Chapter 82: Zhou Rongchang’s Advice

While interacting with people around him, Xia Yu did not forget to pay attention to other attendees.

Especially when prominent figures arrived, Xia Yu subtly tried to gather information about them.

As time passed and more people arrived, Xia Yu recognized several individuals, such as Li Chaoren, the shipping magnate Bao Yugang, Li Zhaoji, and other influential figures who were well-known in the future and powerful at present.

At first, Xia Yu was puzzled as to why they would attend the HSBC Securities cocktail party. However, after a moment's reflection, he understood.

Li Zhaoji was involved in the securities industry and would later be known as the "Asian Stock God." Given his involvement in the industry, it made sense that he had a relationship with HSBC Securities, a giant in the stock market.

As for Bao Yugang's connection with HSBC, it was unquestionable. At present, Bao Yugang had a close relationship with HSBC's chairman, Shen Bi, who was also known as "Big Boss Wang." In a few years, Bao Yugang would borrow over 2 billion Hong Kong dollars from HSBC within 24 hours to acquire Kowloon Warehouse.

Li Chaoren's presence was also understandable. HSBC Securities was the lead underwriter for his company, Cheung Kong Holdings, and still held a stake in the company. Given that HSBC Securities was holding the party, it was expected that he would attend.

In addition to these well-known figures, Xia Yu noticed others whose status was comparable to Li Chaoren's, but he did not recognize them.

Soon, the cocktail party began. Xia Yu saw a British man take the stage and start his speech. After the speech, the party was officially announced as open.

Xia Yu noticed Liu Tianci accompanying the British man and moving through the crowd, occasionally stopping to chat. Liu Tianci eventually made his way to Xia Yu.

"Xia Sheng, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Cole Natt, our General Manager at HSBC Securities and also a director of HSBC Bank."

"Mr. Natt, this is Xia Sheng, the leader of *Jiuding Daily*, and one of our major clients," Liu Tianci introduced the two.

"Xia Sheng, I'm Cole Natt. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Thank you for your strong support, and welcome to the party!" Cole Natt said with a warm smile, extending his hand.

Xia Yu quickly shook hands with him and replied, "Mr. Natt, it's an honor to be invited to your company's cocktail party!"

...

Xia Yu and Cole Natt chatted briefly. To accommodate others, Cole Natt apologized to Xia Yu and moved on to greet other guests.

Xia Yu took the opportunity to meet and interact with other people nearby, expanding his network. The atmosphere was lively and full of laughter.

After mingling for a while, Xia Yu felt a bit hungry and left the crowd to head to the food area. He picked some food to eat and, after finishing, sat in a corner to rest for a bit.

At that moment, Xia Yu noticed a spirited elderly man approaching.

"Would you like to have a drink with me?" The elderly man raised his glass and smiled at Xia Yu.

"It's my pleasure!" Xia Yu smiled slightly and clinked glasses with the elderly man.

While drinking, Xia Yu discreetly observed the elderly man, trying to determine his identity.

Earlier, Xia Yu had noticed that many people had been respectful while toasting this elderly man, indicating his high status.

Now, with the elderly man approaching him, Xia Yu sensed curious glances from those around them. It seemed they were interested in what the elderly man would discuss with Xia Yu. Xia Yu focused on staying alert, avoiding saying anything inappropriate, and paying attention to what the elderly man would say.

"Xia Sheng, you're young and accomplished. In a short time, you've built *Jiuding Daily* into such an influential newspaper. Your future is boundless!" The elderly man said with a hearty laugh.

"Not at all, it's just good luck. I didn't expect things to develop so quickly," Xia Yu replied modestly. He was surprised by the elderly man's familiarity and evident knowledge about him but didn't know who he was, which made him feel somewhat at a disadvantage.

"Ha ha, modesty is unnecessary. The times create heroes, and luck is part of strength. Without strength, luck alone isn't enough," the elderly man said with a hint of admiration in his eyes.

"Sorry, I still don't know who you are, sir?" Xia Yu asked apologetically, testingly.

It seemed the elderly man had no intention of introducing himself. Unable to remain passive, Xia Yu decided to take the initiative to ask.

The elderly man looked slightly surprised, as if he hadn't expected Xia Yu not to know him after speaking so much.

However, he was not an ordinary person and remained composed. He smiled and said, "I must be getting old and forgetful. I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Zhou Rongchang. I'm the fifth child in my family, and people generally call me Zhou Lao Wu or Fifth Uncle."

"Hello, Fifth Uncle!" Xia Yu quickly bowed slightly and greeted, though he remained puzzled since the elderly man hadn't mentioned his occupation.

"Ha ha, you're a young talent with manners. I haven't seen anyone more outstanding among your peers in Hong Kong," Zhou Rongchang said with an appreciative smile.

Xia Yu quickly displayed a modest expression, repeatedly saying he wasn't worthy.

"Old age makes one want to offer advice to the younger generation. Don't mind if I speak too much. You have a bright future ahead. Being passionate is both a good and bad thing for a young person. The key is to find the right balance. I have high hopes for you. Keep up the good work!" Zhou Rongchang encouraged.

Before Xia Yu could respond, Zhou Rongchang added, "I'm old and not as useful now. I'll go sit over there and won't disturb you. Enjoy yourself!"

With that, Zhou Rongchang nodded to Xia Yu and left.

Watching Zhou Rongchang's departing figure, Xia Yu squinted his eyes and thought quickly.

The final sentence from Zhou Rongchang seemed to carry deep meaning. Although his words were encouraging, Xia Yu felt they were more of a warning or advice.

He was reminding Xia Yu that being overly enthusiastic could be interpreted as showing off. It was both a good thing and a bad thing, with Xia Yu focusing on the negative aspect.

The advice to find the right balance translated into knowing when to advance and when to retreat.

Considering that Zhou Rongchang didn't approach Xia Yu without reason, he was likely advising Xia Yu to avoid being too ostentatious and to know when to hold back.

Of course, to show he meant no harm, he framed it as encouragement, likely to prevent Xia Yu from overthinking or causing unnecessary trouble.

Additionally, Zhou Rongchang assumed Xia Yu should know who he was, which suggested Xia Yu should learn more about him. Since Xia Yu didn't recognize him, it was worth pondering.

In a short period, Xia Yu's mind raced with thoughts, forming a tentative guess, but he needed to confirm Zhou Rongchang's identity to be certain.