Fang Zhiyuan

Biodata

History

Selling Quiet Garden

Fang had lived in his Quiet Garden apartment for several years and was attached enough to it to judge prospective buyers by more than their ability to pay. He later admitted that ostentatious behavior or an immediate fixation on the value of its artwork could have persuaded him not to sell 6.

He agreed to sell the apartment to Lu Chuan for twenty million yuan, with the contract covering the parking space, agreed furnishings, taxes, and handover terms. Rather than looking down on Lu Chuan for requesting a mortgage, Fang approved of his decision to preserve cash flow and arranged for Manager Chen of Jiangcheng Bank to handle the financing 6.

After signing, Fang invited Lu Chuan to tea. Impressed by his practical spending priorities and composure, he formally introduced himself as president of the Jiangcheng Chamber of Commerce 6.

Becoming Lu Chuan’s Benefactor

Fang gave Lu Chuan his business card, invited him to use “Uncle Fang,” and offered assistance with reasonable problems at university or elsewhere in Jiangcheng. He also left calligraphy, a paperweight, an inkstone, and old scrolls as a housewarming gift 7.

Learning that Lu Chuan came from the Capital led Fang to interpret his money, manners, and restraint as signs of a powerful family background. This was Fang’s inference, not an established fact: Lu Chuan’s initial funds came from demolition compensation, and he deliberately avoided revealing that his parents were dead 6 7.

When Lu Chuan sought to repay the mortgage early, Fang contacted Manager Chen and accompanied her to Quiet Garden. During their subsequent tea session, Lu Chuan compared Fang’s rare tea to something he had drunk in childhood. Fang took this as evidence of access to elite circles in the Capital, although Lu Chuan was remembering an elderly neighbor’s broken tea leaves 10.

Lu Chuan’s explanation that he had earned the repayment money through market trading further impressed Fang. Afterward, Fang called Jiangcheng University president Chen Songnian and warned him to keep university staff from offending the incoming student 10.

Hot Spring Spa Club Reunion

Fang later encountered Lu Chuan at the Hot Spring Spa Club and asked about his home and university life. Lu Chuan’s ease in the exclusive surroundings reinforced Fang’s conviction that he came from an exceptional background 49.

Fang instructed a supervisor to grant Lu Chuan diamond membership without the usual asset verification or referrer screening. He presented it as a practical convenience that would let Lu Chuan bring classmates without following the ordinary guest queue 49.

When Chen Songnian arrived, Fang introduced the two and encouraged them to exchange WeChat contacts so Lu Chuan could directly seek help with university problems. After Lu Chuan left, Chen asked whether this was the “Lu Chuan from the Capital” Fang had previously mentioned 50.

Appearance

Fang is described as standing tall and straight, with careful, unhurried movements 6.

• Everyday clothing: Wears a light gray, short-sleeved shirt during the apartment transaction and meticulously adjusts its cuffs before introducing himself 6.
• Club attire: Wears a custom-made dark gray Sea Island cotton bathrobe without conspicuous embroidery or logos, rather than the club’s standard bathrobe 49.

Personality

Fang values restraint, planning, and good manners over conspicuous spending. His approval of Lu Chuan begins with the younger man’s calm handling of a major purchase, concern for cash flow, and lack of interest in flaunting his Bentley. He also respects boundaries, accepting an incomplete explanation of Lu Chuan’s future plans rather than pressing for details 6.

His generosity combines an elder’s warmth with deliberate relationship-building. He offers gifts and useful introductions without demanding exaggerated gratitude, while privately treating Lu Chuan’s acceptance of privileges as another measure of his upbringing. Despite his business experience, Fang repeatedly mistakes composure and familiar tastes for proof of an influential family 7 10 49.

Abilities & Skills

Business Experience

Fang is an experienced businessman who pays close attention to financial decisions and personal conduct 6.

• Recognizes the reasoning behind using a mortgage to preserve working capital 6.
• Coordinates banking arrangements for both Lu Chuan’s purchase and early repayment 6 7 10.
• Evaluates potential associates through their behavior during transactions and informal conversation 6 7.

Connections and Social Influence

His chamber presidency is his public role; he also maintains contacts in Jiangcheng’s cultural and collecting circles 7.

• Has dealings with local collectors, exhibition halls, and auction houses 7.
• Can secure a diamond club membership while bypassing normal screening procedures 49.
• Uses his friendship with Chen Songnian to arrange a direct university contact for Lu Chuan 50.
• Limits his offer of assistance to matters that are not “too far out of line” 7.

Relationships

• Lu Chuan — Initially his apartment buyer, then a younger acquaintance whom he treats with an elder’s consideration. Fang provides gifts, practical assistance, and introductions while mistakenly believing Lu Chuan has deep family connections in the Capital 6 7 10 49 50.
• Chen Songnian — An old friend and the president of Jiangcheng University. Their relaxed teasing demonstrates a closeness that Fang uses to make Lu Chuan’s introduction less formal 10 50.
• Manager Chen — A Jiangcheng Bank account manager whom Fang contacts to coordinate Lu Chuan’s mortgage and subsequent early settlement 6 10.

Notable Quotes

“I lived in this house myself for several years, so I'm attached to it. I wouldn't sell it to just anyone who could afford the price.” 6

“From now on, whether it's something at school or something you need to do outside, you can come to me, as long as it isn't too far out of line.” 7