Chapter 139: The Value of Zhang Long, Staying the Night, and Passion

Who is Zhang Long?

If, before the Lunar New Year, he was a complete unknown in certain circles, then over the past few days of the holiday—with the Qian family’s "witch" skipping the family gathering to go on a luxury cruise with a man—the name Zhang Long could no longer be considered entirely obscure.

Whether or not he was Qian Caiying’s first new boyfriend in years, some second-generation elites made a mental note of the name, just in case they crossed paths and found themselves woefully uninformed.

***

"Is Zhang Long backed by the Qian family?"

On the afternoon of February 14th, Manager Liu of Huiyin met with Du Hong at a restaurant. Having inadvertently heard Zhang Long’s name from his cousin the day before—and knowing he’d gone on a luxury cruise with the Qian family’s young Miss Ying—he wondered if the Qian family was perhaps pulling some kind of financial scam.

"Not exactly."

Du Hong shook his head. "Though I don't know the specifics, Zhang Long’s relationship with Qian Caiying seems to be purely personal. They are friends, at the very least."

"However, since Zhang Long has stopped his spot trading, he likely won't be active again."

"I know that."

Liu Qingsong nodded. He hadn't invited Du Hong today to obsess over whether Zhang Long would trade again. Beyond asking about his background, he had another concern: "Among the ten people making money right now, everyone except Zhang Long relies on massive capital to brute-force their way to profits."

"You were at the meeting. Zhang Long’s transaction logs were, to say the least, rational—absolutely rational."

"Could there be some kind of trick?"

This was what worried Liu Qingsong. But Du Hong shook his head immediately. "Don't worry, there isn't. Zhang Long is just an outlier; there's no need to fear him. Aside from spot trading, he’s been making money in stocks too, earning quite a bit for Qian Caiying."

"He’s simply a genius in this field."

In spot trading, one doesn't fear those who use brute force with huge capital, because all it takes is one miscalculated position to suffer a crushing, near-fatal blow. It has happened before. For example, if a major market fluctuation occurs after the banks have closed for the night, one can only watch helplessly as their account explodes.

But Zhang Long wasn't like that. When he needed to cut a loss, he did so without hesitation; when it was time to rake in huge profits, he never showed mercy.

That was the terrifying part: he only gained and never lost.

"Stay vigilant, then."

Liu Qingsong exhaled. As long as they didn't see a string of 'Zhang Longs' popping up continuously, they would be fine. Brute-forcing profits with large capital wasn't scary; what was chilling was steady, absolute rational trading. If every firm had a few people like that, their annual returns would drop significantly, and that would be quite unpleasant.

***

"Why aren't you home? Why come to my place?"

Unable to stay at home, Qian Caiying had come directly to Ling Zhiqing’s residence. "I'm going back tonight. It’s Valentine’s Day, isn't it? I have to meet my treasure and express my longing."

"Pfft, I don't believe a word of it."

Ling Zhiqing knew what Qian Caiying was really here for. After a moment of hesitation, she lowered her gaze. "The Ling family’s current situation isn't great. I can't be too impulsive. Zhang Long is a man, not a god. I don't dare to gamble like you do."

"If the bet is lost, I'll have no chips left."

"Zhiqing, trust me. On that cruise, I saw with my own eyes how Zhang Long traded foreign exchange. His operations were as rational as a computer program. He really is a god."

Qian Caiying wasn't surprised by her best friend’s hesitation. Filial daughters were always torn. It wasn't that being filial was bad, but one had to consider if the sacrifice was worth it. "Marriage alliances are effective, yes, but you’ll be trapped in a quagmire for the rest of your life. Do you really want that?"

"Anyway, I don't want to marry someone I don't love, to share a bed and a life with a stranger."

"Otherwise, I’d rather never marry at all."

Ideologies are the hardest things to change, and Qian Caiying didn't intend to completely overhaul her friend’s mind. "Great families aren't built overnight, and the Ling family didn't fall from the sky."

"More importantly, it’s not as if a marriage alliance is the only way to solve the Ling family’s problems, is it?"

"It’s just that the cost to you is lower, and it makes resolving the crisis faster and easier."

"But what about the next crisis?"

Qian Caiying suddenly chuckled. "If the Ling family would collapse just because they lost you, that would be a joke. Look at our families—which one didn't fight its way up through a storm of swords and shadows? You know perfectly well how deep our foundations run. Unless you choose the wrong side entirely, you'll be fine."

"Let’s not worry about that as the younger generation. If you’re willing to let that playboy do whatever he wants to you in bed, then go ahead and accept the alliance."

"If you're willing to be 'plowed,' then pretend I said nothing."

That image was quite vivid. Ling Zhiqing shuddered instantly at the thought. Absolutely not.

A decision began to form in her heart.

***

"Brother-in-law, please, come in!"

By the afternoon, with no shortage of trading opportunities in the five hot foreign exchange products, Zhang Long had finished his day’s work and set off for the Luo family home in the northern suburbs. He had sent a WeChat message to Luo Man before entering the residential complex, and Luo Xin was naturally delighted to see him.

"Hi, Xiao Xin. Hello, Auntie."

Zhang Long greeted them warmly. Luo Xin’s little face was full of excitement, and Luo’s mother was equally happy and satisfied to see her eldest daughter’s outstanding boyfriend at their door.

He was handsome, wealthy, and didn't look down on their family’s circumstances—what more could she ask for? She was already hoping they would get married soon so she could hold a grandchild.

"You didn't have to bring anything..."

Luo’s mother offered the customary polite complaint—a universal phrase across the country during the New Year. Even outside the holidays, one usually brought gifts when visiting, and Zhang Long replied politely that it was just a small token of his appreciation.

Just like that, Zhang Long was officially welcomed inside.

Luo Man didn't say much, only wearing a blissful smile. The scene was heartwarming, and at that moment, all the recent sacrifices felt worth it. She was content.

Zhang Long, meanwhile, was completely at ease, chatting with Luo Xin and then with Luo’s mother, showcasing his sales-honed eloquence.

Luo’s mother was not old, yet her temples were already gray. At twenty-four, Luo Man was still young, and her mother couldn't be much older than fifty. However, she looked closer to sixty, clearly the result of years of hard labor. Her spirit remained strong, though; her eyes were sharp, and she was generally healthy.

At least according to Luo Man, her mother had never suffered any major illnesses, though her father had passed away due to sickness.

Luo Man was healthy, with no major issues.

The most unfortunate one was Luo Xin, who had been born prematurely. Her heart and lungs had not fully developed, and she had suffered from poor health and illness her entire life. Yet, the girl was incredibly strong. She was optimistic and cheerful, taking each day as it came.

***

"Open a fruit shop?"

In the living room, Luo’s mother was stunned. They hadn't been talking long before Zhang Long suggested opening a fruit shop for her. She was surprised, astonished, and at a loss for words.

"Yes, Auntie."

Zhang Long glanced at the Luo sisters, then looked at their mother and smiled. "As her boyfriend, I don't want Luo Man to carry so much pressure in her life and work. And what she worries about most is you and Luo Xin. I have to help her with that; I can't let her carry it all alone."

"Luo Xin is in college, which is fine; just watch her diet and ensure moderate exercise, and she'll be okay."

"But it’s different for you, Auntie."

Luo Man bit her lip, silent. Luo Xin’s face dimmed, and Luo’s mother’s expression turned complex. To receive such help before they were even married—the kindness was simply too great.

"Please, you really don't need to worry about it."

Zhang Long’s tone and expression were sincere. "Domestic work and nursing are decent, but they’re too exhausting, and you have to run around to different households all the time. It would be better to find a suitable location and open a fruit and fresh produce shop—preferably near the old neighborhood, where you're familiar with everything."

"I can easily afford to lease a shop. That way, you’ll have your own business, and Luo Man and Luo Xin won't have to worry. It’ll make things much easier for all of you."

"A good mindset makes everything better."

That was easy to say, but they weren't married yet. What if they broke up later? Of course, it wasn't the right way to think. One had to look toward the bright side—hoping they would tie the knot and walk through life together.

"Class monitor, what do you think?"

Zhang Long turned to look at Luo Man, smiling warmly. "If you’re happy, I’m happy. If you’re miserable and under pressure every day, I won't have any drive either. There's no point in me living a carefree life while my girlfriend suffers, right?"

"Sis, brother-in-law is asking you."

Luo Man’s eyes welled up with tears. She remained silent, just staring at Zhang Long. Seeing this, Luo Xin gave her sister a gentle nudge—stop with the public display of affection for now; she could be as intimate as she wanted in bed tonight, but for now, she needed to speak.

"Yeah... whatever you decide is fine."

Luo Man sniffed and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand to keep the tears from falling. She felt so touched and so happy today—she was so lucky.

So lucky that, on that day, she happened to be on duty when Zhang Long came to her window to deposit money. It was fate!

She had no way to repay him, other than to fulfill her duties as a girlfriend and ensure he was satisfied in both body and mind.

Tonight, on Valentine’s Day, she would stay and serve him.

***

"Wow, this must have been expensive."

During dinner, Luo Man and her mother were busy in the kitchen, and in the bedroom, Luo Xin was unwrapping gifts, most of which Zhang Long had purchased in Hong Kong. They were exquisite.

"It’s not expensive. As long as you like it."

One of Luo Xin’s gifts was a green jade safety buckle. Its price naturally couldn't compare to the pieces at auctions. All the gifts he had brought to the Luo home today weren't extravagantly expensive, but they were all of high quality.

The same went for the various tonics.

Of the three women in the Luo family, only Luo Man was in decent health. Her mother and Luo Xin would need to eat and drink well to nourish their vitality. But he would leave that to Luo Man; she had his supplementary credit card, which would be more than enough to satisfy their needs and greatly improve the Luo family’s daily life.

"Xiao Zhang, how does it taste?"

Before long, dinner was served. Seven dishes and one soup—a truly abundant spread. Zhang Long took a few bites and immediately began praising the auntie’s cooking, joking that it was no wonder Luo Man was such a good cook; she must have inherited it from her mother.

The atmosphere at the table was harmonious.

Luo Man, usually lively and talkative, was very quiet today. In front of her mother and sister, she didn't share any lingering gazes or intimate gestures with Zhang Long.

Everything was understood without words. Happiness.

And so, Zhang Long’s first dinner at the Luo house was warm and pleasant. When he made to leave after the meal, he was naturally persuaded to stay by Luo Xin and her mother.

There was no talk of it being "too soon" to stay the night; they had fully accepted Zhang Long. If they wanted to sleep together, so be it. Everything was arranged.

As for men’s clothes to change into, Luo Xin had secretly prepared them in advance and brought them out.

"Sis, there's this too."

While Zhang Long was washing up, Luo Xin mysteriously produced an unopened box of condoms in the bedroom. Luo Man flicked her on the forehead—what was she thinking about all day? She should focus on her studies and stop picking up bad habits.

"Hmph, you don't appreciate kindness."

Luo Xin rubbed her forehead and grumbled as she went to the other room. When Zhang Long returned from washing up and heard what had happened from Luo Man, he couldn't help but laugh; his sister-in-law was quite interesting.

"Phew, actually... you don't need those."

A moment later, as Luo Man, smelling of the fresh scent of her bath, pressed a hot, passionate kiss to his lips and they tumbled onto the bed, she whispered softly, her eyes shy and brimming with emotion, "My 'relatives' just left. It’s safe."

Zhang Long’s heart skipped a beat.

With that said, there was nothing left to discuss. The unopened box of condoms would lie quietly in the drawer tonight. The big light went off, the small light went on, and the passion of Valentine’s night began.

The first night at the Luo home was blissful.