Chapter 233: The Opportunity for Overnight Wealth

After returning home, Xia Yu informed his parents that he had acquired the toy factory where his uncle worked and asked them to find out which relatives were interested in working at the factory.

Relieved by Xia Yu's clear commitment, Xia's parents began discussing how to arrange the matter.

Seeing his parents engaged and enthusiastic, Xia Yu smiled but did not pay much attention. He trusted that they would manage the situation well, as they were fully aware of the importance of family versus other interests and would handle things appropriately without his interference.

...

"Good morning, boss!"

Upon entering the Jiuding News Group building and arriving at his office, Xia Yu saw Li Qian, with her alluring figure, bending over and organizing the bookshelf. Hearing the footsteps, she noticed Xia Yu and greeted him with a sweet smile, giving a slight bow and speaking in a soft, coquettish voice.

"Good morning!"

Xia Yu nodded with a smile.

Seeing such an attractive and pleasing beauty first thing in the morning would surely put any man in a good mood.

"Is there anything I need to handle?"

Sitting in his boss's chair with his legs crossed, Xia Yu admired Li Qian's graceful figure as she worked and gently asked.

Since hiring Li Qian as his secretary, Xia Yu had introduced her to four companies, including Wang Qi and Gavin Peter, and briefed them on certain matters. Specifically, Xia Yu's office at Jiuding News Group would also serve as the direct management office for the other three companies. All company affairs would be concentrated there.

Additionally, an internal telephone was installed in Xia Yu's office, which only allowed calls from the general managers' offices of the four companies, intended for reporting important matters to Xia Yu.

Li Qian was responsible for answering the phone when Xia Yu was absent, recording reports from the general managers, and presenting them to Xia Yu upon his return. She also handled the office's internal affairs and arranged Xia Yu's preliminary schedule, making adjustments as necessary.

Therefore, Xia Yu inquired if there was anything he needed to handle.

"Boss, there is one thing. This morning at 8:34, Manager Yan Wenhan came to the office to find you. Seeing you weren't here, he left without mentioning the reason, just saying it was not urgent and he would report to you when you returned. Manager Yan has left and has not returned yet."

Li Qian reported in her soft, gentle voice.

"Okay, I understand!"

Xia Yu nodded slightly and then focused on dealing with tasks from the previous day.

Since it was not urgent, he decided to wait until Yan Wenhan returned to discuss the matter.

After some time, Xia Yu heard a knock on the door and said without looking up, "Come in!"

"Click!"

With the sound of the door lock turning, the office door opened, and Yan Wenhan walked in.

"Boss!"

"Have a seat. Is there something you need?"

Xia Yu gestured for Yan Wenhan to sit and glanced at the stack of newspapers Yan Wenhan was holding, raising an eyebrow and asking.

Li Qian, who had been quietly reading a book beside them, took the opportunity to prepare tea for Yan Wenhan after he entered.

"Boss, it's about the four newspapers. All four have been redesigned, and these are the first issues of the new versions. They were released this morning."

Yan Wenhan placed the newspapers in front of Xia Yu, his face showing anticipation, as if hoping for encouragement and better sales.

"Let me take a look!"

Xia Yu smiled, took the first newspaper, and began reading.

"Thank you!"

At this moment, Li Qian also finished preparing the tea and placed it gently in front of Yan Wenhan. Yan Wenhan thanked her and immediately refocused on Xia Yu.

Seeing that Xia Yu was engrossed in reading the newspapers, Li Qian tried to be as quiet as possible, sitting still at her desk, her gaze occasionally drifting to Xia Yu as he read.

After reading through the *Tian Tian Daily*, *Star Island Daily*, and *Nanyang Business News*, Xia Yu found the quality to be quite good, showing significant improvement compared to the previous versions. With a strong distribution network, boosting sales would not be a problem.

"Not bad!"

Xia Yu praised, not noticing Yan Wenhan's pleased expression, and continued to read the last newspaper, the English-language *South China Morning Post*.

As a financial newspaper, Xia Yu focused on the financial news and articles, and after reading several, he found them to be quite good based on his standards. 

Additionally, he recognized some familiar names among the authors, who had also contributed to *Jiuding Daily* or *Economics Weekly*. The international financial news, including changes in the New York stock market and London gold market, also included the English name of Jiuding News Agency.

Turning to the newly introduced international news section, Xia Yu initially browsed casually. However, when he came across a specific news item, he paused, his eyes sharpened, and he read intently.

Yan Wenhan, who was observing Xia Yu's changing expression, straightened up and waited for possible instructions.

"Today is June 4th. The Argentina World Cup has begun. In the first group stage match, Italy won 2:1 against France. In the second group stage match, West Germany drew 0:0 with Poland…"

After reading the news, Xia Yu clenched his fist, took a deep breath, and felt both surprise and relief. If he had missed this news, he might have missed the 1978 Argentina World Cup.

To others, it was just another World Cup, and it didn't matter whether they watched it or not.

But for Xia Yu, it was an excellent opportunity.

It is well-known that Europeans have an intrinsic passion for football. Beer and football are essential in Europe, loved by everyone from commoners to nobles.

When these two come together, it's always a celebration.

Furthermore, many of the top 500 global companies are from Europe and the U.S. Many of their leaders are football fans, and as of 1978, they would have been in their prime years and familiar with the World Cup.

Naturally, Xia Yu had also learned a lot about the 1978 Argentina World Cup.

When Xia Yu knew about the direction of the Argentina World Cup, what would happen?

He must place bets!

In Xia Yu's view, the ongoing Argentina World Cup was a massive gold mine, and if he didn't take advantage of it, he would never forgive himself.

Where is the chance for overnight wealth?

Right here!

Fortunately, he saw it now. If he had waited until June 25th, when the World Cup ended, he might have been frustrated for a year!

"Looks like I need to hurry to England. I've been a bit bored in Hong Kong. It's time to get out and travel."

Xia Yu thought to himself.

After making the decision, Xia Yu calmly set down the newspaper, not mentioning this to Yan Wenhan. Yan Wenhan, who was preparing for instructions, was somewhat puzzled but was pleased by Xia Yu's praise and didn't dwell on it.

"Very good. The quality of these four newspapers has improved significantly. Sales should rise. You need to maintain the quality and stabilize it. As the reputation grows, sales will further increase. In newspaper publishing, marketing is just a means; quality is fundamental."

Xia Yu praised and then advised Yan Wenhan.

"Understood. I will ensure the quality."

Yan Wenhan nodded seriously.

"By the way, Yan, I'll be leaving Hong Kong in a few days. I trust you will manage the company well in my absence."

Xia Yu suddenly told Yan Wenhan.

Not only was Yan Wenhan stunned, but Li Qian, who had been in a daze, was also startled, staring at Xia Yu.

"Boss, you're leaving Hong Kong?"

Yan Wenhan blurted out, puzzled, wondering why Xia Yu would leave Hong Kong at such a time.

In an instant, he thought of the news Xia Yu had just read, suspecting it might be why Xia Yu decided to leave.

"Yes. I'll be gone for at least twenty days, and possibly over a month. The exact duration is uncertain. I'm leaving all company affairs to you in my absence. Your ability is sufficient!"

Xia Yu nodded and then encouraged Yan Wenhan.

At this moment, Yan Wenhan felt a surge of emotion but also great pressure.

However, since the boss had confidence in him, he would not disappoint him.

Taking a deep breath, Yan Wenhan firmly nodded and said, "Boss, don't worry. I won't let you down!"

"Mm!"

Xia Yu nodded with a smile.

After Yan Wenhan left, Xia Yu turned to Li Qian, who seemed hesitant, and said with a smile, "Li Qian, you should also prepare. You'll be accompanying me abroad."

"Ah… oh… okay…"

Li Qian's eyes widened in surprise, and she nodded dazedly.

At that moment, her mind was in turmoil.

She had just started working two days ago and was already going abroad with the boss?

She had always lived in Hong Kong and had never traveled abroad, so she didn't know what to prepare.

Feeling a bit at a loss, she decided to follow the boss's instructions and comply.

Next, Xia Yu glanced at his watch, realized it was still early, and decided to leave the office to visit other companies. He needed to quickly arrange everything since the Argentina World Cup had already started. Every extra day of delay was a loss!

Thus, he needed to arrange everything promptly and strive to set off as soon as possible!