HLM – Chapter 107 Journey to the Territory

When it came time to introduce Wang Bo, Song Jiashu took the initiative for him. “This is the financial tycoon of our class—Wang Bo, President Wang!”

Wang Bo chuckled, “How did I become a financial tycoon again?”

Song Jiashu replied with a deadpan face, “Well, you’re in pyramid schemes, aren’t you? That counts as part of the financial industry, right? Your operation even went international—if that doesn’t make you a tycoon, what does?”

Chen Luoxian realized they were joking and played along with a hand covering her mouth as she laughed. The outspoken Cao Bo chimed in, “Ayyo, beauties are really something—any way they laugh, it’s attractive.”

His girlfriend promptly shot him a look, and Cao Bo quieted down immediately.

Wang Bo extended his hand seriously toward Chen Luoxian. “Don’t listen to them. I’m not in international finance—I’m in agriculture. I own a ranch and mainly raise cattle, sheep, and pigs. Jiashu here—I raise him too.”

“Raise him?” Chen Luoxian blinked in confusion. “You mean livestock?”

Wang Bo was waiting for her to say that. As soon as she did, he nudged Song Jiashu beside him. “Hey, hey, livestock—someone’s calling you.”

Song Jiashu threw up his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, Old Wang, you win. Since when did you become this witty? Anyway, hello, beauty, I’m Song Jiashu.”

Just as Wang Bo had predicted, Zhao Xiaohui had seated Chen Luoxian next to him. When arranging her seat, the old classmate even shot him a subtle wink, hinting at him to make a move.

Wang Bo was grateful for the care from his classmates, but he didn’t have much interest in girls from back home—he knew long-distance relationships rarely worked out, and this wouldn’t just be long-distance. It’d be international.

Once everyone had arrived, the dishes started coming out, and they began eating.

Wang Bo poured a drink for Chen Luoxian. She graciously thanked him, then smiled, lips pressed together. “Actually, I came to this dinner because I specifically asked Xiaohui to bring me. I wanted to meet you.”

Wang Bo was caught off guard. He had thought this was his classmates trying to set him up. Turns out, he was wrong.

“I didn’t introduce my job earlier,” she continued. “I work at a travel agency. Right now, I’m in charge of a domestic tour route, but I might be managing an overseas route soon. You’re a town mayor in New Zealand, right? I’ve seen the photos you posted—your town is beautiful.”

Suddenly, it all clicked for Wang Bo. Now it made perfect sense to get to know each other. “Nice to meet you, nice to meet you! Yes, I do have a beautiful little town, definitely suitable for tourism development. But right now, it’s still in early stages.”

Chen Luoxian smiled sweetly. “What about in the future? I think there’s potential for us to collaborate.”

Wang Bo nodded. “Definitely. When I get back, I’ll send you some info about our town. Hope we can work together soon.”

She took out her phone to exchange contact info. The others caught on immediately and started teasing them.

Song Jiashu said in a mock-jealous tone, “Whoa, whoa, Old Wang, moving fast! Already exchanging contacts?”

Chen Luoxian smiled calmly. “I asked for it. You’re overthinking.”

Cao Bo squinted at Wang Bo’s face and deliberately furrowed his brow. “Didn’t see it before, but Old Wang actually has some charm, huh?”

“Well, he is in pyramid schemes—seducing people is part of the skillset,” Chen Luoxian quipped, playing along.

She was naturally likable—bright personality, graceful presence—so she was quickly embraced by the group.

After dinner, they went out for karaoke and partied until midnight before finally calling it a night.

As they were parting, Hou Haibo handed Wang Bo a cigarette and lit one for himself. “When are you heading back?”

“My flight’s in two days,” Wang Bo replied. “Once this gathering’s over, I need to get ready to return.”

Hou Haibo looked a bit sentimental. “Damn… time flies since college graduation. Now you’re a foreigner. Guess we won’t see much of you anymore.”

Wang Bo patted him on the shoulder. “You’re too sentimental. Why wouldn’t we see each other? I’ll be at your wedding, and you guys should honeymoon at my place. Seriously—it’s beautiful there.”

“I believe it. Otherwise, how could you have scored such a beauty?” Hou Haibo laughed.

Chen Luoxian had driven herself—a sleek Audi A4. From that alone, it was clear her family was well-off. If she were just a regular tour guide, there’s no way she’d be driving something like that.

As she drove past, she rolled down her window. “Old Wang, need a ride?”

Hou Haibo nudged him playfully, but Wang Bo shook his head. “Nah, us old buddies are gonna drink some more. Thanks though. I’m crashing with them at the hotel tonight.”

“Take care of yourselves then,” she said politely, maintaining a respectful distance. She honked gently and drove off.

Later, the group checked into a hotel. Wang Bo booked the presidential suite—the only one big enough for all five of them.

When he paid, Su Zhiming gasped. “You really made it big in New Zealand? Presidential suite?”

Wang Bo didn’t think it was a big deal. It was a four-star hotel, and the “presidential suite” was more of a gimmick. It just had more space. He’d bought it through a group deal online—only 2,500 yuan, about 600 NZD.

They chatted all night. The next morning, Wang Bo was the first to get up. The five brothers said their farewells—he had to get ready to return and resume construction on his town.

Saying goodbye to his parents wasn’t too emotional. His dad was busy preparing for a post-holiday fishing trip, having just acquired a new boat. His mom, on the other hand, couldn’t hide her reluctance. But knowing her son’s job had been prosperous enough to buy them a fishing boat in just four months, she held back her emotions and sent him off with heroic resolve.

Watching his parents disappear into the distance, Wang Bo felt a pang in his chest. He murmured, “Dabao, looks like I won’t be back for another year.”

Zhong Dabao, who was driving, sniffled. “Wasn’t it the same when you worked in Beijing?”

“What? No, I came home twice a year—National Day and New Year!”

“Then just do that again,” Zhong Dabao replied casually.

Wang Bo blinked. The sadness quickly faded. That really did make sense.

Charlie had once again booked his flight for him—first-class, of course. This time, when he picked up his ticket, the airline also signed him up for their VIP program: fly 100,000 km, get 10,000 km free, and other perks.

The flight went from the capital to Hong Kong, then to Manila, Philippines—over twenty hours of travel. When Wang Bo finally stepped off the plane, he was greeted by a wave of heat.

While winter raged on back home, it was high summer in New Zealand. The stark weather contrast left a deep impression.

He was accompanied by a few domestic tourists. One of them, a carefree young man, broke into song:

“As snow falls in your sunny southern skies, I stand in the northern night, where it’s spring all year long…”

Wang Bo nodded in appreciation—fitting lyrics for the moment.