Money, where is it ever enough?
Even with hundreds of billions in assets, no one can say they spend as they please. The more assets one has, the greater the responsibility, and the more people depend on you for their livelihood.
Xie Sui had no ostentatious air of a nouveau riche. He would still save money where it could be saved, and the bigger the discount, the better.
With Tang Ling's introduction, he went directly to the sales manager, who naturally gave him a warm reception. It was a ready-built house. The renovation, in Xie Sui's opinion, was a bit outdated, but by this era, it was considered the best.
It was move-in ready. Xie Sui was quite satisfied and asked the manager, "How is the price calculated?"
"This floor is the best, with the widest view. Mr. Xie is such a big boss, it's a fixed price: twelve million."
"So expensive?"
Xie Sui gasped. It was far beyond his expectations. Over ten million could set up ten factories for him in the mainland, or open a department store in the county town. It wasn't cost-effective.
"Alright, I understand. I'll think about it before making a decision."
Tang Ling's face fell a little. "Manager Huo, isn't that price too high? When my family bought ours, it was only over eight million. How can it be so much now?"
Xie Sui raised an eyebrow. This guy wasn't being honest; he was trying to trick him.
Everyone knew he had made money in the stock market. They thought he would engage in retaliatory consumption like a poor person, spending money like water.
Manager Huo said, "Young Master Tang, your family bought a pre-sale property. This one is also renovated, and the market prices are rising. This price is already very reasonable.
Mr. Xie doesn't understand, but you should be aware of the current market. Houses are in short supply."
Xie Sui smiled faintly. "What you're saying is, I'm an unsophisticated bumpkin, I haven't seen good things. Did you become a sales manager through nepotism?"
Salespeople, no matter what they think inside, must not offend customers. This person's words implied condescension, which was not the mark of a qualified salesperson.
Tang Ling's face immediately darkened. "Huo, you're something else. I kindly introduced a client to you, and you're trying to fool an idiot?
Get lost. I'll go find your boss later. I don't believe I can't buy a house."
Xie Sui said, "Don't be angry, it's not worth it. I wasn't planning to buy anyway. We can just buy elsewhere. Let's go, we can catch up tonight and have a good meal."
"Okay, Brother Xie, I'll treat you. You must give me this opportunity."
As they left, Tang Ling glared at the manager named Huo. Manager Huo was unconcerned. He politely saw them off and sneered, "Nouveau riche, country bumpkin, thinking of buying a house here? It's already good enough to sell to you, and you're complaining it's expensive? If you think it's expensive, go back to your village and live!"
His assistant reminded him, "Isn't this a bit inappropriate? Considering Young Master Tang's connections, we shouldn't have quoted such a high price."
"What do you know? Young Master Tang is just a restaurant owner, not a truly influential family. How much is his face worth? I'm from the Huo family. Does he dare to have an opinion?"
At the restaurant, Tang Ling also told Xie Sui about the manager's background. He was a distant relative of the Huo family, who had climbed his way to a manager position. He was arrogant, looking down on everyone except the top ten richest people in Hong Kong. He wished he hadn't gone to buy a house from them.
Xie Sui's guess was right; he was indeed a connection appointee.
"If the Huo family has this kind of vision, their business won't last long. Let's ignore him. Let's have a good drink today."
Tang Ling downed a drink gloomily. "It's still my fault for not gaining face for Brother Xie. That manager looks down on our Tang family."
Doing well in the catering business was stable, but compared to real estate, electronics, or the entertainment industry, the money didn't come as quickly.
Xie Sui patted his shoulder. "Making money is just a matter of time. Brother will take you, and I guarantee you'll be able to do whatever you want in Hong Kong for three years."
Tang Ling was delighted. "That would be wonderful! I've always envied Du Feiyang. He was just a playboy, but now with Brother Xie, he's worth billions and can even attend shareholders' meetings. He Mengchao isn't bad either; Old Master He even invites him to his home for dinner. Things are different now.
Brother Xie, just tell me what you want me to do, and I promise I'll follow your lead."
Xie Sui said, "Naturally, we'll stick to what you know best. But Hong Kong is such a small market; you can't make much money here.
Let's go to Shenzhen, to Pengcheng. We'll open hotels, high-end restaurants, golf courses, engage in real estate, building materials. As long as you want to do it, you can make a fortune. This is a trend; if you catch it, even a pig can fly."
Tang Ling said, "I thought Brother Xie would lead me to speculate in stocks."
Xie Sui replied, "Speculating in stocks is fine for short-term fun, but it's difficult as a profession. You'll eventually lose it all. The stock market itself is for reaping leeks. It's better to focus on real industries.
Once I get things settled here, we'll go to Shenzhen together. We'll start with restaurants and hotels, making them benchmarks in Shenzhen. A five-star grand hotel could generate hundreds of millions a year, which is no problem."
"Okay, it's a deal then."
The two clinked glasses, officially confirming their partnership.
Xie Sui valued Tang Ling's management skills. Unlike Du Feiyang, Tang Ling was an elite talent trained by the Tang family since childhood, having studied in the United States. He wasn't just for show.
With him managing the mainland businesses, Xie Sui would be much more at ease.
Xie Sui added, "If you want to deal with the Huo family and vent your anger, it's not impossible. Holding grudges in your heart is bad for your health."
"How do we do it?"
Xie Sui whispered in his ear. Tang Ling's eyes lit up. "Is that so? Brother Xie, you're truly something."
"Who told him to look down on us first? If he's at odds with money, we'll make sure he can't earn any."
"Exactly, Brother Xie makes sense."
The two clinked glasses again. Throughout this entire time, Wei Yanran had been like a follower, quietly not interjecting, which pleased Xie Sui.
After a satisfying meal, Xie Sui and Tang Ling parted ways. Xie Sui asked Wei Yanran, "Where do you live? I'll drive you home."
"No need to trouble yourself, I can take the bus."
Xie Sui didn't insist and drove away. Wei Yanran watched his car drive off, feeling inexplicably a little melancholic. She thought Mr. Xie would insist on taking her home, but he just left like that?
Xie Sui had a bit to drink and took a nap. When he arrived at the company and went upstairs, a group of people walked over and shouted, "Mr. Xie!"
"What is it?"
Xie Sui looked up and saw the leader of the group with a murderous look, his hand behind his waist. He immediately realized something was wrong, turned, and ran back to the car, instructing Ah Fei, "Quick, lock the car doors, go!"
As Ah Fei started the car, several cars ahead blocked their path. The group had already drawn knives, their faces contorted with ferocity, charging forward. They were determined to hack Xie Sui to death.
Xie Sui didn't bring many bodyguards in the main urban area of Hong Kong. Ah Hua was with him. Ah Hua got out of the car, intending to fight them desperately. Xie Sui grabbed him, "Why are you getting out? Don't you see so many of them? Can you fight them all?"
"Mr. Xie, I'll protect you with my life. Ah Fei, take Mr. Xie and leave first."
Ah Fei's face turned pale with fear, but he remained calm. He had encountered such situations before and didn't lose his composure.
Xie Sui cursed. He used to watch movies where triad members went around hacking people in broad daylight, never expecting to experience it himself.