After Divorce, I Can Hear the Future

Chapter 14: Playing Something New

"Good thing you didn’t sell; just hold on to it for now."

Lu Liang didn’t ask how much Zhang Qian had invested—probably just a few thousand yuan, nothing that would impact the market.

Knowing how cautious Zhang Qian was, he figured she’d only tested the waters with a small amount, definitely not going all in.

Lu Liang looked at the 19.25-yuan price cap and his holding of 588,800 shares.

He sold 3,800 shares, cashing out 73,100 yuan.

Even though he knew the stock would double in price and peak at 39.82 yuan, his recent expenses—gym membership, a high-performance computer—had left him with only a few thousand yuan.

If he didn’t take some cash out now, he’d barely be able to afford gas.

“Got it. I’ll follow your advice.”

Zhang Qian responded eagerly, then asked cautiously, “Brother Liang, what’s kept you so busy lately? I haven’t seen you around.”

From his tone, she sensed the stock still had room to rise, and she wanted to know when it might peak or whether she should invest more. After all, she had another 500,000 yuan in liquid funds.

Working as a marketing manager at Renaisa brought in good money, anywhere from ten to seventy thousand yuan a month, but it was hard-earned. Stocks were a much quicker route if there was a real chance to make more.

“I’ve been busy moving.” Catching her hint, Lu Liang invited Zhang Qian to check out his new place.

“Perfect! I’ve got a few days off, so I can come by and help you settle in, maybe see if there’s anything else you need.”

When she heard the address was at Tomson Riviera in Lujiazui, Zhang Qian couldn’t help but be impressed.

Then again, with him driving a multi-million-yuan Bentley, living in a top-tier luxury apartment made sense.

After their call, Zhang Qian hurriedly touched up her makeup and drove across the river in her little car to Tomson Riviera.

Since it was her first visit, she needed him to personally let her in.

Lu Liang, still monitoring the stock’s movement, received her call. “Wait a moment—I’ll be right down.”

He glanced at the bottom right of the screen; it was just before 11:30, with a bit more time left in the morning session.

“Money really is a wonderful thing.” Lu Liang chuckled, slipping on his slippers and humming as he headed to the west gate.

He remembered where Zhang Qian lived; the trip should’ve taken at least forty minutes, plus time to get ready. That she’d arrived in under an hour and a half meant she hadn’t wasted a minute.

Seeing her at the gate, Lu Liang noted how different she looked from her work attire.

She wore a long, pale green dress that flowed in the breeze, showing off her slim waist and graceful figure. The hem fluttered, revealing white, strappy heels with dainty, pale pink toenails. Topped with a straw hat, light makeup, and a beauty mark by her lip, she was both fresh and alluring.

Though she wasn’t young anymore, age hadn’t left deep marks on her; if anything, it added a layer of sophistication.

“You look stunning today,” Lu Liang complimented sincerely. If a nine-tailed fox spirit could take human form, she would look just like this.

Zhang Qian had an impressive range—she could look seductive, elegant, or even dignified like a socialite.

The passing women at the entrance were well-dressed, but somehow they couldn’t quite match her.

Lu Liang’s thoughts drifted to Li Manli; if compared to Zhang Qian, Li Manli’s main asset seemed to be her youth.

“So, was I not pretty before?” Zhang Qian covered her mouth with a laugh, clearly pleased—her efforts in getting ready hadn’t gone to waste.

Though she’d never had formal training, her experience taught her exactly how to dress for different occasions.

“You’ve always looked great, but today is extra special.” Lu Liang signed her in, allowing the gatekeeper to let her through.

Then he directed her Beetle to a spot in the underground parking area. Since he only had one parking space occupied by his Bentley, they had to walk a little farther to reach the elevator.

It was Zhang Qian’s first time here at one of the country’s top complexes. Though curious, she kept herself composed, trying not to look out of place.

But once they exited the elevator and stepped through the long hallway, Zhang Qian was stunned as Lu Liang opened the door, revealing a vast balcony with an unbeatable river view.

After all, without being born into wealth, most people would never have the chance to see this view from such a vantage point.

Looking at Lu Liang, her gaze grew warmer. He was one of those people—born without it, yet here he was.

The apartment’s decor was modern and luxurious, but the boxes stacked in one corner spoiled the effect.

“Brother Liang, your place has a bit of a… casual vibe,” Zhang Qian finally said, finding a tactful way to put it.

“If it’s not needed, I just leave it there. I’ll have housekeeping clear it out in a few days.”

Over the past few days, Lu Liang had accumulated a lot of boxes from deliveries but hadn’t bothered to carry them downstairs, figuring he’d have the cleaners handle it during their weekly visits.

“It does look a bit messy, though.” Unable to hold back, Zhang Qian shrugged off her shawl and started tidying up, quickly stacking the boxes in one corner of the balcony.

“There. A bit of effort, and it’s tidier already.”

“True, a woman’s touch makes a difference,” Lu Liang said, putting an arm around her waist. Her slender frame fit perfectly in his grip, about two and a half hands around.

Burying his head in her soft, slightly wavy, wine-red hair, he took a deep breath. “Did you change your perfume? It smells different from last time.”

“Do you like it?” Zhang Qian rested her hand on his, glancing around the empty-feeling apartment, briefly wondering if they could be more than just friends. But just as the thought emerged, she brushed it aside.

Years ago, she’d learned her lesson. Now, she was only focused on making money.

“I like it.” Lu Liang whispered, slowly lifting her skirt.

Facing the river breeze, he thought it would be something unique to have her by the balcony, looking over the river.

“It’s already noon. Shouldn’t we eat first?” Zhang Qian teased, slipping out of his reach with a mischievous smile.

Men never valued what came too easily.

Sometimes, a bit of resistance was the best allure. Like a spring, the more it’s compressed, the more forcefully it rebounds.

If she let Lu Liang get what he wanted whenever he pleased, he’d lose interest soon, and her charm would lose its hold.

“So, what do you feel like having for lunch?” Lu Liang took a breath, smiling as he reined in his desire.

“Relax, I’m all yours these next few days.” Zhang Qian gave him a tender look, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his cheek.

With that, she skipped over to the semi-open kitchen. Though the appliances were all there, there wasn’t a trace of oil or cooking remnants.

She checked the cabinets and called out, “Brother Liang, when was the last time you ate at home? I’m actually a good cook—want me to make you something?”

Given Lu Liang’s background—someone who had climbed up from the bottom and gone through a divorce—standard tactics probably wouldn’t work on him.

Zhang Qian decided to take a different approach. She wouldn’t actually invest her emotions, but she’d play the part, aiming to give him a taste of a cozy home life.

“With you that confident, I’d be rude to refuse.” Lu Liang’s lips curled in a slight smile as he touched the spot on his cheek where she’d kissed him.

“I’ll check the nearby grocery delivery options, but we’ll need to buy quite a few things.” Zhang Qian pulled out her phone and began placing an order.

Leaning against the wall of the kitchen, Lu Liang watched her closely, narrowing his eyes.

It looked like she was trying something new—a type of “act,” perhaps?

But he didn’t mind. In fact, he looked forward to seeing Zhang Qian’s performance, knowing full well what she was after. The power would remain in his hands.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!