Chapter 530: The Dispute Begins
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"Mr. Chu, the antiques on the ninetieth floor of Tianxiang Garden were all collected by the wealthiest, Zhang Dahua. Many of them are rare treasures from hundreds of years ago. I recall when Tianxiang Garden first opened, I had the honor of attending the opening ceremony. At that time, Zhang Dahua stated proudly that just the antiques on the ninetieth floor, if auctioned off, would be worth no less than six billion. Mr. Chu acquiring Tianxiang Garden for twenty-two billion last year was really worth it!"
Liu Manli, the richest woman, with a net worth of two hundred and seventy billion, ranks only behind Zhang Dahua and Chairman Ali Ma Yu in the entire Hua Country's rich list, placing her third among Hua Country's wealthiest.
Chu Mo stood quietly beside her when he suddenly turned and pointed to a painting behind him, smiling as he spoke:
"What Ms. Liu may not know is that some time ago, I just moved some antiques from my house here, such as this painting of 'Reclining Nude' by Chang Yu, fetching a price of one hundred and ninety million, which set a world auction record for Chang Yu at the time.
For instance, this painting by Wu Guanzhong, 'Lotus I,' selling at a price of one hundred and thirty million, and 'Untitled' by Zhao Wuji, similarly valued over a hundred million.
The sixty billion estimate was the price when Tianxiang Garden was first established four years ago. Now, with the addition of over twenty pieces from my collection each valued over a hundred million, the total worth of all the jewelry on the ninety-sixth floor should be over a hundred billion."
"Mr. Chu has a grand gesture. Aren't you afraid of someone taking advantage of this and walking away with one or two treasures? Just any one of them could ensure an ordinary person lives without financial worries for a lifetime!"
Liu Manli's eyes sparkled with amusement as she teased him in a relaxed tone. Chu Mo turned toward her, looking directly at the mature woman before him, and said calmly:
"Those who desire can't take them away, and those who can take them away won't desire them. However, if Miss Liu sees something she likes, feel free to take it. To be honest, I still owe Miss Liu a favor. It's not just about one or two treasures here— even if Miss Liu were to take everything from this place, I wouldn't frown."
The seductively charming female tycoon gently curved her lips, casually pointing to the centerpiece 'Painting 17A' worth two hundred million USD, her voice coquettish:
"Then I won't be polite. This painting sold for 1.6 billion over a decade ago; if it went to auction now, it would certainly fetch no less than two billion. I wonder if Mr. Chu can bear to part with it."
Upon hearing this, without any hesitation, Chu Mo gestured to a maid behind him. As a beautiful maid dressed in a dark blue cheongsam respectfully stepped forward, Chu Mo spoke flatly:
"Wrap up 'Painting 17A.' When Miss Liu leaves, give it to her."
The maid immediately nodded in respect.
At this moment, Liu Manli suddenly covered her mouth to suppress a giggle. At thirty-six, the mature woman still possessed the charm of a twenty-year-old girl. She playfully patted Chu Mo's shoulder, her eyes charming as the female tycoon spoke with a smile:
"I was just joking. How could I presume to ask for something so valuable from Mr. Chu!"
Chu Mo made an inviting gesture beside him and then walked shoulder to shoulder with her toward a sitting area on one side. They strode along as Chu Mo said earnestly:
"I'm not joking. Honestly, without Miss Liu's influence, a Grandmaster like Lei Ting would never have considered joining me... However, I'm not sure whether I should say this, but Miss Liu is at that age, and as a Grandmaster, Lei Ting is willing to compromise and remain a bodyguard by my side for you. It seems his feelings for Miss Liu are genuine. Have you considered Lei Ting at all?"
The previously smiling Liu Manli gradually sobered up and sat with Chu Mo in a seating area by the window on the ninety-sixth floor. From this vantage point, they could see the myriad of lives below as tiny as ants, nearly half of the sprawling metropolis within view.
Breathing gently, Liu Manli's demeanor turned somewhat helpless as she spoke with a pensive gaze:
"This is where Mr. Chu is not informed. In fact, the reason Lei Ting ended up being your bodyguard was my father's dying wish. Before my father passed, he made three decisions: the first was to ask Lei Ting to ensure my safety, the second was to entrust our entire Liu family under Mr. Chu's protection, as only in this way could we withstand the pressure from the eight major families!
As for the third one... I haven't made up my mind yet. When I've decided, I'll tell you."
Chu Mo's brow furrowed slightly. At that moment, a shapely maid brought in fine wine. The top-grade red wine, worth millions, had been decanted in advance, and thus was at its most flavorful. After the maid served wine to both and retreated, Chu Mo spoke with curiosity:
"Since Uncle Liu wanted Lei Ting to protect your safety, why did Lei Ting come to me? Don't you need people by your side right now?"
Losing the flirtatious look in her eyes, the gorgeous woman with a hint of sorrow in her demeanor replied softly:
"What else could it be except that Lei Ting knew mere martial force couldn't truly ensure the safety of our entire Liu family? After much thought, he decided that only by seeking your protection Mr. Chu, could we truly stand against the eight major families and ensure our complete security, prompting his decision to go to Capital City to find you!
The other reason is that he dares not face me. I've said before that I was Lei Ting's dilemma; it took him fifteen years to get over me, enabling him to reach the Grandmaster Realm. As long as he's not satisfied, as long as he aspires to climb to higher realms, he cannot stay by my side. Moreover..."
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