Chapter 338: Indeed, It Still Takes Tough Measures

At just past six in the evening, on the top floor of the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong.

Wang Qi sat beside Xia Yu, glancing at his watch. Noticing that it was already 6:55 PM and their guests hadn't arrived yet, he felt a bit anxious.

"Boss, do you think they will come?"

"I don't know either!"

Xia Yu shrugged nonchalantly, seemingly more interested in observing the luxurious decor of the top-floor private room.

"The time hasn't passed yet. If they don't show up by the appointed time, we can leave."

Xia Yu looked at his watch and said calmly.

Wang Qi was influenced by Xia Yu's relaxed demeanor. Since the boss didn't seem concerned, he decided to stop worrying and waited patiently.

The people Xia Yu had invited were none other than the Keswick family. The sole purpose was to acquire the 30% stake in Yi He Insurance Consulting Group held by them.

The Keswick family was undoubtedly aware of this.

As far as Xia Yu was concerned, he had already sent the invitation and made the appropriate gestures. If the Keswick family refused to attend just as they had refused to attend the board meeting, Xia Yu would understand their stance and be prepared to handle the situation directly and aggressively.

Of course, it would be best if negotiations were successful and he could secure the shares smoothly.

"Boss, it's seven o'clock!"

Wang Qi, who had been keeping an eye on the time, softly reminded Xia Yu as the second hand hit twelve.

"Let's go!"

Xia Yu said as he stood up and adjusted his clothes, preparing to leave.

"Knock, knock!"

At that moment, there was a sudden knock on the door. Xia Yu and Wang Qi froze and looked towards the door.

The door opened, revealing two figures. Xia Yu's pupils slightly constricted when he saw that it was John Keswick and his son, Charles Keswick.

Xia Yu hadn't expected Old John to personally attend, as he knew that Old John rarely attended various invitations over the years. Most of the time, it was either Niu Bijiang or his two sons who represented the Keswick family.

It was indeed surprising that Old John himself showed up tonight.

Xia Yu quickly regained his composure, greeted them with a smile, and said, "Mr. Keswick, I didn't expect you to come in person. It's a great honor! Please, have a seat!"

"Good evening, Mr. Charles."

"Good evening."

Old John and his son were relatively reserved and cold. Charles Keswick, in particular, had a stern expression. Xia Yu noticed that Charles's eyes were filled with resentment and his eyelids twitched slightly, indicating he harbored a deep grudge.

"Gentlemen, would you like something to drink?"

As Old John and his son took their seats, a waiter immediately came forward with the menu. After taking a glance at it and making a gesture for them to choose, Xia Yu turned to Old John and his son.

"Thank you. We've already had dinner. Just bring us two cups of Blue Mountain coffee."

Old John said unhurriedly.

The waiter was a bit surprised and glanced at Xia Yu. Receiving a confirming nod from Xia Yu, the waiter quickly noted down the order.

"I'll have a mocha."

"I'll have a mocha as well."

After Xia Yu placed his order, Wang Qi followed with the same request.

"Do you need anything else?"

"Bring some of your specialty pastries as well. That'll be all for now."

Xia Yu added.

"Alright, please wait a moment!"

The waiter bowed and then gently left the private room.

"Mr. John Keswick, I truly appreciate your personal visit!"

Xia Yu took the initiative to start the conversation.

Old John smiled and said with hidden meaning, "I had no choice but to come. My son isn't as capable as you!"

Charles Keswick's face darkened further upon hearing this from his father, but he did not counter his father's remark.

Xia Yu understood the underlying meaning in Old John's words and wasn't about to be outdone. He smiled and said, "Haha, Mr. Keswick, you're joking. Mr. Charles is indeed quite capable, perhaps you didn't notice."

Xia Yu's smile was also filled with meaning. He deliberately glanced at Charles Keswick, whose expression changed slightly. Despite quickly regaining his composure, he began to suspect if Xia Yu had discovered something.

Old John, experienced and perceptive, noticed this and his gaze deepened. He wondered if there was something he didn't know. However, it wasn't the right time to inquire further, so he just smiled and said, "Perhaps. As one grows older, one's energy is not what it used to be, and many things can't be managed anymore."

"Mr. Keswick, you're still vigorous and in good health. Wishing you longevity and good fortune."

Xia Yu smiled and complimented him, trying to downplay the tension and pave the way for the upcoming discussion.

Soon, the waiter brought the coffee and pastries, and the atmosphere eased somewhat.

After drinking coffee for a while, Xia Yu brought up the main topic of the evening.

"Mr. Keswick, you have a keen eye. I won't beat around the bush. I want to acquire the shares of Yi He Insurance held by your family. What are your thoughts on this?"

Xia Yu looked intently at Old John as he spoke.

Unexpectedly, before Old John could respond, Charles Keswick couldn't hold back and said with some agitation, "Impossible! You've taken over our company and now you want to acquire our shares? Do you think the Keswick family is that easy to bully?"

Xia Yu's smile remained unchanged as he softly said, "Mr. Charles, please don't be so emotional. Why don't you hear what your father has to say?"

Xia Yu then shifted his gaze back to Old John.

Charles Keswick's furious reaction was hard for him to contain, but with his father present, he had to suppress his anger and looked towards his father, hoping he would refuse and stick to the original decision.

Old John's expression remained calm. He placed his cup down, looked at Xia Yu, and spoke with a steady but firm tone, "It's impossible. Yi He Consortium isn't short of money. In fact, I have a request. You should sell all the shares you hold to me. What do you think?"

"Mr. Keswick, you're joking. Given the current situation, holding onto the shares of Yi He Insurance doesn't serve much purpose for your family. It would be better to invest the funds in more promising industries."

Xia Yu chuckled, sidestepping Old John's offer and attempting to persuade him again.

Old John showed a sarcastic smile. His gaze suddenly sharpened, and his entire demeanor shifted from that of a sheep to a ferocious tiger, exuding an overwhelming aura that pressed towards Xia Yu.

"Young man, do you think the Keswick family is easy to push around?"

Despite Old John's imposing presence, Xia Yu was not easily intimidated. He remained composed and smiling, replying, "Not at all. I have always respected your family and never harbored such thoughts."

Although this was clearly disingenuous, Xia Yu spoke without showing any embarrassment and maintained a nonchalant demeanor.

"Young man, there's no need for so many words. I can overlook the matter of the Air Cargo Company, but for Yi He Insurance, you need to give it up. I won't let you lose out. I'll offer you 300 million Hong Kong dollars for all your shares. We'll call it quits."

"Add to that the money you made from the Air Cargo Company, and it's already quite a lot. Don't be too greedy!"

Old John's expression became serious as he looked intently at Xia Yu, speaking in a deep voice.

Seeing Old John's stance, Xia Yu knew that tonight's negotiation had failed. He no longer concealed his feelings and withdrew his smile, looking at Old John with determination, and said, "Mr. Keswick, acquiring shares is a normal business practice. Forcing us to give them up is unreasonable. Are you saying that only your family can acquire other companies, but we are not allowed to?"

"Well, there's no need for further argument. I'm just giving you a suggestion. I hope you think it through!"

Old John said decisively, slightly softening his language but maintaining a firm tone.

"Okay, I will consider it."

Xia Yu nodded with a smile, speaking in a calm tone. He then picked up his cup, signaling that it was time to end the meeting.

There was no need for further discussion as Old John had made his position clear. He even suggested that there was no point in continuing the negotiation. Xia Yu realized that there was no need to waste more time.

Accompanying them out, Xia Yu knew that Old John understood the hint and had no intention of staying any longer. Charles Keswick, with a cold smile, left with him.

"Goodbye, and safe travels!"

Xia Yu remained seated and made no move to accompany them out.

Old John and his son left without a word, not looking back.

Once Old John and his son had departed, Wang Qi quietly asked, "Boss, the negotiation failed tonight. What should we do next?"

"Their reaction was within the expected range, so there's no need to be discouraged."

"But I must acquire those shares. Without them, integrating the insurance company will be impossible. If they refuse to sell, we'll have to force them to!"

Xia Yu's eyes revealed a determined expression as he spoke with a resolute tone.

"Understood!"

Wang Qi's face grew serious as he immediately responded.