Chapter 81: Cocktail Party

As the market was about to close, Xia Yu went to the Kowloon Stock Exchange.

Today, Da Fa Real Estate had published materials proving that their financial chain was indeed secure. With support from institutions like HSBC Securities, Da Fa Real Estate's stock price had risen back to 40 million Hong Kong dollars.

And the upward trend showed no sign of slowing down!

Xia Yu estimated that by next week, the stock price could reach 60 million Hong Kong dollars, at which point he could cash out.

After chatting with Liu Tianci for a while, Xia Yu was about to leave when Liu Tianci stopped him and handed him an invitation.

"Xia Sheng, I'm really sorry I forgot earlier. This Saturday evening, HSBC Securities is hosting a cocktail party at the Peninsula Hotel. Please make sure to come!" Liu Tianci said apologetically, handing Xia Yu the invitation.

"Of course, I'll be there!" Xia Yu glanced at the invitation and nodded with a smile.

"Oh, by the way, may I ask who else you've invited?" Xia Yu asked with curiosity.

"Mainly our big clients from HSBC Securities, senior executives from the four major stock exchanges, and the major tycoons in Hong Kong," Liu Tianci briefly introduced.

Xia Yu's eyes lit up. HSBC's cocktail party was a great opportunity to meet people, expand his network, and get a better understanding of the upper echelons of Hong Kong society.

This cocktail party was not to be missed.

"Rest assured, Liu Sheng, I will definitely attend. Thank you for the invitation!" Xia Yu expressed his gratitude.

...

Xia Yu then put away the invitation and left the Kowloon Stock Exchange.

Over the next two days, the company's work proceeded smoothly, and the company moved to the new office location. Xia Yu did not hold any formal ceremonies; a simple celebration with firecrackers was sufficient.

The Economic Research Office was also in the process of being established, with office supplies being procured.

Regarding personnel, Yan Wenhan had sent invitations to experts and scholars in economics. Six people had accepted the offer from Jiuding Media Company, and others were still considering. Xia Yu was confident that there would be no major issues.

After all, with the influence of *Jiuding Daily* and the generous compensation Xia Yu offered, it was hard to believe that these experts and scholars wouldn't be tempted!

During these two days, Xia Yu was very cautious, always accompanied by Yan Shining whenever he went out to ensure his safety.

Every evening after work, Xia Yu would visit the Chunqiu Medical Hall to see Yan Hong and reassure Yan Shining.

As for the Black Shark Society's attack, Xia Yu had to put it aside for now.

He was currently too weak to confront a gang, and it was a relief that the Black Shark Society was not continuing its troublemaking. Moreover, besides the initial shock, Xia Yu had not been injured, while the attackers from the Black Shark Society had suffered greatly and paid a heavy price.

In contrast, Xia Yu had benefited from having Yan Shining as his personal bodyguard, solving his personal safety issues. It could be said that he turned misfortune into fortune.

The two days passed quickly, and Saturday arrived in no time.

In the evening, after giving his family a brief explanation, Xia Yu headed to the Peninsula Hotel.

Upon arriving at the venue, Xia Yu was somewhat helpless to see that it seemed he was the only one who came alone; everyone else had a partner.

Realizing this, Xia Yu felt a bit resigned, but since he didn't have any female friends, he could only face the situation with a thick skin!

As soon as he entered, Xia Yu saw Liu Tianci surrounded by a group of people.

Liu Tianci occasionally glanced towards the door and, seeing Xia Yu, excused himself from the crowd with a smile and walked over to greet him. Xia Yu also walked towards him.

"Liu Sheng, good evening!"

"Xia Sheng, you've come. Good evening!" Liu Tianci greeted warmly.

After exchanging pleasantries, Liu Tianci introduced Xia Yu to a lady beside him, saying, "Xia Sheng, this is my wife, Wang Wanrong."

"Wanrong, this is Xia Sheng, the boss of Jiuding Media Company, a true genius," Liu Tianci continued, introducing Xia Yu to his wife.

"Hello, Xia Sheng. Tianci often speaks of you. I've always been curious about the person he admires. Now that I've met you, you certainly live up to his praise. It's a pleasure to meet you!" Wang Wanrong greeted with a warm smile.

"Haha, sister-in-law, you flatter me. I'm just an ordinary person. I should be admiring Liu Sheng. He's not only successful but also has such a gentle and gracious wife. He's truly a winner in life!" Xia Yu said with a modest smile, while praising Liu Tianci and his wife.

"Hehe, Xia Sheng, Tianci also mentioned that you are mature for your age and quite eloquent. Now I see it's true!" Wang Wanrong laughed softly.

Xia Yu shrugged with a pretended sense of helplessness and joked with Liu Tianci, "Liu Sheng, I didn't expect that I would be discovered despite hiding so well. I see you have the eyes of Sun Wukong."

"Hahaha…" Seeing Xia Yu rarely joking, Liu Tianci couldn't help but laugh.

To him, Xia Yu had always appeared mature and strategic. Now, seeing Xia Yu joking around was quite interesting.

Of course, Liu Tianci knew it was because of their good relationship that Xia Yu was so relaxed, which made him feel even better.

"By the way, Xia Sheng, why did you come alone? Didn't you bring a female companion?" Liu Tianci asked curiously.

Xia Yu shrugged helplessly and said, "Look at my age. Who would be interested? Maybe you can introduce someone to me?"

Liu Tianci laughed and said, "Xia Sheng, you are so handsome and successful. How could I introduce you to some ordinary person?"

Xia Yu laughed and shook his head, continuing to chat with Liu Tianci.

As the general manager of HSBC Securities' Kowloon branch, Liu Tianci was a prominent figure within HSBC Securities, receiving considerable attention from the guests.

However, Liu Tianci was chatting amiably with Xia Yu, indicating a close relationship, which led some of those observing to wonder who this young man was that could command such attention from Liu Tianci.

Some news-savvy individuals recognized Xia Yu and knew he was the influential leader of *Jiuding Daily*, a rising newspaper tycoon who had reached the pinnacle of the industry.

Many people were interested in getting to know Xia Yu.

Some people who had read Xia Yu's articles and found them highly valuable were eager to meet him in person and discuss stock market insights.

However, seeing Liu Tianci and Xia Yu engaged in such a pleasant conversation, they were polite and did not want to interrupt.

Sensing the guests' curiosity and noticing a significant figure entering, Liu Tianci apologized and said to Xia Yu, "Xia Sheng, as the host, I need to attend to other guests. I'll catch up with you later. Let's have a proper chat then."

"Okay, you go ahead. Don't worry about me!" Xia Yu made a gesture of invitation and smiled.

After Liu Tianci left, Xia Yu saw someone approaching him.

"Xia Sheng, hello. I'm... The company that advertised in *Jiuding Daily* is mine. The results of your newspaper's ads have been fantastic..."

...

Xia Yu responded warmly and enthusiastically, using the opportunity to expand his network.

For a while, Xia Yu became a small focal point of the event, attracting the attention of several prominent figures.

Despite his young age, no one underestimated Xia Yu, as all attendees were successful individuals with substantial influence, and no one would engage in petty behaviors like judging by appearance. Thus, the social interactions were normal and professional.