After Divorce, I Can Hear the Future

Chapter 12: Fishing Requires Bait

Tomson Riviera was completed in 2009 and instantly became the most luxurious high-rise residence not only in Shanghai but across the country. Located on Binjiang Avenue in the Lujiazui Financial District, it consists of two 40-story and two 44-story luxury apartments, plus an upscale riverside clubhouse.

To the left stands the IFC, to the right is the Fortune Tower, and behind it lies the Global Financial Center. Facing the Huangpu River, there’s likely no better-located high-rise residence in all of Shanghai.

In recent years, as the real estate market has boomed, Tomson’s prices have skyrocketed, reaching 240,000 yuan per square meter. Even the smallest unit is 434 square meters, priced at 110 million yuan. Each apartment is a mansion costing over a hundred million yuan.

Lu Liang couldn’t afford to buy, but he could rent.

Of the four Tomson buildings, Towers A and C are for sale, while Towers B and D are for rent. Lu Liang knew the setup and was aware of the rental rates, so he brought Li Manli directly to the leasing office for Tower B.

After reviewing the available floor plans, they followed the sales manager to a unit on the 28th floor of Tower B.

Each unit had its own private elevator entrance, with a four-bedroom, two-living-room layout. Fully furnished with international luxury brands, the appliances and furniture appeared brand new, showing no signs of use. This particular unit was custom-made for rental purposes by the Tomson Group and hadn’t yet been occupied.

“Mr. Lu, the rent is 85,000 yuan per month, including property management fees, and comes with one parking spot. The lease term is two years, with a six-month deposit and three months paid in advance. Is there anything else you’d like to know?” The property manager beamed, eager to assist since Lu Liang had arrived in a Bentley.

After all, no one walks around with “I’m wealthy” stamped on their face; luxury cars are the best signifier of financial standing. When you’re young and driving a Bentley, the effect isn’t self-consciousness but respect.

“No problem. Let’s sign the lease.”

Lu Liang took a quick look around, his favorite part being the balcony—over a hundred meters high, offering an expansive view with a refreshing river breeze. He was sure the night view would be even better. He immediately paid 765,000 yuan, instructing the property management to arrange a cleaning as he intended to move in the next day.

“Absolutely, sir!” The manager smiled broadly, going over the lease agreement with Lu Liang. He then pulled out a site map of the complex, explaining the locations of the exits and how deliveries were handled.

For security, only authorized personnel could access the property, with couriers delivering packages directly to residents' doors if properly addressed. As one of the country’s top-tier residences, the complex ensures strict control over who enters to protect the residents.

“78,000 yuan a month…” Li Manli stood in a daze.

She didn’t fully understand the Bentley’s value, though it had impressed her. But a high-end apartment with a monthly rent of 78,000 yuan left her genuinely stunned.

Though her nightlife job paid well, since she didn’t accompany guests for drinks, her monthly salary was barely over 9,000 yuan. The rent for Lu Liang’s new place was equivalent to more than half a year’s pay for her.

It left her shaken as she wandered from room to room. Even an ordinary guest room here was more spacious than her entire apartment.

Each room had great views; even those not facing the river overlooked the lush greenery of the complex’s park below. It was tranquil—no roaring traffic or obnoxious loudspeakers from nearby supermarkets.

Before long, Lu Liang returned, having signed the lease, and found Li Manli standing on the balcony, staring off into the distance.

The balcony was expansive, measuring around 12 meters in length and 5 meters in width, with a nearly new billiard table at one end.

Lu Liang joined her, pointing across the river to the hotel. “That’s where we just had lunch.”

“Right,” she murmured, lost in thought, feeling that the day’s experiences had been surreal.

Being rich truly seemed like a privilege: you could eat whatever you wanted and live wherever you pleased.

“I still have a few things to take care of. Since you’re working tonight, should I drop you off at your apartment or your workplace?”

Lu Liang felt he’d made his point—showing her a glimpse of paradise; it was time to send her back to reality.

He’d always thought the TV show *Transformations* was a twisted concept. Beyond its sensationalism, the very premise seemed problematic.

Rich kids experiencing rural hardships might learn to appreciate life more, and even if they didn’t, they’d lose nothing. But for poor kids, seeing a slice of the high life only to be sent back to farm and chop wood created a jarring contrast. Adults could hardly bear such a drastic shift, let alone children.

“Brother Liang, just drop me off at my apartment.”

Li Manli replied absentmindedly, conflicted. Part of her hoped Lu Liang would say something—even jokingly ask her to stay. Yet she also wondered: if he did, would she agree or decline?

In her mind, two little figures seemed to argue back and forth, but by the time they reached her apartment, Lu Liang hadn’t said anything.

“Brother Liang, I’m going up now.” Li Manli waved goodbye, feeling a pang of disappointment.

“Wait, Manli.” Lu Liang called after her, pulling out a box. “This is for you—thanks for coming with me to view the apartment this afternoon.”

Inside was a 128GB iPhone 6, priced at 7,200 yuan, which he’d picked up after signing the lease.

Li Manli was startled, her lips curving into a smile, though she shook her head quickly. “This is too much. I can’t accept it.”

“Take it. Bye now.” Lu Liang smiled, giving her no chance to refuse as he hit the gas and waved her off.

He believed that money was meant to be shown, not necessarily spent, on women. But a bit of bait was still needed to reel in the catch.

A few moments later, Lu Liang received a text from Li Manli: “Brother Liang, thank you for the gift.”

He read it but didn’t reply, planning to let her wait. By the next time they met, things should fall into place smoothly.

Back at the Peace Hotel, Lu Liang found Tan Tao. He wasn’t planning to renew his stay but wanted to extend the Bentley rental by two more weeks. Liquid funds were essential, so he hadn’t considered buying a car or a house yet. He’d wait until he hit his first major financial target before thinking about such expenses.

Tan Tao smiled warmly, confirming the extension and enthusiastically suggesting other models.

But Lu Liang chose to stick with the Bentley—he liked its winged B emblem.

This transaction set him back another 120,000 yuan.

“Money really does burn fast. Better keep a low profile for a while,” he muttered, realizing he had barely 50,000 yuan left in his account. In less than 24 hours, he’d spent nearly a million yuan.

Although the biggest expenses were the car and apartment, the spending felt excessive.

His desire to make more money had reached a fever pitch—he wouldn’t allow himself to lose this carefree lifestyle.

At 3 p.m., the week’s trading ended, with Chinese Online closing at 17.5 yuan, down 1.95%.

Zhang Qian had kept an eye on the stock but stayed composed, refraining from confronting him. She planned to wait a few days to see if it would turn around. After all, if the stock shot up next week, she’d hate to miss out, especially after having “sacrificed” herself.

At noon on Saturday, Lu Liang checked out of the Peace Hotel and officially moved into the Tomson Riviera.

Since last night, Li Manli had been messaging him:

“Brother Liang, I’m heading to work.”

“Brother Liang, what are you up to?”

“Brother Liang, I woke up. Have you moved yet?”

He responded selectively, “Not yet. Busy lately—will move in a bit later.”

She sent a pouty emoji. “Do you need any help buying things for your new place?”

“It’d be great if you could. I’ll reach out when I’m ready.”

Lu Liang’s lips curled in a slight smile as he put his phone away and headed to the complex gym. He’d felt the benefits of exercise firsthand. If he planned to keep up this lifestyle, he’d need to stay strong, all the way to eighty.

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