The meeting lasted all day, leaving Xie Sui so hungry his stomach growled. The other directors also looked drained, gritting their teeth to endure.
Finally, it concluded. Xie Sui rose with a composed expression and shook hands with Ma Wenguang. "Congratulations, President Ma. I'll be treating everyone to dinner tonight. We can get acquainted, and from now on, we're colleagues, comrades."
"Mr. Xie is very thoughtful."
The group breathed a sigh of relief and headed to a hotel. Xie Sui was considerate, opting for a light and nutritious seafood congee instead of extravagant dishes, with most of the other dishes being vegetarian.
As they were all getting older, drinking and socializing was taxing. Xie Sui's thoughtful approach made them feel quite comfortable.
After more pleasantries, filled with compliments and mutual praise, they dispersed. Xie Sui didn't linger, wrapping things up within an hour, urging them to go home and rest well.
Ah Hua saw them off. Upon returning, he found Xie Sui hadn't left yet and removed the previous menu, replacing it with a new one.
"Let's go to the entrance to welcome our guests."
More guests were arriving. Xie Sui intended to resolve everything within the day.
A stretched limousine pulled up to the hotel entrance. Xie Sui, with a broad smile, stepped forward to shake hands. "Mr. Smith, it's a pleasure to meet you. We've spoken on the phone; I'm Xie Sui."
Smith, in his thirties, was the head of the American Smith family, controlling hundreds of billions in wealth and a model of youthful success.
His azure eyes were like the ocean, his nose aquiline, his thin lips pressed tightly together. Tall and handsome, he exuded a stern, aloof aura.
"Mr. Xie, I didn't expect you to be so young."
Smith shook his hand, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He was already known as a leader among the younger generation, the youngest person in command, yet this Eastern newcomer was even younger. Was he even thirty?
They conversed in English, making a translator unnecessary, which surprised Smith even more.
Xie Sui laughed heartily. "Not young anymore. I'm twenty-six and a father of four."
"Oh, my God, you're married? Why would you do that? Couldn't you focus on your career? Why start a family so early?"
Xie Sui chuckled. "When you meet the person you love, whether it's early or late, you'll willingly build a family.
Have children early, retire early, Mr. Smith. Money is endless, but you must also enjoy the warmth of family while earning. Otherwise, you're just a money-making machine; how dull is that!"
Smith mused, "Xie, you have a point. But I'm not planning to marry yet; I'm more interested in making money." Sudananovel.com
"Let's go inside and talk. There's no rush. Everyone lives life their own way."
They entered the private room together. By the time they emerged, it was late at night.
Smith was Xie Sui's friend in his past life. In this life, he had contacted him earlier. The man was a workaholic, principled, and easy to get along with.
Xie Sui wanted to sell the Jun Corporation to him, converting it into cash flow. He didn't have the energy or manpower to manage so many companies, and constantly traveling between different locations left him with even less time for his wife and children.
This was not what Xie Sui wanted. Why was his life still the same as in his past life?
Endless tasks to handle, constant social engagements, exhausting him like a dog.
So, he decisively sold Jun Corporation. As it happened, Smith was looking to expand into Asia. Macau was a foothold, and from there, he could move into Hong Kong and the mainland. Xie Sui had reignited Smith's ambition prematurely.
In his past life, Smith wouldn't enter the mainland until ten years later, by which time the golden investment period had passed. Smith always expressed regret about this.
Because he mentioned it more than once, Xie Sui took note. This time, with a bit of persuasion, Smith truly came.
Xie Sui sold Jun Corporation for only a ten percent profit. Although not much, it was still several hundred million, money that ordinary people would struggle to earn in several lifetimes.
After finalizing the specific details, the two happily reached an agreement three days later.
Xie Sui, as the chairman of the group, convened his first shareholders' meeting. The shareholders were quite surprised. What was this meeting about?
This Chairman Xie, after acquiring the group, neither audited the books nor interfered with the company's operations, leaving them unable to decipher his intentions.
This shareholders' meeting, it seemed, was where he intended to make his move.
The shareholders whispered amongst themselves, speculating on Xie Sui's intentions. Xie Sui entered with Smith, gesturing to them. "I've gathered you all here today to announce one matter.
This is Mr. Smith from the United States. I have sold all my shares to him, meaning he is now your new boss. Everyone, please welcome him."
Xie Sui applauded, but no one joined in. It was too sudden, too unconventional.
He had painstakingly consolidated the shares, yet before they had even warmed up, he sold them off. They had never seen anything like it.
Smith surveyed the crowd. Unlike Xie Sui, he arrived with an entourage of young men exuding an elite aura, all in sharp suits and with arrogant expressions.
"Hello, everyone. Our Smith family is involved in numerous industries. Joining the Smith family will only lead to greater profits and better development for all of you.
Now, please introduce yourselves. Let's begin the meeting."
Xie Sui said with a smile, "Then you all have your meeting; I won't disturb you. Mr. Smith, if you come to the mainland in the future, I'll treat you to sauerkraut!"
"I'm looking forward to it, Mr. Xie. Pleasant cooperation."
"Indeed. We'll have more collaborations. This is just the beginning, my good friend. Goodbye."
Xie Sui gave him a warm embrace. Smith, also pleased, clapped him heartily on the back, nearly sending Xie Sui flying.
Americans enjoyed fitness, and their strength was no joke. The man was still so enthusiastic.
As Xie Sui left, the others finally came to their senses. They didn't know what to say to Xie Sui, let alone confront him. They could only deal with their new boss.
Xie Sui, unburdened, felt light. Ah Hua was also surprised, still somewhat bewildered. "Boss, you just sold it like that?"
"Why not? I don't have the energy to manage it. Selling it sooner saves trouble."
Ah Hua said, "I just feel it's a pity. You put so much effort into this group; I thought you would keep it."
Xie Sui replied, "The timing isn't right. Book flight tickets; we're going to Switzerland tomorrow."
"Understood."
Xie Sui stretched his shoulders, a wry smile on his face. "Later, when you have time, teach me some martial arts. My body is too weak. I'll still have to deal with Smith in the future. Every time he hits me like that, my small frame can't take it."
Ah Hua stifled a laugh. "Mr. Xie, I fear you might not be able to endure such hardship."
"Don't underestimate your boss. What hardship can I not endure? You don't know me well enough. When I set my mind to something, nothing is impossible."
Ah Hua harbored some doubt. He had known Xie Sui for some time. The boss was very intelligent, but as for his perseverance, that was uncertain. He wasn't the type to hit a wall and refuse to turn back; rather, if he encountered an obstacle, he'd find a way around it.
He would turn back before even seeing the wall. However, if the boss wanted to learn, he had to be prepared and fulfill his request.