Those who could drink with Liu Zixiong were no ordinary people; they were the true magnates of Hong Kong.
Their families were deeply rooted, intricately woven into the fabric of Hong Kong, controlling nearly eighty percent of its economy. These were individuals who could shake the city with a stomp of their feet.
Xie Sui had finally caught their attention.
Guan Zhizhi listened with her ears perked, though she gleaned no useful information. They were merely curious; without any prior grievances, they wouldn't stoop to the level of quibbling with Xie Sui.
"The Jun family sent someone to tell me to teach that kid a lesson."
Old Master He said this. He had some business dealings with the Jun family, and it was he who had brought up Xie Sui's name.
"The Jun family? They're just newcomers, and their methods aren't exactly honorable. Master He, you wouldn't actually listen to them, would you?"
Liu Zixiong scoffed. Indulging an illegitimate son more than one's own children – the Jun family's behavior left him displeased.
Whatever happened outside was fine, but the home base couldn't be chaotic. People were like this; they were clear-headed about others' affairs but lost their way when it came to their own.
Guan Zhizhi interjected, "May I say something? I wonder if you gentlemen are aware of something. After Mr. Xie rescued us, Young Master Jun was the first to leave, but he took the boat Mr. Xie brought with him, abandoning the lives of so many others.
With such character, I don't think he's suitable for close association."
The men exchanged glances. They were aware of this incident, which had delayed the rescue by a day and a night. Young Master Jun's reputation in their circles was quite poor.
Old Master He stated, "Without proper education from childhood, one cannot achieve greatness. That one from the Jun family also treats him like a pet; who knows how long this indulgence will last?
I gave him a perfunctory response. Why would I go out of my way to trouble a young man? Don't I care about my reputation?"
Guan Zhizhi flattered, "Elder He is naturally magnanimous. Young Master Meng Chao is a collateral relative of your family, and he has a very good relationship with Mr. Xie. If you wish to know anything, you can ask Meng Chao."
"Meng Chao, he calls me great-granduncle. I see."
Another Old Master Chen jested, "Miss Guan seems to know this Mr. Xie quite well."
He cast a meaningful glance at Liu Zixiong, implying that his woman was taking an interest in a younger man.
Guan Zhizhi's expression remained unchanged as she smiled, "Elder Chen is too kind. I am also grateful to him for saving me. This person, with his sharp tongue and impertinent demeanor, is unlike most people. Elder Chen will know once he meets him; he is a very interesting individual."
"Is that so? Then we must meet him."
Guan Zhizhi replied, "Coincidentally, he's singing at this nightclub. Have someone invite him over."
Liu Zixiong said, "You go."
Guan Zhizhi retorted, "I won't. His mouth is too sharp, and he irritates me just looking at him. The atmosphere today is too good; I don't want to get angry."
Liu Zixiong did not insist and sent an assistant to fetch him.
Xie Sui was somewhat drunk, his singing off-key. The assistant knocked and entered, "Who is Mr. Xie? Our Chairman Liu invites you for a drink."
"Which Chairman Liu? I'll go just because he says so? Why doesn't he come and offer me a drink himself?"
He Mengchao recognized the person and immediately apologized, "I'm sorry, he's drunk and doesn't recognize you. Brother Xie, that's Liu Zixiong, Chairman Liu!"
Xie Sui sobered up a bit. "Chairman Liu, you should have said so earlier. My apologies, let's cooperate. Please wait a moment, I need to wash my face."
Xie Sui did not believe he could afford to throw a tantrum with such influential figures. He honestly tidied his clothes, washed his face, and assumed a more respectful and composed demeanor.
Upon entering, he saw so many magnates. He immediately greeted them, "Today is truly a good day; it is my honor to meet so many chairmen.
This must be Chairman Liu? I've seen you in the newspapers; you are truly distinguished and charismatic. A pleasure to meet you."
Xie Sui extended his hand. Liu Zixiong deliberately didn't shake it, instead flicking the ash from his cigar onto Xie Sui's palm. The searing pain made Xie Sui's expression change.
Guan Zhizhi also tensed. What did Liu Zixiong mean by this?
Everyone held their breath, pretending not to see. Liu Zixiong causing trouble for him was also a sign of his regard.
Xie Sui patted his hand, flicking off the ash, and asked, "Chairman Liu, have I offended you in any way, Xie Sui?"
"Are you even worthy of offending me?"
Xie Sui understood. "You're in a bad mood, and you're just toying with me. That's fine; magnates are indeed willful. As for me, I'm young, and you don't take me seriously. I won't say any pretentious words about 'don't bully the young and poor.' We'll see."
He then turned and walked out. He Mengchao quickly apologized, "Esteemed sirs, Brother Xie is drunk. Please be magnanimous and forgive him!"
Old Master He said, "Focus on proper business in the future, and don't associate with disreputable people."
He Mengchao's face fell. "I understand, great-granduncle."
"You may go. Come home for tea another day."
He Mengchao walked out and went to catch up with Xie Sui, who was smoking by the main entrance.
"Brother Xie, don't be upset. This bit of humiliation is nothing. Chairman Liu bullying you really shows a lack of decorum and magnanimity."
Xie Sui replied, "I'm fine. I was just thinking, why is Liu Zixiong targeting me? A beauty is a source of trouble. It's because of Guan Zhizhi. Once I figured that out, this little annoyance is nothing. Let's go back."
He Mengchao looked at him with concern. He said he was fine, but on the way back, Brother Xie remained silent, lost in thought.
"Brother Xie, good night. Don't overthink it."
"It's alright, let's go back."
Xie Sui returned to his company. In his small room, he could finally release his frustrations. Looking down at the colorful night view of Hong Kong, his heart was filled with mixed emotions.
He didn't yet have the capital to contend with Liu Zixiong, but causing him some trouble was certainly possible.
A night passed, and Xie Sui adjusted his mood. He acted as if nothing had happened and went to the stock exchange the next day. The stocks were still trending upwards. Lin Nan's complexion was grim; if they continued to rise, how much of Chairman Xie's thirty billion would be left?
Would he lose his job again?
Du Feiyun arrived today with two beautiful female secretaries, bringing champagne and fine wine to celebrate.
"Mr. Xie, going against the trend to short the market, your courage is commendable. Unfortunately, the market won't bend to your courage. The market will teach you the harsh realities of life!"
Xie Sui looked at him calmly and said, "The harsh reality of life isn't like that. It's when you're old, surrounded by your children and grandchildren for your birthday, only to discover that none of them are yours.
Play cautiously; beware of kidney deficiency. Even after a transplant, it's still kidney failure. You look like a walking disaster, possessed by the god of misfortune. Laugh now, because you won't be laughing for much longer."
He Mengchao suppressed a chuckle. Brother Xie had found someone to vent his anger on. Du Feiyun was also courting death, provoking Brother Xie. He deserved the retort.
Du Feiyun was speechless. He was stunned, dazed by the insult, and couldn't think of a retort.
"You, you stop!"
Xie Sui's footsteps did not falter. He waved his hand and said, "I'm not as foolish as you. I'm your father, am I? You tell me to stop, and I'll stop?"