Xie Sui understood. This was encountering local bullies. He actually felt a sense of nostalgia, as those working in construction were bound to deal with such people.
"Alright, wait until I get back to handle it. We guys haven't had a proper get-together in a while. Today's a good day for a meal. You've all worked hard. Staying in this small county for so many days is no easy feat."
Du Feiyang wailed, "My skin is chapped. I feel like I've aged ten years. I need to get skin treatments. And my suits, my pointed leather shoes, they're unwearable. The only gear I have now when I go out is my padded cotton jacket. Nothing is warmer."
Everyone burst into laughter. The young master had been toughened into a country bumpkin.
Tang Ling had also worked hard, but he seemed more composed. This period had been quite a trial for all of them.
They went directly to the Tang family's restaurant. He Mengchao was also invited. They had initially thought of inviting Huo Yansong, but he was busy. Xie Sui figured there was still a gap between them and the Huo family, and Huo Shao wasn't someone they could just summon at will, so they let it go.
In a familiar environment, both felt relaxed and at ease. Du Feiyang, with a cigar in his mouth, complained for over an hour without repeating himself.
Xie Sui asked, "What's the situation with your elder brother's construction site?"
Du Feiyang chuckled, "It stopped a while ago. I've definitely won this time. I almost forgot. Tomorrow is the company's day. I'll make Dad fulfill his promise."
"It might not be that easy."
Xie Sui felt that Old Master Du wouldn't easily keep his word. The old man was very cunning.
"Why? He said it himself. Can he go back on his word?"
"You'll find out if you try."
If it were Xie Sui, he could also come up with countless excuses to send Du Feiyang back empty-handed. You shouldn't reason with people who operate by the rules of the game.
He Mengchao was lost in thought, drinking heavily. Xie Sui shook his head. Love matters are the most hurtful.
"What's wrong with him? He looks more haggard than us being exposed to the elements."
Xie Sui replied, "Heartbreak. What else could make a man like this, besides a woman?"
"Who?"
Who could make Young Master He this miserable?
"Miss Guan. You don't follow the entertainment industry. It's ever-changing. You're already out of touch. Even the reporters don't bother with you anymore."
Du Feiyang used to be a darling of the reporters, a hot commodity that paparazzi eagerly followed. He didn't even need to hire bodyguards; no one was more useful than the paparazzi.
"Alas, that's not necessarily true. Tomorrow, I could be on the front page."
"Don't stir up trouble. Your father will have even more excuses not to give you shares."
Du Feiyang suppressed his restless urge, feeling a bit regretful. Being a good son was too stifling.
He Mengchao suddenly slammed the table, "Brother Xie, is there any way to become powerful quickly? I want to surpass the Liu family. I want the entire Hong Kong to submit at my feet."
Xie Sui was amused, "That's the spirit! Turn grief into ambition. When a man has a career, why worry about not having a woman? Look at those ancient emperors. Who didn't hold power and gain the woman they loved? Hong Kong is too small. I'll invest in you. Go set up factories in Southeast Asian countries, then export to countries like the US. Labor costs are low, and I guarantee you'll be worth over ten billion in two years."
"Okay, I'll listen to Brother Xie. As long as Miss Guan isn't married, I won't give up."
Xie Sui, with a wicked grin, said, "They can get divorced after marriage. These days, 'till death do us part' is too difficult."
"Right, they can get divorced after marriage. But what if they have children? I don't want to be a stepfather."
Xie Sui had no answer either. "If you care about that, find a maiden quickly and cut your losses early. True love can break through all worldly barriers, even life and death, even gender, race, or national feuds. Nothing can stop true love."
As he spoke, he felt disgusted with himself. How could those brainless dramas be produced? And so many people liked watching them. Sooman Novel Network. Especially Aunt Qiong's worldview, with so many thunderous lines that were later dug up and criticized. Like 'You've only lost your legs, but I've lost my love,' or 'Don't worry about whose child it is. Can't we all care for the child together and live harmoniously?'
...
Xie Sui couldn't help but chuckle. They had no idea what he was laughing at.
He Mengchao was drunk and fell asleep on the bench. Xie Sui thoughtfully covered him with his suit.
While discussing family matters, Tang Ling said, "That Miss Sheng Ruyi is quite good. She's smart, diligent, and not afraid of hardship or fatigue. Brother Xie, you're truly ruthless, just coaxing her into taking care of your child and then washing your hands of it? Aren't you going to manage her?"
"Sheng Ruyi? She wanted me to invest in her cosmetics business. I didn't ask her to look after my child. She hasn't returned yet?"
Xie Sui was shocked. He thought Sheng Ruyi had returned long ago.
"No, she's still hanging around with us. She visited your factory. I think she's rather reluctant to leave."
Xie Sui was speechless. "Fine, I won't bother with her. Her legs are her own. I can't control her."
Slightly tipsy, the three went to the restroom, walking a bit unsteadily, but still clear-headed.
Xie Sui lit a cigarette to sober up. He didn't expect to run into Du Yujie. She also froze for a moment, her smile unnatural. "Mr. Xie, you're here for dinner?"
"Yes, Miss Du. Have you recovered? You've had a tough time. You must take care of yourself from now on."
"I'll be fine from now on. Thank you for your concern."
After saying that, she fled, as if running away. Xie Sui shook his head helplessly. He really didn't intend to do anything. What was she afraid of?
He heard that Du Yujie's mental state had deteriorated after her return, and she had lost the child. It took her half a year to be seen in public. She was no longer the arrogant and overbearing person she once was. She hadn't gone abroad either, staying at home. Due to those incidents, she couldn't find a good match for an arranged marriage, and her status at home plummeted. This woman had already suffered her retribution. Xie Sui had no intention of pursuing her relentlessly. He wasn't a bloodthirsty person.
"Brother Xie, who are you chatting up? Introduce us! Are you eating alone?"
Du Feiyang, true to form, had a rude remark the moment he spoke. Xie Sui retorted irritably, "Your sister. What are you thinking?"
"Her? She still dares to talk to you? Is she still harboring feelings for you?"
"Scram. Stop spouting nonsense."
Hong Kong is a small place. When they were leaving, they encountered Du Yujie again. This time, she was with Lin Tianxiang and Director Xu, among others. Xie Sui raised an eyebrow. Du Yujie flinched and hurried away, head down.
Lin Tianxiang glared at him fiercely. He was the one who had stolen his video tapes. He wished he could tear him apart.
"What are you glaring at? Just because your eyeballs are big? Believe it or not, I'll pluck them out and step on them like marbles!"
Du Feiyang was the first to get annoyed. Who dared to glare at my Brother Xie like that?
Xie Sui pulled him along. "Don't bother with him. A few glares won't cost us anything. If he dares to make a move, then I'll respect him as a man. This scoundrel is both malicious and despicable. Bothering with him lowers our class. Let's go. We'll deal with him in business later."
Lin Tianxiang almost couldn't restrain himself. This Xie fellow was too arrogant.
Director Xu pulled him back and said to Xie Sui, "Mr. Xie, we'll meet again. For my sake, let's have a banquet later and have a good chat with Mr. Lin. Isn't it good for everyone to prosper together?"