That day, Lin BaoCheng went to Los Angeles Airport to pick someone up.
Besides his secretary Qin Lan, Lin also brought Cliff Cooper and Brian Owen, his two new bodyguards, along with Chen Yaoxian and another guard.
Unlike Chen Yaoxian and the others, Cliff Cooper and Brian Owen were armed.
For this, Lin BaoCheng donated US$2 million to secure permission for them to carry firearms.
This was only possible because Cliff Cooper and Brian Owen were white. If it had been Chen Yaoxian and the others, it would have been impossible to obtain such permits.
After all, this was America, a country where firearms were legal. If bodyguards couldn't carry guns, then even with several around him, there would always be a sense of insecurity. With armed bodyguards, that sense of safety increased immediately.
Lin and his group waited at the VIP exit. There weren't many people there, so although they stood out, it wasn't a problem.
Since he knew the flight's arrival time, Lin didn't wait long before the person appeared.
"Cheng‑kun."
Mouri Seiko came running out from the terminal, rushing straight toward Lin BaoCheng.
Cliff Cooper and Brian Owen, who had never seen her before, initially moved to intercept. But when they saw their boss also heading toward the woman, they stopped.
"Seiko!"
Lin hugged her tightly.
"Isn't Mouri Seiko Lin's assistant?" Qin Lan thought to herself as she watched. But she quickly understood. This assistant was very beautiful, only a few years younger than the boss. No matter who had initiated it, their relationship developing into this was perfectly natural.
"Let's go. We'll talk back at the house."
Lin took Seiko's hand and walked out. The bodyguards carried the luggage.
Outside, three cars were waiting, guarded by four bodyguards. No one could tamper with the vehicles while Lin was away.
The cars drove toward Beverly Hills.
"Cheng‑kun, this villa is so big!"
Arriving at the residence, Seiko looked around excitedly. She had seen larger villas before, but those belonged to others. This one, though not hers, was a place she could live in — and that felt different.
"It's alright," Lin smiled. "In two years, I plan to buy an even bigger one. Not just here — in Hong Kong and Japan too, I'll buy larger villas." He wasn't boasting; he truly intended it.
By early 1980, once his gold futures investments ended and profits were secured, Lin's wealth would skyrocket. At the same time, he would owe massive taxes.
To offset taxes, he would need major expenditures or investments. Buying larger, more luxurious villas for greater enjoyment was one of his planned choices.
"I believe you can do it, Cheng‑kun," Seiko said, holding his arm, gazing at him with admiration, her demeanor that of a devoted woman. She had learned from her mother how to please men. Men had vanity, and they loved being admired by their women. Such admiration gave them immense satisfaction.
"Haha, naturally," Lin laughed, delighted, leading Seiko into the villa.
The bodyguards stayed outside, guarding the perimeter. Qin Lan followed them inside.
"Seiko, let me introduce you. This is Qin Lan, my new secretary. Qin Lan, you already know Seiko — my assistant in Japan."
Seated on the sofa, Lin made introductions. In his words, Seiko was still just his assistant.
At present, Lin indeed regarded her as his assistant. But with their intimate relationship, her status in his heart was higher than Isabella's or Cheng YuFeng's.
"Assistant Mouri," Qin Lan greeted with a bow. Since Lin hadn't introduced Seiko as his girlfriend, Qin treated her as an assistant.
"Hello, Secretary Qin," Seiko replied, though inwardly she frowned. This secretary was too beautiful, no less than herself. Staying by Lin's side constantly, she could become a threat.
"Seiko, you can speak Cantonese?" Lin asked in surprise. Seiko had just greeted Qin in Cantonese. Until now, she hadn't known the language.
It was normal that she hadn't. She was Japanese, had studied in America, and before becoming Lin's assistant had never been to Hong Kong. Cantonese wasn't a global language, so her not knowing it was natural.
"Cheng‑kun, you're from Hong Kong. How could I not learn Cantonese? I've been studying recently," Seiko said softly in Cantonese. She had indeed been learning, wanting to be closer to Lin.
"You're thoughtful, Seiko," Lin said, patting her hand. "Learning Cantonese is useful. When we're in Hong Kong, it'll help you communicate with others."
"Yes," Seiko nodded gently.
"You must be tired. Go upstairs and rest. Tomorrow we'll enjoy ourselves for a few days before you return to Japan."
Lin led her upstairs. Seiko hadn't come for business, but simply because she missed him. Lin, full of youthful energy, also desired her company. He agreed to let her stay and spend time together.
Though wealthy, Lin never paid for women to satisfy his energy. He had needs, and Seiko's arrival was timely.
Seiko had seduced him to advance her career, but she also truly wanted to become Mrs. Lin. Lin was young, handsome, and immensely wealthy.
She knew he had no girlfriend, no other women. She wanted to seize the chance to make him fall for her. Without frequent contact, deep feelings couldn't grow.
Seiko wasn't trying to scam money. She intended to give her heart, believing that only true devotion could win his. She wanted Lin to truly love her, to make her his wife.
Lin, however, had no idea of her thoughts. For now, he had no plans for a girlfriend, let alone marriage. Ahead lay a vast forest waiting for him to explore — he wasn't about to tie himself to a single tree at such a young age.