The Du family was wealthy, but this young master Du didn't live a particularly happy life. His father, the chairman of the Du family and his biological father, was a philanderer. He had five legally recognized concubines, not to mention others kept discreetly.
This young Master Du was the eldest son of the fifth concubine. His name was Du Feiyang. In the eyes of the old man, he was merely one son among many. He only saw him once during festivals and was considered a marginal figure, not even qualified to contest for the family fortune.
However, he was still a young master Du. His annual family dividends amounted to tens of millions, enough for him to indulge and enjoy. He changed girlfriends more often than clothes, and he was more popular with the entertainment tabloids than for his status as a young master Du.
It could be said that he single-handedly supported a third of the tabloid companies, with paparazzi lurking daily.
In his previous life, Xie Sui wouldn't have given such a young master a second glance, nor would he have been qualified to speak with him. Now, he had to humble himself to curry favor with him. Xie Sui’s mindset needed some adjustment.
He was used to the atmosphere of nightclubs; in his past life, he had indulged in even more extravagant pursuits than this Master Du.
Accompanied by bodyguards and driving a rented luxury car, his presence alone could awe the nightclub staff. With a casual stack of tips, he exuded an effortless swagger. Anyone unaware might have thought Xie Sui was the son of Hong Kong's richest man.
Anan looked at Mr. Xie with a newfound respect. To be so composed in such a place suggested a level of worldly experience, far beyond that of a simple mainland tycoon.
Master Du's private room was upstairs, accessed by elevator. Bodyguards stood guard at the door, and Xie Sui's bodyguards also waited outside. When the door opened, a deafening wave of music erupted, making one's heart pound faster.
A room full of men and women greeted him. Xie Sui thought of the idiom "demons dancing wildly."
The young man in the center, wearing a white shirt with diamond buttons, was none other than Du Feiyang.
Anan respectfully announced, "Young Master Du, this is Mr. Xie from the mainland. He has long admired your name and has come to pay his respects."
Du Feiyang cast a sideways glance at Xie Sui, dismissing him. "Sit down. What do you want? You're not here to gawp at me like a monkey, are you?"
His companions burst into laughter, their gazes towards Xie Sui filled with undisguised disdain.
Xie Sui paid them no mind, calmly stating, "I'm here to help you make money, Young Master Du. Of course, if you think you have enough money already, then I've said nothing."
Du Feiyang scoffed, "Oh, make money? People usually come to me for investments or sponsorships. It's the first time someone has offered to make me money. Do you know what happens to people who try to trick me?"
Xie Sui was unfazed by his arrogant and unrestrained gaze. True tycoons were reserved and composed, exuding authority without anger. This kind of superficial bravado, to Xie Sui, was like a child's tantrum.
"If I was tired of living, I'd jump into the sea or off a building before coming to you, Master Du, to stir up trouble. The stock market. I can help you make money in the stock market. All I ask for is my safety in Hong Kong. As a newcomer, consider it a formal introduction."
Du Feiyang countered, "My family has a financial company, and the Du family is already listed. I know a thing or two about stocks. To make money, you need real skill and luck.
If you said you were a Yale graduate returning from the States, I might believe you. But you, a bumpkin from the mainland, talking about the stock market with me? Haha..."
As if he had heard the funniest joke in the world, Du Feiyang laughed heartily.
The others followed suit, looking like a troupe of clowns.
Xie Sui's gaze landed on the television. They were watching horse racing, also a common form of gambling in Hong Kong, loved by almost everyone.
"Young Master Du, words are cheap. Let's try this race?"
"Fine, I'll play along."
Xie Sui watched the screen intently and finally said, "Number eight. Number eight can win. I'll bet a hundred thousand. Feel free to bet as much as you want, Master Du."
Du Feiyang replied, "I'll bet a hundred thousand with you. But there's another condition. If you win, you not only get my hundred thousand, but another hundred thousand from me. If I win, the same applies, I'll give you a hundred thousand."
"Agreed. It's settled then."
Let alone horse racing, Xie Sui had gambled in casinos in his previous life. He was experienced and won more than he lost. Decades of experience were more than enough to win a small horse race.
Before long, the commentator's excited voice boomed, "Number eight, the dark horse, a true dark horse! It's getting closer, overtaking second place, with a chance to win! Today's biggest upset is number eight!"
Du Feiyang's expression changed. He finally looked at Xie Sui with seriousness. He was about the same age, with a composed and calm demeanor that he had only seen in his own father.
"Number eight wins! Number eight won!"
The cheers from the television seemed distant. The private room fell silent, everyone staring at Xie Sui.
Xie Sui said, "I won. Consider this money my treat tonight."
A single night in such a place could cost ten thousand. One hundred thousand was more than enough. Xie Sui was giving Du Feiyang face.
"Haha, little brother, not bad. You've got something. Come to my house tomorrow, and we'll have a good chat. Tonight, we'll have fun. From now on, you're my brother. In Hong Kong, I'll look out for you."
This was exactly what he wanted to hear. "Thank you, Young Master Du."
"Xiao Min, accompany my brother tonight. Treat him well, and you won't be shortchanged."
A beautiful young woman with a voluptuous figure walked over. Xie Sui's eyes widened, not because of her beauty, but because of her future achievements. She would become a hugely successful movie star.
Now, she was even more youthful, just past her majority, even more innocent and alluring, lacking that seasoned charm. Xie Sui's excited heart and trembling hands reached out to gently shake hers. "Hello, Amin. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Xie Sui. Are you interested in acting in movies?
I can invest in you. Do you have a contract with a film and television company? Do you have an agent?"
Amin found it strange. Why was this man concerned about her career? He admired her beauty, but there was no lust in his gaze, only pure appreciation.
"Hey, little brother, you like her? Take her with you tonight."
Xie Sui replied, "Alright, thank you, Young Master Du."
Xie Sui didn't refuse. What was there to refuse?
In a place like this, being overly polite or refusing would make one seem contemptible.
Amin, though somewhat shy, had to obey Master Du's command.
"Let's sing. Who's first?"
Xie Sui glanced at the song list. Many of the popular songs from his past life weren't there yet. His eyes sparkled with excitement, as if he saw countless banknotes beckoning him.
Coming to Hong Kong this time was the right decision. There was gold everywhere waiting to be picked up. This was the best era.
"I can sing a few lines, but there's nothing I know here. Do you have a guitar?"
Who didn't have a hobby? One of Xie Sui's girlfriends in his past life played the guitar. During their passionate romance, he had learned from her and dabbled in rock music. After they broke up, he still remembered how to play.
"Interesting, little brother, you're quite talented. Bring the guitar, let's welcome my brother to sing for us!"
Xie Sui stood up. "I'll sing a familiar song first, 'The Bund'!"