Chapter 13 — The Arrival of the Fenice
The glass walls of the penthouse shimmered under the midday sun, filling the space with gentle light. Lin Hao lay sprawled across his massive sectional sofa, remote in hand, flipping lazily through endless channels on the 120-inch OLED screen.
He had woken up early, exercised, eaten like a health guru, and now found himself with something every rich man fears most — free time.
He stopped at a variety show — a popular comedy series where celebrities tried to complete ridiculous challenges. One of them was trying to run across floating rubber logs and falling face-first into a pool.
Lin Hao snorted, nearly choking on his juice.
"Man, this guy falls faster than my bank balance used to."
He laughed, leaning back into the sofa. It felt oddly good to just relax, no deliveries, no rushing, no broken scooter tires — just peace, expensive air conditioning, and stupidity on TV.
When the show cut to ads, he changed the channel. News anchors were discussing stock market fluctuations, government meetings, and the upcoming international auto expo in Shanghai.
His gaze lingered for a moment when he heard "Lamborghini."
The anchor said something about Lamborghini unveiling a new hybrid model prototype later in the year. Lin Hao chuckled.
"Guess I'll beat them to it."
---
By noon, he was on the balcony, looking over the city with a cold drink in hand. The view stretched endlessly — the river, the skyscrapers, and far below, the tiny dots of traffic.
A breeze swept through his hair. He took a sip, thoughtful.
"The system gave me a one-percent share. Lamborghini's annual revenue should be…"
He trailed off, pulling out his phone and typing "Lamborghini annual profit 2024" into the search bar.
Dozens of articles appeared — estimates, reports, analysis videos. The numbers varied, but one headline stood out:
> 'Lamborghini posts record-breaking profits: Over $1.5 billion USD in net income.'
Lin Hao's eyes widened.
"Hold on… $1.5 billion…" He began muttering under his breath, tapping on the calculator app.
"Let's see… one percent… that's fifteen million dollars."
He froze. "Fifteen… that's over a hundred million RMB!"
He stared at the screen for a moment, his brain trying to catch up.
"Holy crap, that's like… two lifetimes of earned money."
He rubbed his face and laughed softly. "I should frame this calculator."
Still, he knew those were just estimates. Big corporations had creative accounting — profits, dividends, reinvestments, shares. But even if he got a fraction of that, it would still be absurd money. Enough to buy a few more lifetimes of freedom.
The thought put him in a good mood.
---
The afternoon passed lazily.
He made himself an iced coffee, played a few rounds of a mobile game, browsed through news on the stock market, and even started watching a random sci-fi movie halfway through — something about aliens pretending to be humans in a corporate office.
At one point, he found himself imitating the main character's lines, chuckling. "Boss, I didn't mean to invade Earth, I just wanted a raise."
By five o'clock, the sun was dipping low, and the penthouse lights automatically adjusted to a soft golden hue. Lin Hao was just considering whether to order dinner or try the gym again when his phone buzzed.
Incoming Call: Unknown Number
He raised an eyebrow. "Another one?"
He swiped to answer. "Hello?"
A crisp voice spoke, polite but professional.
"Good evening, Mr. Lin Hao. This is Franco Moretti, head of Lamborghini Asia-Pacific Logistics. Am I reaching you at a convenient time?"
"Yes," Lin Hao said, sitting up straighter. "Please, go ahead."
As he had given his address earlier to these people.
"Excellent, sir. I'm calling to confirm your address at the Guinlin International Penthouse. We're delivering the Fenice prototype today, as per President Rossi's instructions."
Lin Hao blinked. "Wait—today?"
"Yes, sir. The vehicle has cleared customs and our internal checks earlier than expected. It's currently being transported by our secure delivery convoy. Estimated arrival time: forty minutes."
He stood up instinctively. "Forty minutes?! That's… fast."
Moretti chuckled lightly. "We at Lamborghini believe time should be respected, Mr. Lin."
"Uh, right. Sure. Time. Absolutely." Lin Hao rubbed his temple. "Do I need to sign anything?"
"Yes, sir. We'll bring the ownership documents, registration files, and an envelope from President Rossi. Once delivered, our technicians will brief you on the Fenice's operation and safety protocols."
"Got it. I'll be ready," Lin Hao said, trying to sound composed — though his pulse had already tripled.
"Excellent. We'll see you soon, Mr. Lin."
The call ended.
---
For the next half hour, Lin Hao couldn't sit still.
He cleaned the already spotless living room, checked his reflection in the mirror, and debated changing his outfit three times. Finally, he settled on a casual yet sharp look — a fitted white shirt, black jeans, and a silver watch that came with the apartment.
When the intercom buzzed, he almost jumped.
"Mr. Lin," said the concierge's voice, "a Lamborghini transport convoy has arrived at the entrance. They request access to the underground private parking."
Lin Hao took a deep breath. "Allow them in."
---
Downstairs, the usually quiet basement of Greenland International stirred with commotion. Residents, staff, even a few curious onlookers gathered near the glass railings as a massive black-and-gold Lamborghini truck slowly backed into the private lot.
The truck gleamed under the white lights, flanked by two smaller escort SUVs bearing the same logo.
As the back ramp opened with a hydraulic hiss, the murmurs grew louder. Lin Hao arrived just in time, escorted by two security guards.
Franco Moretti — a man in his fifties with sharp Italian features and a gray streak in his hair — stepped forward and offered his hand.
"Mr. Lin Hao. A pleasure to finally meet you."
Lin Hao shook it firmly. "Pleasure's mine, Mr. Moretti. I wasn't expecting the car so soon."
"We pride ourselves on speed, sir. And quality." Moretti smiled, motioning to his team. "Shall we?"
Two technicians tapped their tablets, and the truck's interior lights flared to life. Then, slowly, the Lamborghini Fenice rolled forward.
Even covered in its carbon-black protective cloth, its shape radiated aggression and beauty. When the cover was lifted, Lin Hao felt his breath catch.
The Fenice looked like something from the future — all sharp lines, sculpted carbon fiber, and glowing red streaks along the tail. The matte finish shimmered faintly like molten metal cooling under moonlight.
Its headlights flickered alive, slicing through the dim parking lot with twin golden arcs.
Moretti's voice carried the pride of an artist unveiling a masterpiece.
"Custom hybrid hypercar, dual motor assist, twelve hundred horsepower, all-carbon body, active aerodynamics, AI-assisted stability control — and, of course, exclusive shareholder-only delivery."
He handed Lin Hao a sleek folder embossed with the golden bull logo. "Your registration papers, insurance documentation, and President Rossi's personal letter."
Moretti smiled. "Would you like a short briefing before your first drive?"
Lin Hao grinned. "I'd rather let the car do the talking."
---
The technicians guided him through the startup sequence. The Fenice's doors lifted upward like wings. The interior smelled of new leather, faint metal, and money. The cockpit wrapped around him like a fighter jet — digital dashboard, holographic display, and subtle gold stitching on every edge.
He pressed the ignition button.
The car growled to life — a deep, rolling sound that vibrated in his chest like thunder.
Every head in the parking lot turned. Phones came out, cameras clicked.
Lin Hao couldn't stop grinning. "Now this… this is something else."
He adjusted the seat, touched the steering wheel — soft, firm, perfect.
As he eased it out of the truck bay, Moretti stepped aside, watching proudly.
"Enjoy the ride, Mr. Lin. And remember — the Fenice is not a car. It's a statement."
---
The moment Lin Hao hit the ramp and rolled out onto the street, a dozen heads turned. The car's hum wasn't loud — it was a low, commanding growl, the kind of sound that made people instinctively move aside.
Driving through Shanghai's streets felt surreal. Neon lights reflected off the Fenice's sleek curves. Every red light became a spotlight, every mirror in traffic showed his new reality.
He tapped the accelerator lightly and the car surged forward instantly — smooth, effortless, powerful. But he couldn't go beyond the city's strict limits.
He exhaled, staring at the speedometer that could easily climb past 400 km/h yet was stuck at 60.
"This is torture," he muttered. "Owning a rocket and being told to fly it like a paper plane."
Still, he couldn't wipe the grin from his face. People were stopping on sidewalks, pointing, some even filming. Traffic cameras flashed — not for violations, but likely from pure curiosity.
At one stoplight, a man in a convertible leaned over.
"Hey, bro, what model is that?!"
Lin Hao just smiled. "You see the news?"
"Yeah!I do.Why do you ask?"That man asked,looking confused.
"Then,You will understand"He accelerated as the traffic light turned green.
Leaving the man bewildered.
After some moments,he remember seeing the news on his mobile and also he had heard some of his car lover friends talk about the beast car that lambo is gonna release by the end of the year.
"Wait,is that the new car of Lamborghini?"
"But that beast isn't even released and won't be until next year!?"
"How can it be that?"
---
He drove around for an hour — through the Bund, past the glowing skyline, across the bridge — the city reflected on the glossy body like a living painting. Every turn, every hum of the engine reminded him that this wasn't luck anymore. It was the start of something greater.
When he finally returned to Greenland International, the security team opened the gates instantly. He parked in his private slot, the car's headlights dimming like tired eyes after a long day.
He sat there for a while, engine off, city lights flickering outside the windshield. Then he opened the car door and stepped out slowly, still in disbelief.
He took a few photos on his phone — the Fenice from the front, side, and under the soft golden parking lights. A quick video, too.
"Just proof for myself," he murmured with a grin.
The hum of the building's central air echoed faintly as he walked back to the elevator, the letter from Rossi still in his pocket.
Inside the penthouse, he poured himself a drink and sat on the balcony, the city stretching endlessly below.
For the first time, the world truly felt different — like it was opening up, piece by piece, just for him.
He lifted his glass slightly, whispering with a small smirk,
"To the Fenice… and to whatever madness comes next."
---
(Author's note:
Believe me.The novel is going be interesting in the upcoming chapters and Lin Hao will be slowly become a true capitalist and businessman.
If you have any ideas or complains,please tell me so that I can work to implement or solve them.)