Xie Sui had no time to worry about a minor celebrity's affairs. He was swamped, directing Du Feiyang and his crew with their engineering projects, which felt like a return to his early entrepreneurial days. He was thinking about work even in his sleep.
Yet, it was fulfilling, a kind of pleasure mixed with pain.
President Jiang was astonished that Xie Sui was still alive; he was truly resilient. The Southeast Gang offered apologies, but the money would not be refunded. They planned a second assassination.
President Jiang could only wait.
At this moment, Xie Sui was dining with Vice President Qiao Ming of the association. It was a Western restaurant with a tranquil ambiance, occupying an entire floor. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, one could admire the romantic night view of Hong Kong.
Despite the romantic setting, Xie Sui regretted choosing this place, as he was dining with an old man.
Qiao Ming, however, was delighted. President Xie had been a great help. Discussions about re-electing the president had already begun within the association, and President Jiang was certain to be ousted. Several vice presidents were lobbying to secure the presidential seat.
"President Qiao, I don't understand your internal affairs. If you need my help, just say the word. We have the same objective, after all. To our common goal, cheers."
"President Xie is a man of integrity. I can see that. Then I won't be polite. I'll need your continued support."
Qiao Ming raised his glass for a toast, drinking red wine to enhance the atmosphere. Xie Sui had never cared for red wine in his previous life; he drank it like water, finding it less refreshing than beer and less invigorating than baijiu.
They chatted until late at night. Xie Sui gained a deeper understanding of the association. Finally, he personally saw Qiao Ming home, awaiting his good news.
He returned home late and, to avoid disturbing Lin Wanwan, washed up and went to bed.
The next morning, he called Lin Wanwan first to explain why he hadn't called her last night.
Lin Wanwan was busy with the children and didn't have the inclination to chat. The two little ones occupied all her energy. It wasn't a big deal not to call for a day.
Xie Sui felt a pang of disappointment, thinking that his son was hindering their marital bliss. Such little debt collectors.
He hung up with a sigh and returned to his strenuous work, earning an inheritance for his son.
In the afternoon, Huo Yansong invited him out for a meeting at a high-end club for a round of golf.
When Xie Sui arrived, Huo Yansong was leisurely sipping tea with his legs crossed, watching others play.
"Young Master Huo, what made you think of inviting me? Has the busy you finally remembered this humble soldier?"
Huo Yansong chuckled and chided, "You're a pawn that has crossed the river and stirred up Hong Kong quite a bit. Many people are inquiring about you now. What have you been so busy with? You're elusive when I try to arrange meetings. Some say you're arrogant and look down on people."
"Let them say what they want. He's not my father; I don't need to cater to everyone. I'm busy with factory matters. It hasn't gotten on track yet, and I'll be busy for a while.
I'm in the initial stage now, not yet at the point of building connections."
Huo Yansong glanced at him again. This was an intelligent man. To integrate into high-society circles, one's own strength was paramount.
Before, his wealth seemed like a castle in the air, with profits from the stock market being somewhat illusory. Many people were waiting to see him fade away like a fleeting moment.
Who would have thought he would withdraw so quickly and focus on solid industries, both factories and films, without rushing to expand his network or force his way in.
"President Xie is right. I invited you here today for another matter. Please accept my apologies first; I apologize for causing you to be startled."
Xie Sui smiled and said, "Young Master Huo is too kind. I brought it upon myself; it has nothing to do with you. I can't buy your house and expect you to be responsible for my safety for a lifetime. That would be a huge loss for you."
Huo Yansong was pleased; he found conversations with Xie Sui very comfortable.
"I have a villa under my name. Are you interested? How about I sell it to you at a twenty percent discount below market price?"
This indicated that Huo Yansong didn't want him living in the same residential area anymore, as he was too prone to causing trouble, and he truly feared another incident.
Xie Sui said, "Of course, I'd be taking advantage of you."
Huo Yansong stood up and said, "President Xie is straightforward. I enjoy dealing with you. Are you interested in a round of golf?"
"Sure, let's have a competition."
Huo Yansong assumed he wouldn't know how to play golf, as not many people from the mainland played it, and there weren't even any golf courses there.
Unexpectedly, Xie Sui's skilled stance and a hole-in-one revealed him to be an expert!
They had a very enjoyable time playing. By the time they went to see the villa, it was already dusk, and the streetlights were beginning to illuminate the city.
This was a villa district where the wealthy and influential resided. The villas were magnificent, drawing envious glances from passersby.
"The environment here is excellent, and security is even tighter. I originally planned to live here after I got married. I'm giving you a good deal, President Xie. You'll be safer living here."
Xie Sui was quite satisfied. He did own a villa, but it was bought in a remote location, almost by the sea. For certain discreet activities, Lin Shishi had lived there before.
It was still vacant, and he planned to use it as a training ground for the entertainment company in the future, to cultivate new talent.
"Thank you, Young Master Huo. The price will be according to the market rate. I can't take advantage of you!"
"Alright, then I won't be polite."
Xie Sui: "Why don't you be a little polite? I regret it!"
Huo Yansong burst into laughter, "It's too late to regret it. You said it yourself."
This President Xie was truly humorous. Huo Yansong wasn't old either, and he usually maintained a dignified demeanor, so much so that he had forgotten when he last had a hearty laugh.
Xie Sui toured the villa and became increasingly satisfied. He could have Wanwan and the children live together here. There were prestigious schools nearby, making it a prime location for education.
The price was also very attractive, almost one hundred million yuan.
Xie Sui had money, but buying a house wasn't in his immediate plans, and he felt a bit reluctant to part with such a sum.
"If President Xie is short on funds, you can live here first and pay whenever you have it."
"Okay, then I won't be polite."
"You should be polite for once! I'm waiting."
"No, I must not be polite."
The two of them laughed again. Xie Sui said seriously, "Half a month, I'll give it to you within half a month at the latest."
Huo Yansong nodded, "Alright, whenever it's convenient for you."
That evening, Xie Sui moved in. The furnishings were complete and all high-end. Money, when spent, always brought comfort.
The villa had a telephone, and everything was convenient.
Unbeknownst to Xie Sui, it was fortunate he moved in. The Southeast Gang members attempted to infiltrate the area again but found no one.
The next morning, Xie Sui left by car. As he exited the villa complex, he saw a woman standing by the roadside waiting. In the rearview mirror, he saw her face and was startled. How could it be her?
"Ahua, stop the car."
Xie Sui got out and walked towards the woman. The woman looked at him, a hint of confusion in her eyes, as if she didn't recognize him.
"Miss, is there anything I can help you with?"
Thinking he was being approached by a stranger, Sheng Ruyi's face turned cold as she replied, "Thank you, but I don't need anything."