Old Master Du was not as good-looking as Du Feiyang. He was short, ugly, and fat, but his imposing aura made people ignore his appearance.
"Mr. Xie, welcome to my humble abode. I've heard your name for a long time, but this is our first meeting."
Xie Sui bowed and extended his hand. "It is my honor to meet Chairman Du. You are an elder, so please feel free to tell me if I do anything improperly. These are just some local specialties, nothing significant."
They were indeed local specialties: pickled cabbage cans, dried wild vegetables, and vermicelli. Xie Sui had brought them all, and he wondered what expression the kitchen staff would have.
As for gifts, sincerity was what mattered. The Du family had seen all sorts of valuable items, so Xie Sui's offering would indeed make a deep impression on Old Master Du.
Du Feiyun, the eldest son, was also present. His eyes were bloodshot, and he had lost a lot of weight. These days had not been easy for him.
Most of the Du children were not at home, either working or studying. The concubines of the household came out to greet them, each a beauty.
Old Master Du's primary criterion for choosing a concubine was her beauty, to balance the Du family's genes and ensure the birth of a high-quality next generation. In this regard, he was much like the emperors of ancient times.
At the long dining table, Old Master Du sat at the head, with Xie Sui beside him. Du Feiyang sat next to Xie Sui, and opposite them were Du Feiyun and the first wife. Xie Sui nodded and greeted them.
The first wife, who was over sixty, had a face full of kind smiles, and there was no hint of the animosity between her son and Xie Sui.
"Mr. Xie is truly young and promising. Everyone remembers your name after this stock market event. You are already a celebrity in Hong Kong. Please come to our home for dinner more often."
The first wife raised her glass to Xie Sui. Xie Sui replied humbly, "You flatter me. My small achievements are nothing compared to one-tenth of Chairman Du's."
Du Feiyun said, "Mr. Xie, why be so modest? Having one-tenth of my father's success is already remarkable. I apologize for any previous misunderstandings I had about you. I'll toast you."
"Certainly. I must respect the face of the eldest young master Du. We are brothers from now on."
Xie Sui finished his drink in one gulp. Old Master Du was very satisfied. This young man was composed, neither servile nor overbearing, very good.
The banquet was harmonious. Xie Sui also gained a preliminary understanding of the Du family. The first wife, the legal wife, hid a dagger in her smile. Like Du Feiyun, she was a cunning individual.
The second and third wives were honest and ambitious. They lived a quiet life after having children, and their wealth was guaranteed. There was no need for them to compete.
The fourth wife was stunningly beautiful, no less so than Guan Zhizhi. She was the most flirtatious and the most favored by the Old Master. It was said she was a former Miss Hong Kong and looked at Xie Sui with alluring eyes.
The fifth wife was Du Feiyang's birth mother. She was in her forties but still lively, with a bright smile and round cheeks that gave her a girlish charm. She was also well-liked by the Old Master.
The Old Master was getting old and preferred to indulge his pleasures outside the home, not bringing anyone new into the household. Having too many women around was bothersome.
The fifth wife was the happiest. Her son had achieved success, and her status had risen with his. Her friend could even be a guest of honor for the Old Master. From now on, her son and she would certainly have a place in this household.
The meal featured delicacies such as Australian lobsters, abalone, sea cucumber, and shark's fin, all prepared deliciously. Xie Sui ate a lot and drank half a bottle of wine, feeling slightly tipsy.
The Du family did not urge him to drink more, as there were important matters to discuss later.
After the meal, Old Master Du stood up and said, "Eldest son, Fifth son, come to my study. Mr. Xie, you come too."
"Alright, Chairman Du. You can call me Little Xie, or Little Sui. No need to be so formal."
"Very well, Little Sui. That's a good name. Hong Kong will surely have a place for you in the future."
The group entered the study. Du Feiyang proactively poured tea, with Xie Sui assisting. Du Feiyun stood behind his father, already considering himself the heir of the Du family.
"Little Sui, I'll be frank. Feiyang has earned a lot in the stock market recently. The Du family is facing some difficulties, and I want him to invest this money into the group. He wants to hear your opinion. What do you think?"
Xie Sui's expression turned serious. "Since it's an investment, we need to discuss it properly. Business is business. This is money that Feiyang earned through his own skills. How much equity can the Du family offer? How will the annual dividends be calculated? Will he have decision-making power on the board? These all need to be discussed carefully."
Du Feiyun was angered. "He is a member of the Du family, why be so calculating? Can my father still harm him? The family has supported him for so many years and spent so much money. To settle accounts like this now is too heartless."
Xie Sui smiled, unfazed. "If Young Master Du counts it that way, then all members of the Du family should bring out their personal savings to help the family through this difficult time, or wouldn't that also be heartless?"
"Feiyang's money was earned by himself and has no relation to the family. Everything he enjoys in the Du family was not due to any special favoritism, and in fact, he received less than you, Young Master Du."
"Therefore, if you want his help now, you need to be clear about the terms. You can't just demand he contribute his earnings because he has money. It's not right to engage in moral coercion."
Du Feiyun retorted, "Without the Du family's money, where would he have gotten the capital to make money?"
Xie Sui: "Young Master Du, you could also invest your personal savings. You did the same, didn't you? We met at the exchange, and what was the result?"
"You insisted on associating with the Jun family and lost money, didn't you?"
"In other words, Feiyang makes better friends than you do. This is also his ability, and he is fully qualified to participate in the Du family's business."
"He currently holds billions. If he doesn't invest in the Du family, he can invest in other groups. I believe many groups would welcome him with open arms."
Old Master Du's expression immediately changed. "He dares? That's betraying the family!"
Xie Sui: "Chairman Du, please don't be angry. I'm just making an analogy. You cannot deny that forcing him to hand over his money is somewhat bullying a child. The Du family will eventually have to appoint an heir. Why doesn't Chairman Du look at his abilities? A family can only prosper under the leadership of capable individuals. A muddled and incompetent patriarch will only ruin the family business. Chairman Du wouldn't want to see that day, would you?"
Du Feiyun grew anxious. "You are trying to sow discord in my family. I am the eldest son; I am the heir of the family."
Xie Sui: "I don't deny that. In ancient times, they valued both seniority and merit. This has nothing to do with your status. Feiyang can be treated as a regular investor, provide funds, inject capital, participate in shareholder meetings, and have decision-making power. Giving him these rights is better than benefiting outsiders, isn't it?"