Chapter 433: Each with Deep Meaning

"Boss, it's time!"

As everyone returned to the waiting area, Liu Tianci approached, first giving a slight bow to Shen Bi and then reminding Xia Yu.

Xia Yu nodded slightly to indicate he understood, not rushing but instead smiling at everyone as he asked, "I wonder if we could have the honor of inviting everyone to join us on stage for the ribbon-cutting ceremony later?"

"Mr. Xia, it would be our honor!"

"Of course, no problem!"

"It's my pleasure!"

...

The surrounding big shots all agreed, with Xia Yu paying particular attention to Shen Bi and McLeod, who also agreed.

This scene delighted Liu Tianci, who couldn't help but clench his fists.

This was an unexpected joy. With so many big shots endorsing it, Jiuding Bank's reputation was sure to make a huge impact!

Soon, the guests took their seats in the front row. Xia Yu and Liu Tianci went on stage first. Liu Tianci, as the host, thanked the audience and guests, celebrated the bank's opening, and introduced the cultural brand of Jiuding Bank.

Five minutes passed unnoticed.

"Next, let's invite our boss to give a speech!"

"Clap, clap, clap…"

Amidst the enthusiastic applause, Xia Yu took the microphone: "Distinguished guests, friends watching on TV, good morning! I'm Xia Yu!"

"With the strong support from all sectors of society and after intense preparations, today Jiuding Bank, under my leadership, is officially opening!"

"Standing on this stage, I have many feelings. The journey has been full of ups and downs, and looking back now, it seems like a dream."

"Jiuding Bank is just a small bank at the moment, but I believe that with an excellent management team and strong support from friends in all sectors, Jiuding Bank will surely thrive."

"As the owner of the bank, while wishing Jiuding Bank prosperity, I also want to make a statement."

"Jiuding Bank prioritizes integrity. The cauldron placed in the bank's lobby represents our bank's mission, and the bank is committed to providing the best financial services to all clients in Hong Kong and worldwide."

"My Jiuding Securities Company will cooperate with Jiuding Bank…"

Watching Xia Yu speak confidently and charismatically, He Chaoxiang, holding the pendant around her neck with both hands, smiled with admiration and a dreamy look in her eyes.

This was the boy she liked—so outstanding and young, able to command the attention of big shots at her father's level.

When Xia Yu announced the cooperation with Jiuding Securities, the surrounding onlookers and those waiting immediately cheered loudly, creating an explosive atmosphere.

Many big shots in the front row had slightly changed expressions, especially Shen Bi, who couldn't help but frown before relaxing.

He had anticipated that Xia Yu wouldn't forgo such a big advantage. Although there was some pressure, he was not afraid. HSBC was at the peak of the financial world in Hong Kong, and Jiuding Bank wouldn't easily challenge it.

The ones under pressure should be the small and medium-sized banks, which cannot match Jiuding Bank's high interest rates, investment advantages, or safety.

Currently, Jiuding Bank might be small in terms of capital, but in terms of specialization and advantages, it was not inferior to big banks. The only thing lacking was capital!

For Xia Yu, capital was the easiest thing to make up for. He believed that Jiuding Bank would soon grow rapidly.

While Xia Yu was giving his speech, McLeod, who was seated in the middle of the front row, squinted slightly, carefully observing Xia Yu. His expression was somewhat serious, but then he smiled and continued to watch with interest.

After Xia Yu's speech came the grand ribbon-cutting ceremony.

As the big shots went up on stage one by one, the audience below continuously emitted gasps and murmurs of discussion, especially as Liu Tianci, as the host, introduced each person, creating a deep impression of Jiuding Bank on many who were previously unaware.

The scene was equally astonishing to those watching the live broadcast on the television.

In Hong Kong, at each of Jiuding Bank's six branches, there were lion dances in front of each branch, attracting crowds. Moreover, two televisions at each branch displayed the live broadcast of the Jiuding Bank headquarters opening, with branch managers and employees watching at the entrance without starting business yet.

Suddenly, when Xia Yu and the others took scissors to cut the ribbon, the camera captured the red cloth covering the Jiuding Bank headquarters plaque being removed, revealing the golden words "Jiuding Bank"!

Seeing this, managers of the branches, according to the planned schedule, took microphones and loudly announced the bank's opening, then similarly removed the red cloth covering the branch plaques.

This scene was happening simultaneously in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, and other locations.

After announcing the opening, clients who had been waiting eagerly surged into the branches, while managers and employees busily and orderly attended to their tasks.

Jiuding Bank Headquarters.

After the ribbon-cutting, it was time for the performances, but Xia Yu and the big shots were no longer concerned.

Aside from some people who had to leave for other matters, others went upstairs to drink tea at Xia Yu's invitation.

At this moment, McLeod and Shen Bi expressed their desire to leave, and Xia Yu personally saw them off.

"Governor, thank you for your support. It's a great honor!"

As McLeod was about to get in the car, Xia Yu shook hands with him again and expressed his gratitude.

With McLeod's endorsement at today's opening ceremony, Jiuding Bank would gain a certain level of influence, at least increasing its authority. Xia Yu owed him a favor.

"Mr. Xia, no need to thank me. I also hope for the continuous development of Hong Kong's financial industry. I believe you will make a significant impact on it."

McLeod said politely.

"Thank you!"

Xia Yu thanked him politely.

McLeod looked at Xia Yu for two seconds, then said meaningfully, "Mr. Xia, times are changing rapidly. I hope before my term ends, Hong Kong can develop higher and better. All of this depends on a stable and orderly operating environment."

Xia Yu was moved and smiled as he said, "Governor, you're right. As a businessman, I also hope for a good business environment. I fully support you."

McLeod nodded with a smile and added, "Of course, I also understand that there will be competition in business. Proper commercial competition can promote economic prosperity, but sometimes there can be excess."

Xia Yu maintained his smile and looked at McLeod, saying, "Governor, you're right. Competition fosters development."

McLeod nodded with a smile, glanced at his watch, and bade farewell to Xia Yu: "Mr. Xia, it's getting late. I have some matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."

"Please, take care!"

Xia Yu continued to smile until McLeod's car departed, before retracting his smile.

"Carrot and stick? Hehe…"

He chuckled lightly and walked back.

McLeod's words carried a warning, though very polite. It seemed he didn't want to make an enemy out of Xia Yu.

Moreover, since he had given Xia Yu face initially, bringing it up now would not provoke Xia Yu.

Xia Yu also understood McLeod's predicament. The deaths of Old John and his sons were a significant issue for McLeod as the Governor. Though he had no evidence against Xia Yu, he had to make his stance clear.

Stability and the operating environment, as well as proper commercial competition, were McLeod's stance and the boundaries he set.

Hong Kong needs stability, and such incidents cannot occur again. Though McLeod didn't point fingers directly at Xia Yu, Xia Yu understood the deeper meaning.

In the future, Xia Yu would definitely be treated specially. If he caused such incidents again, McLeod would not tolerate it.

Of course, Xia Yu believed McLeod would have the same attitude toward others.

As for proper commercial competition, it was McLeod's stance, representing that competition within a certain range was acceptable, as long as it was conducted fairly and beyond reproach.

Xia Yu's final words were a response to McLeod's demands.

Even if McLeod hadn't mentioned it, Xia Yu would not have caused trouble. He planned to solidify his strength during this period and engage in legitimate business competition.

As for stirring up trouble?

Xia Yu believed that after this bloody lesson, no one would dare to cross him.

Besides, he wasn't someone who liked to cause trouble. Whenever it happened, it was usually someone else crossing the line first, forcing him to retaliate.

Returning to the grand hall, He Chaoxiang, who had been eagerly waiting, saw Xia Yu was less busy now. She detached herself from a group of young people and whispered joyfully in Xia Yu's ear, "Xia Yu, you're really amazing. I didn't expect you to open a bank. I saw the lobby downstairs crowded with clients. Congratulations!"

"Thank you, Chaoxiang. I'm happy you could come. It's been a while since we last met, and you look even more beautiful."

Xia Yu said with a smile.

"Really?"

Hearing Xia Yu's compliment, He Chaoxiang was pleasantly surprised, her face blushing slightly, and her heart was filled with sweetness.

"Of course, it's true!"

Xia Yu affirmed with a nod.

...

Not far away, there were two groups. One was a group of young people, many of whom were not alone but had brought their juniors to meet Xia Yu.

At this moment, He Youguang, Xu Jinheng

, Zhao Guanglin, Lin Jianle, and others were chatting, but their eyes frequently glanced at Xia Yu and He Chaoxiang, their expressions varied.

In the other group of big shots, their thoughts were different.

Bao Yu looked at He Hongshen, who was quietly sipping tea across from him, and tentatively asked, "Mr. He, we didn't expect your daughter to know Mr. Xia. We truly didn't see that coming."

"Yes, Mr. He, you've hidden it quite well."

Li Zhaoji said with a faint smile, his eyes fixed on He Hongshen.

Others also focused their attention, wanting to understand the situation.

After all, Xia Yu's influence and skill were significant. If He Hongshen allied with him, it would have a major impact on the pattern in Hong Kong and Macau.

Especially for those who had been close to Xia Yu, like Huo Yingdong, they felt a sense of gravity and considered He Hongshen as a shameless old fox.

He Hongshen smiled and said, "Perhaps they just hit it off as young people. I didn't know when Chaoxiang and Mr. Xia became acquainted. I only found out today."

Pah!

What a lie!

He Hongshen didn't speak the truth, and others had no way to force him. They just resolved to investigate thoroughly and come up with a response.

Seeing the reactions of the others, He Hongshen remained composed, making it hard to discern his thoughts.

He Hongshen had some schemes, which Xia Yu was aware of, so he was also cautious. After chatting with He Chaoxiang for a while and not neglecting others, he sent the reluctant He Chaoxiang back to He Youguang and then mingled with the rest.