Courtyard House: A Start with Black Gold Swallowing 100,000 Silver Dollars

Days flow by like a stream, quiet and warm.

One night, a gold-embossed invitation arrived at the Li residence, inviting Li Wenguo to a banquet at Mingyue Never Sleeps City.

The lamplight flickered, the aroma of alcohol was strong, glasses clinked crisply, and the dance steps made one dizzy.

The men were impeccably dressed, while the women's skirts fluttered in the wind.

But upon closer inspection, it turns out to be nothing more than a carefully staged old play.

When they run into acquaintances, they shower each other with compliments, and when they encounter strangers, they politely nod and greet them.

After getting acquainted with the crowd, Li Wenguo felt that the scene was as bland as stale tea, and he couldn't muster any interest in it.

The only ones who could catch his eye were the elegant young ladies from prestigious families, adorned in gold and silver and with glamorous makeup.

But each of them had a flat chest, like a tender bamboo shoot.

Li Wenguo had no choice but to repeatedly look away, pretending to casually glance at the crowd.

At this time-

A woman entered his field of vision: an oval face, features as delicate as if painted with fine brushstrokes, yet her eyes and brows exuded a coldness that kept people at a distance.

What truly catches the eye is the ample curve of her chest.

She was wrapped in a dark blue velvet cheongsam, with a very tight waistline and a very perky hip line, which made her tall figure look both dashing and charming, like a walking jade sculpture.

evildoer!

She's truly a bewitching and enchanting beauty!

Li Wenguo felt a surge of heat in his heart, and his feet tingled with urge. He lifted his leg and rushed forward to meet them.

With He Shuting about to give birth and Hongyu pregnant, Maria has also calmed down—after being provoked by that iron-willed man's energy, he suddenly feels empty beside him, missing someone to warm the bed.

The woman was arm in arm with an elderly man in his early fifties. Li Wenguo recognized him as Boss Dong, whom he often dealt with. The man was in the manufacturing business, and all the equipment in his factory was supplied by the Index Trading Company. They also relied on them for maintenance and repairs. They had always maintained a close relationship.

The two women shared a slight resemblance in their features, and he immediately concluded in his mind: father and daughter, without a doubt.

"Boss Dong, you've arrived!"

Li Wenguo's smile was warm and his voice was loud and friendly.

This person might be my future father-in-law, so it won't hurt to be respectful.

"Oh, Manager Li!"

"I've heard so much about you!"

Boss Dong also smiled broadly.

He runs a factory, relying on foreign companies for machinery and after-sales service. His business lifeline is in their hands, so how could he dare to be negligent?

What followed was all practical advice: the precision of the new lathes from Europe has doubled, German products are cheap and durable, and the automated production lines from Italy save on labor... Li Wenguo's words hit the nail on the head for Boss Dong.

The other person's eyes lit up, and their fingers unconsciously tapped the edge of the table in rhythm—this was all hard-earned money!

Seeing that the time was right, Li Wenguo changed the subject: "I'll make a special trip to your home another day to discuss this in detail!"

The conversation then smoothly shifted to the quiet, picturesque woman beside her.

"Mr. Dong, who is this elegant lady?"

"Oh, my little girl, Begonia."

With a smile, Boss Dong introduced, "Haitang, this is the young talent I often talk about, Manager Li from the Index Trading Company."

"Often mentioning it?" Who knows if they've ever mentioned it? Anyone can easily slip up a few nice words.

"Um!"

Dong Haitang simply nodded slightly, without uttering a sound.

I don't know if it's because it's naturally aloof or if it's simply too lazy to bother with me.

"Miss Haitang, it's a pleasure to meet you!"

Li Wenguo's smile remained unchanged as he extended an invitation, "Would you do me the honor of dancing a song?"

Her lips barely moved, before the words of refusal were uttered—

Boss Dong shoved her forward, saying, "Manager Li invited you, hurry up and go!"

She then turned to Li Wenguo and grinned, "Haha, my daughter is shy, please forgive her!"

"Hehe, I understand!"

Li Wenguo waved his hand dismissively, not caring at all.

What I want is a healthy body, not a chatterbox—introverted? Extroverted? It has nothing to do with me.

Soon, Dong Haitang was half-pulled and half-carried into the dance floor.

Her steps were stiff, her shoulders slightly tense, like a slender bamboo unwilling to bend over.

"Miss Haitang, do you like watching Western movies?"

……

"Miss Haitang, what do you usually like to do?"

……

She just kept keeping time with the beat, looking down at the cracks in the floor, too lazy to even be perfunctory; her arm was being supported by him, but her fingertips were always tense, as if they would break at the slightest touch.

That subtle, elusive resistance felt like the tip of a cat's tail brushing against his heart, sending shivers down Li Wenguo's spine.

"What?!"

"Should I marry that trading company manager? Or become his concubine?"

Dong Haitang still remembers the burning gaze Li Wenguo gave her while they were dancing that night. It was like a hungry wolf eyeing fresh meat, sending a chill down her spine.

Now, the old father has actually brought this matter to the forefront?

"I won't marry him. I absolutely disagree."

Her face was ashen, as if frozen, and her expression was resolute.

Putting aside the discomfort in her heart, the mere mention of the word "concubine" is enough to humiliate her—whoever wants to be a concubine can be one, she, Dong Haitang, will not serve her.

"Although she was a concubine, she was formally engaged and her status was clearly stated, which was quite respectable."

Boss Dong lacked confidence, and his voice dropped halfway.

Actually, he was unwilling, but Li Wenguo's offer was too lucrative: as long as he married Haitang off, he would immediately invest in the factory, bring in a full set of new equipment, double the output, reduce costs, and secure the market!

What's even more incredible is that Li Wenguo patted his chest and guaranteed that the shares would be returned intact on the day the dividends were distributed and the principal was recouped.

It's like borrowing a huge sum of money for free, without charging interest!

Where else can you find such a good deal?

As for who my daughter marries... it doesn't matter who she marries, right?

Of course, what Boss Dong didn't know was that once the Japanese invaders stepped in, his factory, his machines, his account books, and even his old face would all be taken away by the Japanese.

I wonder if I'll end up heartbroken and in tears?

On the other hand, Li Wenguo not only didn't suffer any loss, but also picked up a beauty as beautiful as an angel.

Wow!

"I don't care about his family background, I despise him from the bottom of my heart—I'd rather die than marry him! If you want to marry him, go ahead and marry him yourself!"

Dong Haitang was resolute and showed no mercy, not even caring about her father's feelings.

"Do you really think you have the option to be picky?"

"They don't even consider their own worth."

"We wanted you to be a clerk in the city government, a stable and respectable job. But instead, you plunged headfirst into the Lixing Society. What kind of image does a young woman have, handling guns and knives all day long, braving wind and rain?"

"No wonder people run away faster than rabbits the moment they hear about your job."

When his daughter contradicted him in front of him, leaving him humiliated, Boss Dong's tone suddenly tightened, and his words became barbed.

"Isn't your concern just that your family will be implicated and your reputation ruined?"

"Then I'll move out, okay?"

Dong Haitang stood firm, her eyes clear yet cold and hard.

Boss Dong flew into a rage on the spot, slammed his hand on the edge of the table, and stood up abruptly.

"No way! I've already agreed to the marriage, and the date has been chosen—marrying is your right; not marrying is not up to you! There's no room for discussion!"

"Heh... I see. That manager from the trading company must have given you a generous gift, which is why he was so eager to push me into this mess."

"You're not marrying off your daughter, you're selling her!"

She came from the intelligence system and knew best about the shady deals behind the scenes.

"I raised you from infancy, provided for your food, clothing, shelter, and education, and you can't even arrange your marriage?"

As soon as the topic of "selling his daughter" came up, Boss Dong immediately changed the subject, avoiding it like the plague.

This matter is ultimately not dignified.

"Oh!!!"

Dong Haitang stopped arguing, only curling the corner of her mouth into a cold, frosty smile.

"I'll ask one last time: Will you marry me or not?"

Boss Dong approached step by step, his voice like muffled thunder.

"I'll marry him!!!"

She answered crisply and decisively, but her face was as cold as ice.

This delightful response momentarily stunned Boss Dong.

"You have raised me for twenty years, and today, I return it all to you."

From now on, we owe each other nothing.

This is a declaration of severing all ties and betrayal.

It's no different from tearing apart the father-daughter relationship with one's own hands.

Boss Dong fell silent, his chest heaving with indescribable emotions.

After all, they are my own flesh and blood, whom I raised with love and care. Who would believe that I have no attachment to them?

But the thought of the factory expanding, business booming, and the family gaining a stronger foothold in the business world, and that his two sons would be able to inherit an even greater legacy, stirred a wave of excitement within him.

That's right, he's a man with a strong sense of responsibility and a clear conscience.

"The auspicious day is in three days, so hurry up and prepare."

"Your dowry will never be meager, and you will never be inferior to others in your husband's family."

Boss Dong is a respectable person after all; he values ​​his reputation more than money.

If the dowry is too meager, people will point fingers and gossip, and where will he put his old face?

Unlike He Shuting's family, whose members are officials, they are very shameless.

Before he finished speaking, he turned and strode out the door.

"well……"

"That's fine, it makes me feel much lighter."

Dong Haitang sighed deeply, her breath carrying three parts weariness and seven parts relief.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Today is another joyous day for Li Wenguo.

He took another concubine.

He Shuting was the only one with a somber expression; everyone else beamed with joy, the atmosphere filled with happiness.

After all, they get to enjoy another free lavish feast.

Li Wenguo was also quite generous, booking out the entire Heyuan Restaurant and setting up dozens of tables.

Fuyuan Restaurant? Too ostentatious. Although he could afford it, he didn't want to attract attention.

Besides, if it were really held there, He Shuting would probably flip the table on the spot—

The principal wife hasn't even stepped inside yet, and a newly arrived concubine has already gotten the first prize? This doesn't make sense anywhere!

……

The lively atmosphere and boisterous atmosphere during the meal need not be described in detail.

Before they knew it, it was time for their wedding night.

Li Wenguo reached out and lifted the veil off Dong Haitang's head.

Already radiant and captivating, she becomes even more stunning and breathtaking with the skillful touch of her brush; in particular, her aloof and unapproachable aura only fuels the desire to peel away that layer of distance, making one yearn to uncover her secrets.

Li Wenguo's heart pounded wildly, and he silently cried out three times:

They made a killing!

They made a killing!

They made a killing!

Important things must be said three times.

"Haitang, let's rest."

They had just finished drinking the nuptial wine when he couldn't contain himself and reached out to embrace her.

Dong Haitang sidestepped, looked up and stared straight at him, her voice clear and melodious: "There's something I need to make clear to you first—if you don't agree, don't even think about touching me tonight."

"What is it? Tell me!"

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head. Li Wenguo stopped in his tracks, his brows furrowed slightly, and his expression became serious.

"I have my own business to make. When I'm out in the world, I'm not your wife, and you have no right to interfere. But when we're home, I'm your wife, and I'll be at your disposal when it comes to household affairs—can you agree to that?"

Ok?

Why is there another layer hidden inside?

Li Wenguo's mind was filled with doubt, and he blurted out:

"What kind of business do you do?"

Boss Dong was afraid that Li Wenguo would back down on the spot if he heard that his daughter was one of the ruthless members of the Lixing Society who wouldn't let go once they started talking, so he simply kept quiet about it.

Several families who had previously proposed marriage to Dong Haitang immediately turned them down upon hearing that she was a member of the Lixingshe (a secret society).

Occasionally, two or three men would be captivated by her beauty and consider marrying her, but as soon as they spoke up, they would be scolded by her family and forced to back down.

The Lixingshe (力行社) brand has never had a good reputation.

No, it's never been good.

To put it bluntly, Boss Dong secretly set a trap for Li Wenguo this time.

"It's best if you don't ask what I do for a living."

Dong Haitang's tone was decisive, leaving no room for negotiation.

Depend on!

Could he be another underground party member?

The more Li Wenguo thought about it, the more convinced he became that it was almost certainly true.