Ch 17: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

At the auction, the same Li Shao who had previously mocked Shen Yunxuan also showed up. Among their peers, he was known for his frequent investments, with mixed results. Recently, he had suffered a significant loss, leaving him in a foul mood. Talking about the plot of land, he sneered to those around him:

“At that auction, Mrs. Huo was sitting right next to me. I told her that plot was a wasteland, but she went ahead and bid without a word of response before leaving. Even if we wanted to help, there was nothing we could do.”

His words reminded everyone of the saying, “Good advice is wasted on those who won’t listen.” Some attendees shook their heads. Even with insider tips, Shen Yunxuan had insisted on buying that land, which made her seem not only lacking in foresight but also unwilling to take advice.

Li Shao continued: “Still, Mrs. Huo had the self-awareness to stay low-key. Knowing she might lose face if the investment failed, she wore a mask the whole time and barely spoke during the auction. If it hadn’t been for her family leaking the news that she invested in the land, no one would have known she bought it.”

Someone asked curiously, “Why would her family spread such news? It’s not exactly flattering.”

“You don’t know? Her sister spread it. The two sisters don’t get along. Apparently, Mrs. Huo has always been the less favored one at home. Even her marriage happened because her sister didn’t want to marry into the Huo family.”

“I see. No wonder her investment was so impulsive. A lot of people get reckless when they first taste power. As long as she doesn’t keep acting this way, it should be fine.”

“But if she keeps this up, she might really earn herself the title of ‘the prodigal daughter-in-law of the richest family.'”

As more people joined in on the chatter, the banquet meant to welcome Huo Siming slowly devolved, thanks to Shen Yunrui’s subtle instigation, into a gathering mocking Shen Yunxuan’s investment skills. Many attendees weren’t malicious; they were just caught up in the gossip. After all, Shen Yunxuan was young, had married into immense wealth, and flawlessly organized events that drew praise from the elders—an easy target for envy.

As the gossip spread, someone suddenly asked, “Wait, are you all talking about that plot of land in the western suburbs? Why would it lose money? Isn’t the government planning to relocate there soon?”

The group fell silent. Li Shao scoffed, “Where did you hear that joke? Government relocation to the west? Ridiculous.”

But someone nearby nudged him and whispered, “That’s the mayor’s nephew, Qi Shao. If he’s saying it, the information might actually be true!”

The group exchanged uncertain glances before Qi Shao called over someone else. “Hey, confirm this for me—aren’t they planning the government relocation westward? Did I get that wrong? Is it still under wraps?”

The newcomer laughed. “It’s not exactly a secret; they just haven’t officially announced it yet. It’s been shared in smaller circles while discussions with some developers about building plans are ongoing.”

In other words, major developers were already aware of this insider information, but it hadn’t been widely disclosed. Naturally, those who knew kept it tightly under wraps to capitalize on the opportunity.

Li Shao and the others were dumbfounded. “So… Mrs. Huo’s plot of land will be profitable?”

“Definitely. The soil might have some contamination, but with proper treatment, she’ll more than make her money back!”

Qi Shao asked for the specific location of the plot and exclaimed, “What a coincidence! That land is right next to the new city hall site. Whether it’s developed for residential housing, a shopping mall, or additional government buildings, it’s in a prime location. Its value will increase at least tenfold!”

The group collectively gasped.

Tenfold!

And that was a conservative estimate. With skillful management, the profit margin could be even higher.

In other words, thanks to this relocation, Shen Yunxuan’s plot of land didn’t just avoid losing the one billion she invested—it could now yield a profit of ten billion or more!

This was Shen Yunxuan’s first-ever investment!

Moreover, this wasn’t a case of exploiting pre-existing insider information. Qi Shao mentioned that the government’s westward relocation had only been finalized recently, and the new city hall site had just been decided a few days prior. There was no way Shen Yunxuan could have known this during the auction. Either she had extraordinary foresight or incredible luck.

Most people leaned toward the latter, but either way, Shen Yunxuan was now seen as a rising star in investment. Scoring a ten-billion-yuan profit on a first try was the kind of feat one could boast about for a lifetime!

News of her success spread rapidly, not just among the younger crowd but throughout the entire banquet.

Even a few senior business partners approached Huo Siheng, marveling, “Your new wife is truly impressive.”

Huo Siheng was just as surprised. He had been abroad working on a major project and hadn’t been following these developments closely, so he wasn’t even aware of the government’s relocation plans. Learning that Shen Yunxuan not only avoided a loss but secured a massive profit filled him with a sense of pride. Smiling, he said, “Yunxuan is very thoughtful and diligent. She’s currently preparing some new ventures and investments. I hope you’ll all support her in the future.”

The seniors, who were hearing for the first time that Mrs. Huo intended to enter the business world, laughed and replied, “Of course! Mutual support is only natural.”

They all shared the same thought: Shen Yunxuan’s standing in the Huo family clearly wasn’t ornamental. She wasn’t a trophy wife—she was being groomed for genuine influence.

Madam Huo was surrounded by even more people praising Shen Yunxuan!

One lady exclaimed in astonishment, “Earlier, I heard Yunxuan lost a billion on that investment, but now it turns out she’s made ten billion instead. What a twist! You’ve really married a lucky daughter-in-law.”

Madam Huo smiled and said, “I knew from the start that she was blessed. Yunxuan is thoughtful, sincere, and kind. I believe good fortune comes from one’s own virtues. She treats others with genuine kindness, so of course, good things come her way!”

Another person added, “You must be over the moon—your son is brilliant, and your daughter-in-law is too. It looks like the Huo family’s position as the wealthiest is secure for generations to come.”

Madam Huo, humble but clearly pleased, replied, “It’s not that exaggerated. As long as the kids enjoy their work, that’s all that matters. Whether we remain the wealthiest doesn’t matter to me. As long as they’re safe and healthy, I’m happy. But yes, with them doing so well, I do have fewer worries and can just focus on enjoying life.”

These words drew admiration and envy. Many families struggled with unmotivated or troublesome children, worrying endlessly. In contrast, Madam Huo’s son and daughter-in-law were not only filial and capable but also incredibly successful. It was enough to make others green with envy.

After having some soup to sober up and touching up her makeup, Shen Yunxuan returned to the banquet. She immediately noticed a change in atmosphere—people’s gazes toward her had shifted. Confused, she looked herself over, wondering if something was wrong.

Huo Siheng noticed her bewilderment and approached with a smile. “Congratulations. I just heard the government is relocating west. The value of your land has increased tenfold.”

Shen Yunxuan was surprised the news had spread so quickly but soon smiled. “Thank you, and congratulations to you too. The residential area Huo Corporation is planning in the western suburbs has also appreciated significantly.”

The two clinked glasses in celebration before Huo Siheng guided her toward their business partners to facilitate introductions and explore potential collaborations.

Qi Shao came over to greet them with a smile. “This is my first banquet since moving to the capital, and I didn’t expect to hear such a legendary story about Mrs. Huo. I toast to you. I hope we can collaborate in the future.”

Having interacted with Qi Shao in her previous life, Shen Yunxuan knew he was a good person. She was genuinely pleased to meet him earlier this time around—it meant her future path would be smoother.

After clinking glasses, Qi Shao glanced at Li Shao with a mischievous smile. “Li Shao was quite vocal earlier. Why are you so quiet now? Didn’t you and Mrs. Huo have a brief encounter at the auction?”

Li Shao’s expression shifted. While he was usually brash, he knew his place within the hierarchy. Especially as someone who loved investments, he respected those with superior skills. Even if he believed Shen Yunxuan’s success was mostly luck, her ten-billion-yuan profit had already cemented her as a legend in the field.

Humbled, Li Shao approached Shen Yunxuan with a glass of wine, bowing slightly. “Mrs. Huo, I apologize for my rudeness at the auction and the thoughtless remarks I made today. It was shortsighted and impulsive of me. Please forgive me.”

Shen Yunxuan recognized him from her previous life. While he lacked remarkable talent, he wasn’t a bad person and had a younger brother who later demonstrated exceptional business acumen. She even planned to collaborate with his brother in the future. Smiling, she clinked glasses with him. “I’ve already forgotten about it. It’s good we’ve cleared up any misunderstandings.”

Li Shao had prepared to be rebuffed but was taken aback by her magnanimity. His admiration for her deepened as he called others over to toast her. He even reminded them not to pressure her to drink too much.

Madam Huo soon swooped in to “steal” Shen Yunxuan, proudly introducing her to a group of distinguished ladies and young women. She couldn’t stop praising her daughter-in-law, as though announcing to the world that she had the best, most perfect daughter-in-law.

For a time, Shen Yunxuan became the star of the event. Those who had previously been envious or critical of her now kept their distance, while those with clear judgment openly admired her accomplishments. Many attendees, especially those seeking business partnerships, eagerly approached her with their cards. There were so many that Shen Yunxuan couldn’t hold them all, prompting Huo Siheng to assign Yang An to assist her.

Some senior guests, watching her converse confidently and fluently, even joked with Huo Siheng, “Mrs. Huo seems even more like a CEO than you!”

Huo Siheng looked at Shen Yunxuan, his gaze filled with amusement and appreciation. He had initially thought she was a fledgling, but now he saw the potential of an eagle ready to soar. He couldn’t wait to witness her rise to greatness.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunrui stood in a corner, utterly isolated. People actively avoided her, and some whispered while pointing in her direction. Even if she didn’t hear their words, she knew they were mocking her. Earlier, she had claimed that Shen Yunxuan’s investments were a weakness, only for Shen Yunxuan’s first investment to yield ten billion yuan in profits.

She had wanted to see Shen Yunxuan humiliated, but now she was the one being laughed at. What stung most was that she had known about the government’s relocation but had been too preoccupied to connect the dots. By the time the news spread, it was too late for her to capitalize on the opportunity.

Seething with frustration and jealousy, she glared daggers at Shen Yunxuan from the shadows. Enjoy this while it lasts. The Huo family is bound to collapse soon. This banquet will be your last moment of glory!

But despite her thoughts, the envy gnawed at her insides. Unable to endure it any longer, she stormed out of the room. Any longer, and she feared she might lose control and lash out.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆

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