Chapter 122: Hong Kong Stock Exchange

Whose stockings and legs were those?

This question was actually not a question at all, considering there were only three people in the room earlier. If it wasn't Lin Muqing, then it had to be Shen Xin's.

Zhou Ming recalled that Shen Xin was indeed dressed similarly to Lin Muqing today, in a business suit with stockings and high heels. He also remembered Shen Xin's sitting posture, which seemed to be with her legs crossed. The key point was that Lin Muqing was sitting next to him. If she had used her stockinged foot to tease him, especially if it had moved up his thigh, she would have had to twist her body, which would have been uncomfortable and noticeable. On the other hand, Shen Xin's position was just right, allowing her to touch his thigh with a simple stretch of her long legs.

Zhou Ming had considered this point earlier, but in that situation, who had the mind to think about it? Reflecting on it now, it seemed very unscientific.

Although this was not really a problem, it left Zhou Ming feeling confused. He couldn't understand why Shen Xin had not spoken up if it was really her. Why hadn't she pushed him away but continued to tease him?

Was she interested in him?

Zhou Ming had never thought of himself as having an alluring charm for women, but he remembered that Lin Muqing had mentioned Shen Xin admired him greatly.

The power of admiration is strong, especially when it comes to women. Once a woman admires someone, she can be reckless. Many women are easily won over by high-status or wealthy men, or even by charming talkers. Initially, whether it's money or other achievements, it's about making the woman admire you first.

For men, as long as they can make a woman admire them, many things will follow naturally. Otherwise, why would female fans be so fanatic? If it weren't for such things, there wouldn't be so many obsessive fans in the future. Idolizing fans often end up being deceived by their idols' charm.

So, is Shen Xin following this path?

Zhou Ming didn't know and couldn't know for sure. But apart from this explanation, there didn't seem to be any other reason.

He had initially just accidentally brushed against her, and maybe she thought he was teasing her on purpose. She might have started this game, especially in front of Lin Muqing, making the stimulation even more irresistible, which led her to actively tease him.

Only now did Zhou Ming understand Shen Xin's last sentence and her seductive smile—it was a hint to him! That seductive smile was the aftertaste of their mutual teasing.

How could this happen?

Zhou Ming sighed inwardly, but when he came to his senses, he happened to meet Lin Muqing's scrutinizing gaze. Lin Muqing asked Zhou Ming, "What's wrong?"

Faced with Lin Muqing's inquiry, Zhou Ming felt an inexplicable sense of guilt, even though nothing had really happened between them. Zhou Ming thought for a moment and deliberately grinned, saying, "Nothing, just suddenly thought of something. Why, do you care so much, Muqing? Are you interested?"

Zhou Ming asked this on purpose. He certainly couldn't reveal the whole story about what happened earlier—that would be foolishness!

Regardless of whether there was anything between him and Lin Muqing, saying that he had been so intimate and flirtatious with another woman would be a major issue. This counter-question would give him more time to think of a way out, especially since he had already mentioned the nonsense about tea eggs. It wouldn't hurt to add another one. Of course, the best outcome would be if Lin Muqing chose not to probe further.

It was unclear whether Zhou Ming's acting was on point today or Lin Muqing genuinely didn't pick up on it. Anyway, Lin Muqing made a disdainful face after hearing Zhou Ming's words and said, "You're always thinking of something weird. I'm not interested in knowing!"

Phew!

Zhou Ming sighed in relief. However, since the show must go on, he put on a sad face and said, "My Muqing, you're really not cooperating."

"Enough with your nonsense. I'm not interested in your random thoughts!" Lin Muqing replied, "Alright, stop messing around. Finish your breakfast quickly. I'll help you sort out these newspapers and magazines. We still need to go to the Stock Exchange later."

Zhou Ming nodded. He quickly finished cleaning up the breakfast on the table, changed into his trousers and shoes, and then left with Lin Muqing.

They got into Lin Muqing's car and first went to the nearby hotel to pick up Luo Han and the others. Since Qiao Weijiang had been suspended the day before, Zhou Ming had naturally taken over as the leader of the inspection team. Lin Muqing had previously thought their hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui was inadequate, so she arranged for them to stay in Central. Today, they were going to the Stock Exchange.

This was Zhou Ming's arrangement and also puzzled him because it was the inspection team's first visit to the Stock Exchange since arriving in Hong Kong.

As the only securities exchange in Hong Kong, it should have been the inspection team's first destination. Yet, despite Qiao Weijiang having taken the team to various financial figures and political leaders and even to give a speech at Hong Kong University, they had never visited the Stock Exchange.

Zhou Ming remembered his reaction upon hearing about the team's arrangements yesterday: "Damn it, did Qiao Weijiang come to Hong Kong for tourism or for inspection? How can you do a securities market inspection and not visit the Stock Exchange? Not understanding the Stock Exchange's operation rules or the situation of listed companies—what on earth is there to inspect?"

So Zhou Ming had completely rearranged the rest of the inspection team's schedule and decided to take them directly to the Stock Exchange today.

The inspection team still traveled by bus. Although Zhou Ming didn't want Lin Muqing to join them, she insisted on coming along. Zhou Ming couldn't refuse her and didn't want to make any special arrangements, so they ended up taking the bus together.

When Zhou Ming and the South Jiang inspection team arrived at the Stock Exchange, an old acquaintance greeted them at the door: Deng Weidong, the former Market Department Manager. After having guaranteed Zhou Ming's capital preservation fund and making significant contributions to revitalizing Hong Kong's economy, he had been promoted to Vice Chairman of the Stock Exchange. Since Lin Muqing had contacted the Stock Exchange, Deng Weidong had volunteered to welcome Zhou Ming and his team.

At the entrance of the Stock Exchange, Deng Weidong extended his hand to Zhou Ming, saying, "Welcome. On behalf of the Stock Exchange, I warmly welcome Consultant Zhou and the inspection team from South Jiang to our Stock Exchange. If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to ask me anytime."

Zhou Ming nodded in thanks and led the inspection team inside the Stock Exchange, where they arrived at the trading hall. Luo Han and the others observed the various flashing numbers on the display screens and the dense flow of people moving around.

Although Luo Han and the others were mentally prepared, they had never encountered such a scene in mainland China. As soon as they entered, they were struck with awe, like a country bumpkin visiting a grand estate, finding everything new and fascinating.

"Consultant Zhou, is this the securities market of Hong Kong?" Luo Han asked Zhou Ming in a low voice.

"You could say that. At least, all listed companies and most stocks and securities in Hong Kong can be traded here," Zhou Ming explained.

Deng Weidong also heard Luo Han's question and explained, "The Stock Exchange is recognized as the only securities trading company in Hong Kong. You can sell your stocks and other securities here, and similarly, you can choose to buy the stocks and other securities you want. It's all voluntary."

As a financial pioneer from South Jiang, Luo Han was aware of these things. However, in front of Deng Weidong and Zhou Ming, he could only nod like a student.

"Although our Stock Exchange is the only trading company in Hong Kong, and the economy is sluggish after the stock market crash, we still handle transactions worth tens of billions of Hong Kong dollars every day," Deng Weidong said.

The number took Luo Han by surprise: "Tens of billions? Just for one day?"

Deng Weidong nodded as if it were a matter of course: "Just one day, but specifically from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m."

Luo Han was once again shocked. Although he was relatively knowledgeable about securities trading compared to others in mainland China, the environment in mainland China made such a trading volume in just four hours truly astonishing.

However, Zhou Ming felt no particular sensation. After all, compared to the thousands of billions of trading volume in the future, today's tens of billions were not very impressive to him.

Luo Han then asked Zhou Ming, "Consultant Zhou, is this where you earned your money?"

Zhou Ming nodded. Luo Han and the other members of the inspection team instinctively straightened up, their eyes showing deep respect for Zhou Ming.

The inspection at the Stock Exchange did not last long. As one of the most important financial centers in Asia, Deng Weidong, as Vice Chairman, had many matters to attend to and could not stay with them the whole time. Thus, they only stayed for a little over an hour before leaving. Before they departed, Deng Weidong handed all the trading rules and other related legal documents to Luo Han.

Seeing Luo Han holding a large stack of documents cautiously, Zhou Ming approached him and advised, "Don't be so nervous. When our South Jiang securities market is up and running, it won't be much different

 from here."

"With your words, Consultant Zhou, I'm confident," Luo Han said.

---

Afterward, Zhou Ming took them by bus for a meal and then sent them back to their hotel to rest. At the hotel entrance, after Luo Han and the others had gone inside, one person hesitated and didn't leave, seemingly wanting to speak to Zhou Ming. Zhou Ming recognized him as Xiao Zhang, Qiao Weijiang's secretary.