled as he planned to chat with businessmen, but he made a point of cautioning Little Wang before he left. LeEco had been suspended from trading for more than two months, and every now and then news would leak out, all of it without exception bearish. Either this project had financial fraud or that project had an auditing error; it was like a colander, full of holes everywhere. Although its market value was still 36.2 billion before the suspension, all the institutions had long since downgraded its credit rating, with not one above a 3C level, just one notch above D-rated junk stocks. One could imagine that once trading resumed, there would be at least ten continuous limit-downs, not to mention that Old Jia had been forced into execution by the court. Hundreds of thousands of retail investors were trapped, their pleas going unheard by both heaven and earth. Now Old Jia really had no shame left, sticking to people like a dog’s plaster, not only repulsive but also clingy. "..." Little Wang’s face turned dark, his expression as uncomfortable as if he had eaten a fly. He finally understood why Old Jia had just so eagerly tried to rub up against him. With a smile, Lu Liang said nothing more and walked over to where Ivan’s family was. Along the way, he grabbed another glass of white wine, still smiling, "Mr. Trump, hello." The businessman clinked glasses lightly, all smiles, "Mr. Lu, are you interested in investing in some industries in our country?" Lu Liang was startled, then said, "Of course I’m interested, I just haven’t decided yet what to invest in..." He was halfway through speaking when the businessman interrupted strongly, raising his hand, "It’s good that you’re interested. Come to the White House to talk tomorrow." "If you have the time, that would be perfect." Lu Liang’s smile remained unchanged, though he sighed inwardly. It was his first encounter, and the filter of power at the top was so thick that he subconsciously forgot Old Ma’s warning. "Let’s aim for around three o’clock in the afternoon. I don’t usually have much time in the morning." "Alright." "Ivan, Jia Li, why don’t you talk to Mr. Lu for a bit, I must be going." The businessman was like a gust of wind, coming hastily and leaving hastily, leaving only the princess and the Prince Consort behind. However, his actions also led everyone to raise their assessment of Lu Liang by another level. There were over a hundred people present, and when he came, apart from his family, he didn’t converse with anyone else. And after chatting with Lu Liang, he left directly, which indicated that he had come tonight only for Lu Liang. "Mr. Lu, I’m sorry, my father is like that. Sometimes, he just has to leave due to sudden matters while we’re talking." Ivan’s face showed distress as she watched her father’s departing figure, openly playing out a script of filial piety in front of everyone and in front of Lu Liang. The son-in-law, not to be outdone, gripped his wife’s hand tightly, his face full of admiration, "Dad works hard, but this country can’t do without him." "His spirit is worth learning from." Lu Liang managed a grin, though his flesh did not smile. Suddenly, he could understand Little Wang’s feeling of wanting to swear but having to sing praises instead. "Miss Ivan, is this your husband?" he quickly changed the subject. It was too awkward, cringeworthy to the point of itching. He also had some insight, perhaps this was what politicians were like. Knowing exactly what he was doing and aware that everyone else knew why, he still went ahead and did it. "Mr. Lu, hello, I forgot to introduce myself." Jia Li smiled, "My name is Jia Li Kushner." "Mr. Kushner, hello," Lu Liang replied with a smile. He naturally recognized the other party, but wanted to steer the conversation away. If the businessman could be compared to Wanda Wang family domestically, then his in-laws would probably be like the Yang Family of Country Garden. Jia Li Kushner’s father was also a famous real estate tycoon, and the marriage of their children was a union of strengths. Furthermore, not only was the daughter an informal advisor to the White House, but the son-in-law was a senior advisor and a key member of the staff team. Rumors had it that last year’s online media campaign strategy was orchestrated by Jia Li, which became the decisive factor in defeating Larry. Neither in this family was easy-going; they were like the enduring influence passed down through six generations of Qin Fen, hence their domination. Without the family being full of talented people and wealthy, how could a political novice possibly beat Larry with 16 years of political legacy and summit the pinnacle of power? "Mr. Lu, you probably have some industries in mind for investment. I know a few very good real estate consultants." Jia Li was all smiles, and with the businessman new in office, advocating for all industrial capitals to flow back to the United States soil. Whether it was him or the Kushner family, they were determined to throw their support behind making sure he could turn in a satisfactory report card to the nation in his first year. As long as the businessman didn’t slip up during his term, re-election was nearly a foregone conclusion. An eight-year tenure would leave a political legacy for both families, blessing three generations. Searᴄh the novёlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Both families could also complete a class leap to become one of the top-tier family groups not just in the United States but in the world. Lu Liang’s mind raced as he pondered for a moment and said, "Maybe I’ll take a look at General Motors in Detroit and try to reach a cooperation agreement with them." The three key components of electric cars are the battery, motor, and electric control, while for fuel vehicles they are the engine, transmission, and chassis. For both types of vehicles, the only major common component might be the chassis system, which is why Dizi, Chang’an, Great Wall, Geely, and others all have the reputation of shipyards. The domestic chassis systems are really not that well tuned. Since Old Te wanted to forcefully make him invest, Lu Liang made no secret of his aim directly at General Motors. A century-old automobile company with brands including Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Jaguar Land Rover, and other international marques. No matter how tough American cars could be, they still have a foundation. If he could get one or two patents, that would definitely be better than the domestic chassis technology. Moreover, General Motors’ headquarters are intriguingly located in Detroit, Michigan—a traditional swing state. Although they elected a businessman this time, who they would choose next, no one could guarantee. Swing states have always been crucial battlegrounds. If he helped Lu Liang get a few chassis technologies, he wouldn’t mind investing a bit to help the businessman secure votes in the swing state. "General Motors?" Jia Li’s brow furrowed, instantly grasping Lu Liang’s intention—he was planning to have his father-in-law go toe-to-toe with a century-old car company. Ivan squinted her eyes and looked earnestly at Lu Liang, then suddenly smiled and said, "Mr. Lu, perhaps tomorrow you should talk to Daddy and have a good chat then." "That’s true, Mr. Trump might have a clearer understanding," Lu Liang said with a smile, casually chattering before moving to other conversations. Jia Li watched as Lu Liang mingled with others, his brow tightly furrowed, "Did he think of this beforehand, or was it a spur-of-the-moment reaction?" "I’m not sure." Ivan showed a slight smile, gently shaking her head, and then instructed, "Remember to speak to Daddy about this later when we get back." It wasn’t that Lu Liang’s request was impossible to help with. It mainly hinged on what price he was willing to pay and whether it was enough to justify them setting their sights on a century-old automobile company. The swing state is a strategic battleground, and General Motors has been entrenched for many years in Detroit, in Michigan. Their influence runs deep. They were willing to support the businessman’s election this term because they managed to reach an agreement, but for the next term, there were no guarantees. If Lu Liang’s investment was substantial enough to excite them, they might not mind giving him a hand. An outsider would generally be easier to control. "What were you just talking about?" Seeing Lu Liang step away from the businessman’s circle, Little Wang approached with curiosity, sniffing out the scoop. The banquet was truly dull; whether talking to someone else or someone else talking to him, the conversation seldom strayed from Lu Liang. "It’s nothing." Lu Liang smiled and shook his head, then asked, "Where are the people from the exchange? I should go say hello." "They’re over there, surrounding Mr. Suo and a few others." Little Wang gestured with his lips towards an elderly man with white hair. The arsonist behind the Asian financial crisis of yesteryears was now 87 years old but only looked to be in his seventies. Lu Liang recognized Old Suo; they had exchanged barbs on Twitter last year when Old England went through Brexit, so he had looked into his background. After learning the names of the remaining people from Little Wang, he approached with a smile and said, "Mr. Suo, Mr. Bilock, Mr. Gardson, hello." "Mr. Lu, are you satisfied with the arrangements this evening?" Mr. Suo beamed, showing a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Very much so, but I regret not being able to come earlier to greet you and say hello." Lu Liang had heard from Cruick that among the hosts of the evening’s banquet were Wilson and Soros, besides himself. The real mastermind behind the 1997 Asian financial crisis wasn’t Old Suo; he wasn’t powerful enough for that. After all, he had only made one billion dollars. Even in ’97, that only granted him a seat at the kids’ table during the feast. He had merely been pushed forward as a target, drawing the public’s ire from various countries, much like Lu Liang the year before last. But times change, and over twenty years, he and Quantum Fund had become a pillar of Wall Street. That’s why a welcome banquet initiated by them drew so many celebrities and officials to attend spontaneously.

Chapter 329: A Family of Smart People

Comments (0)