Heartthrob, Your Image is Crumbling!

Chapter 554: Laying Out Plans for the Future

Even after stepping out of the Treasure Room, the girls had yet to recover from their shock. It was truly Unfathomable. Logically speaking, Zhou Yuwen already had a net worth of tens of billions, but that wealth was intangible. It simply could not compare to the sheer, overwhelming impact of seeing real gold and silver piled up inside a secret vault.There were four large gold boxes, each weighing at least five hundred kilograms. Four boxes meant two tons in total. Based on the current gold price of four hundred yuan per gram, that amounted to a staggering eight hundred million yuan. And that was just the baseline value of the gold. Inside the chests were also numerous gold and silver Jewels, as well as exquisite Jewelry. Zhou Yuwen had taken a brief look earlier; those items were all Antiques with immense historical value. It would be no exaggeration to call them priceless treasures.

To be honest, discovering such a hidden Treasure Room had been quite a shock for Zhou Yuwen as well. If the contents were converted into currency, it would far exceed his current net worth. However, Zhou Yuwen knew that concepts like net worth and paper currency were ultimately hollow. This gold was true wealth that could be passed down through generations. Once the price surged to six hundred and eighty yuan a gram in the future, he would make an absolute fortune just lying around doing nothing.

After coming out, Zhou Yuwen told the women not to spread the word. From this day forward, the Treasure Room would be their family secret, to be inherited by their future sons and daughters. Furthermore, the Castle definitely needed a complete renovation. They could hire a Construction Team specifically from within China, making sure someone kept a close eye on the remodeling process.

"Wanting, I'm leaving this to you. Find someone trustworthy to supervise things," Zhou Yuwen instructed.

Lu Wanting nodded solemnly and said, "Leave this matter to me."

These women didn't harbor any greedy intentions toward the wealth. For one, they were still quite young. Secondly, following Zhou Yuwen meant they were never lacking money. Besides, Zhou Yuwen had just explicitly stated that these assets were meant to be passed down. In the future, when they had sons and daughters of their own, they would certainly receive their fair share.

Zheng Yanyan snapped out of her daze at that moment and quickly piped up, "Wait, Hubby, I'm the one who found this Treasure Room. Don't I get some credit?"

Zhou Yuwen nodded. "You have the most credit. Pick a time, have Shen Yu and the others accompany you to the city, and I'll buy you a Burberry Limited Edition bag. Will that do?"

"Yay! Hubby, you're the best!" Zheng Yanyan immediately beamed with joy. A Burberry Limited Edition bag cost at least three hundred thousand yuan. They had no real concept of how much the gold in the Treasure Room was worth, but this three hundred thousand was tangible, hard cash.

Zhou Yuwen told the girls to find some time to go to the city together. Each of them could pick out a limited-edition bag, or anything else they wanted, as a reward from him.

"Don't spread a word of this. Don't even tell Sweetie and the others for now," Zhou Yuwen said, specifically reminding Zheng Yanyan after some thought.

Hearing this, Zheng Yanyan's expression turned serious. Didn't this imply that their small inner circle was now a step closer to Zhou Yuwen than Tao Tian's group?

At this moment, Lu Lin chimed in, "What about Su Qing?"

This put Zhou Yuwen in a bit of a tight spot. He thought it over before replying, "I'll go talk to Su Qing myself."

And so, the matter was settled. Their Estate was still under construction, so they were temporarily staying at Hathaway's home. During dinner, Hathaway noticed the usually lively group had suddenly grown quiet and withdrawn. Finding it odd, she asked, "Is the food not to your Appetite?"

Zhou Yuwen said that wasn't the case.

"They've probably been away from home for too long and are feeling a bit homesick."

Hathaway smiled at this and then asked, "What is your country like?"

The girls clearly had heavy thoughts weighing on their minds, looking entirely Absent-minded. Zhou Yuwen took over the conversation, Chatting with Hathaway to keep her company.

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was late January. It was time for Zhou Yuwen to return to China. So much had happened during these few days in the United States, including the sudden discovery of a massive hoard of gold. Without a proper plan to securely store it yet, Zhou Yuwen could only ask Lu Wanting to find someone local to keep an eye on things.

Before returning to China, Zhou Yuwen explained the situation to Su Qing. Taking advantage of a moment when no one was around, he brought her down to the Treasure Room to see it for herself. This time, Zhou Yuwen specifically picked up one of the Gold Bricks from the chest and weighed it in his hand, letting her feel its immense heft.

Su Qing was completely stunned by the sight. Her very first thought was to ask Zhou Yuwen, with so much gold, how were they going to transport it all back?

Hearing this, Zhou Yuwen burst into laughter. "Are you crazy? Transport it back?"

"This is our home. Isn't it nice here?" Zhou Yuwen said.

"Huh?"

Su Qing didn't process his words immediately. In her mind, she had come here to Study Abroad, and she would naturally return to China afterward. But from Zhou Yuwen's tone, it sounded like he didn't plan on going back at all?

Zhou Yuwen clarified that it wasn't about never returning. It was that he had already bought this Estate, making this land theirs. In the future, their children and grandchildren would grow up here. This gold belonged to them, didn't it?

Su Qing seemed to grasp his meaning, though for some reason, it still felt a bit odd to her. But since Zhou Yuwen was the head of the household, whatever he said, went.

Zhou Yuwen also made some arrangements for Su Qing. For instance, while he was back in China, she was to carefully guard this place. Once he returned, he would organize for others to come over.

Su Qing immediately assured him that leaving things in her and Wanting's hands wouldn't be a problem.

Originally, when it was time to leave for China, Zhou Yuwen had considered taking a few small items from the Treasure Room back to have professionals appraise them. But on second thought, he decided against it. It was better to just have Lu Wanting use her Connections to auction a few pieces in Europe and see how much they fetched.

After everything was settled, Zhou Yuwen, Zheng Yanyan, and the others finally embarked on their journey back home.

This overseas trip was an unforgettable experience for the girls. Sitting on the Airplane, they felt Dazed. The discovery of the gold had made the entire trip to the United States feel surreal, almost like a Dream. It wasn't until they finally set foot back on domestic soil that they felt as though they had woken up.

Because they were returning right before the New Year, things were a bit rushed. Shen Yu's home was in Gusu, which was manageable; Zhou Yuwen simply arranged a car to take her straight home. Zheng Yanyan's home was in Jingcheng, so Zhou Yuwen bought her a First-Class Air Ticket and saw her off as well.

To be honest, out of all the girls, Zhou Yuwen was probably the most worried about Zheng Yanyan. When dropping her off at the Airport, he couldn't help but repeatedly remind her not to talk nonsense to anyone.

This made Zheng Yanyan very unhappy. She pouted her lips and complained, "What do you mean by that? You didn't say nearly this much when you saw Shen Yu off."

Zhou Yuwen chuckled. "Well, didn't I just forget?"

"Hmph!"

Zheng Yanyan let out a coquettish Pout.

In February, the weather in Jiangnan was already bitterly cold, yet Zheng Yanyan was only wearing a jacket over a Dress, with her long legs clad in Over-the-Knee Boots. In the Waiting Room, she wrapped her arms directly around Zhou Yuwen's waist, pouting as she acted spoiled. "Hubby, I made such a huge contribution to you, aren't you going to give me a reward?"

Hearing this, Zhou Yuwen feigned dissatisfaction. "Didn't I just buy you a bag?"

"Oh, I don't want that kind of reward," Zheng Yanyan whined.

Zhou Yuwen asked, "Then what do you want?"

Zheng Yanyan's eyes darted around as she thought for a long time before finally saying, "Come to Jingcheng and meet my parents after the New Year!"

Truth be told, Zheng Yanyan had zero interest in gold or anything of the sort. She had no concept of the true significance behind that hoard of gold and Antiques. And it wasn't just Zheng Yanyan; the other girls likely felt the same. They believed that while they had seen the treasure, it ultimately belonged to Zhou Yuwen. As long as they were his Women, they could bask in his glory. If they ever stopped being his women, then no matter how much wealth was in that room, it would have absolutely nothing to do with them.

Therefore, seeing all that wealth only solidified their resolve to stick by Zhou Yuwen's side. Why would they ever go around babbling about it? Zheng Yanyan loved to show off, yes, but she also knew better than to flaunt true wealth. Compared to those treasures, Zheng Yanyan cared far more about Zhou Yuwen coming home with her as a Son-in-Law. After all, her parents already knew of his existence. Especially after their last Video Call, her Mother had been constantly urging her to set up a formal meeting when they had the time. As soon as the Airplane landed, Zheng Yanyan had contacted her Mother.

Her Mother had immediately said, "Since you're back in the country, see when Little Zhou is free and bring him home for a visit."

Zheng Yanyan desperately wanted to, but she was also afraid that Zhou Yuwen would find her too troublesome.

So, she had to tread somewhat carefully.

Hearing that this was her only request, Zhou Yuwen felt it was entirely reasonable. He simply noted that with the New Year approaching, he might not have the time right now.

"Let me see if I have time after the holidays. If I do, I'll head over."

"Really!?" Zheng Yanyan's eyes lit up. "Can I tell my parents that when I get back?"

"Of course you can," Zhou Yuwen replied.

"Yay, love you Hubby!"

Zheng Yanyan happily boarded the Airplane.

Lu Lin had also traveled to the United States with Zhou Yuwen previously, but she didn't return with them. In her own words, she had nothing to do back home anyway and wanted to stay in the United States for a few more days to keep Su Qing company.

Lu Lin's relationship with her Family seemed to have always been somewhat distant, though she never elaborated, and Zhou Yuwen didn't pry. He simply agreed, noting that it was a good arrangement since Su Qing and Sister Wanting might get bored in the United States.

"Then make sure to spend more time with them."

Thus, after Zhou Yuwen saw Zheng Yanyan off, Li Shiqi was the only one left by his side, still temporarily serving as his secretary.

Tao Tian and the others had actually already taken their annual leave and gone home for the holidays. Only Li Shiqi remained faithfully at her post as his secretary. When Zhou Yuwen and the rest returned from the United States, it was Li Shiqi who drove to the Airport to pick them up.

Li Shiqi had a very strong learning ability. Even though she hadn't been with the company for long, she had already proven herself to be a highly competent Assistant. While Zhou Yuwen was away, Li Shiqi had been managing his affairs. If it was something she had the authority to decide, she handled it herself and informed Zhou Yuwen during their evening Phone Calls. If it was beyond her scope, she consulted with Tao Tian and the others.

Even Tao Tian had praised Li Shiqi in front of Zhou Yuwen, remarking that as a Top Student from Jinling University, she truly operated on a different level.

"It won't be long before the rest of us have to step aside for her." After saying this, Tao Tian let out a giggle.

Zhou Yuwen could only respond helplessly, saying that even if people were stepping aside, she certainly wouldn't be one of them.

After seeing Zheng Yanyan off, Zhou Yuwen emerged from the Waiting Room to find Li Shiqi waiting for him, dressed in a red OL Uniform.

The red OL Suit Skirt paired with red-soled High Heels was a bold choice that not many people could pull off, but it certainly carried a distinct charm that fit Li Shiqi's personal aesthetic perfectly.

Zhou Yuwen noticed that Li Shiqi was also wearing Lipstick, her Shawl-Length Hair cascading smoothly down her back. Standing at a well-proportioned 168 centimeters, she looked quite elegant. Compared to a true White-Collar Beauty, Li Shiqi might still appear slightly green, but it was precisely this forced maturity masking her youthful innocence that gave Zhou Yuwen a completely different sensation.

As soon as Zhou Yuwen stepped out, Li Shiqi automatically fell into step behind him.

Zhou Yuwen asked Li Shiqi if all the luggage was packed and ready.

"Are we heading straight home in a bit?"

"Mhm, everything is packed," Li Shiqi nodded.

This time, their journey home still consisted of a convoy of two G-Wagons. Liu Shuo drove the lead vehicle, while several bodyguards followed in the second.

Right now, Liu Shuo and the others were waiting right outside the Airport.

The moment Zhou Yuwen came out, they hit the Expressway directly. The drive from Jinling to Xuhuai was only a two-hour journey.

It had been a while since he last saw Liu Shuo. He seemed to have bulked up quite a bit, though he had also gotten significantly tanner.

In Liu Shuo's own words, it was impossible not to get dark when he was running around outside all day.

Zhou Yuwen asked, "Can't you just have your subordinates run those errands?"

"I don't trust the guys under me, bro," Liu Shuo replied with a bitter grimace.

Zhou Yuwen told him that there was nothing to worry about and that he needed to learn how to delegate. There would only be more and more work in the future. If he personally handled everything, wouldn't he just work himself to death?

Liu Shuo chuckled as he drove, replying, "My bro is right."

During the two-hour drive, Zhou Yuwen asked Liu Shuo about the current state of the Xuhuai Association.

Liu Shuo sighed, saying it started out fine. Initially, they had planned to ride the coattails of the Food Delivery Company and expand nationwide. However, things became increasingly chaotic, making expansion impossible. The biggest issue was that people were exploiting the Xuhuai Association's name to scam and swagger around. It got so bad that even I received calls interrogating me about it a couple of times.

"Damn it, there's just no stopping it. Those guys aren't genuinely trying to join our Xuhuai Association. They just want a free ride to slack off. Damn it all!" Even just thinking about it made Liu Shuo seethe with anger.

Zhou Yuwen told him, "I told you ages ago, that whole Brotherhood act belongs in a past century. We're living in a civilized society now. You're not a kid anymore; it's high time you snapped out of those childish role-playing games."

"Then what should we do now? Disband the Xuhuai Association?" Liu Shuo asked.

Zhou Yuwen said that disbanding wasn't necessary, but the way Liu Shuo had been managing it definitely wouldn't work. In reality, the guys following him mostly came from poor family backgrounds and were just looking for a sense of security. Relying purely on loud, empty slogans wasn't going to cut it.

"If you ask me, stop accepting every random person who walks through the door. Focus on doing a few good, tangible things. After the New Year, I'll put up five hundred million to establish a Xuhuai Student Aid Foundation. You go through your subordinates and find a few who have decent learning ability but had to stop their education due to financial constraints. Have a proper chat with them. For anyone who wants to continue Studying, we'll sponsor their education. Whether they want to go abroad or pursue a master's degree, we'll cover all the expenses. Of course, it's not a free ride. The condition is that they have to work for our Group for ten years."