Chapter 538: Shock

"Ambassador Qian, thank you for gracing us with your presence!"

"Oh, President Wu, you're too polite. Such a grand reception is a rare event; missing it would be a significant regret in life. Receiving your invitation is our honor!"

As Wu Chengde and Qian Wenchao exchanged pleasantries, Wu Hongyi and Xia Yu approached together.

While almost everyone else kept their distance, Xia Yu and Wu Hongyi stood out by coming closer, naturally attracting attention. Qian Wenchao quickly noticed them and, upon seeing Xia Yu, his eyes lit up and his smile grew brighter.

"Ambassador Qian, this is my grandson, Hongyi, and his friend, Xia Yu."

Wu Chengde took the opportunity to introduce them, though he hadn't anticipated that Xia Yu and Qian Wenchao would know each other and appear to be on good terms.

"Mr. Ambassador, hello, I am Wu Hongyi!"

"Ambassador Qian, long time no see. You look as spirited as ever!"

"Mr. Wu, Mr. Xia, a pleasure to meet you!"

Qian Wenchao proactively shook hands with both Xia Yu and Wu Hongyi, gripping Xia Yu's hand particularly tightly, clearly pleased to see him again.

Although he had known Xia Yu was in London for some time, Xia Yu hadn't reached out to him, nor had Qian Wenchao found an appropriate opportunity to invite him over. This was their first meeting since Xia Yu arrived.

"Mr. Xia, I've been wanting to talk to you for some time, but knowing how busy you are, I didn't want to disturb you. This time, thanks to President Wu, we can finally have a good chat."

"Ambassador Qian, it's my fault for not visiting you after coming to London. I take this opportunity to apologize first."

"Oh, don't say that. Business is more important. You're welcome to visit me anytime, but some opportunities cannot be delayed, like your acquisition of *The Financial Times*. It's a huge win for the Chinese community. Congratulations!"

Qian Wenchao spoke with admiration, his gaze full of respect for Xia Yu.

Xia Yu's acquisition of *The Financial Times Group* could be hidden from the general public but not from those in certain circles, like Qian Wenchao, who were well-informed.

In fact, Qian Wenchao was deeply aware of the details. When he heard that Duke Howard had intervened on Xia Yu's behalf, he had also specifically inquired about Elena and Henry, who had recently appeared around Xia Yu, and was secretly amazed at the sudden connections Xia Yu had formed.

After his initial shock, however, Qian Wenchao was genuinely pleased, knowing how advantageous this was for Xia Yu. The acquisition of *The Financial Times Group* from Pearson Group clearly demonstrated Xia Yu's rising influence.

Moreover, as he had mentioned, this action greatly enhanced the reputation of the Chinese community in the UK. Having *The Financial Times Group* would rapidly expand Xia Yu's influence, a significant advantage for him.

Since Xia Yu was friendly toward mainland China, Qian Wenchao was naturally delighted by his success!

"Ambassador Qian is right. Mr. Xia, your achievement in acquiring *The Financial Times Group* kept me awake for several nights out of excitement. What you have done, which we Chinese in the UK could not accomplish, and done so well, commands my utmost respect!"

Wu Chengde also expressed his admiration at this point.

Of course, his words were half true. He indeed had sleepless nights, but not out of excitement for Xia Yu. Instead, he was shocked by Xia Yu's accomplishments and the connections and influence he had revealed.

Because of this, his attitude towards Xia Yu subtly changed again. He also urged Wu Hongyi to communicate more with Xia Yu and maintain a good relationship.

"Mr. Wu, Ambassador Qian, I really don't deserve your praise. It was just the right opportunity, nothing more. I didn't even think it would go through."

...

Xia Yu first humbly replied and then began to shift the topic intentionally. After all, with the conversation focused on him, he had to be careful not to overshadow the host.

Wu Chengde, Qian Wenchao, Xia Yu, and a small group of people were noticed by those around them. Seeing Xia Yu speaking so confidently, many were inwardly shaken and began reassessing the importance of Xia Yu.

Then, Wu Chengde led Qian Wenchao, Xia Yu, and the others to take their seats at the VIP area. By then, most people had arrived, and the time was nearing for the ceremony to begin.

Wu Chengde had arranged the most prestigious seats for Qian Wenchao and Xia Yu, right in the middle of the front row, thoughtfully seating them next to each other.

Xia Yu, seated in such a significant position and receiving such special treatment, naturally attracted everyone's attention due to his young age. Many people quietly inquired about Xia Yu's identity, and those who knew immediately shared the information.

Soon, more and more people learned about Xia Yu.

"Mr. Xia, later on, you may be invited to say a few words on stage. Maybe share some experiences and offer a few blessings. How does that sound?"

After Xia Yu was seated, Wu Hongyi quietly approached him and whispered.

Xia Yu was somewhat surprised, but seeing that Wu Hongyi seemed serious and thinking about the benefits of going on stage, he smiled gratefully and said, "No problem, just let me know when it's time!"

"Great, I'll give you a heads-up when it's about time!"

Seeing Xia Yu agree, Wu Hongyi smiled and left to make the necessary arrangements.

Before the reception officially began, Xia Yu, having nothing else to do, started chatting quietly with Qian Wenchao.

"Mr. Xia, it's been about half a year since we last met. Your business has grown tremendously. I've seen quite a bit, but when it comes to business, I only admire you!"

"Especially your achievements in the media industry, which are truly astonishing. To have accomplished this, you are the only one in history!"

Qian Wenchao praised Xia Yu, and in fact, it was his genuine feeling. As a political elite who could represent the nation in a major European power like the UK, his capabilities were evident. He fully understood the influence of the media industry.

Media in most countries could influence governments and were strictly controlled. Xia Yu, from the small place of Hong Kong, had built a media cartel and now successfully penetrated the UK, revealing much more than it seemed.

Qian Wenchao could fully imagine Xia Yu's importance in the minds of the mainland's top officials.

Although he had already received news that the country had set its course to develop the economy and needed foreign investment in China, the influence and importance of media were even higher than that of capital.

He was well aware of the extent to which China was smeared around the world. The greater Xia Yu's influence in the media, the more beneficial it was for China; at critical moments, this could even help defuse crises.

And this advantage was something that only Xia Yu, as a Chinese person, possessed in the entire world – it was irreplaceable.

In contrast, while there might be difficulties in attracting foreign investment, there were many potential investors, even if Xia Yu didn't invest.

Faced with Qian Wenchao's praise, Xia Yu smiled calmly and said, "Ambassador Qian, this was really something that had to be done. For a country or a nation, down to a company or individual, losing the right to speak is unacceptable. So, I had to enter the media industry, even if it meant losing money."

"As for others, they can make money in any industry, so they don't need to be as persistent as I am. If they were willing to risk everything in the media industry, it wouldn't have been my turn."

"Mr. Xia, you've always been so modest!"

"But I fully agree with what you said. Since the founding of our country, China has faced too much slander and unfair treatment. If there were ten people like you in the world, the media in Europe and America wouldn't be so excessive, and our external environment would improve greatly!"

Qian Wenchao was deeply moved, thinking about the hardships New China had faced over the decades. As a diplomat, he felt it most acutely, yet was often helpless.

Xia Yu was silent for a moment and then said with some emotion, "Indeed, unfair treatment and media oppression are everywhere. Ultimately, it's because we lack the means to counteract. If we had some strength, they wouldn't dare to act so wantonly."

"Ambassador Qian, I am a Chinese, with roots in China. Although, due to objective reasons, I cannot let my media favor China, I will at least strive for fairness!"

Qian Wenchao was instantly pleased and gratefully said, "Mr. Xia, that's enough. From poverty to today, China has never lacked drive and determination. I firmly believe that, given a fair environment, the Chinese nation can defeat all opponents and achieve everything we desire!"

"Mr. Xia, I can't do much else, but I wish your business grows ever larger. If there's anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to ask. I will not refuse!"

Qian Wenchao's words were firm, reflecting not only his attitude but also China's stance, spoken at an opportune moment through his mouth.

As one of the few with a friendship with Xia Yu, and knowing that Xia Yu had come to the UK, Qian Wenchao was naturally aware of certain confidential information, so his attitude was particularly clear.

His words made Xia Yu's heart skip a beat, but he kept a calm expression and smiled, saying, "Thank you, Ambassador Qian. Then, I'll be sure to seek your help if needed!"

The interaction between the two continued and naturally deepened as time passed...