Chapter 314: Charles in High Spirits

As the golden sun set in the west and the jade rabbit rose in the east, the bustling city of Xiangjiang was illuminated by vibrant, colorful lights.

In a luxurious hotel, a group of young Brits was enjoying an opulent dinner.

The event was a gathering that took place regularly, attended by young people from British enterprises and financial groups in Xiangjiang, providing a platform for mutual exchange and cooperation.

The venue was filled with various small groups, with many young people from less influential families consciously surrounding the heirs of major financial groups.

For instance, the heirs of major financial families like the Qi De family from the Huang family, the Keswick family from Yihe, the Shi Yahui family from Swire, and the Madden family from Wharfdale, were surrounded by numerous people.

"Charles, where's your brother?" 

As Charles Keswick was surrounded by people, a slightly older young man with a glass of red wine approached him and asked.

Charles Keswick, who had been in high spirits, had a brief flicker of gloom in his eyes upon seeing the newcomer. He smiled and said, "Corey, I don't know where he is. He must have something to attend to!"

"Oh, I see!" 

The newcomer said with a faint smile, giving off an unhurried and relaxed impression.

The newcomer was none other than Corey Shi Yahui, the first heir of the Swire Group.

Although the Swire Group was slightly less powerful compared to the Yihe Group, Corey was the first heir of the Swire Group, while Charles was only the second heir of the Keswick family. Therefore, Corey's position and influence were actually higher than Charles's.

Despite feeling some dissatisfaction towards Corey Shi Yahui mentioning his brother, Charles had to endure and pretend not to care.

"By the way, Charles, I heard that your family has handed over the management of Yihe Insurance Consulting Group to you? Congratulations!"

Corey Shi Yahui said with a smile.

Charles Keswick's earlier displeasure vanished, and his smile became even more pronounced. However, he modestly said, "It's not that they handed it over to me to manage. I'm just one of the board members. It's not as impressive as it sounds."

Corey Shi Yahui smiled and didn't say more. As an heir of a major financial group, he understood the intricacies involved. He had experienced it himself!

The selection of heirs in large families is very strict and cautious. They continuously observe the capabilities of their offspring.

Thus, potential heirs are placed in various enterprises to gain experience. Of course, they don't immediately become the CEO of a large company but are given a mid-level position and allowed to develop on their own.

Having someone above them means they cannot act recklessly, and their authority is limited, ensuring that the company is not severely impacted.

But their position is not low, allowing them to exercise their talents and gradually climb up by proving themselves.

Although Charles was only serving as a board member of Yihe Insurance Consulting Group and had other board members on par with him, as long as he proved his capability, there would be no obstacles for the Keswick family to appoint him as CEO.

"By the way, Charles, I heard you want to enter the media industry? That upstart who's jumping around Xiangjiang with finance in one hand and media in the other—do you have confidence in suppressing him?"

Corey Shi Yahui said with a smile, but his smile had a hint of probing.

The people surrounding Charles immediately quieted down upon hearing the conversation between Charles and Corey, all ears perked up.

It seemed like there was some significant news!

Charles wanted to enter the media industry? Was this the intention of the Keswick family or just his own? Was the Yihe Group planning to target the newly risen Chinese upstart?

Charles Keswick noticed the reactions around him and felt a flicker of gloom. His plans had been leaked before they even succeeded!

Charles wasn't surprised that Corey knew about it. Xiangjiang, though not too small, was not too big either, and since he hadn't deliberately hidden his actions, it was normal for Corey Shi Yahui to know that he was eyeing the Xingdao News Group.

However, Charles was displeased that Corey was affecting his plans and bringing Xia Yu into the conversation.

He could clearly hear the implicit meaning in Corey's words, implying that he was following the path of Xia Yu, the upstart.

At their gatherings, Xia Yu's name came up frequently. They often ended up talking about Xia Yu, with everyone feeling envious, jealous, and even many harboring greedy thoughts.

But after careful consideration, they found that greed was futile—they couldn't consume Xia Yu.

The media and securities industries are unique. Even if their family's influence and resources are substantial, these two industries can't be dominated merely by spending money; capability is crucial.

These large families mainly engage in industries related to people's livelihoods, such as electricity, machinery, energy, transportation, and real estate. They rarely get involved in the media industry.

Therefore, targeting the already dominant Jiuding Media Group was unrealistic.

As for the securities industry, given Xia Yu's capabilities, they couldn't deal with Jiuding Securities Company. It would be lucky if Xia Yu didn't cause them trouble.

After analyzing, they found that Xia Yu was like a lion covered in hedgehog quills—highly destructive and well-defended.

Those stronger than Xia Yu were unwilling to make enemies with him, and those less capable feared provoking him, worried about being targeted.

As time passed, witnessing Xia Yu's rapid growth, everyone became more cautious. Some began to study Xia Yu, hoping to learn something from him.

Charles was one of them. Unable to swallow Xia Yu, he intended to follow Xia Yu's path, believing that with the support of the Yihe Group, he would also achieve success!

Especially after joining Yihe Insurance Consulting Group, he became energized. When he saw Xingdao News Group's decline, he thought of acquiring it to use media power to develop the insurance company.

Although insurance seems to rely on the difference between premiums and claims, that's not all!

A significant source of income for insurance companies is the profit from investing the deposited funds.

Insurance companies can invest policyholders' money! They can buy stocks!

And Charles happened to be in charge of funds investment!

With media leverage and Yihe's power, manipulating stock prices behind the scenes would be a piece of cake. Even if his abilities didn't match Xia Yu's, Charles was confident he could earn substantial profits.

With both finance and media in hand, relying on Yihe Group's resources, he was sure to thrive!

"Corey, there's nothing impossible, don't you think?"

Charles's smile faded, and he countered.

"That's right, so I wish you success because I also dislike that upstart," Corey Shi Yahui said with a faint smile.

After clinking glasses with Charles and taking a sip of red wine, Corey Shi Yahui walked away to another area.

Once Corey Shi Yahui left, the atmosphere in the small circle became lively and even more intense.

"Charles, I didn't expect you to be managing such a big company like Yihe Insurance now. Our company is looking to buy insurance for our employees. I wonder if there's a chance for us to collaborate?"

"Mr. Charles, my company also wants to collaborate with you…"

...

A group of people surrounded Charles, lavishing him with flattery and seizing the opportunity to propose collaborations, trying to get closer to him.

Charles smiled broadly and engaged in conversation with them, but internally he resolved that with the news now out, many people would soon learn of his plans for Xingdao News Group. To be safe, he needed to acquire it as soon as possible.

"It seems I need to apply more pressure tomorrow to secure Xingdao News Group."

Unfortunately, Charles Keswick was celebrating too early. Even if he had the Xingdao News Group in his grasp, it didn't mean it was his for the taking!

For just as the British expatriates' gathering was held, an unusual meeting had begun.