Chapter 353: Temptation

"It's rare for everyone to gather like this. Let's raise our glasses for our meeting!"

As the host, Bao Yugang, seeing that the timing was right, raised his glass first. The others followed suit and raised their glasses in response.

A sip of wine instantly lifted the atmosphere.

"Don't be too polite in my house. The dishes tonight should not disappoint."

Bao Yugang said with a smile, inviting everyone to start eating.

"This dish is really good, rich but not greasy, and melts in your mouth. Everyone, try it!"

Huo Yingdong picked up a chopstick of the dish recommended by Bao Yugang, tasted it, and praised it. Bao Yugang's smile widened even more in response.

"Then we should definitely try it!"

...

As the wine flowed and the dishes were sampled, the atmosphere gradually warmed up. Everyone became less reserved, and their interest in conversation grew.

The people present were all top figures in Hong Kong's business world. As the saying goes, "Three sentences without deviation," so naturally, their conversation centered around business.

Huo Yingdong, sitting next to Bao Yugang, raised his glass and clinked it with Bao Yugang's. With a hint of emotion, he said, "Old Bao, there's been a lot of talk about the shipping king abandoning his ships and stepping onto land. How does it feel?"

Hearing this topic, everyone was momentarily stunned and instinctively stopped their actions, looking towards Bao Yugang.

Although everyone knew about this for a while and had discussed it with Bao Yugang over the phone, many details were likely unclear. With both Bao Yugang and Xia Yu present, it was the best time to understand the situation.

"Haha, what else can it be? Of course, it feels great. I have to thank Xia Sheng for this. Otherwise, I'd still be floating at sea!"

Bao Yugang laughed heartily, first raising his glass to express his gratitude to Xia Yu, then continued with a smile.

Seeing the interest from everyone, Bao Yugang nodded at Xia Yu and began to share some inside information, including advice from Xia Yu and his understanding of the situation after taking over the company.

As Bao Yugang spoke, everyone occasionally glanced at Xia Yu. Their expressions gradually changed, showing that their perception of Xia Yu had altered after hearing Bao Yugang's account.

Xia Yu listened quietly with a smile, showing no sign of nervousness or arrogance.

After a while, as Bao Yugang finished his explanation, Huo Yingdong sighed with emotion, "Indeed, the Swire Air Cargo is a great company. Securing an exclusive deal, Old Bao, you really hit the jackpot. You should truly thank Xia Sheng."

"Yes, Old Bao, encountering such a great opportunity, if I were there at the time, I would definitely have fought you for it!"

Zheng Yutong joked.

"Exactly, exactly!"

...

Others also chimed in, though their comments were mostly in jest. Given their status, they had their own core businesses and would not easily venture into new industries.

Moreover, capital was a significant issue.

They were not like Bao Yugang, who faced difficulties in the shipping market and had to consider changing industries.

"Haha, it's no use envying me. I've already reaped the benefits. Don't think I'll let them go."

Bao Yugang grinned widely.

"Xia Sheng, last time was so rushed that I didn't have a chance to properly thank you. Now, let me toast to you, and you can drink as you wish!"

Bao Yugang said as he raised his glass and drank it all in one go. Xia Yu didn't have time to stop him before the entire glass of wine was down Bao Yugang's throat.

Xia Yu felt Bao Yugang's sincere gratitude and did not say much. He also raised his glass and drank it all, showing no sign of hesitation.

The others were momentarily stunned and then applauded, cheering for Bao Yugang and Xia Yu.

...

As glasses were clinked and wine was exchanged, the bond between them deepened rapidly at the table. Unconsciously, the topic turned back to Xia Yu, specifically Xia Yu and the Swire Group. Everyone became fully attentive, and Xia Yu noticed a few people looking at him with intense interest.

Clearly, this was the main concern of everyone gathered tonight and the primary reason for their presence.

"Xia Sheng, although I entered the industry before you, I have to say I admire you greatly. The British are sitting on their gold mines while we Chinese, with insufficient strength, can only watch enviously. You're the only one brave enough to take the plunge. Impressive!"

Feng Jingxi spoke with genuine admiration.

"Indeed, Xia Sheng, compared to you, I feel ashamed!"

Guo Desheng, who was over sixty and showing signs of age, revealed a complex expression on his face—self-deprecation, admiration, and more.

"Everyone's praise is overwhelming. I feel quite embarrassed. In reality, it's just a matter of not knowing the heights of heaven and depths of the earth, not worthy of your accolades."

Xia Yu first responded modestly and then smoothly redirected the topic.

"Actually, over the years, as you all know, our Chinese capital groups are now on par with or even surpass the British capital groups. This time, it was just a matter of me taking the lead. There are still plenty of opportunities."

Xia Yu smiled as he spoke, glancing around the faces of the people present. He clearly noticed that Li Jiacheng's face showed an involuntary smile.

Xia Yu inwardly chuckled, wondering what Li Jiacheng's reaction would be when he learned that Xia Yu was also eyeing Hutchison Whampoa. It was something to look forward to.

"Oh? What insights does Xia Sheng have?"

Feng Jingxi asked, his gaze fixed on Xia Yu.

Among everyone, Feng Jingxi was not the most familiar with Xia Yu, but he had the deepest understanding of Xia Yu's capabilities, given that they were in the same industry and he knew more about Xia Yu's recent actions in the stock market.

Xia Yu's recent movements had stirred up the Hong Kong stock market, and the profits he earned made Feng Jingxi very envious, causing him to be eager to act.

"There are many companies under the Swire Group similar to Swire Properties. Over the years, the Swire Group has aggressively acquired companies. Although its strength has rapidly expanded, it has also developed some drawbacks. Now, it's just a matter of triggering these issues early."

Xia Yu said with a meaningful smile, subtly narrowing the focus to the Swire Group, with an evident purpose.

Bao Yugang, who was listening carefully, wore a bright smile, looking at Xia Yu with admiration. He understood Xia Yu's intention and appreciated his clarity of thought.

This gathering was actually orchestrated by Bao Yugang with a single goal in mind: to help Xia Yu during this critical period.

After all, the Swire Group was indeed powerful, and Bao Yugang was worried that the Keswick family might go to extremes. If Xia Yu could not handle it alone, Bao Yugang wanted to lend support.

Clearly, Xia Yu grasped his meaning and was now planning to use the most solid chain of interests to pull as many people as possible to his side.

"The Swire Group is the strongest among the British capital groups and also the one involved in the most industries. Its characteristic is being numerous but dispersed. As you can see, I'm targeting four companies under the Swire Group simultaneously, which attracts their attention. What if I targeted ten or twenty companies?"

Xia Yu elaborated, then asked.

Bao Yugang cooperated with a smile, "Then there will definitely be a good show. The Swire Group will definitely be thrown into chaos and face the prospect of being dismantled."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone smiled and nodded slightly, clearly agreeing with Bao Yugang's assessment.

Individually, they could not compete with the Swire Group, but if they acted together, the Swire Group would definitely not be able to withstand it.

No one had ever thought of doing this before, nor had anyone organized such efforts. The power had never been combined before, but now there was a clear opportunity. How could they not be tempted?

"It looks like it's set. It just depends on how the interests are distributed. As long as there are enough benefits, they won't be able to resist."

Xia Yu's eyes gleamed with determination as he thought to himself.