Suspicion

Xue Chen did not say much upon hearing that. During the 1980s and 1990s, people often said that Hong Kong Island was paved with gold. This led some people from the mainland, whose living conditions were extremely poor and who could barely afford food or clothing, to flee illegally to Hong Kong Island in search of a better life.

However, due to the population boom in the 1970s, Hong Kong Island had abolished its policy of issuing identity cards upon arrival. By the 1980s, most of those who came over had no identification, and it was easy to imagine what their lives became afterward.

"Alright, enough of these unhappy matters. Where are Xie Tian and those two brats, Shen Ze?" Fang Jimin took a sip of red wine, glanced around, and asked.

"They..."

Just as Xue Chen was about to explain, Shen Ze walked over with a man. "Old Xue, this is one of my uncles. His surname is Wan."

The man looked Xue Chen over and smiled. "Hello—"

Xue Chen searched his memories for a long while but could not recall who the man before him was. Still, that did not stop him from standing and politely extending his hand. "Hello. You must be Chairman Wan of Wan Group, correct? I've heard so much about you."

"My name is Wan Yuliang. I should be the one saying that." Wan Yuliang seemed to have seen through Xue Chen's thoughts. He merely smiled and nodded, his eyes gleaming. At Shen Ze's prompting, he had already spotted Xue Chen among the crowd, chatting and laughing with Hong Kong Island's famous wealthy second-generation heirs.

This young man before him was neither arrogant nor impetuous. Even when facing someone of Wan Yuliang's status, he remained poised and courteous. Wan Yuliang could not help thinking that perhaps he could use the other man's connections to bring his factory into the mainland.

At that thought, Wan Yuliang's lips curved slightly, and his gaze grew more eager. The way he looked at Xue Chen became gentler, as though he were looking at a treasure.

"Ha ha, Mr. Xue truly has an excellent reputation. Of all the young entrepreneurs I've met, I'm afraid you are the finest. I heard that Mr. Xue is planning to build a factory in the mainland soon. Would you be interested in working together?" Wan Yuliang asked.

Xue Chen was slightly startled by Wan Yuliang's words, then smiled. "Chairman Wan, you're making me rather embarrassed with that praise. But when the banquet is over, I hope you'll leave me your contact information. Don't forget about me." The small joke brought the two closer.

"Hahaha!" Wan Yuliang laughed heartily. "I noticed you back when I was investing in the stock market. I never expected that meeting you in person would surpass your reputation. Young Friend Xue, don't forget about me."

Xue Chen smiled faintly. "Fate is truly hard to explain. If Chairman Wan has time in the future, shall we sit down and have a few drinks?"

"Certainly." Wan Yuliang handed over his business card. "When we have time, we'll get together properly. As for your matter, Mr. Xue, rest assured, I will definitely help."

Xue Chen accepted the card, then handed over one of his own that he had prepared long ago. "Then I'll have to trouble Chairman Wan. If anything comes up in the future, I hope Chairman Wan will look after me."

Their conversation was not concealed from those around them. Seeing Wan Yuliang chatting and laughing so warmly with Xue Chen, along with Old Master Xie's introduction, some began wondering whether Xue Chen was some important figure. Others secretly studied him, trying to discover something from him.

Xue Chen did not care what others thought. After exchanging contact information with several rising elites, he found a relatively secluded corner and sat down.

"So? Were the people Old Master introduced to you especially long-winded?" The moment Xue Chen sat down, Xie Tian plopped himself down beside him. Fang Jimin and Qin Zhou followed suit.

"They were alright." Xue Chen nodded lightly, then looked around. "Where are Jiayao and Qi Si?"

Xie Tian drained the wine in his glass and grinned. "Young Master Fu wanted to take a look around our garden, so those two went off to play Lei Feng and do good deeds."

Just as Xue Chen was about to look up through the glass window, Qin Zhou pressed his head down. "Why don't we talk about our upcoming investments?"

Xue Chen: "..."

Fu Hengzhou expressionlessly watched the birdcage swing chair pass by for the fifth time, then turned his gaze toward the two men ahead who had been laughing nonstop. He simply found a spot and sat down. "What else did you two want to discuss with me?"

"Uh... nothing." Chen Jiayao exchanged a look with Qi Si, then smiled awkwardly before starting a conversation between themselves.

Fu Hengzhou sat there quietly. "Are you two that afraid of me coming into contact with Xue Chen?"

The moment Fu Hengzhou said that, both men fell silent. Chen Jiayao cautiously glanced at him, then explained stiffly, "Young Master Fu, you're overthinking it. We just... we just... especially admire you and wanted to hear about your entrepreneurial journey overseas..."

Qi Si nearly rolled under the table, but he managed to steady himself. "That's right... Mm! We especially admire you..."

Fu Hengzhou glanced at Xue Chen by the window, surrounded by people and chatting enthusiastically. "..."

Suspicion

"Interested in having a chat?" After turning down the others' attempts to keep him, Xue Chen left Xie Household Manor and saw the Lincoln parked at the entrance. Its door was open, revealing Fu Hengzhou's face inside.

Xue Chen looked at him but did not actually get in. He merely rested a hand on the car door. "Mr. Fu, are you looking to discuss cooperation? As far as I recall, none of the industries I've invested in overlap with yours. As for getting in the car, I'll pass..."

Fu Hengzhou turned to look at him, catching a faint scent of alcohol. He smiled lightly. "What? You don't dare get in? If I were you, I'd get in now. If you don't, what awaits you will be far more than mere investment. There are plenty of benefits."

Xue Chen pondered what the other man meant. But then he considered that compared to Fu Hengzhou's wealth, his own was truly insignificant and hardly anything special.

"Mr. Fu, if you have something to say, please say it directly. I'm in a hurry. If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving." With that, he prepared to walk around Fu Hengzhou's car and leave.