Tycoon: From Rags to Riches

[Prerequisite Task 2: Settle Down]

[Task Content: A home is more than just a space that guarantees basic survival; it is a spiritual harbor that sustains social connections and provides a sense of belonging. It is also a key asset for hedging against inflation and a crucial vehicle for the allocation of social resources. The Host is required to purchase a residence within Beichun District.]

[Task Reward: Housewarming Gift Package ×1]

[Note: The lavishness of the reward is directly correlated with the quality of the residence.]

...

Before, Gu Heng was just a poor kid.

His only requirement for a place to live was that it could shelter him from the wind and rain.

Now that Gu Heng was worth hundreds of millions, he naturally wouldn’t go back to living in that shabby rental in the old district. After all, the public safety situation there was far from ideal.

Under these circumstances, buying a house logically became Gu Heng’s top priority.

In truth, ever since being abandoned by his parents, Gu Heng had always harbored a deep-seated desire to have a home of his own.

A million city lights, but not one to call home.

Whenever he saw this scene during the holidays, Gu Heng would be overcome with a lingering sadness.

Originally, during his hospital stay, he had planned to rent a large, well-furnished apartment in the city center after being discharged, just to have a temporary place to stay.

But after seeing Prerequisite Task 2, he changed his mind.

Since he had a chance to get a reward from Brother Tongzi, he was determined to do whatever it took to get the best one possible.

The main reason was that Brother Tongzi’s first reward had been so absurdly generous that it had left a deep impression on him, filling him with anticipation for future rewards.

Although the national property market had been sluggish in recent years, making it perhaps not the wisest move to buy a luxury home right now, he had Brother Tongzi’s guaranteed reward to fall back on.

Even if he knew he might lose money in the future, he had to take the plunge.

At this thought, Gu Heng looked at Qian Zhengxing, and his eyes suddenly lit up.

"Governor Qian, I’m thinking of buying a property in Beichun soon, something of the highest possible quality. I was wondering if you might have any connections?"

Gu Heng didn’t stand on ceremony with Qian Zhengxing, asking him directly.

"But of course."

Qian Zhengxing was momentarily stunned but quickly replied, "I’m not sure if Mr. Gu is looking to buy a villa or a large apartment? Do you have any special requirements regarding location, school districts, or access to medical resources?"

"As long as it’s in the city proper and preferably well-furnished, I have no other requirements."

Gu Heng responded, "As for whether it’s a villa or a large apartment, I’d like to see both if possible."

"Understood."

"I’ll contact President Wang of Shenglong Real Estate for you shortly. Shenglong Real Estate also handles brokerage services; they’re the leading company for high-end properties in Beichun. Many of our private banking clients have purchased properties through them."

After speaking, Qian Zhengxing glanced at Luo Xiwen, who was standing beside Gu Heng. "Mr. Gu, how about we let Xi Wen liaise with Shenglong Real Estate on this? You can contact Xi Wen whenever you’re free, and she can accompany you to see the properties."

Hearing this, Luo Xiwen tucked a stray wisp of hair behind her ear and looked up at Gu Heng, her expression respectful and sincere.

"Alright, let’s do that."

Gu Heng nodded slightly, not refusing Qian Zhengxing’s kind offer.

Afterward, they chatted for another ten minutes or so while Luo Xiwen helped Gu Heng complete the registration process.

Luo Xiwen returned Gu Heng’s phone with both hands and explained, "Mr. Gu, you’ll just need to wait another ten minutes or so. Our staff is currently preparing your card."

"Mm."

Gu Heng took the phone, glanced at his bank account balance, and then at the time. He decided he had to go on a major spending spree soon.

Perhaps for any ordinary person, having a car and a house is the ultimate symbol of a happy life.

Gu Heng was no different; he had a deep-seated fixation on owning a house and a car.

The house couldn’t be rushed, but a car... he could have that in an instant.

He thought back to the other day when he was delivering food and passed a Mercedes-Benz 4S store. The memory of the display car he saw there sparked an impulse within him.

Gu Heng had gotten his driver’s license three months ago.

According to his original five-year plan, he was supposed to work hard, save money, and then buy a small car to become a rideshare driver. That way, he wouldn’t have to brave the elements every day—he’d have AC in the summer and heat in the winter.

But an unexpected turn of events had allowed him to achieve financial freedom in an instant.

Spend!

He had to spend, and spend big!

He had suppressed the urge to spend for four days, and now he couldn’t hold it back any longer.

Gu Heng picked up his phone, used a map app to find the number for that Mercedes-Benz 4S store, and, without any hesitation in front of Qian Zhengxing and Luo Xiwen, dialed it directly.

"Hello."

"Excuse me, is that Maybach GLS 600 still in the showroom?"

As soon as the call connected, Gu Heng got straight to the point.

"It is."

The person on the other end was clearly taken aback, answering subconsciously.

"Is it for sale?"

"It is."

"Okay, thank you."

Gu Heng had the answer he wanted. He said nothing more and hung up.

After Gu Heng finished his call, Qian Zhengxing asked tentatively, "Mr. Gu, are you planning to buy a car?"

"Yes."

"I plan to go take a look later."

Gu Heng nodded. "If everything checks out, I plan to take delivery today."

"Mr. Gu, would you mind telling me which Mercedes-Benz 4S store it is?"

"The Zhongxing Mercedes-Benz 4S Store."

Upon hearing this, Qian Zhengxing immediately pulled his phone from his trousers. "Mr. Gu, the owner of the Zhongxing Mercedes-Benz 4S Store is also a client of CMB’s private banking. I know him. Let me give him a call for you; I’ll make sure you get the best possible price."

"Then thank you, Governor Qian."

Gu Heng watched Qian Zhengxing make the call, impressed by his familiar tone with the person on the other end. He couldn’t help but marvel at how well-connected the man was.

"Mr. Gu, I’ve spoken with the owner. You can head over directly."

Qian Zhengxing hung up and turned to Gu Heng, then gestured to Luo Xiwen. "Xi Wen, you’ll accompany Mr. Gu. If you run into any problems on-site, call me immediately, and I’ll contact the owner directly."

"Okay."

Luo Xiwen nodded in agreement.

After that call from Pudong Development Bank, she knew that the core of her job from now on was to serve Gu Heng well.

If she did anything to displease Gu Heng and he complained to Qian Zhengxing,

she would probably find herself back at square one overnight, kicked out of private banking by Qian Zhengxing and sent back to being a teller at a small branch.

But if she served Gu Heng well...

Luo Xiwen gazed at Gu Heng’s rather handsome side profile, and her heart began to beat a little faster.

...

「Fifteen minutes later.」

Gu Heng successfully received his ultra-premium private banking debit card, a CMB Centurion Black Card, and a collection of top-tier membership cards for numerous malls, hotels, and private clubs.

Finally, Qian Zhengxing personally saw him and Luo Xiwen into a Reelfa executive van, watching as it departed from the CMB private bank and headed toward the Zhongxing Mercedes-Benz 4S Store...