Chapter 22
In the morning, Luo Zhengzheng received a call from Liu Hanyue, inviting her to go shopping in Hong Kong.
Luo Zhengzheng opened her wardrobe. It was mostly filled with dresses, but not many suitable for work. She definitely needed to buy some work clothes.
She didn't need to go to Wanhua Entertainment every day, so she agreed to the invitation.
Although she was going shopping, she brought her son along. She texted Gu Shi to let him know where she was going, and then began to put on makeup and change clothes.
After thinking for a moment, she called Chen Hui, asking her to help secure the film and television rights to the novel "Home and Country." There were many discerning people. She didn't want someone else to beat her to it.
Chen Hui readily agreed.
Just as she came downstairs, Wang Yaning arrived with Cheng Rui and Liu Hanyue. Luo Zhengzheng glanced around and asked, "Isn't Third Sister-in-law coming?"
Sitting on the sofa, Liu Hanyue replied, "Her morning sickness is quite severe."
Luo Zhengzheng nodded.
Upon arriving in Hong Kong, the group went directly to the Peninsula Hotel. Luo Zhengzheng looked around and remarked, "This hotel is quite nice."
The Gu Family also owned hotels in Hong Kong. Logically, they could have stayed at their own hotel, but Liu Hanyue deliberately avoided it. She gave Luo Zhengzheng a smug look and said, "Of course it's nice. I'll cover all your expenses for the next few days. You can all enjoy yourselves."
Wang Yaning glanced at her and said, "It's rare to see you so generous?"
This woman spent all her money on luxury goods. When it came to treating people to meals, she was stingy and unwilling to pay.
Liu Hanyue pulled out a card and slapped it on the bed, smiling broadly. "I got this from Gu Xian. This time I'll empty his entire savings."
Luo Zhengzheng and Wang Yaning looked at her in surprise. Gu Xian was actually willing to give money to Liu Hanyue?
Liu Hanyue leaned back lazily on the sofa and sneered, "Of course he wouldn't give me the money, but he's more afraid of Father-in-law. He's afraid I'll complain, so he has no choice but to give me the money. He wants to flirt with the younger girls, then the money is mine. I've finally figured it out. Even the deepest feelings can't withstand the temptations of the outside world. Since that's the case, why should I be polite to him? I should have understood sooner; have fun and buy whatever I want. My own enjoyment is the most important thing."
Men were all detestable. Let's see how detestable they could be if they don't have money in their pockets.
Thinking of this, she looked at Luo Zhengzheng and Wang Yaning and snorted, "You two are the same. Don't be fooled by how well-behaved our eldest brother and fourth younger brother seem now. Who knows what kind of scheming they might be up to? How could we women possibly know what men are doing outside? Especially fourth sister-in-law. Fourth brother is the president of Ye's Group. He's more powerful and charming than Gu Ming and Gu Xian. When those young girls see him, they would pounce on him like cats smelling fish. You have to be careful. If all else fails, we should acquire more assets and money. That way, even if they want a divorce, we'll still be in a strong position."
Wang Yaning was both amused and exasperated: "Is this all based on your experience?"
Liu Hanyue said self-deprecatingly, "I've seen this kind of thing countless times since I was a child. I thought Gu Xian and I were childhood sweethearts, that he wouldn't stray, but I was just being delusional."
Luo Zhengzheng said, "I think you're right. Women should think more about themselves."
Liu Hanyue seemed to have found a kindred spirit, stood up, and put her arm around Luo Zhengzheng's shoulder: "That's right! We should think like this: if we don't spend his money, he might just spend it on some little vixen, and we'll end up angry. It's better for us to spend it and feel good. Come on, let's go to Baili Avenue first.What can cure women’s unhappiness? Shopping, of course!"
The group arrived at Baili Avenue. Looking at the dazzling array of goods, Liu Hanyue checked her wallet. With money in her pocket, she felt confident. She said to her two sisters-in-law, "I've always dreamed of buying luxury goods like shopping in a supermarket—no need to look at brands or prices, just take whatever I like. Today, let's treat Baili Avenue like a supermarket."
Wang Yaning's eyes widened. She had to admit, Liu Hanyue's suggestion was tempting. Thinking about the money in her card, she cautiously said, “Better buy what we really need."
Liu Hanyue saw her hesitation and didn't try to dissuade her. She was going to shop to her heart's content today.
Liu Hanyue was true to her word. Watches, necklaces, earrings, clothes—she bought whatever she liked, spending over ten million in half a day.
Of course, it was considered less. Luo Zhengzheng bought much more, not only for herself, but also for her son, mother-in-law , and even her parents and younger brother. She didn't forget Gu Shi either, since she used his card, buying him several shirts, cufflinks, and a pair of glasses.
Nanny Wang and Xiao Zhang each received a handbag.
Wang Yaning bought less, a handbag, a bracelet, and a dress. The rest were for Cheng Rui.
Seeing that Luo Zhengzheng had also bought things for Gu Shi, Liu Hanyue said, "You're quite shrewd."
Luo Zhengzheng smiled: "I’m using his card after all."
Luo Zhengzheng also had a card. Gu Shi would deposit a sum of money into her card every month. There was a considerable amount in her card, but when shopping, she naturally used Gu Shi's card.
Liu Hanyue nodded: "That's true, after all, Fourth Younger Brother hasn't shown any abnormalities yet. Gu Xian is out of the question. He's better suited to instant noodles."
Chengjia chimed in from the side: "Instant noodles."
Liu Hanyue pulled him close, pinching his cheek: "Yes, let your Second Uncle eat instant noodles. Want a gift? Then slowly wait."
Wang Yaning chided: "Don't teach the child bad habits."
Liu Hanyue smiled: "He won’t turn. Little Jiajia must be hungry. Second Aunt will treat you to something yummy, okay?"
Chengjia was at the age where he was learning to talk. He hugged her neck: "something yum yum, A-Aunt, something yummy."
Liu Hanyue was captivated by his adorableness and couldn't resist kissing his rosy cheek, instantly leaving a lipstick mark on his face.
Liu Hanyue burst into laughter: "Is this Jiajia's first time getting a lipstick mark?"
Chengjia's little mouth twitched. On the verge of tears, he looked pleadingly at his mother for help. Aside from his parents and grandmother, he disliked being kissed by anyone. A kiss would make him cry.
Luo Zhengzheng, seeing her son's plea for help, held him up.
Gu Shi had been in meetings all morning. Only after the meetings ended and he returned to his office did he see Luo Zhengzheng's message.
At this time, Luo Zhengzheng had already arrived in Hong Kong and was shopping on Park Lane.
He glanced at the message and naturally saw a series of payment notifications. He chuckled. Had she gone shopping as soon as she arrived in Hong Kong? He closed his phone. To allow his wife to shop as she pleased, he had to work hard to earn money.
After shopping and eating, the group returned to the hotel.
Liu Hanyue kicked off her shoes and changed into hotel slippers: "Shopping is enjoyable, but tiring too."
Wang Yaning looked at her: "When are you going back?"
Liu Hanyue looked at her: "Going back so soon? Elder Sister-in-law, you're too family-oriented. Your son is here, what's the point of going back? To spend time with your husband? Forget it. Go back when you've had your fun."
Wang Yaning hesitated for a moment and then turned to Luo Zhengzheng: "Fourth Younger Sister-in-law, what do you think?"
Little Chengjia was asleep and Nanny Wang was with him. Luo Zhengzheng leaned against the headboard, resting, and said indifferently: "Whatever is fine for me."
She had bought almost everything she needed, but it was also fine to enjoy herself in Hong Kong. After all, she was already here.
At this time, Chen Hui called.
Luo Zhengzheng got out of bed, walked to the window, answered the phone, and said, "Elder Sister Hui?"
Chen Hui said, "Zhengzheng, where were you now? Can you come to the company? The copyright for that novel has been negotiated, five million."
At this time, the copyright fee wasn't as high as it would later be. Luo Zhengzheng directly uttered, "Buy it."
Chen Hui didn't expect her to be so decisive: "If you think it's too expensive, we can discuss it further."
Luo Zhengzheng said, "No need, but there's a condition: the author must participate in the adaptation."
No one knew their novel better than the author.
Chen Hui smiled and said, "That's acceptable. Right now, we can only buy the novel in our company's name."
Luo Zhengzheng thought for a moment and said, "Then let's sign an agreement!"
Chen Hui: "I'll have my assistant prepare the contract and send it to you." Then she asked, "Aren't you in the capital?"
Luo Zhengzheng replied, "Shopping in Hong Kong."
Chen Hui's eyes lit up: "Bring some things back for me. I'll send you the shopping list later."
Luo Zhengzheng: "Okay."
After hanging up, Liu Hanyue and Wang Yaning both looked at Luo Zhengzheng. Liu Hanyue asked, "What copyright do you want to buy?"
Luo Zhengzheng sat down: "I've got my eye on a novel and want to adapt it into a TV series. I need someone to buy the copyright first."
Liu Hanyue looked at her: "Are you serious?"
Luo Zhengzheng nodded, "Of course."
Wang Yaning frowned, "You don't understand this stuff, aren't you afraid of losing money?"
Luo Zhengzheng said, "I'm learning now. Besides, no industry is 100% profitable."
Wang Yaning glanced at her, "I don't think we need to go through all that trouble. If you really want to do something, how about opening a beauty salon? The investment is small, and even if you lose money, it won't be much."
Luo Zhengzheng didn't explain further, "I've already bought it."
After offering a few words of advice and seeing that she wouldn't listen, Wang Yaning didn't say anything more. After all, it wasn't her money.
Liu Hanyue said, "Anyway, Fourth Sister-in-law isn't short of money. Even if she loses money, isn’t there Fourth Brother?"
After saying that, she glanced at Wang Yaning. She had to admit, Elder Sister-in-law was sometimes too cautious. Luo Zhengzheng wore jewelry worth hundreds of millions. Why would she be afraid of losing tens of millions on a TV series?
However, Elder Sister-in-law couldn't be blamed. After all, her parents were educators and valued stability. It was normal for her not to approve of Luo Zhengzheng's investment in filmmaking.
Wang Yaning felt embarrassed and said, "I was being nosy."
However, she understood. Although Luo Zhengzheng was their sister-in-law, her husband gave her confidence. She wasn't making TV dramas for money, but simply because she was interested.
Luo Zhengzheng smiled, "Elder Sister-in-law, you're doing this for my own good."
Wang Yaning took the opportunity, saying, "We're all family, so it's natural for me to be concerned."
Liu Hanyue curled her lip, finding elder sister-in-law's words insincere.
Chen Hui's purchase of the novel's copyright for Luo Zhengzheng under the company's name naturally couldn't be hidden from Chen Ze.
Chen Ze immediately called Gu Shi.
Gu Shi saw his call and answered, "What's up?"
Chen Ze said directly, "Your wife just had Chen Hui help her buy the rights to a novel."
Gu Shi looked at the computer and calmly said, "So what if she bought it?"
Chen Ze rolled his eyes: "I knew you'd say that. Making a TV series costs a lot of money, and you just let her go through all that trouble?"
He had to admit, as a man, he was extremely envious of Luo Zhengzheng.
He wanted to make a movie, searching everywhere for investors. Luo Zhengzheng didn't have to do anything. People gave her money.
He also wanted to be a woman, marry a rich husband, and not have to worry about anything. Obviously, that was impossible in this life. He could only pray for the next.
Pen in one hand signing and phone in the other, Gu Shi said, "I've already invested two hundred million in you, how could my wife be short of money?"
Chen Ze thought about how he'd spent the last few years earning money, begging and pleading for investment, and how his TV series and movies had finally become hits, only to have to share the profits with investors. He sighed, saying enviously, "You're really good at making money. If you have any good projects, take me along. You can have the meat, I'll just have the soup."
Gu Shi's eyes lit up with amusement: "I just invested several billion in chip R&D, and there will be follow-up investments. Want to join me?"
Chen Ze shook his head vigorously: "Forget it, forget it. You're talking about several billion right off the bat. I barely have enough money to make a movie and have to beg you for investment. Let's not talk about this anymore. Let's have dinner together tonight. Shall we invite Wang Maoxiu and Zhou Chen? Your wife's in Hong Kong anyway."
Gu Shi agreed.