Du Feiyang was no ordinary person. Having grown up navigating deceit and manipulation, Yan Xiaoliang was merely a petty troublemaker in the county town. Du Feiyang saw through his intentions at a glance.
With nothing better to do, he decided to humor him.
He was also proficient at billiards, better than all these people. His skill drew cheers from the crowd, and Du Feiyang instantly became the star of the billiard hall.
Unfortunately, it was all rather boring. After two games, he tossed aside the cue. "Invincibility is so lonely," he mused. There was no fun playing with a bunch of novices.
He called over two girls to join him. Compared to the glamorous stars of Hong Kong, they were like wooden dolls. They had pretty, natural faces, but that was all. Du Feiyang found it utterly uninspiring.
Yan Xiaoliang brought him a soda. Seeing his lack of interest, he apologized, "This is a small town, it's understandable that you wouldn't find it appealing. We can't help it, this is all we have.
I don't know what you usually like, Mr. Du. Tell me, and if I can do it, I will."
Du Feiyang replied, "If you can't do it, there's no point in telling you."
"How will I know if you don't tell me? I'm not boasting, but in this county, even Xie Sui might not be as capable as I am. My father is the second-in-command at the Bureau of Commerce. He's just a farmer who got lucky and opened a couple of factories. He's nothing, really."
Du Feiyang sighed, "He was indeed very lucky. Sometimes luck is a form of strength. Jealousy is useless.
Don't just talk about your jealousy, even I am jealous. Damn, he's so lucky."
Yan Xiaoliang was taken aback. Why did Young Master Du sound so bitter?
"It's just luck, it'll run out eventually."
Du Feiyang nodded, "Yes, and by the time his luck runs out, he'll have made enough money."
Yan Xiaoliang chuckled dryly. Why was this person always speaking up for Xie Sui?
After finishing his drink, it was getting late. Du Feiyang threw down a few bills as a tip. "I'm leaving, time to go back for dinner."
Yan Xiaoliang returned the money. "You're having fun here, there's no reason for you to spend money. I'm treating."
Du Feiyang said, "I know, but this is a tip for the girls. We can't just come here for free, do you think this is for the bill?" S
Yan Xiaoliang was embarrassed. "Oh, I misunderstood. You take care, Young Master Du."
If you're not from the same circle, don't force yourself to fit in. Making yourself awkward also annoys others. Du Feiyang quickly forgot about him.
However, one of his subordinates reported to Xie Sui that Yan Xiaoliang was being disloyal and trying to poach people.
Xie Sui paid no mind. He was no longer the person who made money by the dime and saved it up, nor was he earning hundreds or thousands in the county town. He was now playing in the billions in the stock market. A small fry like Yan Xiaoliang wasn't worth his attention.
Du Feiyang also didn't care. Just a petty troublemaker, a clown, he didn't even mention it to Xie Sui.
In the evening, Dou Dou and Ding Ding returned. Seeing Xie Sui, they were overjoyed. "Daddy, Daddy, I dreamed you were coming back yesterday, and you really did! My dreams are always accurate."
Ding Ding said, "Daddy, I dream about you every night. You buy me a big toy truck."
Dou Dou added, "I dreamed too! Daddy buy me a long, long assault rifle."
Du Feiyang chuckled, "Brother Xie, your children are just like you. Their mouths are so sweet, they're so lovable."
Xie Sui proudly replied, "Of course. This is Uncle Du. Say hello."
"Hello Uncle Du, Uncle Du is so handsome!"
Du Feiyang was instantly overjoyed, "These children are wonderful. I like them so much. Can you give me one?"
"Dream on. If you want one, go have your own. Trying to snatch my son, are you looking for a beating?"
Du Feiyang presented the gifts he had prepared: toys, building blocks that could be stacked half-human height, and quite expensive.
Xie Sui had also bought gifts: the assault rifle the children wanted, a big truck, and plenty of snacks. The little ones immediately forgot about their father and started playing with their new toys.
"Brother Xie, I truly envy you. A beautiful wife and young children, and who knows how much you're earning in the stock market. You are the true winner in life."
Xie Sui comforted him, "You're not doing badly either. You'll inherit the family business directly, a rich second-generation, you're already a winner in life.
All you lack is a beautiful wife and young children. Don't worry about that, a wife needs to be chosen carefully. A woman as wonderful as my Wanwan is impossible to find even with a lantern."
Du Feiyang felt he was showing off and didn't want to deal with him.
As they were chatting lively, someone arrived. It was Secretary Tang, looking rather forlorn. "Xiao Xie, you've been out of town and your horizons have broadened. Old friends are no longer important."
"Oh, Secretary Tang! Please come in and sit. How can you say that? I just got back and haven't had a chance to visit you yet.
This is the Fifth Young Master of the Du family from Hong Kong, my brother. He wants to see our development in the mainland and came to play with us."
Secretary Tang had also heard of Du Feiyang's arrival and was eager to meet him. The entire country was now attracting investment and developing its economy. Shenzhen was being built at full steam. The mainland might be slower, but officials seeking achievements were all focusing on the economic sector.
If merchants from Hong Kong could invest, county leaders would be ecstatic. This would be tangible political achievement and beneficial to the people.
"Greetings, Young Master Du. Secretary Liu originally wanted to meet you personally, but it's late. Tomorrow at noon, at the state-run hotel, would you grace us with your presence for a meal?"
Du Feiyang was very amiable, "You are too kind. It's my honor."
Xie Sui invited Secretary Tang to stay for dinner. Secretary Tang was considered family and had a meal at the Xie residence.
As he was leaving, Xie Sui gave him a watch. Secretary Tang dared not accept it. "Something so expensive, are you trying to make me commit a mistake?"
Xie Sui replied, "It's only twenty yuan, that's not a mistake, right? I bought it in Hong Kong, it was very cheap. A gift between friends, it doesn't rise to the level of bribery."
"Really?"
Du Feiyang glanced at it. "It's the most basic model. I don't even wear one. My driver has one, it shouldn't be expensive."
Secretary Tang reluctantly accepted it. "Alright then, thank you."
Xie Sui walked him out. Secretary Tang had helped him a lot. Xie Sui also wanted to give Secretary Liu a gift but was worried about the perception. Officials nowadays were very incorruptible and wouldn't accept expensive gifts.
He had also bought a lot of dried seafood, a local specialty. He could give that to him to try, it wouldn't cause any issues.
Du Feiyang, with the playful spirit of a child, played with Dou Dou and Ding Ding for a while. Lin Wanwan called out, "Have you finished your homework? Write your homework and then go to bed. You have school tomorrow."
Dou Dou and Ding Ding whined, not wanting to write. "Can we not go to school? We want to play with Daddy. Daddy hasn't been back for a long time."
Lin Wanwan refused, "Your studies cannot be neglected. Daddy doesn't need you to play with him. You can play on Sundays. Nothing is more important than your studies. Don't even think about it."
The two children looked pleadingly at Xie Sui, hoping he would intercede. Xie Sui shrugged, he was also unable to help. When Wanwan disciplined the children, he couldn't interfere.