Chapter 511: Fujian Merchants, Guangdong Merchants, and Chaoshan Merchants Association

On a winter afternoon, the sunlight was soft. Xia Yu lay on a recliner on the second-floor viewing balcony, his eyes closed, enjoying a rare moment of leisure.

At this time, several black cars drove up the mountain road leading to Xia's residence and soon arrived at the gate.

The servants, who had been waiting, immediately opened the gates, allowed the cars to enter, and guided them to the parking lot.

Hearing the commotion, Xia Yu, who was lying on the balcony, took off his sunglasses, got up, and walked downstairs with a smile on his face, muttering to himself, "It must be them."

Indeed, as soon as Xia Yu stepped out of the villa, he saw two elderly men with rosy faces, one fat and one thin, striding with vigor.

These two were none other than Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong.

Seeing Xia Yu coming out, Bao Yugang shouted in his loud voice, "Xia Yu, good afternoon!"

"Xia Yu, long time no see!" Huo Yingdong also greeted with a smile.

"Haha! You two are here, please come in!"

Xia Yu shook hands with them, beaming as he welcomed them inside.

"Would you like to sit in the living room or go up to the viewing balcony on the second floor?" Xia Yu asked after they entered.

Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong exchanged glances, and finally, Huo Yingdong said, "Let's go upstairs. I've heard that having tea on your second-floor balcony is quite a unique experience."

Xia Yu smiled, made a gesture of invitation, and led them upstairs.

As for their bodyguards and other staff, Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong did not let them follow, showing respect for Xia Yu.

Once they reached the balcony, the view suddenly opened up.

The balcony was filled with many precious flowers and plants. Possibly due to the tropical location of Hong Kong, even in winter, vibrant flowers were still blooming. Some vine-like plants climbed up white metal frames.

Opposite the balcony were groves, cliffs, and the endless blue sea.

Since the villa was halfway up the mountain, the treetops were not above the balcony's level, so they did not obstruct the view.

"Xia Yu, the sea view here is breathtaking. It's as good as the top of Victoria Peak. Sitting here after meals, gazing at the sea, makes one feel open-hearted and refreshed. It could easily add another twenty years to one's life!" Bao Yugang exclaimed.

"Indeed, this scenery is unique. Great feng shui!" Huo Yingdong agreed with praise.

Xia Yu chuckled modestly and said, "It's not too bad, though it's not as good as yours!"

"Haha, now you're just being modest..."

As the three chatted and laughed, servants brought various snacks to the table. Xia Yu invited the two to sit down and personally brewed tea for them.

Enjoying the view, sipping tea, and savoring the snacks, the relaxed atmosphere gradually put Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong at ease.

Xia Yu took a sip of tea and congratulated them, "You two, your businesses have been booming recently. Congratulations!"

Bao Yugang put down his teacup and waved his hand with a smile, "Don't flatter us. We've had some achievements, but compared to you, it's nothing! I've heard about your actions in Japan – you've really made us Chinese proud!"

As he spoke, Bao Yugang gave Xia Yu a thumbs-up.

"Old Bao is right. I was curious and did some digging myself. You stirred up a storm in Japan, single-handedly bringing down an entire industry there. It's remarkable and admirable!"

"No wonder they call you a genius; you can command the winds wherever you go!" Huo Yingdong said with emotion.

Feeling elated by their compliments but knowing the need for humility, Xia Yu responded with modesty. After chatting casually for a while, Xia Yu's expression turned serious, signaling that he was about to discuss the main topic of the day.

Seeing this, Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong realized that Xia Yu's reason for inviting them today was about to come out, so they both put down their cups and looked at Xia Yu.

"Old Bao, Old Huo, let me ask you a question first. Under the condition that it won't affect your businesses' normal operations, how much capital can you spare? It needs to be for at least four months!" Xia Yu asked, looking at them calmly.

Hearing this, Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong were surprised. They exchanged glances and began to think deeply.

After a while, Bao Yugang spoke first, somewhat worriedly looking at Xia Yu, "Xia Yu, are you in trouble? You've come to the right person. Although the recent acquisitions have cost quite a bit, I can still gather up to one billion Hong Kong dollars. If it's not enough, I can borrow more!"

"Xia Yu, I may not be as strong as Old Bao, but since you trust me, I won't let you down. I can't guarantee ten billion, but I can come up with eight billion!" Huo Yingdong said firmly, his face full of determination.

Seeing their sincere expressions, Xia Yu couldn't help but smile warmly, feeling touched.

Though he had deliberately tested them, Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong's reactions did not disappoint him.

He had chosen the right people to invite today.

Noticing Xia Yu's smile, Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong frowned slightly, sensing that Xia Yu's response was unusual.

Then they heard Xia Yu say, "Old Bao, Old Huo, I must apologize for not making myself clear and causing a misunderstanding. I'm not in trouble, and I don't lack money, but thank you; I appreciate the gesture!"

Hearing this, Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong visibly relaxed and felt relieved.

"Xia Yu, then why are you asking this?" Bao Yugang asked directly, without being overly polite with Xia Yu.

Huo Yingdong also looked intently at Xia Yu, eager to know his real intention.

Xia Yu smiled and said, "I've discovered a money-making opportunity and wanted to know if you're interested. I've already taken action myself!"

Xia Yu's words were spoken lightly, but to Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong, they sounded like a thunderclap.

Both of them trembled slightly, their eyes fixed on Xia Yu, and Bao Yugang asked loudly, "Xia Yu, what kind of opportunity?"

"Yes, last time you led us to make a lot of money, and we haven't had a chance to thank you properly. Now you're offering us another opportunity. How could we say no?" Huo Yingdong exclaimed politely, clearly eager to seize this chance.

Xia Yu smiled, "I can't reveal the opportunity just yet, but you'll find out in a little over half a month."

"Last time, we had a total of nine people, but this time, I've only decided to call you two."

Hearing this, Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong's expressions changed slightly. Then, they both sincerely thanked Xia Yu, "Xia Yu, thank you!"

"Xia Yu, I'm honored you think so highly of me. Thank you!"

Neither Bao Yugang nor Huo Yingdong doubted Xia Yu's ability to make money, especially in finance and the capital market, where Xia Yu had proven to be exceptionally adept. Knowing that Xia Yu wanted to bring them along for another lucrative opportunity – and only them – made them feel truly grateful.

Xia Yu chuckled and said, "Old Bao, Old Huo, there's no need to be so formal between us. We hit it off well, so naturally, I thought of you first for this good opportunity."

"I'm quite confident about this chance – at least 90% sure. So, the more money you can pool, the better. Let's just say that in less than half a year, the capital will at least double!"

Hearing Xia Yu's words, Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong's eyes brightened, and they became excited.

Xia Yu then said with a serious expression, "But let me be clear, I won't be helping you for free. No matter how much profit we make, I want half!"

Bao Yugang, hearing this, felt even more confident and immediately agreed, "No problem, that's what you deserve. We're just grateful you're willing to lead us. If you want, how about you take 80%, and we take 20%?"

"Yes, that's too much for us. Even taking just 20% would be a gain!" Huo Yingdong added.

Xia Yu laughed and shook his head, refusing, "No, if you want to give me face, let's split it fifty-fifty."

Seeing that Xia Yu was not just being polite, Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong exchanged a glance and nodded heavily.

"Alright, then I won't stand on ceremony."

"Yes, it would be hypocritical to refuse after you've gone out of your way to help us. I won't be shy about it."

"That's the spirit; there's no need for formalities between us."

"Besides, I do need your help with something. I'll be leaving Hong Kong for a few months, so if my company faces any trouble while I'm gone, I'll need you to look out for it."

When Xia Yu finished, Bao Yugang immediately pounded his chest and solemnly promised, "That's a small matter. Leave it to us! If anyone dares to cause trouble for you, I will take care of

 them!"

Huo Yingdong nodded with certainty. "Yes, even if it means going all out, I will make sure they understand the consequences of crossing us!"

"Thank you! With your words, I feel reassured." Xia Yu's face was full of sincerity.

Half an hour later, Bao Yugang and Huo Yingdong left, filled with excitement and anticipation. They were ready to raise funds and fully support Xia Yu.

After they left, Xia Yu stood on the balcony, looking at the sea in the distance. His eyes were deep and penetrating, as if he could see through time and space.