When Xie Sui revisited the land, Du Yujie was already there, accompanied by several old farmers who were respectfully fawning over her with smiles.
Xie Sui narrowed his eyes. Did this woman really think he was easy to bully?
"President Xie, what a coincidence. What are you doing here?"
Du Yujie's smile was triumphant. You liked this piece of land, didn't you? She had snatched it up!
"Miss Du, it is indeed a coincidence. If I'm not mistaken, you've already secured this land, haven't you?"
"I'm sorry, was this what you wanted? Perhaps if you said a few nice words, I might let you have it?"
Xie Sui replied, "I'm sorry, I earn what I want for myself. I don't care for things given to me, so I wish you success. We're leaving."
Xie Sui said nothing more and turned to leave.
Du Feiyang stayed behind, looking at her with cold eyes. "Du Yujie, do you really have to go against Brother Xie? Don't forget, this is the mainland, not Hong Kong. You're courting death."
"Do I need to report to you what I do? You don't even call me 'sister.' You've really made a name for yourself!"
Du Feiyang retorted, "Fine, die however you want. Let's see how long you can last. You and your older brother are just like your mother, both vicious and stupid. I don't see any good ending for you."
Du Yujie was furious. "Du Feiyang, you're asking for it. Don't think you can disregard us just because you're a small shareholder now. You'll always be the son of a concubine."
Du Feiyang shot back, "Say that to Father's face. This son of a concubine will eventually drive all of you out."
"You..."
Du Feiyang didn't engage in further bickering. He chased after Xie Sui, knowing that Brother Xie wouldn't let this slide. This woman's repeated provocations, did she really think Brother Xie had no way to deal with her?
Xie Sui wasn't angry. He first went to Secretary Tang to inquire about the land. Secretary Tang said, "She offered too much. Ten million Hong Kong dollars for a hundred acres of wasteland. She even found people in high places to intercede. Many in the county supported her. Even if you wanted to buy it, you might not have been able to get it for that price."
"Under what name did she buy it? Personally? Is it allowed by policy?"
"No, it's a real estate company, registered in Hong Kong as an investment. The whole country is actively attracting investment right now. It's Secretary Liu's achievement, so you can't blame him."
Xie Sui responded, "Why would I blame him? He doesn't owe me anything, and I didn't pay any deposit, so it's not a breach of contract."
"It's good that you think that way."
"Alright, you carry on with your work. Since she wants to do it, let her. I'll be at home taking care of the postpartum confinement."
Secretary Tang felt a bit apologetic. After all, Xie Sui wanted to buy the land for the factory workers, and Du Yujie had snatched it away, so he must be unhappy.
In reality, Xie Sui wasn't that upset. The county town had never been his battlefield. How much money could be made here? It was faster to make a splash in the stock market. However, life wasn't just about money.
Since Xie Sui said he was at home for postpartum confinement, he really didn't go out much. Instead, he met with the directors of the plastic factory, old food factory, machinery factory, and textile factory, often gathering for drinks.
Du Yujie's land project finally broke ground. She sent Xie Sui an invitation. There were no factory buildings, only residential towers and commercial buildings. She was doing what Xie Sui had intended to do.
Xie Sui looked at the invitation, which was delivered by Yan Xiaoliang, who had a pained expression. "Brother Xie, I really had no choice. Miss Du insisted I run errands for her, otherwise my father's job and my factory would be gone."
Xie Sui said calmly, "You're afraid of her, but not of me? Your surname is good. Tell her I'll be there."
Yan Xiaoliang said, "Brother Xie, I'm still on your side. This woman doesn't know anything. She's just messing around and will eventually fail."
"Do you believe I'll tell Du Yujie that?"
Yan Xiaoliang's face stiffened, and he forced a smile. "Brother Xie, don't joke."
"I'm not joking. Du Yujie is just competing with me. I'm not afraid to tell you, if I give her a nice look, she'll discard you immediately. You're just a dog to her, don't think too highly of yourself."
Yan Xiaoliang's face changed drastically. "Xie Sui, you're going too far!"
"You're the one going too far. Get lost. Stop acting like a big shot in front of me. Don't think of yourself as all that."
Yan Xiaoliang's face turned dark with anger. Xie Sui had truly torn off all pretense, showing no regard for him.
Xie Sui sneered. If you're a dog to Du Yujie, you expect me to give you face?
After Yan Xiaoliang left, unwilling to be scolded by Xie Sui, he went to find Gu Lei. However, Gu Lei directly refused to see him, which made Yan Xiaoliang feel uneasy.
Xie Sui's argument with him alerted his family. Lin Wanwan peered out the window. Xie Sui came in and explained, "That dog-like fellow, does he really think I'm easy to bully? Don't worry, let that crazy woman be happy for a few days. She doesn't have many good days left."
Lin Wanwan replied, "Just forget it. I'm fine, no need to argue with her."
Xie Sui countered, "It's not me arguing with her now, it's her who's harassing me. She's clearly trying to disgust me. You don't need to worry. Take care of the children. I can handle her."
"Then be careful."
"I know. Let me see my son. He's gotten fatter. Is the milk enough? Add formula if needed, don't push yourself too hard."
"It's fine. They're still young and don't eat much. I'm eating well too, my milk is overflowing."
Xie Sui was gathering his son's clothes to wash when his elder sister stopped him. "Let me do it. What kind of big man spends all day washing clothes and watching children!"
His elder sister held traditional views. Her brother was successful and doing great things, how could he be tied to his wife and children all the time?
Xie Sui didn't argue with her. "Thank you for your hard work, eldest sister. I'll buy you new clothes later, don't refuse. Look how stylish my second sister is dressed. You should learn from her."
"I can't learn. I'm already this old, what's there to dress up for!"
Elder sister Xie Lan was several years younger than her second sister, but they seemed like people from different eras. Xie Sui shook his head. His eldest sister wasn't short of money now, it was just her mindset that wouldn't change.
On the day of Du Yujie's groundbreaking ceremony, many leaders were invited, even leaders from the municipal level were alerted. The event was grand.
Xie Sui and his companions arrived right on time, accompanied by the directors of several state-owned factories.
"President Xie, welcome. Please point out anything that isn't good."
Du Yujie adopted a victorious stance. She didn't believe Xie Sui truly didn't care.
Xie Sui replied, "I wouldn't presume to offer advice, but congratulations, Miss Du. You've done a very good job."
"Then I welcome you to join me for the ribbon-cutting."
"Certainly, it's my honor."
They chatted and laughed as if they had no enmity, leaving Yan Xiaoliang puzzled. Did Xie Sui really not care?
Xie Sui wasn't truly twenty-something. What he cared about wouldn't be shown on his face for them to see. He had lived a lifetime in his previous existence for nothing if that were the case.
He did indeed cut the ribbon for Du Yujie, standing at the back, next to Secretary Liu. His status, it seemed, was not low.
The television station also conducted interviews. This was the first project invested in by a Hong Kong businessman, so it was definitely going to be reported on extensively.
The leaders also gave speeches, emphasizing their importance and strong support for the project.
The atmosphere was very lively. Xie Sui maintained a faint smile, applauding along, showing no signs of abnormality.