Tycoon: From Rags to Riches

Chapter 125: Chapter 121: Paper Gold

Gao Zihang swore with a laugh, then his expression turned slightly more formal as he extended his right hand to Gu Heng. "Chairman Gu, it’s a pleasure to meet you."

"President Gao, a pleasure."

Gu Heng shook his hand, his expression relaxed and easygoing.

’Anyone who can call Wang Yan a brother must be someone of considerable status.’

’When you’re out, it’s never wrong to be a little humble and low-key.’

"This is Oscar, the owner of this cigar lounge."

"He’s from Port City, and his family is in the shipbuilding business."

"He’s struck out on his own now, and with ’a little bit’ of help from his family, he’s opened this cigar lounge. Right now, his inventory alone is worth close to two hundred million."

At this, Wang Yan clicked his tongue. "His operation wasn’t always this big, but the kid got incredibly lucky. When he first got into cigars back in ’18, the prices were still pretty normal."

"Who knew that starting in ’20, the price of imported Cuban cigars would shoot up like they were on steroids. Gold prices are already absurdly high, but who would’ve thought these cigars would appreciate even more ridiculously than gold."

Oscar seemed younger than Wang Yan and Gao Zihang, looking to be around thirty. He wore a white business shirt under a light brown plaid suit vest, giving him a dapper, charming air.

He simply maintained his smile throughout Wang Yan’s friendly jabs.

"Chairman Gu, welcome to my humble establishment."

"Since you’re a friend of Wang Yan, you’re an honored guest of mine."

"In the future, if you need anything regarding cigars, please feel free to contact me at any time."

Oscar took a gold-stamped business card from his pocket. "Chairman Gu, this is my card. Again, welcome."

"I will."

Gu Heng took the card, responding with a smile.

After introducing Gao Zihang and Oscar, Wang Yan briefly introduced the other two men.

One was Zhao Yongtao, who was about Wang Yan’s age. He was a friend of Gao Zihang and was also acquainted with Wang Yan. His family ran a design firm.

Based on his demeanor, the level of his family’s Wealth seemed to be a far cry from that of Wang Yan and Gao Zihang, and he came across as rather cautious when speaking with Wang Yan.

The other was Gao Zihao, Gao Zihang’s 21-year-old younger brother.

Ever since Wang Wan Ning had walked into the cigar lounge, his gaze had barely strayed from her.

However, Wang Wan Ning’s attention remained fixed on Gu Heng, and she paid Gao Zihao no mind at all. This caused Gao Zihao to look at Gu Heng with a hint of veiled displeasure.

"Oscar, Chairman Gu wants to buy some cigars to take home and age."

After the brief introductions, Wang Yan, not forgetting the purpose of their visit, said to Oscar, "I was just singing your praises. Hurry up and bring out the good stuff. Don’t make me lose face in front of Chairman Gu, you hear?"

"Of course."

Oscar smiled, then turned to Gu Heng. "Chairman Gu, why don’t we sit down and try a cigar first?"

"Sounds good."

Gu Heng nodded, completely unfazed.

’With the knowledge from his [Cigar Appreciation Card], he was an expert among experts in the world of cigars. Even Oscar, the lounge owner, might not know as much as he did.’

Everyone returned to the sofas. Gu Heng took the center seat again, flanked by Jiang Ruan and Wang Wan Ning, while Wang Yan sat on the other side of Wang Wan Ning.

Soon, at a signal from Oscar, two Cigar Masters in women’s suit skirts and black stockings approached Gu Heng and Wang Yan. They slowly knelt before the two men, one holding a long, black, piano-lacquered box.

The box was opened, revealing a protective cedar plank on top.

Affixed to the cedar plank was a small card with gold lettering on a black background.

Once the plank was removed, a neat row of cigars lay nestled inside.

"Habanos, limited to five thousand boxes—the Habanos Gran Reserva."

Seeing the long box, Gu Heng looked at Oscar and chuckled. "President Ka, isn’t this a bit extravagant for a welcome?"

When Oscar saw Gu Heng identify the cigars with a single glance, his eyes lit up, a hint of surprise on his face. "Chairman Gu, it seems you’re a connoisseur."

Gu Heng smiled but didn’t deny it.

"It’s our first meeting, and you were introduced by Brother Yan. Of course, I have to show my sincerity."

Oscar gestured for Gu Heng to help himself.

"Brother Yan, you’ve got some serious clout!"

Upon hearing that, Gu Heng gave Wang Yan a thumbs-up.

"You know it."

Wang Yan chuckled. "But Oscar isn’t normally this generous. With old guys like us, a couple of Coronas is the best we can hope for. I guess I’m basking in your glow today."

"Damn it!"

"I really lost out!"

"Should’ve come later!"

Gao Zihang eyed the row of exquisite cigars, then glanced at the Robusto in his hand, which suddenly lost its appeal. But it was already lit, and he couldn’t just abandon it halfway through.

"Sir, would you prefer a straight cut or a V-cut?"

The Cigar Master asked, tilting her head up to look at Gu Heng from her kneeling position.

"Straight cut."

Gu Heng replied with a smile.

"Very well."

Receiving his confirmation, the Cigar Master immediately took out a cigar cutter and went to work. Her movements were elegant and practiced, and she quickly had the cigar neatly trimmed.

"Sir, would you like to test the draw?"

The Cigar Master asked again, her gaze intense as she looked at Gu Heng.

"That won’t be necessary."

Gu Heng raised his hand, taking the cigar from the Cigar Master and politely declining her offer.

’Test the draw?’

Sitting beside Gu Heng, Jiang Ruan watched the men exhale clouds of smoke, her horizons broadening once again. She found herself filled with curiosity about the various terms Gu Heng and the others tossed around in their conversation.

However, Jiang Ruan’s confusion was soon cleared up by Wang Yan.

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