Chapter 12: Baiting the Hook for Fishing
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Tomson Riviera was completed in 2009, and upon its launch, it instantly became the most luxurious high-rise residence in Shanghai, and arguably the entire country. Situated along Riverside Avenue in the Lujiazui Financial District, it comprises two 40-story and two 44-story luxury apartment towers, along with an exclusive riverside clubhouse.
To the left stands the IFC Center, to the right the Fortune Center, behind it the Global Tower, all facing the Huangpu River. There is likely no other high-rise residence in Shanghai with a better location.
In recent years, with the real estate boom, Tomson’s prices have soared, reaching as high as 240,000 yuan per square meter. The smallest units measure 434 square meters, priced at 110 million yuan each—truly billion-yuan mansions.
Although Lu Liang couldn’t afford to buy one, he could certainly rent.
Tomson Riviera has four towers: Buildings A and C are for sale, while Buildings B and D are for rent. Lu Liang was well aware of this and knew the monthly rent, so he brought Li Manli directly to the sales office for Building B.
After learning about the layouts and styles, the two followed the sales manager to Unit One on the 28th floor of Building B.
The elevator opens directly into the unit—one elevator per residence—with four bedrooms and two living rooms.
The furniture and appliances were all first-rate international brands, looking brand new without a trace of use.
This particular unit was custom-made by the Tomson Group specifically for rental purposes and had never been occupied.
“Mr. Lu, the monthly rent including property management fees is 85,000 yuan, with one parking spot included. The lease term is two years, with a deposit of six months and rent paid quarterly. Is there anything else you’d like to know?” The property manager smiled warmly, speaking openly because Lu Liang had arrived in a Bentley.
After all, everyone has two eyes and one mouth; no need to write “I’m wealthy” on one’s face, as a car is the best tool to showcase financial strength.
Successful youth driving a Bentley may lose some humility but gains respect in return.
“No problem, let’s sign the contract.” Lu Liang gave a quick tour and especially liked the balcony. More than 100 meters above ground, it offered an exceptionally broad view, with the river breeze bringing a refreshing calm.
He believed the night view would be even better. Without hesitation, he swiped 765,000 yuan to arrange for cleaning; he planned to move in the next day.
“Very well.” The manager beamed, handing Lu Liang the lease contract for verification.
He also presented a floor plan of the community, explaining all exits and the procedures for receiving courier and delivery services.
The property offered door-to-door service; as long as residents filled in their floor and room number correctly, delivery personnel would bring packages directly to their door.
Being one of the top residential complexes nationwide, security was paramount, and random outsiders were not allowed to wander freely.
“Seventy-eight thousand yuan a month...” Li Manli stared blankly, stunned.
She knew little about luxury car values and felt little impact, only sensing it wasn’t cheap—otherwise, it wouldn’t catch the eyes of passersby.
But a monthly rent of 78,000 yuan for an upscale apartment genuinely shocked her.
Though her nightclub salary was high, she didn’t serve as a hostess, earning just over 9,000 yuan a month.
The rent for Lu Liang’s apartment alone equaled more than half a year’s salary for her.
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How could Li Manli remain unmoved? She wandered alone through the rooms. Even an ordinary secondary bedroom was more spacious than her own apartment.
Every room had a fine view, and even those not facing the river overlooked a lush community park below.
It was also very quiet—no roaring traffic, no annoying loudspeakers from the supermarket downstairs.
Soon after Lu Liang finished signing the contract, he returned to find Li Manli standing on the balcony, gazing off into the distance in a daze.
The balcony was large, about twelve meters long and five meters wide, with a nearly new billiard table nearby.
Lu Liang approached her, pointing to a hotel across the river. “That’s where we had lunch just now.”
“Yeah...” Li Manli’s thoughts swirled; the afternoon’s experience felt unreal.
Having money really seemed wonderful—eat whatever you want, live wherever you want.
“I have some business to attend to later. You’re working tonight, right? Should I take you back to your apartment or the company?”
Lu Liang felt it was about time. He had shown Li Manli a glimpse of paradise; now it was time to let her return to reality.
He always found the TV show “Metamorphosis” quite malicious. Beyond its fabrication and star-making, its premise was problematic.
Rich kids sent to rural areas to experience hardship might gain an appreciation for the value of life, and even if they didn’t, there was no real harm.
But poor kids, whose values were still forming, were taken to live a wealthy life for a while, only to be sent back home to chop wood and farm.
The enormous contrast was hard for even adults to accept, let alone children.
“Liang-ge, just take me back to my apartment first,” Li Manli said absentmindedly, conflicted.
On one hand, she hoped Lu Liang would say something—if only as a joke—to offer her a room.
On the other, if he really did, would she accept or refuse?
It felt as though two little voices inside her were arguing.
Yet until they reached the apartment, Lu Liang never mentioned it.
“Liang-ge, I’m heading upstairs now.”
Li Manli felt a pang of sadness and waved goodbye.
“Manli, wait.” Lu Liang called after her, pulling out a box. “This is for you. Thanks for accompanying me to look at the apartment this afternoon.”
Inside was a 128GB Chinese-version iPhone 6, retailing at 7,200 yuan, which he had just purchased when signing the lease.
Li Manli was taken aback, a smile playing at her lips. She quickly shook her head. “It’s too expensive—I can’t accept it.”
“Keep it. Bye.” Lu Liang smiled, giving her no chance to refuse, then stepped on the accelerator and waved as he left.
Money was meant to be seen by women, not necessarily spent on them—he fully agreed with this idea.
But before fishing, one must bait the hook.
Not long after, Lu Liang received a text from Li Manli: “Liang-ge, thank you for the gift.”
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Lu Liang read the message but didn’t reply, deciding to let her wait a while. The next meeting would likely lead to something more.
He returned to the Peace Hotel and found Tan Tao. He had no intention of renewing his room but wanted to extend the Bentley rental for another half month.
Cash flow was crucial; Lu Liang had no plans to buy a car or property yet. He aimed first to earn a modest goal before considering those things.
Tan Tao smiled and said no problem, enthusiastically offering more car models for Lu Liang to choose from.
Still, Lu Liang chose the Bentley—he liked the emblem, a B with double wings.
This cost him another 120,000 yuan.
“Having money but not spending recklessly... I need to calm down lately,” Lu Liang sighed, since only about 50,000 yuan remained in his account.
In less than 24 hours, he had spent nearly a million yuan.
Though the apartment and car were the biggest expenses, the outlay was still substantial.
Lu Liang’s desire to make money surged like never before; he wouldn’t allow himself to lose this carefree life.
At 3 p.m., the week’s market closed. Zhongwen Online ended at 17.5 yuan per share, down 1.95%, then suspended trading.
Zhang Qian had been watching the market closely but stayed calm, not rushing to blame Lu Liang. She planned to observe for a few more days.
After all, if the stock price soared next week, it would mean missing out on fortune and sacrificing for nothing.
At noon on Saturday, Lu Liang checked out of the Peace Hotel.
Leaving behind the hotel, he officially moved into Tomson Riviera.
Since last night, Li Manli had been sending him messages:
“Liang-ge, I’m off to work.”
“Liang-ge, what are you doing?”
“Liang-ge, I just woke up. Have you moved in yet?”
Lu Liang only replied to those he found interesting: “Not yet, been busy lately. Planning to move later.”
Li Manli sent a coquettish emoji: “Do you want me to accompany you to buy some stuff?”
“That you’re willing to help is wonderful. I’ll get in touch when I’m free.”
A faint smile curved Lu Liang’s lips as he put away his phone and headed to the community gym for a workout. He deeply appreciated the benefits of exercise.
He wanted to live it up until eighty—and that required a strong body.