Chapter Fifty-Nine: A Man’s Charisma

The 1980s! Northern cities occupied eight out of the top ten spots nationwide. This was largely thanks to the abundance of large steel enterprises in the region. Their thriving steel industry chain brought significant prosperity. Yet, with the wave of economic reform sweeping through at the end of the decade, it was the Northeast that gradually faded from prominence, becoming a thing of the past. Decades later, the balance of power between the North and South had almost completely reversed. Therefore, Shen Guodong knew that his future lay in light industry, not heavy industry.

Heavy industry wasn’t something one could master with a bit of capital; it demanded enormous investment, had long return cycles, and offered modest rewards. These were its inherent drawbacks. Still, in the early days of reform, opportunities were plentiful. Shen Guodong had to accumulate all the capital he could and seize this chance to head south in search of fortune.

The real estate market of the 1990s, the early days of the Internet—opportunities abounded. The electronics boom of the 2000s. These were all things Shen Guodong aspired to pursue. Of course, since his ambition was to become the world’s richest man, he couldn’t confine his vision to a single industry. He intended to set foot in every field—whether it was the Internet, mobile phones, real estate, healthcare, or the daily necessities of life. He wanted to prove to the world that his rise was not just a stroke of luck, but that he could thrive in any industry, navigating each one with ease.

“Guodong, let’s go look for a place to live,” Zhou Meiniang said, coming in from outside. Finding no one else around, she seated herself on Shen Guodong’s lap, her manner seductive and alluring.

Shen Guodong agreed. With ten days left before his business trip, he decided to settle all matters here first; otherwise, trivial issues would only trouble him later.

“Settle things with Wang Weihua as soon as possible,” he said. “It’s best if you finalize the divorce before I leave. I don’t want my woman to still be legally tied to someone else.”

Shen Guodong had always been a domineering man.

“All right, I’ll get it done as soon as I can,” Zhou Meiniang replied. She too wanted to regain her single status quickly, so she could be with Shen Guodong openly.

“Take care of everything before I leave. This deal is important to me. It might not affect my whole life, but it will have some impact,” Shen Guodong said.

The plot of land in question was near Shen City and would one day become a hub between two cities. Even if left undeveloped, its future value would reach several hundred million. Taking it now from Yuan Junfeng was practically getting it for free, and if he missed this chance, Yuan Junfeng would never agree again. The opportunity only existed because of the latter’s impulsive gamble; expecting another chance like this was unrealistic.

The two left work early. The sales department had flexible hours—no one could really tell whether you were out meeting clients or not. The area around the factory was rather desolate, so renting a place nearby was inconvenient. After walking for about half an hour, they reached a neighborhood with many residential buildings, a lively market, and all the shops one could need. Renting here was much more practical, and the rent was not expensive—just over ten yuan a month.

They quickly found a two-bedroom apartment to their liking. Apartments of the time rarely had private bathrooms; restrooms were communal, which was a great inconvenience and something Shen Guodong disliked. Life in these residential blocks was chaotic, and Zhou Meiniang was someone who warranted caution. Her beauty was enough to invite trouble. If anything were to happen, it would be too late for Shen Guodong to regret it, and that made him hesitate.

“Are you going to rent it or not?” the landlady, a plump woman in her forties, demanded. “A dozen yuan a month, what more do you want? If you’re so rich, go rent one of those villas with a yard, then you won’t have a thing to worry about. Do you have that kind of money?”

The landlady was clearly jealous of Zhou Meiniang’s youth and beauty. Hearing Shen Guodong and Zhou Meiniang discuss the place, she grew even more agitated.

“You’re picky about my apartment? I’m picky about you living here! Who knows if you’ll leave my place reeking of some vixen’s perfume!” she snapped.

Shen Guodong’s expression darkened at once, displeasure furrowing his brow. In his eyes, this was intolerable. As a man, he had to provide a sense of security for his woman, standing by her side unconditionally when she was attacked.

The woman’s words had already crossed into personal insult. If Shen Guodong didn’t step up, what would Zhou Meiniang think of him?

“What did you say?” Shen Guodong’s voice was cold. “Say that again if you dare. I swear I’ll tear your mouth apart!”

“Oh, so you’re threatening me now? I, Cai Juhua, have been collecting rent for years and you dare lay a finger on me? Try it and see what happens!” The landlady was arrogant and used to getting her way. In these times, women who rented out rooms often had connections with local toughs, just in case they encountered unreasonable tenants. They would pay these people a bit each month so that, if trouble arose, help would be close at hand. Now, seeing Shen Guodong act tough in front of her, she didn’t believe he could really do anything.

But Shen Guodong was not one to stir up trouble without cause. If she had simply apologized, that would have been the end of it. But instead, she grew even more arrogant.

Without warning, Shen Guodong slapped her hard across the face.

“Let this be a lesson. Mind your tongue. It’s bad enough you’re ugly yourself—don’t take your anger out on beautiful women. Show some decency.”

Cai Juhua was stunned—she hadn’t expected Shen Guodong to actually hit her. She charged at him, shrieking, “How dare you! I’ve lived all these years and never suffered such humiliation!”

But her heavy frame was no match for Shen Guodong, who sent her flying with a single kick. The satisfaction was palpable.

Zhou Meiniang didn’t say anything, but her expression said it all. She looked at Shen Guodong with unconcealed joy. No matter what others said, this man always defended her. Compared to Wang Weihua, who was utterly useless, the difference was night and day.

With that thought, she felt all the more certain that her choice to be with Shen Guodong was the right one. Even if she had no official status, she was willing. That was the true charm of a man…