Courtyard House: My Wife is Xu Huizhen

Page 929

After all, this place is bustling with people every day, and it's a mixed crowd. People of all kinds shuttle here, and if you're not careful, someone with bad intentions may sneak in. As the front desk clerk, it is her duty to be on her toes at all times and be extremely vigilant to every unfamiliar face.

"Sir, are you a member of our team?" The receptionist bowed slightly, a carefully crafted smile on her face.

Her smile, like the warm spring sun, perfectly illuminates the visitor's heart, conveying both unwavering courtesy and professional rigor. As she speaks, her hands elegantly folded before her, her slender fingers like the nimble movements of a dancer, each joint precisely controlled. Her slightly tilted posture and fleeting gaze are the product of years of rigorous training.

A trace of vigilance flashed across He Yuzhu's eyes, and then he put on an ignorant look, and answered without hesitation: "No, this is really my first time here. You know, ordinary people like us are busy making a living on weekdays, so we don't have the opportunity to come into contact with these things. I am really in the dark about the specific procedures, and I would like to trouble you for more guidance." As he spoke, he scratched his head, with a bit of honesty and embarrassment on his face, looking like a newcomer.

The receptionist smiled politely, shook her head slightly, and then began to explain clearly, "Sir, the process for applying for membership in our club is quite strict. If you would like to apply for membership, you must first find a current member to act as a guarantor. The guarantor must provide proof of identity and relevant credit information. After we review and approve it, we can process your membership. Alternatively, you can apply for membership through a brokerage firm. Generally, you contact a familiar brokerage firm, submit your personal information, proof of assets, and other documents, and they will submit your application to the club on your behalf. Once the club reviews and approves your application, you can become a member."

Chapter 686

She spoke at a steady pace, and each word was pronounced clearly and accurately. It was obvious that she had been explaining this process over and over again and had already memorized it.

Clearly, the receptionist's patient explanation to He Yuzhu stemmed from her keen professional intuition. She immediately noticed He Yuzhu's exceptional attire. His custom-made suit, crafted from the finest fabric and soft and smooth to the touch, featured meticulous, meticulous seams, all the work of a top-tier tailor, a testament to his exceptional craftsmanship. His matching leather shoes were equally polished, their surface as smooth as a mirror, seemingly reflecting his reflection. He Yuzhu exuded an inner confidence, a confidence not simply born of thin air but rooted in a deep, inherent strength. This aura made it clear he was no ordinary man, a potential high-end client with a generous budget. The receptionist knew that in this fiercely competitive service industry, every high-quality client was a valuable resource, and she didn't want to miss a single opportunity to serve him due to a moment's negligence.

He Yuzhu frowned slightly, with a hint of doubt in his eyes. He subconsciously leaned forward and asked seriously, "Then, if I don't apply for membership, I really can't buy and sell stocks?" He is still in the stage of groping for understanding these complicated rules. It feels like he is in an unfamiliar maze. He takes every step carefully, trying to figure out the ins and outs.

"Of course, sir." The receptionist had a formal smile on her lips, her tone was filled with unquestionable certainty, and she spoke in a clear voice, "This stock exchange has always followed strict membership rules. Only by becoming our distinguished member will you be eligible to trade stocks here. This rule has been in effect for many years. It is the cornerstone for maintaining trading order and protecting the rights and interests of members. There is absolutely no possibility of compromise." She nodded slightly, her eyes revealing professional arrogance, as if she was reading out a sacred and inviolable law.

Despite these regulations being clearly outlined in the slightly worn "Xiangjiang Club Trading Guide" in his hand, He Yuzhu couldn't help but frown, feeling frustrated. He couldn't help but mutter, "No wonder Xiangjiang Club seems increasingly out of touch in today's financial markets, its business so dismal." Take buying stocks, for example: the procedures are incredibly complex. First, one must register as a member, which isn't unusual at all, but the subsequent requirements are truly daunting. Not only does one have to pay a hefty fee to register, but they also need to find an existing member to act as an introducer to complete the membership process. Only by navigating these numerous hurdles can one enter the seemingly glamorous, but in reality, high-entry Xiangjiang Club and engage in stock trading.

He Yuzhu estimated that this complex, almost intractable, set of procedures had already deterred countless potential investors. They might have originally held high hopes for the Xiangjiang Club's stock market and had ample funds, but upon encountering these cumbersome procedures, they immediately turned their attention to other markets with simpler procedures and transparent regulations, bringing them a steady stream of vitality and capital. Meanwhile, the Xiangjiang Club was left standing, helplessly watching opportunities slip away and its market share gradually eroded.

He Yuzhu had come here on a whim, wanting to check out the situation. Before arriving, he'd already decided that if he couldn't apply for membership directly, he'd try working with a brokerage firm. After all, in Hong Kong, even if one registered as a member, buying and selling stocks still required the help of a brokerage firm. Thinking about this, He Yuzhu realized there was no point in being unreasonable. The rules of the Hong Kong Club had always been like this, and the girl at the front desk was simply following the rules, not overstepping them. His unreasonable behavior was uncultured and wouldn't solve the problem at all; it was simply a waste of both parties' time.

In that case, He Yuzhu sighed inwardly. There was nothing more to say. He turned around helplessly, ready to leave this troubled place as soon as possible. At this moment, he was only thinking about quickly getting rid of this sudden awkward situation and ending this boring little episode.

Just as he turned around, a crisp "ding" sounded from the elevator, and the doors slowly opened as if by invisible hands. Then, a group of people filed out of the narrow elevator car. There were about four or five of them, men and women, all stylishly dressed. The men wore sharp suits made of fine fabric, each cut to a perfect fit, accented by exquisite ties whose clips gleamed in the light. The women wore slim-fitting suits that perfectly framed their figures, and their high heels clicked rhythmically as they walked. They all looked very young, their faces brimming with youthful energy and unwavering confidence. This confidence wasn't simply acquired, but rather the product of years of experience and hard work in the financial world. It was immediately clear that they were seasoned professionals in the financial world.

He Yuzhu originally didn't take these people seriously. He just wanted to take advantage of the fact that they hadn't noticed him yet and quickly walk past them so that he could completely leave this place that made him feel uneasy and end this little farce that made him a little annoyed.

Just as He Yuzhu was about to continue walking, a clear female voice suddenly broke the silence. "Mr. He, I didn't expect to see you here!" The call was like a flash of lightning across the quiet night sky, instantly capturing He Yuzhu's attention. He paused abruptly, his gaze turning to the source of the voice with a hint of surprise. He saw a woman in a slim-fitting business suit, looking at him with a look of surprise.

He Yuzhu frowned slightly, carefully examining the figure before him. A moment later, his memory suddenly rekindled—wasn't this Li Yunzhen? After not seeing her for months, her makeup remained exquisite, every detail showcasing her meticulous attention to detail. Her well-tailored business suit perfectly framed her figure, capturing both her feminine charm and the sharpness and efficiency characteristic of a finance professional. Her every move exuded professionalism.

"Oh, isn't this Miss Li!" He Yuzhu was slightly stunned at first, then his face was full of smiles, with surprise shining in his eyes, "What a coincidence, I didn't expect to meet you here, I'm so happy!" As he spoke, he stepped forward enthusiastically, and the embarrassment on his face disappeared in an instant, replaced by a sincere and natural smile like the warm sun, as if Miss Li in front of him was his best friend whom he had not seen for many years and missed day and night.

After the two exchanged greetings, the others, as if drawn by invisible threads, hurried off in unison, their steps unwavering and rapid. Their figures swiftly blended into the crowd, vanishing in a flash. This unusual behavior stirred a wave of suspicion in He Yuzhu: Looking at this situation, were they not part of the same group? It didn't make sense, but if not, why were they all there together? Just as he pondered this, his brows furrowed in a frown, Li Yunzhen stepped forward, a perfectly composed smile playing on her lips. She softly asked, "Mr. He, excuse me, are you a member of the exchange? I've been here for a long time, but I don't think I've ever seen you before." She tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with innocent curiosity, her voice soft as a spring breeze, carrying a subtle intimacy, as if it were just a casual chat between neighbors, trying to draw closer.

He Yuzhuo smiled bitterly, and explained with a bit of helplessness: "I'm not a member yet. When I first came here, I asked the front desk carefully, and learned that registration for membership is very troublesome, and I must have an introduction from an old member." As he spoke, he spread his hands, and the expression on his face and his body movements seemed to be telling an absurd and bizarre story. He looked as if he was making fun of himself that fate always likes to play some funny jokes on people, and his movements also carried some of the humor unique to old Beijingers.

Li Yunzhen suddenly understood, then raised her brows, nodded, and explained, "Oh, so that's how it is. In the financial sector, the operating mechanisms of exchanges are quite complex. Typically, few people go directly to an exchange to register as members. Most people use brokerage firms to handle the registration process. This is because the stock trading process is complex, from market analysis and order placement to trade execution and settlement and delivery. Every step requires professional knowledge and precise control. Brokerage firms, as professional financial intermediaries, draw on their extensive experience and dedicated teams to provide investors with one-stop service. Investors simply submit the relevant information to the brokerage firm, which will complete the membership registration process on their behalf in accordance with exchange regulations. Furthermore, subsequent stock trading, fund management, and other operations can also be conveniently handled at the brokerage firm. It's like being a student in school, having a teacher systematically teach you knowledge—it's far more efficient than blindly exploring on your own." She spoke slowly and logically, like a seasoned lecturer, explaining complex financial knowledge to students in a simple and accessible manner.

She took a sip of coffee, her eyes wandering over the curl of hot steam rising from the coffee cup. She paused for a moment, as if thinking about how to express it more vividly. Then, she sat up straight, crossed her hands on the table, and continued in a leisurely tone, "Furthermore, anyone who's been in this industry for a long time knows that, in order to retain clients and secure their business, brokerage firms often proactively select one of their members to act as a guarantor for new clients. Sounds reliable, right? But in reality, this rule is more of a 'paper trick'. Think about it: once you step through the door of a brokerage firm and entrust them with buying stocks, from the moment the funds flow in, how could they not take you seriously in order to earn fees and maintain their business? They'll naturally and swiftly help you complete the membership registration. In practice, this so-called guarantee rule doesn't really play a significant role; it's more of a formality." As she spoke, she shook her head slightly, her tone tinged with sarcasm, as if she was complaining about this somewhat unnecessary rule, her eyes filled with insight and helplessness at the industry's frivolous practices.

He Yuzhu slapped his forehead, suddenly awakening from a dream. He'd only heard about the conveniences of registration, and had rushed here in a hurry, without even bothering to delve into the specific registration rules. Now thinking back, he'd been reckless, like a young man rushing into a competition without even understanding the rules. He'd rushed into the exchange, confident that registration would be smooth sailing. Now, standing here, he realized how hastily he'd prepared, completely clueless about even the most basic procedures. He blamed himself for being so rash and not doing his homework.

"So that's how it is!" He Yuzhu slapped his forehead, suddenly realizing. His furrowed brow relaxed instantly, and the long-held doubts in his heart vanished like thin ice under the warm spring sun. At that moment, it was as if a gentle breeze had blown away the fog before his eyes, revealing the sun, and he suddenly understood the key. His eyes also changed, the confusion and bewilderment completely fading, replaced by a sense of relief, as if a heavy stone had been lifted off his shoulders.

Seeing this, Li Yunzhen gently turned her swan-like neck, the corners of her mouth raised slightly, revealing a subtle smile that was just right. This smile was like the warm spring sun, with a touch of gentleness and a hint of elusive mystery. She opened her red lips and explained in a voice like a clear mountain spring, crisp yet gentle, "Mr. He, you may not know that our family owns many businesses, including a financial investment company called Victoria International Investment. It is quite well-known in the industry, and many business leaders are keen to participate in its investment projects. Mr. He, I see that you are interested in this. Do you want to buy stocks and test your skills in the financial market?" After saying this, her eyes revealed a subtle expectation. Her smart eyes were like twinkling stars in the night sky, staring at He Yuzhu without blinking, as if eagerly awaiting his response.

A hint of excitement flashed in He Yuzhu's eyes. He nodded without hesitation, his tone full of enthusiasm as he replied:

"That's right, I'm quite interested in stock investment. Lately, I've been spending all my time in my study, with piles of financial newspapers and market analysis reports on my desk. My eyes are practically calloused from staring at them. I study candlestick charts, analyze industry trends, and I'm obsessed with those fluctuating numbers. Recently, the market seems to be volatile, but it also hides opportunities. I'm really itching to try my hand at it."

As he spoke, he rubbed his hands unconsciously, as if he was ready to join the game of capital and show his skills in the invisible financial battlefield.

Li Yunzhen's eyes lit up, the corners of her mouth turned up, revealing an enthusiastic smile, and she said in a light tone:

Chapter 687 Membership Application

"That's great! Mr. He, why don't you come with me to our company downstairs to complete the registration procedures? It'll be much more convenient there. Our company has been deeply involved in this field for a long time and has accumulated extensive experience in trademark registration. The process is standardized. From submission of documents to review and approval, every link is seamless and the procedures are extremely efficient, saving you a lot of time and energy. You don't have to worry about the tedious process; just wait and you will soon have your own trademark and start a new chapter in your career."

As she spoke, she gestured with her hands, her eyes full of anticipation, as if she had already painted a beautiful picture for He Yuzhu of convenient registration and easy start of a new business journey.

When He Yuzhu heard this, he agreed without thinking.

He thought to himself that Li Yunzhen's family had been in this business for many years and must have accumulated a lot of connections and ways. Since they had such unique resources, registering with them would be a hundred benefits with no harm.

Perhaps, through this connection, he could eventually enjoy special services unattainable by others, such as priority access to high-quality missions and more detailed target intelligence. Why not take advantage of such a guaranteed win? He immediately agreed.

So, He Yuzhu put on a perfect smile and followed Li Yunzhen into the elevator with light steps.

Inside the cabin, soft light poured down, illuminating the two figures. He Yuzhu spoke first, bringing up a lighthearted and humorous topic. Li Yunzhen's eyes smiled, and she responded with witty remarks. As they exchanged words, laughter echoed in the small space, and the atmosphere was as relaxed and joyful as a picnic under the warm spring sun.

The elevator car seemed to be held steadily by an invisible hand as it slowly descended. A slight feeling of weightlessness passed by, and soon it arrived steadily at the destination floor.

Victoria Brokerage Company is located on the lower floor of the Securities Exchange. This floor is like a gathering place for brokerage companies, with more than a dozen such companies densely distributed.

Each company has gone to great lengths to hang eye-catching signs at the door in an attempt to stand out from the crowd of competitors.

Some companies use bright and colorful colors, such as warm red and bright yellow, to weave a vibrant visual picture, as if declaring their passion and drive for the market; others prefer simple and neat fonts with strong and powerful strokes, accurately conveying the concept of professionalism first.

The entire floor is like a high-speed business machine, filled with a tense and busy atmosphere.

The pedestrians looked hurried and walked quickly, holding all kinds of documents tightly in their hands. The papers rubbed against each other in their haste, making a rustling sound.

They were muttering to themselves, talking about the rise and fall of stock prices and the current market conditions. Every word was related to money, making it seem as if fine gold powder was suspended in the air, filled with the unique smell of money.

Li Yunzhen skillfully led He Yuzhu into a company.

As soon as I stepped over the threshold, seven or eight employees stood up in unison as if they had heard a unified command.

Their faces were full of smiles, which were like flowers blooming in spring, warm and sincere, and they greeted Li Yunzhen in unison.

The greeting was spoken with ups and downs in tone and full of enthusiasm, as if the person standing in front of him was the big boss who controlled the fate of the company.

Respect was evident in their tone, and every word seemed carefully crafted; there was a subtle awe in their eyes, as they looked up at Li Yunzhen as if they were looking up at a mountain.

Li Yunzhen had an elegant posture and nodded slightly in response to everyone's greetings. Her movements were simple but polite, showing her elegance and propriety.

Then, she walked lightly towards the office with He Yuzhu.

As soon as she entered the office, she naturally sat down in the main seat, and the whole process was as smooth as flowing water.

Her every move revealed her competence and confidence, and her aura was so strong that it seemed as if this was the kingdom she had created, and everything was under her control.

He Yuzhu stood aside somewhat stiffly, his hands unconsciously clasping and unclenching in front of him, an uneasy look flashing across his face.

He didn't know what to do and could only look around the office aimlessly.

What catches the eye are the densely packed financial charts on the wall. The crisscrossing lines are like an invisible net, and the dense data in between are like a mysterious code recording the changing market conditions, telling every rise and fall in prices and every flow of funds.

On the desk, the documents are arranged very neatly, and the importance of each document is prominently marked in the upper right corner, from "Level A" to "Level D", arranged in order, demonstrating the rigor and organization of the work behind it.

Next to it, several blackboards display the stock market quotes in real time. The numbers flashing on the blackboards are like the beating pulse of capital. Every flash may mean an instant transfer of wealth, making the whole office filled with a tense and opportunity-filled atmosphere.

Li Yunzhen seemed to be keenly aware of his awkwardness and discomfort. The corners of her mouth curled up slightly, revealing a perfectly appropriate smile. She asked softly, "Mr. He, you've been traveling for a long time. What would you like to drink? We have the best tea here. The tea leaves are picked around the Qingming Festival, and they are fresh and tender. When brewed with mountain spring water, the tea soup is clear and bright. The rising hot steam is wrapped in a rich and refreshing fragrance that penetrates your heart. The coffee is also excellent. It is all freshly ground. The coffee beans are carefully selected from high-quality producing areas in South America and are properly roasted. You can smell the rich and mellow aroma when you grind it. The taste is rich and layered, and the fragrance lingers on your lips and teeth. Both have their own merits. You may wish to try them."

Her tone was soothing and gentle, as if carrying an invisible magic, trying to dispel the tension that lingered around He Yuzhu.

He Yuzhu's expression relaxed, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, and he quickly responded, "Tea is good, thank you so much. I love the fragrance of tea. One sip makes me feel relaxed all over, which is better than anything else."

Li Yunzhen raised the corners of her mouth slightly, revealing a perfect smile. She gracefully extended her right hand to the secretary, gently tapped her index finger twice, making a simple and meaningful gesture, indicating that she should serve two cups of hot tea to the guests.

After a moment, the office door opened slowly and silently, and a female secretary in a neat professional suit walked in.

She has a graceful figure, a pretty face, and her eyes reveal gentleness and competence.

She was holding an exquisite tray steadily in her hands, on which were placed two cups of steaming tea. The clear tea soup swayed gently in the translucent cups, and the rich tea fragrance spread out in an instant, filling every corner of the office in an instant.

The female secretary placed the teacup gently on the coffee table with gentle and graceful movements, then bowed slightly, politely gestured to everyone, and then quietly retreated, still making no sound when she closed the door.

After the female secretary left the room with light steps, the door was gently closed behind her, making an almost inaudible muffled sound.

He Yuzhu finally withdrew his gaze from the direction the female secretary had left. He tilted his head slightly, looked at Li Yunzhen, and asked, "Is this your office?"

Li Yunzhen raised the corners of her mouth, revealing a faint smile, but her eyes seemed to hide a bit of complexity. She nodded slightly and replied softly: "Yes!"

This simple word, spoken from her mouth, seemed to carry a trace of helplessness, like an undercurrent surging beneath the calm surface of a lake, as if hinting at a story that had been buried by the years and was unknown to the world.

Li Yunzhen then frowned slightly, a hint of distress in her eyes, and slowly explained, "Our family business is deeply intertwined, with traditional industries as numerous as the stars in the sky. However, in my opinion, most of these businesses are stagnant and lack innovation. The day-to-day operations really don't inspire me to fight. In comparison, this agency is small in scale, with a light structure, and more flexible in business operations, so my family handed it over to me. Although the daily tasks I have to deal with are overwhelming, from artist planning to project promotion, I have to do everything myself, but the good thing is that I can break free from the constraints of tradition and shape its future according to my own ideas."

After she finished speaking, she sighed softly, and that sigh was mixed with the fatigue of being busy, but when she raised her eyes, there was an unshakable determination in them, as if she was declaring to the world that even if the road ahead was full of thorns, she would carve out a world of her own.

The two of them sat comfortably on the comfortable sofa. A set of exquisite tea sets was placed on the coffee table in front of them. The rising hot steam, carrying the fragrance of tea, filled the entire space.

They sipped the rich and fragrant tea while chatting aimlessly.

The topic ranged from the recent roller coaster ride of the stock market to the hilarious anecdotes in the industry, and then to each person's unique insights into future economic trends.

In the conversation between us, sparks of thought collide violently, and time passes quietly without us noticing.

After a while, Li Yunzhen inadvertently glanced at the wall clock, then raised her hand to call the staff waiting on the side, and softly instructed them to handle the relevant matters of registering He Yuzhu as an exchange member. Every instruction was clear and organized.

He Yuzhu looked calm and took out the checkbook from his pocket without any hurry.

He lowered his head slightly, his eyes focused, the pen in his hand danced quickly on the check, and he wrote the amount of "50" without hesitation.

The handwriting was strong and powerful, as if declaring his full confidence in the investment.

After writing, he gently tore off the check with grace and decisiveness and handed it to the waiting staff.

Li Yunzhen stood aside, her originally calm face suddenly rippled. She couldn't help but widen her eyes, eyes full of surprise and confusion, and blurted out: "Mr. He, you actually have to invest so much money to buy stocks? This is not a small amount!"

Keep in mind that this was Hong Kong in the 1960s, when the real estate market was just starting out and housing prices were relatively low.

At that time, the price of a thousand-square-foot luxury house was only 50,000 to 60,000 Hong Kong dollars. Nowadays, this amount of money may only be enough to pay the down payment for an ordinary apartment.

An industrial building, as an important asset for business operations, was sold for just over one million Hong Kong dollars, which is a world of difference compared to the commercial real estate prices of hundreds of millions or even billions in the future.

Even when Ho Yu-chu purchased the nine-story commercial building of Pedder Building, a prime property located in the core area of ​​Hong Kong, he only spent five million Hong Kong dollars.

Now, He Yuzhu took out 500,000 Hong Kong dollars to buy stocks without hesitation. This generous move really shocked Li Yunzhen.