The woman's temper was still as foul as ever, but Xie Sui wasn't angry; instead, he felt quite pleased.
He felt a bit despicable. In his previous life, he had argued with her for half his life, even coming to blows. He didn't know where the animosity stemmed from.
Of course, Xie Sui had vaguely sensed her intentions – she simply wanted him to make the first move, but her pride was too great to let her admit it. Back then, he was full of worldly charms and constantly surrounded by beautiful women, which made Sheng Ruyi grit her teeth in hatred.
*You can be entangled with those women, why can't you see her?*
*How is she inferior to those women?*
He hadn't expected to encounter this woman here in this lifetime. Everyone has a dark period before achieving success, and he figured this must be her most difficult time.
Sheng Ruyi was in the cosmetics business. In their past life, her cosmetic brand had expanded beyond domestic borders, becoming an international luxury brand, making her a powerful businesswoman worth tens of billions, possessing both beauty and talent.
"You're Mr. Wu from Yulan Cosmetics Factory, aren't you?"
Sheng Ruyi was already feeling agitated. Xie Sui had the look of a playboy, and she thought he was hitting on her. To her surprise, he seemed to know her.
"How did you know?"
Xie Sui replied, "I found out. You haven't been here for just a day. Let me introduce myself, Xie Sui, from the mainland."
"That nouveau riche?!"
Sheng Ruyi blurted out, then immediately felt it was impolite, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to look down on you."
Xie Sui said, "I know, you're complimenting me. Do you need me to introduce you to Mr. Wu?"
Sheng Ruyi asked, "Why would you help me?"
Xie Sui stated, "To make you give up. I also know you want Mr. Wu to invest in your new product research. That old lecher, be careful of losing both your money and your person."
Sheng Ruyi blushed slightly, "You don't need to worry about it. Mr. Wu is such a big boss, could he really be so unprofessional?"
"You're too naive. You'll only know how sinister people are after suffering enough. I have other matters to attend to, so I won't chat further. Here's my business card. If you need help, find me."
Sheng Ruyi took the card, her mind in turmoil. He seemed very familiar with her, yet this was the first time she had ever seen him!
"I'm naturally sociable and treat everyone like this. Don't overthink it. I'm already a father of four, so you don't need to have any designs on me."
Sheng Ruyi said indignantly, "What nonsense are you talking about? Am I that kind of person?"
Xie Sui said provocatively, "I hope not. It's just that my charm is too great. Those young girls throw themselves at me like crazy; it's terrifying."
Xie Sui shivered as he spoke. Sheng Ruyi couldn't help but laugh. This person wasn't so annoying after all.
Xie Sui waved his hand and drove away.
Just as he left, a middle-aged man who looked like a butler emerged from the villa complex and said, "Miss Sheng, Mr. Wu can spare you ten minutes. Please come with me."
Sheng Ruyi looked at the business card in her hand and said, "No need, thank you for your time. I won't be coming again."
With that, she turned and left. The butler was surprised. She had been seeking Mr. Wu's investment, and Mr. Wu had kept her waiting for days. The butler knew her intentions clearly. Why did she suddenly leave?
He asked the security guard at the gate and learned that she had chatted with Xie Sui for a while. He wondered if that fellow had snatched her away.
He reported back to Mr. Wu, including his suspicions about Xie Sui. Mr. Wu was displeased, "That guy from the mainland? He really doesn't know his place. Trying to poach my person, he's looking for death."
The butler remained silent. Mr. Wu then made a phone call, instructing his subordinates, "Investigate that guy from the mainland."
...
Xie Sui was unaware that he had made another enemy. He was preoccupied with thoughts of Sheng Ruyi, wondering how he should interact with her in this lifetime and what kind of relationship would be appropriate.
In his past life, he pretended to be oblivious and didn't accept her overtures for two reasons. First, he felt guilty towards Wanwan and their children and couldn't possibly love someone else, which would have been unfair to her.
Second, her temper. As a strong woman, she had a powerful desire for control and a stubborn personality. Xie Sui was also a dominant person. If they were together, the honeymoon phase might be good, but afterward, they would likely quarrel and fight constantly.
Lost in thought, he arrived at the company. The receptionist informed him, "There's someone waiting for President Xie in the reception room, a Mr. Luo."
Xie Sui nodded and went to the reception room first. Luo Rui stood up, "President Xie, sorry for the intrusion."
"So it's Gang Leader Luo, a rare visitor. Is there something you need?"
It was Luo Rui of the Green Gang. Xie Sui didn't have a good impression of him.
Luo Rui understood that his visit was an olive branch. "President Xie, those people from the Southeast Gang are relentless. Last night must not have been pleasant for you either?"
Xie Sui narrowed his eyes, "Are you saying the Southeast Gang made another move?"
Luo Rui was surprised, "You don't know?"
Xie Sui replied, "I didn't stay there last night; I changed locations."
Such luck, Luo Rui was speechless.
"This Southeast Gang is truly audacious. Can't you deal with them?"
Luo Rui said awkwardly, "They are desperate criminals who will do anything for money. We are porcelain; how can we clash with earthenware!"
Xie Sui chuckled, "Earthenware that has endured the fire will eventually be tempered into porcelain. Where will your porcelain go then?
In these matters of the underworld, it's all about reputation. If you're ruthless enough, you can establish yourself. You timidly cower, no wonder you're still the same after so many years.
Gang Leader Luo, you're not planning to use me to deal with the Southeast Gang, are you?"
"No, President Xie, you misunderstand. President Xie is a legitimate businessman; how could he engage in such violent acts?"
"Then what does Gang Leader Luo mean..."
"We can help you deal with the Southeast Gang, but not for free."
They wanted money. Xie Sui pondered, "I don't think you have the ability to deal with them. Also, what you mean by 'deal with' is too vague. Is it complete annihilation, or just a warning for me to be defensive?
Mr. Luo, my money is not easily earned."
Luo Rui flushed, cursing inwardly that the guy from the mainland was so difficult to fool.
"Then fine, pretend I said nothing. President Xie, you're busy."
"Secretary Jin, please see Mr. Luo out."
Xie Sui didn't even bother to lift his backside, making Luo Rui even more annoyed. He wished the Southeast Gang would kill Xie Sui.
Ah Hua worriedly asked, "Boss, what do we do? How can you guard against thieves for a thousand days? This Southeast Gang must be eliminated."
Xie Sui asked him, "Can you arrange a meeting with the leader of the Southeast Gang to talk?"
Ah Hua replied, "That's possible."
"Then arrange it. Those in this line of work are all after money. If problems can't be solved, it's because there isn't enough money."
Ah Hua said, "Alright, I'll arrange it."
"Also, go and do one more thing. We need to prepare for two eventualities."
...
For the next few days, Xie Sui kept a low profile, declining all invitations and social engagements. Those who were monitoring him became anxious. Was this President Xie a turtle?
Which of those CEOs wasn't constantly attending banquets?
Xie Sui waited for a few days, but Ah Hua hadn't returned. Instead, Sheng Ruyi arrived.
"Oh, a rare visitor. I thought you wouldn't come looking for me. Have a seat, what would you like to drink?"
"Plain water is fine."
Sheng Ruyi looked around his office. It didn't have the aura of a nouveau riche; it was quite ordinary.
"I still haven't had the pleasure of asking for the lady's name."
"Sheng Ruyi."
"Miss Sheng, that's not a common surname. It sounds nice, 'Ru Yi' means 'as you wish,' like my heart's desire."
Sheng Ruyi smiled, "I'm not a snake spirit, President Xie. Have you watched too many cartoons?"
"They're quite good. Snake spirits are nice – beautiful, seductive, and they have treasures. I quite like snake spirits."
Sheng Ruyi listened to his nonsensical chatter, her gaze distant.
"Alright, let's stop joking. What can I do for you?"
"I heard you own a cosmetics company. I'm researching a new product and need investment. Are you interested?"
Xie Sui said, "I am interested, but it's not me. As a man, I don't know much about cosmetics. That factory was bought by my wife.
If you want to secure investment, you can talk to my wife."
Sheng Ruyi's eyes lit up, "Certainly. When can I meet Mrs. Xie?"
"Anytime. However, my wife is on the mainland. You'll need to go there in person. She just gave birth, so she can't come over for now."
"The mainland?!"
Sheng Ruyi hesitated for a moment, then quickly said, "Okay, give me the address. I'll go find your wife."
Xie Sui wrote down the address and handed it to her. "Are you sure? It takes two to three days to travel, and there's no guarantee of success. Why not find someone in Hong Kong? Hong Kong has many capable factories."
"I have to try. The factories in Hong Kong have their own products and wouldn't be interested in mine. It's better to find a new factory for mutual benefit."
Xie Sui said, "Miss Sheng is a straightforward person. I wish you success. I won't put in a good word for my wife; it's all up to you to convince her. The money will be mine."
"President Xie certainly knows how to cherish his wife. Your wife is very fortunate."
"Naturally."
When Lin Wanwan was mentioned, a tenderness flashed in Xie Sui's eyes. Sheng Ruyi felt an inexplicable discomfort in her heart, envying the Mrs. Xie.
After sending Sheng Ruyi away, Xie Sui called Secretary Jin and said, "Release the news that the stock market is looking up, and the company is preparing to invest again. Those interested can take a share."
Secretary Jin asked, "Is this financing? What's the interest rate?"
"At least twenty percent."
Secretary Jin smiled, "I'm tempted already. Everyone knows President Xie made his fortune in the stock market. How much is this round of financing?"
"The more, the better. However, it's mainly for those in the film association, especially the companies that bullied Ah Feng last time."
Secretary Jin understood. President Xie was going to make a move against those people.
Dealing with President Jiang alone wasn't enough.
"I understand."
Secretary Jin didn't ask further and went about her business.
Xie Sui busied himself for the entire morning, forgetting to greet Lin Wanwan and mention Sheng Ruyi. He considered it a minor matter. The plan he had devised these past few days was for Wanwan to interact with Sheng Ruyi, ideally bringing her under Wanwan's wing to work for her.
That would be the perfect solution. Let Sheng Ruyi make money for him without causing domestic conflict. He was too clever.
In the evening, he was invited by those CEOs from the film association to apologize and discuss the stock market.
This was a bait Xie Sui had cast. People die for wealth, and it seemed these individuals had taken the bait.
Ah Feng and Qiu Caijie accompanied him. It was the same hotel as last time, but this time it was a private room where more than a dozen CEOs were waiting.
Seeing Ah Feng, their expressions were somewhat unnatural. President Xie was so protective.
"President Xie is truly a busy man. We rarely see you. It's not easy to invite you out. Please, have a seat."
Xie Sui smiled and said, "I can't compare to your leisure. It's unavoidable; I'm building a business, so I'll be busy. I haven't reached the stage of being a hands-off manager yet."
The dishes had already been prepared and were served one by one. The spread was lavish. Lobsters as long as forearms looked menacing, making one's mouth water.
"President Xie, I'll toast you."
A middle-aged man with ordinary features raised his glass and introduced himself, "I am Zhou Xingwang. Xingwang Films is mine; I'm just making a living."
"Hello, President Zhou. No drinks for now; I'm hungry. I've been busy all day, so I'll eat first. Please excuse me."
Xie Sui was deliberately being dismissive. Zhou Xingwang's expression turned unpleasant.
Lobster was something he had eaten to satiety in his previous life, but he hadn't had much of it in this one. Xie Sui ate heartily, wanting to enjoy it to his fullest.
He even served Qiu Caijie and Ah Feng, appearing like country bumpkins enjoying a feast, their uncouth manners leaving the entire table speechless.
Qiu Caijie felt a little embarrassed, but Ah Feng was at ease. She had never eaten such delicacies before. With President Xie leading the way, she ate as freely as she pleased.
Xie Sui quite liked her personality – beautiful and charming, yet possessing a certain carefree spirit and boldness.
"Miss Qiu, what movie is Ah Feng filming lately?"
Qiu Caijie replied, "She's filming commercials. She hasn't made any movies yet; there are no suitable roles for her at the moment, so she's just doing commercials and photo shoots. She's not idle."
Xie Sui said, "I think Ah Feng could play a swordswoman. I'll find someone to write a script later, and we'll make her the protagonist." Sudang Wenxue Wang
Ah Feng was excited, "Can I? Those directors always say I don't look proper and am not suited to play the lead role."
"That's because they lack talent. Can propriety be judged by appearance?"
Xie Sui said assertively. If he wanted to promote her, he absolutely could. In his past life, Miss Shu didn't look proper either, yet she still managed to reclaim her reputation.
Ah Feng had no scandalous history, so her path would be smoother.
"Thank you, President Xie."
Ah Feng's eyes reddened. In this life, she would wholeheartedly follow President Xie, live and die for him, and crash into walls for him.
"I'll have a drink, President Xie, feel free."
Ah Feng tilted her head and finished a glass of wine, exuding even more of a swordswoman's demeanor.
Xie Sui happily took a sip. She was destined to be Jin Xiangyu from "Dragon Gate Inn." They would film it in advance.
The assembled CEOs listened to them chat and watched them eat and drink, their hearts burning with indignation. They wanted to leave but were unwilling. Xie Sui had fleeced them of billions in the stock market last time.
Those who followed him had prospered. Even Young Master Du had gone to the mainland to engage in real estate. The eldest young master of the Du family was no match for him.
"Miss Ah Feng, we offended you greatly before. Today, we offer our apologies. I will drink three cups first, as a gesture of sincerity."
A man named Li Daming sighed inwardly. President Xie's intentions were clear: settle the matter of Ah Feng first.
He took the initiative to apologize, lowering his stance. If he wanted to get rich by following this man, he couldn't put on airs.
The others chimed in, "Yes, it was all President Jiang's idea. We were just swept up in the moment and followed along. What we did was wrong, and we apologize for the distress caused to Miss Ah Feng."