A Carefully Staged Performance
The entire "company tour" lasted for over an hour. Finally, Mike checked his watch and chuckled, "We've been so busy talking! Come on, let's go to my place, relax a bit, and have a casual dinner tonight. We can continue our conversation then. I have some collections that might interest you."
So the convoy set off again, this time heading to Medina, Seattle's most affluent neighborhood. Here, mansions are hidden behind towering ancient trees and meticulously maintained high walls; each one is worth tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars. The neighbors are all incredibly wealthy and powerful, including the estates of tech giants like Bill Gates.
Mike's residence wasn't as vast as the estates of those tech tycoons, but it was equally luxurious. It was a modern lakeside villa with clean lines, extensive use of glass and steel, and a clever integration with the natural environment. The car drove through an automatically opening, ornate iron gate, passed through a winding private driveway, and stopped in front of the main villa building.
"Welcome to my humble abode," Mike said with a smile, using modest words, but his demeanor clearly indicated otherwise.
Inside the villa, the decor differs from the "professional elite" feel of the office, prioritizing ultimate material enjoyment and visual impact. A giant crystal chandelier hangs in the center of the high-ceilinged hall, its light repeatedly refracted by the smooth, dark marble floor and enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a dazzling spectacle. The furniture is mostly from top Italy or France brands, with avant-garde designs and luxurious materials. The walls are adorned with numerous artworks, including classical oil paintings and modern installations, which Mike expertly introduces the artists and auction prices of (many of which are rented or high-quality reproductions). In the vast open kitchen, a professional culinary team is preparing dinner. The wine cellar displays renowned wines from around the world, and the cigar room exudes the rich aroma of premium tobacco.
Mike, acting as a tour guide, led Lin Feng and K on a tour of the home theater, which was equipped with top-of-the-line audio and projection equipment. The private gym was fully equipped, and there was even an indoor heated swimming pool with a view of the lake as night fell through the glass walls. In the garage, there were several gleaming luxury cars: an Aston Martin DBX, a Bentley Continental GT, and an older Porsche 911, which Mike said was his "first love" and had collectible value.
"Life isn't just about making money, it's also about enjoying the beauty that comes with it, right, Lin?" Mike stood on the huge terrace facing the lake, handing Lin Feng a glass of champagne. A gentle evening breeze caressed their faces, and the lights of Seattle on the opposite shore began to twinkle—the view was truly breathtaking. "Work hard, but also know how to reward yourself. Here, you can forget all the hustle and bustle of the market, truly relax, think, or... think of nothing at all."
Throughout the visit, Mike's conversation consistently revolved around a few key themes: the ultimate material enjoyment that wealth brings (mansions, luxury cars, art, fine wines and gourmet food), the threshold and prestige of entering true high society (who your neighbors are, club memberships, private jets), and the rapid appreciation miracles that capital can create in the right hands (his fabricated investment cases). He constantly used various details to try to construct a picture in Lin Feng's mind: follow me, Mike Anderson, and you will not only make a lot of money, but also obtain a lifestyle and social status that match it, truly joining the top circles of United States.
Lin Feng mostly watched and listened quietly, occasionally nodding or asking a question or two that didn't really matter. His face remained expressionless; he showed neither a fervent desire for these luxury items nor a disdainful look. His calmness left Mike somewhat puzzled, but he mostly assumed it was due to Lin Feng's "restraint" or "temporarily speechless with shock."
After the tour, dinner was arranged in a glass sunroom overlooking the lake. A long dining table was covered with a pristine white linen tablecloth and set with exquisite silver cutlery and crystal glasses. The chef prepared premium Wagyu beef, blue lobster, and truffles on-site. The sommelier paired them with different wines.
At the dinner, Mike stopped flaunting his material possessions and instead shifted the conversation to a more "metaphysical" level. He talked about the opportunities and challenges of globalization, the trend of technology disrupting traditional industries, and the responsibilities and vision that "wealth managers in the new era" should have. His tone became "sincere" and "inspiring," as if he were sharing his own philosophy of life.
"Lin, I've met too many wealthy people," Mike, swirling the red wine in his glass, his gaze deep. "Some people's money is a gift of the times; some people's money is the crystallization of wisdom; and some people's money is the result of seizing the Key to changing their destiny with the right people at the right time. I think you and I are the same kind of people. We both dare to dream and act, we are not satisfied with the status quo, and we both yearn to see a broader view."
He put down his wine glass, leaned forward slightly, and lowered his voice, with the solemnity of sharing a major secret:
"I currently possess several such ' Key,' a few genuine, once-in-a-lifetime 'opportunities.' These aren't products available on the open market that anyone can buy, but rather 'private feasts' accessible only through special channels and with extremely high barriers to entry. The returns... will make you feel like you've been earning pocket money before. Risks? Of course, there are, but they've been minimized, and besides, there are people like me ahead of you."
He paused, observing Lin Feng's reaction, but Lin Feng remained calm, merely wiping his mouth with a napkin.
"However," Mike changed the subject, leaning back in his chair with a carefree smile, "Let's not talk about that today. Today is just a gathering of friends, to relax, enjoy good food and wine, and admire the lake and the night view. Cooperation is about fate, mutual recognition and trust. Money is important, but finding the right people to work with is even more important. Come on, cheers to meeting you, this interesting new friend!"
He raised his glass, his face radiating enthusiasm, confidence, and a sense of intimacy that said, "I already consider you a potential partner." Throughout the evening, he didn't ask for a single penny, nor did he mention any specific investment amount or terms. Instead, he used endless, meticulously crafted visions and the air of an "insider" to cast the bait high and far, waiting for the fish to leap out of the water and take the bait.
Inside the sunroom, the lights were soft, the music soothing, and a cool, damp breeze from the lake carried a gentle coolness. A meticulously rehearsed drama about wealth and desire was slowly building towards its predetermined climax. The sole audience member— Lin Feng —remained seated, calmly cutting his steak, as if all this hustle and bustle was merely an occasional, insignificant ripple on the dark lake outside the window.