As he was contemplating how to deal with Liu Zixiong, Liu Zixiong was also talking with Liu Xuan, strengthening their father-son bond. At the emotional peak, he even shed a couple of tears.
Liu Xuan's eyes also reddened, presenting a scene of filial piety and paternal love.
Once the atmosphere was sufficiently set, Liu Zixiong brought up the real matter at hand, "When do you think we can arrange a dinner with President Xie? We had quite a few conflicts with President Xie before due to your elder brother's issues. It's better to resolve misunderstandings than to harbor grudges."
Liu Xuan was somewhat surprised by this request. He had initially thought it was a test, especially since Xie Sui had been supporting him behind the scenes to achieve his current status. Was this betrayal to his father?
Liu Zixiong, a cunning old fox, immediately sensed his concerns and said, "Don't overthink it. Your father has lived this long and encountered all sorts of people. Compared to interests, what are grievances and grudges? For the good of the Liu family, I'm willing to humble myself. We're both half in the grave, what is there to hold onto? However, you must be more mindful in the future. You're still young, and if you contend with people like President Xie, you'll always be suppressed by them."
Liu Xuan had always felt this way. Even when facing Du Feiyang and his group, he felt inferior. Even He Mengchao and Tang Ling were cautiously respectful of him. He knew that no matter what he did, Xie Sui would never consider him part of his inner circle.
"Alright, I'll try to arrange it," Liu Xuan replied.
"Good. It's best that you understand. In life, there are times for patience and times for glory. No one can smile all the time. If Xie Sui is always glorious, you should keep your tail tucked and try to appease him. As long as the Liu family can stand firm, future generations will have their chance to suppress them again. You should have more children. Xie Sui is truly lucky to have so many. Even with my concubines over the years, I only had you brothers. They have six children together. Are they pigs?"
Most people shared Liu Zixiong's sentiment. People in Hong Kong were even more patriarchal than those in the mainland. This was reality. Only male heirs could uphold the family name. With more sons, as long as one succeeded, the family could prosper. Therefore, as long as they could have children, they would strive to have sons, and they could afford to raise them.
Liu Xuan chuckled, "I understand, Daddy. My marriage..."
"Proceed with it as soon as possible. That daughter from the Meng family is not a peace-loving one. You need to be more watchful. If necessary, you can keep a few outside. If she can't bear children, then elevate the one outside."
It was no wonder such a family could produce scoundrels. By teaching his son to keep mistresses and drain the Meng family's resources before discarding them, Liu Zixiong had mastered the art of "use and discard" with great proficiency.
Liu Xuan also felt it made sense. He wasn't a particularly sentimental person, and he still felt resentful that Meng Xiaowei had been engaged to Liu Kai. Only Meng Xiaowei thought she had found true love, without realizing how few men raised in such scheming families were simple.
...
Xie Sui received the invitation from the Liu family, not entirely surprised. As an old fox, he was adept at assessing situations. Du Feiyang also received one. It was an invitation to a family dinner on the top floor of Hong Kong's most luxurious hotel. Du Feiyang was curious to see what Liu Zixiong was up to.
"Brother Xie, do you think that old fox can really swallow his pride and apologize to you?"
"Of course. Don't underestimate them. Those who climbed up from difficult times prioritize necessity over face. They'll tuck their pride away when needed."
"Then will you forgive him?"
Xie Sui remained silent, but the cold smile in his eyes made Du Feiyang understand that Liu Zixiong's efforts were in vain.
Soon, it was evening. Xie Sui, Du Feiyang, and He Mengchao went to the appointment. The three of them were now like the sworn brothers from the Peach Garden, truly like blood brothers. He Mengchao hated Liu Zixiong the most because of Guan Zhizhi; as long as he lived, Guan Zhizhi would bear his mark. So, he came along, wanting to vent his anger. Xie Sui saw through his intentions and felt even more that today was an auspicious day, suitable for the dead.
Liu Xuan personally waited at the entrance, showing great enthusiasm and a humble demeanor. This scene was captured by paparazzi hiding nearby, suggesting a reconciliation between the Liu family and President Xie. The two were seen shaking hands. With a single picture, they could write an entire soap opera. Rushing back to prepare the layout, the next day's headlines were secured. However, they missed the more exciting drama that was to unfold, and they would have a long night ahead.
...
The top floor of the hotel was a single large flat, hosting only one table. A piano and violin played live, their soft melodies calming the heart.
"President Xie, Young Master Du, Young Master He, welcome, welcome. It is an honor for the Liu family to host the three of you, the 'Three Musketeers.' Please be seated."
Liu Zixiong was indeed waiting, lavishing them with praise. Xie Sui winked at Du Feiyang, proving he was right. Du Feiyang conceded, waiting for Xie Sui's response.
Xie Sui clasped Liu Zixiong's hand, displaying excellent humility as a junior, "It is truly humbling for President Liu to share a meal with us. In the past, I would tremble even when offering President Liu a toast, fearing he wouldn't grant me the courtesy."
Liu Zixiong's cheeks twitched. He knew Xie Sui remembered the past. These young people were so vindictive, valuing face above all else. Today, he was willing to discard his pride for the sake of his descendants.
After they were seated, Liu Zixiong raised his glass first, "In the past, I was foolish and did many inappropriate things. Today, this old man apologizes to President Xie. I will drink three cups first."
Liu Xuan felt a pang of unease. His father was truly sacrificing everything for the Liu family. Xie Sui watched him with a smile as he finished the three cups. After downing the liquor, the old man couldn't help but cough.
"President Liu is too kind. Come, let's have a drink together."
The three of them perfunctorily drank one cup. He Mengchao's displeasure was evident on his face. Liu Zixiong understood; it was because of Guan Zhizhi. Women were indeed the root of trouble. He then apologized to He Mengchao, drinking three more cups without even a chance to eat.
Liu Xuan quickly offered him food, "Daddy, eat something. Drinking on an empty stomach is harmful."
"It's nothing. At my age, who knows how long I'll live? It's rare for President Xie to be here today, I must drink with them until they're happy."
Liu Xuan looked at them pleadingly. Hadn't his father humbled himself enough? Xie Sui raised his glass again, "President Liu, let bygones be bygones. Let's consider the past settled. As juniors, we toast you."
He Mengchao slowly raised his glass, doing so merely to give Xie Sui face. Liu Zixiong's eyes welled up with tears of joy, "Good, President Xie is magnanimous. Truly a hero among the young. We old folks are no longer capable; it will be up to you in the future."
"You are too kind. Hong Kong still needs elders like you to anchor it; otherwise, we wouldn't feel at ease. As the saying goes, an old person at home is like a treasure."
Hearing this, Liu Zixiong's heart finally settled. He was a competent businessman, and his family was safe; he didn't want to make an enemy of the Liu family. Liu Zixiong, having drunk too much, excused himself to the restroom. Xie Sui proactively offered to accompany him, "I need to go too. Let's go together."
"Good, you two. As one gets older, one weakens."
Xie Sui replied, "Don't say that. At your age, one cannot be considered old. My father is about your age, and he still works the fields. He can manage five mu of land by himself."
After coming out of the restroom, there was a small lounge area with tea. Xie Sui brewed a cup of tea and took a sip. Liu Zixiong emerged and, sensing Xie Sui had something to say, sat beside him.
Xie Sui said softly, "President Liu, I truly admire your ability to bend and adapt. You old timers are very formidable."
"President Xie flatters me. It's all for business."
Xie Sui smiled, "President Liu is right, it's all for business. However, targeting someone's wife and children for business, that's going too far, isn't it? The older generation always said not to harm wives and children. I thought you would abide by the rules, but I overestimated you."
Liu Zixiong's smile faded slightly, "Your wife and children are unharmed, aren't they? I can guarantee that I won't touch them in the future."
"It's too late. It's only because I was lucky that they are unharmed. It doesn't mean you didn't want to kill me. I'll tell you the truth today: even if you knelt down and begged me, I would not forgive you. Unless you die, I might spare the Liu family. Otherwise, I will keep your life so that you can watch your descendants, your business, and everything you have slip away. When you become a beggar and a vagrant, looking back at your life, you will regret provoking me. The scenery here is beautiful, such a tall building, we don't have this in the mainland yet. Falling from here, it probably wouldn't be painful, would it?" After speaking, Xie Sui stood up, patted Liu Zixiong's shoulder, and smiled as he walked away.
Liu Zixiong's body turned cold. What a Xie Sui. He spoke so nicely, yet he still wanted to force him to his death. After this, Liu Zixiong made many excuses and stayed inside, not joining them for drinks. Liu Xuan didn't think much of it. He had also drunk quite a bit, and the guests and host were all enjoying themselves. In the end, he personally saw them out. As they were exchanging pleasantries at the hotel entrance, waiting for their cars, suddenly, a dark shadow plummeted down. With a loud thud, a figure appeared before them, falling like a rag doll.
"Ah... someone jumped!"
Everyone snapped back to reality, followed by a scene of chaos, utterly terrifying. Liu Xuan's gaze fell on the corpse's wrist; that watch belonged to his father. His mind went blank, unable to believe this was his father. Xie Sui's lips curved into a smile, but his face showed concern, "Quickly go see who it is! Is there any hope? Call an ambulance!"
Du Feiyang was unfazed. This guy had a heart of stone and had killed countless people. He glanced up at the building and said, "There's definitely no hope. From such a height, the face is all smashed. They'll probably need a shovel to collect it." Xie Sui's gaze suddenly sharpened, "The face is smashed?" His thoughtful eyes landed on the corpse, looking coldly at Liu Xuan as he collapsed onto the body, weeping bitterly. Ambulances and police arrived, and reporters and paparazzi scrambled to take photos, capturing first-hand material. Xie Sui and his companions were escorted into their cars by bodyguards. From a distance, the commotion faded into silence, leaving only a pool of blood on the ground, a testament to the tragedy that had occurred.