While drinking tea together, Lin BaoCheng told Iwasaki MineRyu and Mōri Haruko about his plan to go long on gold futures using leveraged financing through Mitsubishi Bank.
"Lin-kun, you're looking out for me, giving me performance results. Of course, no problem," Iwasaki replied readily. Then he added: "But Lin-kun, you're playing it big. It seems you're very confident about the future trend of gold prices."
"Eh, what's the use of confidence alone?" Lin BaoCheng waved his hand. "I believe gold prices will rise, but belief alone is useless. If prices fall sharply, I'll suffer heavy losses. I can only hope my judgment is correct."
"Lin-kun, with 100 million USD principal and five‑times leverage, you don't even need a huge rally. A mere 10% increase in gold prices would earn you a fortune," Iwasaki said. Indeed, a 10% rise would mean 50 million USD profit — a 50% return. Even after fees and taxes, the profit would be substantial.
But he left unsaid the other side: if gold fell 10%, Lin BaoCheng would lose 50 million USD. A 20% drop would wipe out the entire 100 million. It was a massive gamble. Iwasaki himself wouldn't dare follow, though he felt less worried about BaiLong Trading Company's 10 million USD gold futures position. Since Lin BaoCheng himself had staked 100 million, any losses would hit him far harder; BaiLong's losses would be relatively minor.
Lin BaoCheng only smiled, saying nothing. He didn't try to persuade Iwasaki to join him — their relationship wasn't at that level. More importantly, even if Iwasaki profited, Lin BaoCheng wouldn't get a share. Why waste effort?
The three ate a vegetarian lunch there, which was quite good.
In the afternoon, Iwasaki left for other matters. Lin BaoCheng asked Mōri Haruko to take him to a hot spring.
Hot springs have many health benefits. Japan, known as the "Kingdom of Hot Springs," has countless varieties. For Japanese people, bathing in hot springs is both enjoyment and an essential part of life.
Haruko brought him to the most luxurious hot spring resort, famous and membership‑only.
Lin BaoCheng booked a private men's bath. He had no interest in sharing with other men.
"Ah, comfortable!" Lin BaoCheng closed his eyes, admitting that hot springs were indeed a pleasure.
"Chairman!" Haruko's voice sounded as the door opened.
"What is it?" Lin BaoCheng opened his eyes to see Haruko, wrapped in a bath towel, entering.
She walked over. "Chairman, let me massage your shoulders."
Looking at her, Lin BaoCheng admitted he was tempted, but said: "Haruko, you don't need to do so much."
"It's my honor," she replied. Hearing that, Lin BaoCheng didn't refuse again. Refusing once was already a show of willpower.
Haruko removed her towel, entered the bath, and came to his side. Lin BaoCheng watched the whole time, noting her openness and lack of hesitation. It made him suspect her intentions.
She moved behind him and began massaging his shoulders. Her technique was surprisingly good.
Relaxing, Lin BaoCheng leaned back, his head resting against her soft curves. Haruko didn't flinch, continuing the massage.
Eyes closed, he calmed his inner stirrings.
After a moment, he spoke suddenly: "Haruko, I won't give you any promises."
He wasn't foolish. Her actions went beyond an assistant's duties. This wasn't just a massage — it was clearly seduction. Haruko was beautiful; of course he was tempted. But he felt he had to make things clear now, to avoid future trouble. If she wanted to be his wife, he would never agree — better to let her go. After all, beautiful women would never be scarce for him.
"Chairman, Haruko understands," she answered softly. Though a little disappointed, she had prepared herself for this.
"Do you plan to keep working? If not, I can support you," Lin BaoCheng asked.
"I plan to continue working," Haruko replied immediately. She didn't want to be removed from her position. If that happened, she'd rather do nothing and stay as she was.
"Good." Lin BaoCheng turned to look into her eyes. "If you want to keep working, then know this: whatever relationship we have, I won't give you special treatment. To reach higher positions, you must improve your ability and prove it to me. There's no other path."
"I'll rely on my own skills!" Haruko nodded. She understood, but also knew that when abilities were equal or close, leaders often favored those closer to them. It wasn't just personal bias — trust came easier with those who had closer ties.
Her request wasn't much: that even with intimacy, she wouldn't be blocked from rising to senior positions because of her gender. In both Japan and America, workplace discrimination against women was real. Haruko knew this well.
Precisely because she understood, when she saw Lin BaoCheng's career growing ever larger, she chose this path — to avoid being hindered in the future by gender bias.
"That's good," Lin BaoCheng said. Since she had spoken so clearly, he chose to believe her. If later her actions contradicted her words or crossed his bottom line, he wouldn't hesitate to dismiss her.
After about half an hour, Lin BaoCheng left the hot spring resort with Haruko and his bodyguards, returning to his hotel.
Back at the hotel, Lin BaoCheng immediately played the role of a fisherman from Wuling, discovering a peach blossom grove, lush with grass and free of weeds.
A fisherman is still a fisherman — it was physical labor, sweaty and exhausting, yet joyful. That joy was something outsiders could never truly understand.