Chapter 0320

"What is something that money can't buy?" Luo Yao voiced her doubt.

"Your love for me—no amount of money could ever buy that."

Liu Meng lowered her head, thinking to herself, "Young Master Lin, this is a public setting, and not just any public setting—what are you even saying?"

Lin Ran, however, didn’t care in the slightest. He had completely let go, unfazed by time or place.

Luo Yao wrapped her arms around Lin Ran’s neck. If not for her relatives being present, she would’ve pinned him down right then and there.

"My love isn’t for sale—you’ll always have it."

Even though he already knew the answer, he was still moved to tears. He felt like dropping to his knees right then and there to be Luo Yao’s loyal dog.

Woof woof woof.

People always called him Luo Yao’s little lapdog, but he wanted to say to those who looked down on him—what’s so bad about being a dog?

Meanwhile, the three major families—along with Samsung Group and members of the South China Chamber of Commerce—had all crowded near the exit of the main stage.

They wanted to exchange a few words with Chen Buhui up close, hoping to leave an impression and gain an edge in the upcoming competition.

Even the heads of these financial conglomerates rarely got the chance to meet such a titan of technology, and when they did, they had to show the utmost respect.

In China, heroes were never to be disrespected.

Even the companies that had lost the bid were restless. Though they hadn’t been selected, it didn’t mean they lacked strength.

Any one of them pulled at random had a net worth that would make your jaw drop.

Without Luo Yao’s backing, Lin Ran would’ve been the poorest one there.

Yet, the two of them remained unmoved, making no effort to cozy up to anyone.

The Luo Corporation hadn’t secured such high votes through connections—it was their flawless proposal and overwhelming capability that had done the talking.

Competence was also a key criterion in the government’s evaluation.

The three major families, despite their immense financial power, had to band together just to qualify for the bid—and even then, it was a close call.

At least they had Samsung, the biggest cash cow with the smallest stake, yet desperate to claw its way in.

The South China New Chamber had united numerous large enterprises, along with investments from American capitalists, just to form a coalition strong enough to compete.

This alone showed just how astronomically expensive this tech city project was.

And yet, Luo Yao had secured bidding rights all on her own—proof of the terrifying might of the number one financial empire.

Security stepped in to block the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, Elder Chen is tired and won’t be receiving anyone today. Our apologies."

Disappointed, the crowd slowly dispersed as staff began ushering people out.

Members of the South China Chamber passed by Luo Yao with polite nods, saying nothing more.

The three major families, however, made their way toward her, offering congratulatory gestures.

"Haha, who would’ve thought President Luo could nearly defeat the three great families of Modu single-handedly? You really gave us a scare."

The words "nearly" were emphasized, a thinly veiled mix of praise and mockery.

The message was clear: even one vote short, you’re still beneath us.

But the pressure was undeniable—none of them had expected Luo Yao to come within a single vote of victory.

That one vote was both pride and pressure.

Luo Yao, however, paid it no mind. Making the cut was enough.

"Congratulations to you too. Four against one, and you almost got wiped out. Let’s hope you don’t end up annihilated by the end."

Seeing Luo Yao’s sharp retort, Lu Youqi shifted the topic to Lin Ran.

"Young Master Lin, you’re welcome to visit the Lu Estate anytime. Our family would be honored to host you."

Lin Ran scoffed. "Guess I’ll have to brush up on my skills first."

The three families: ???

"My Dog-Beating Staff Technique’s gotten rusty. Need to relearn it properly." Lin Ran wasn’t about to spare their feelings.

Li Chifen nearly lost it. "You dare call the Lu family head a dog?"

Lin Ran shrugged. "The way you all were acting just now? Yeah, you looked like a pack of dogs."

He was referring to their desperate attempts to suck up to Chen Buhui.

"Too bad you didn’t even get to meet him. Came all that way just to get shut down—hilarious."

The three families’ expressions darkened instantly.

Even Lu Youqi, the ever-smiling fox, was struggling to keep his composure.

"And about that invitation—how big is your place, anyway?" Lin Ran picked at his ear, feigning interest.

Lu Youqi seized the chance to boast.

Unlike the Wangs, the Lis, or even Luo Yao’s manor-style villas, the Lu family owned an entire district—a testament to their size and prosperity.

And if you thought it was just some rural village, you’d be dead wrong.

Even the most useless Lu family member had their own villa. That was real wealth.

"Our Lu Estate is quite expansive, filled with natural beauty and centuries-old architecture. The grounds are paved with ancient timber, and the villas are—"

Lin Ran cut him off.

"Save the sales pitch. You’re not selling real estate here. What’s with the flex?"

"We all know what we are. Why pretend? Inviting us to your estate—aren’t you afraid I’ll burn the whole place down?"

Lin Ran was just talking big.

Little did he know, not long after, he’d find himself at the Lu Estate—with flames roaring and smoke billowing into the sky.

Lu Youqi sensed Lin Ran’s hostility. His attempt to engage him was purely because of Luo Yao.

Unlike Li Chifen, he was meticulous and calculating—a true schemer behind that smiling facade.

He knew far more about Lin Ran than Li Chifen did.

And that was precisely why he was furious.

A nobody from a third-rate family, lucky enough to catch Luo Yao’s eye, should’ve kept his head down. Instead, he had the audacity to act this arrogantly.

If he wouldn’t take the respect offered, then fine—no more. Did he really think the Lu family was to be trifled with?

"If Young Master Lin isn’t interested, so be it. No need to make me out to be the villain."

With a cold snort, Lu Youqi turned to leave.

"Hmph! A brat who doesn’t know his place."

Lin Ran might be important, but he wasn’t important enough to humiliate the head of the Lu family repeatedly. If he wouldn’t take the olive branch, then it was being withdrawn.

Just then, Samsung’s one-handed representative, Park Bo-gi, saw an opportunity.

He couldn’t afford to offend Luo Yao in China—but the Lu family was fair game.

"Mr. Lin Ran, do you look down on the Lu family head? This is the foremost family in Modu—not someone a nobody like you can disrespect. He invites you as a guest, and instead of gratitude, you dare spew such insolence?"

Lin Ran was surprised—Park Bo-gi even knew idioms.

Then came the bombshell.

"If you kneel and apologize to the Lu family head now, I’m sure he’d be magnanimous enough to forgive a mere child."

Lin Ran froze, staring at Park Bo-gi in disbelief.

He’d thought dealing with Lin Tianba was the end of it—but here was another challenger.

"What the… hell?"