Summer Resort

"Hello, sir... I'm a sales representative from Guomei Fitness. Are you interested in working out?"

He had just stepped out of Qingcheng International when a seventeen- or eighteen-year-old girl blushed and stuffed a fitness club flyer into his hand.

Working out? He could get a membership.

Although the system had given him a strong physique and fighting skills, if he did not take proper care of himself, his body would gradually weaken over time.

"Sure. Where is your fitness club? If I have time, I'll go get a membership."

After asking for the address and adding the girl's social media account, Zhuang Xin left.

Back home, he casually cooked something to eat. After taking a shower, Zhuang Xin dropped into bed and fell asleep.

After running around all day, he truly felt exhausted.

Early the next morning, Zhuang Xin called Qu Hongyun after getting up.

"I want to take a look at that stretch of sea. Are you free? Come with me."

Qu Hongyun immediately agreed. "Sure. Since Young Master Zhuang wants to go, I'll naturally accompany you. If there's anything you don't understand in the future, just ask me."

"Okay. I'll wait for you."

After hanging up, Zhuang Xin went downstairs. He had just gotten into his sports car when he saw several passing middle-aged women pointing at him.

"See that? That's Old Zhuang's son, right? Sigh, who would've thought he'd be so ruthless? He nearly sent his own relatives to prison."

"Exactly. It would be one thing if he got rich himself, but not only does he refuse to look after his family, he's even so harsh toward them."

The women walked away, but Zhuang Xin heard every word they said.

He could not help frowning. The matter involving Cheng Huai had only happened yesterday.

How did people near his home already know about it today?

It was not just those women. When Zhuang Xin went to a restaurant for some congee, even the owner's wife and the staff were whispering about it nearby. In just one day, yesterday's events had become common knowledge!

That was not normal.

His family's affairs were private, and his parents had not even returned. How did these people know?

There was no need to think about it. Someone had to be stirring things up.

Other than Father and Son Cheng and his aunt Xu Pei, there could be no one else.

"Brother Xin."

While Zhuang Xin was drinking congee, Xu Chi ran in from outside. "I just got here. I spotted your car from far away and guessed it had to be you."

"So early?" Zhuang Xin was a little surprised. It was only eight-thirty. Even taking the earliest bus, Xu Chi could not have arrived this quickly.

"Well, I came over last night and got a room nearby. I was afraid of disturbing you, so I didn't call. But... when I was walking here just now, I heard lots of people talking about you." Xu Chi sat beside Zhuang Xin and leaned closer. "I also found a lot of little flyers on the ground. Look..."

He handed a flyer to Zhuang Xin. When Zhuang Xin opened it, it was filled with all kinds of slander against him.

It embellished the events at his grandmother's house yesterday.

But it said nothing about Cheng Huai stealing the bank card or the White Jade Chess set... Even the matter of his mother returning home to borrow money was brushed over. It portrayed him as a sharp-tongued, heartless man with no conscience.

It even repeatedly claimed that his mother's family had lent them money back then, allowing Zhuang Xin to receive treatment. Otherwise, Zhuang Xin would have died long ago.

"How interesting. I've become the ungrateful one." Zhuang Xin smiled coldly. He had not expected Xu Pei and Father and Son Cheng to pull this on him. Did they really think he was made of clay and had no temper at all?

Before he could put down the flyer, several text messages came in.

"Zhuang Xin, let me tell you this: don't think that just because you've gotten rich, you can play favorites and cast aside your own aunt. My Cheng Huai isn't incapable; he just lacks a platform to show his talents. Either give two million so Cheng Huai can go into business, or let Cheng Huai work at your company as a general manager or something. Otherwise, tell your mother and father not to ever come back to our family."

"Did you hear me? I'm talking to you. Don't play dumb."

Messages from Xu Pei came one after another.

Zhuang Xin narrowed his eyes, set his phone on the table, and said nothing.

"What, staying silent means this is over? Don't think I'll let it go so easily. Why can Xu Chi go work with you, but my son can't? You have to give me a clear answer today."

"Are you done?"

Zhuang Xin narrowed his eyes and replied.

More than ten seconds later, another message arrived.

"No, I'm not done! Either give my son two million to start a business, or let him go with you. I won't take the two million for nothing. Consider it a loan. Once my son succeeds in business, he'll pay you back."

Xu Pei did not even believe that herself.

Even if she wrote an IOU, it would be in her name. If Zhuang Xin dared come asking for the money later—

She would just stall him for more than a decade. One foot was already in the grave anyway, so she was not afraid of prison.

"Forget two million. I won't give you even a cent. Xu Pei, I truly don't understand how someone like you can exist in this world."

When he used to watch short videos featuring all kinds of brainless women, Zhuang Xin would merely laugh them off.

But when such an idiot truly appeared by his side, Zhuang Xin could not even be bothered to curse her.

"Fine, fine, fine, Zhuang Xin. You're heartless, so don't blame me for being ruthless."

Seeing that final message, Zhuang Xin directly blocked her. His expression turned icy.

Did Xu Pei really think she was that important?

"Cousin, what should we do? If this keeps up, your reputation will be ruined." With the phone on the table, Xu Chi naturally saw the text messages as well. He deeply despised that shameless aunt.

"She's just a clown. I'll take you to arrange your job first. This matter isn't urgent." Zhuang Xin paid for the congee and took Xu Chi into his car. As for the gossip by the roadside, he did not take it seriously at all.

Half an hour later.

At Biyue Bay Beach, Zhuang Xin met Qu Hongyun.

Qu Hongyun had arrived long ago and had been waiting for Zhuang Xin.

"Young Master Zhuang..." Qu Hongyun walked over with a smile and pointed at the beach and sea behind him. "With this place as the center, everything within a kilometer belongs to you. People wanted to develop this area long ago, but approval never came through. The permit was only granted recently."

"So I can develop it directly now?" Zhuang Xin was somewhat surprised.

"Yes. Since the permit was issued, plenty of major companies have approached your family, hoping to lease this area. But your family gave it to you instead."

"Oh?"

Zhuang Xin looked over the beach. It had to be said that the place had its own distinctive charm.

It was like a massive crescent moon. The seawater was jade-blue, and the sight stretching before him had an extraordinary beauty.

No wonder it was called Biyue Bay Beach. The name suited it well.

"I plan to build a summer resort here, combining entertainment and tourism, but I don't have experience in this area." Zhuang Xin glanced at Qu Hongyun. He truly did not know much about it, but he had examined the blueprint provided by the system.

It was absolutely a masterpiece, with many entertainment facilities that had yet to appear.

Even novelty alone would draw countless people here.

"Well... Young Master Zhuang, I'm not trying to discourage you, but there aren't many scenic attractions around here. Most of the region is industrially developed. The number of tourists we can attract is truly limited. In that case, it would be better to build an ocean-themed park. It could still attract local people to try it out, and with less investment, you could make some money without risking a loss."