Chapter 37: I Can Help You Resolve Your Identity Issues!

After some negotiation, Chen Hao and Xiang Zhiqiu finally reached a cooperation agreement. Xiang Zhiqiu would provide the capital, Chen Hao the technical expertise, and they would invest in stocks together, splitting the profits fifty-fifty.

By the side, Lizi was utterly stunned. She hadn’t expected Chen Hao and Xiang Zhiqiu to come to an agreement so swiftly.

At that moment, the fresh seafood Xiang Zhiqiu ordered—salmon, oysters, geoduck clams—had all been served. The waiter also brought over two bottles of champagne Xiang Zhiqiu had requested.

“The champagne has just arrived; let’s open it to celebrate!” Xiang Zhiqiu said with a smile.

“Sounds good!” Chen Hao returned a slight smile.

Xiang Zhiqiu personally popped open a bottle of champagne, pouring a glass each for Chen Hao, Lizi, and himself.

“To a successful partnership!” Xiang Zhiqiu toasted, raising his glass to Chen Hao and Lizi.

“To our successful collaboration!” Chen Hao and Lizi echoed, clinking their glasses with his before taking a sip.

“Huh?!” Lizi exclaimed. “This champagne tastes quite unique!”

She had tasted many champagnes before, but this one’s flavor was distinctive—something she had never experienced.

“Indeed,” Chen Hao nodded slightly. “This champagne exudes elegant and intense aromas of orange blossom and lily of the valley. What’s even more captivating is the subtle yet unmistakable chalky mineral note. This earthy depth feels like a faint gritty texture, lending the wine a refreshing crispness while embodying profound layers and complexity. Truly a remarkably unique taste.”

“Wow,” Xiang Zhiqiu was surprised. “I never expected Mr. Chen to have such a deep understanding of champagne. May I ask if you know the origin of this bottle?”

“I know just a little about champagne,” Chen Hao replied with a modest smile. “If I’m mistaken, please forgive me. This should be the 1979 Cook Romanée Diamond Champagne. It’s made entirely from pure Chardonnay grapes sourced from a vineyard in Meunier, France. Though small, just 1.85 hectares, the vineyard boasts top-tier chalky soil whose fertility and purity grant the grapes unparalleled quality. The Cook family spent eight years refining the vineyards and perfecting the grape quality, culminating in the creation of this world-renowned champagne in their eighth year.”

“This champagne’s meticulous craftsmanship and flavor have earned it high praise from connoisseurs worldwide,” Chen Hao concluded.

Applause broke out as Xiang Zhiqiu lightly clapped his hands. “Impressive! I didn’t expect Mr. Chen to know so much about this champagne!”

The bottle was very expensive and rare, not easily accessible to ordinary people. For Chen Hao to not only identify it but also know its history thoroughly was truly eye-opening. Xiang Zhiqiu had underestimated him, having thought Chen Hao was just an ordinary stock trader.

Lizi was even more astonished. When she first met Chen Hao, he was a penniless immigrant. She could never have imagined such a man to be so knowledgeable about such an expensive and rare champagne. It was completely at odds with his apparent background. At that moment, she felt Chen Hao’s aura was shrouded in mystery and curiosity swirled in her heart: Who exactly was Chen Hao? What extraordinary past did he have?

“My apologies if I’m showing off,” Chen Hao smiled softly. The reason he knew so much was that in a past life, he had actually tasted this very champagne.

“Mr. Chen, if I may be so bold, I’d like to ask you something. Please forgive me if it’s inappropriate,” Xiang Zhiqiu said after a moment’s thought.

“Of course, please go ahead,” Chen Hao replied with a smile.

“Why did you open the account using Miss Lizi’s ID rather than your own?”

Xiang Zhiqiu glanced at Lizi, curious.

“To be honest, I don’t yet have legal status on Hong Kong Island,” Chen Hao lowered his voice and looked around before responding.

“I see,” Xiang Zhiqiu said without much surprise, as he had already suspected this might be the case. He hadn’t expected Chen Hao to trust him enough to reveal this. After considering for a moment, he offered, “If you trust me, I can help you obtain legal status on Hong Kong Island.”

“Really? That would be wonderful!” Chen Hao’s face lit up.

“Then thank you very much, Mr. Xiang,” Chen Hao said gladly. He hadn’t expected Xiang Zhiqiu to volunteer such assistance. He had planned to spend some money later to arrange legal residency himself, but now with Xiang’s help, many complications could be avoided. He was naturally thrilled.

“It’s no trouble at all, don’t mention it. Now, let’s eat,” Xiang Zhiqiu smiled and gestured to the plates of salmon, oysters, and geoduck clams. “Try these—they’re quite delicious.”

After lunch, Chen Hao and Lizi rode with Xiang Zhiqiu from the Peninsula Hotel back to Central.

“Mr. Chen, you can come straight to my company. You can trade stocks there—no need to go to the Exchange’s trading floor,” Xiang Zhiqiu said.

“Sounds good. But the market isn’t open yet. Could your driver take us to Chater Garden first?” Chen Hao asked.

“Why Chater Garden?” Xiang Zhiqiu paused, intrigued.

“I usually go there for a workout after lunch. I practice the Eight Brocade Qigong to refresh my mind and boost my energy. Stock trading demands a lot of mental effort,” Chen Hao explained.

“Oh, I see,” Xiang Zhiqiu nodded and instructed his driver to head to Chater Garden.

Soon they arrived. Chen Hao and Lizi got out, with Xiang Zhiqiu following. They walked together into the garden.

Chen Hao found a quiet spot and began performing the Eight Brocade Qigong. Feeling a bit shy to practice in front of Xiang Zhiqiu, Lizi stood aside quietly watching.

With interest, Xiang Zhiqiu smiled, “Mr. Chen, you’re practicing the Eight Brocade Qigong, right?”