Chapter 539: The Chinese Business Consortium

"I am honored to attend the Chinese Business Association's cocktail party today and to meet the distinguished Chinese talents who are shining brightly in a foreign land."

"Just now, Chairman Wu mentioned that the assets of the Chinese Business Association members have already exceeded 30 billion pounds, a number that has shocked me."

"At that moment, I was thinking, if all the elites of our Chinese Business Association can unite sincerely and work together, competing with major British enterprises, we will definitely be invincible!"

"Perhaps some bosses who have business dealings with Hong Kong might know some of my information. They should know that the British-funded enterprises led by the Jardine Matheson Group and Swire Group, among others, have been rampant in Hong Kong due to policy advantages. However, when our Chinese-funded enterprises united, even the strongest Jardine Matheson Group was dismantled."

"Now, the overall strength of your association has surpassed our previous strength. Although the strength of major British consortiums far exceeds that of the Jardine Matheson Group, I believe that the descendants of Yan and Huang are not inferior to anyone in terms of diligence and talent!"

...

"I sincerely wish the Chinese Business Association continuous development and prosperity, and success to all the businessmen present! May everything go smoothly!"

"Thank you!"

"Clap, clap, clap…"

After his succinct speech, Xia Yu bowed to the audience and then walked off the stage amid the thunderous applause.

Xia Yu's remarks and the information revealed left many people at the scene deeply shaken and thoughtful.

Especially Chairman Wu Chengde and his grandson Wu Hongyi were both deep in thought.

After the various formalities were completed, the cocktail party entered the socializing phase. Xia Yu instantly became one of the stars of the event, with people continuously approaching him for conversations. Xia Yu, adept at social interactions, conversed pleasantly with everyone.

Unconsciously, he found his pockets filled with various business cards.

Seeing such a valuable opportunity to build a strong network, Xia Yu naturally made full use of it, staying until the very end of the event.

Just as he was about to leave, Wu Hongyi approached him again and whispered, "Xia Yu, please wait a moment. My grandfather would like to talk to you."

"Oh? Okay!"

Xia Yu, curious, followed Wu Hongyi into a room where he found the weary Wu Chengde and his butler seated.

Seeing Xia Yu enter, Wu Chengde perked up and stood to welcome Xia Yu.

However, seeing that Wu Chengde seemed unsteady and visibly unwell, Xia Yu quickly walked over and shook his hand, saying, "Old Master Wu, please have a seat!"

"Xia Yu, my grandfather's health is not very good, so please forgive him!"

Wu Hongyi explained from the side.

"It's fine, I understand. Health is important!"

Xia Yu quickly responded, and he and Wu Hongyi took their seats together.

"Mr. Xia, I asked Hongyi to invite you to stay a bit longer mainly because I want to ask you something."

Wu Chengde smiled gratefully and mustered his energy to speak to Xia Yu.

"Please go ahead!"

"I want to ask if you're interested in joining the Chinese Business Association? I can recommend you. I believe that everyone has gotten to know you today and will definitely welcome you with open arms. It mainly depends on your willingness now."

Wu Chengde finished speaking, his gaze intense as he looked at Xia Yu.

Xia Yu was quite surprised but felt intrigued. He replied, "I'm a businessman from Hong Kong. Can I also join the British Chinese Business Association?"

Before Wu Chengde could answer, Wu Hongyi responded, "Xia Yu, the entry standard for the Chinese Business Association is to be engaged in business in the UK. Your Bright Fund is a UK enterprise, and you are also the second-largest shareholder in the Chinese Business Bank. If you're not qualified, who is?"

"You should join. It should be of some benefit to you!"

Xia Yu looked at Wu Hongyi and then at the expectant Wu Chengde. He smiled and nodded, "In that case, I will gratefully accept. Old Master Wu, thank you for your trouble!"

Considering his previous thoughts about the British Chinese consortium, Xia Yu certainly wouldn't refuse such a good opportunity. Joining the Chinese Business Association would make him one of their own, reducing many restrictions and being highly beneficial for him.

"It's no trouble at all. With your addition, the strength of the Chinese Business Association will rise to a new level. It is our honor!"

Wu Chengde laughed heartily, genuinely pleased with Xia Yu's acceptance.

"Mr. Xia, I will need you to wait a few more days. I'll prepare the membership procedures, and I'll need you to spare some more time then."

"Sure, just let me know when the time comes. As long as there are no unforeseen events, I will definitely attend!"

...

After exchanging a few polite words, Xia Yu noticed that besides the Wu family and their butler, there were no outsiders. He pondered for a moment and decided to broach his idea, testing the Wu family's attitude.

"Old Master Wu, may I ask, how difficult is it for us Chinese to do business in the UK?"

Xia Yu inquired.

Wu Chengde's aged brow furrowed, and he did not hide the truth, "It is indeed very difficult. No matter how hard we Chinese try to integrate into British society, we are still subjected to both overt and covert resistance and suppression due to our skin color. Certain important industries, such as minerals, oil, heavy industry, public utilities, and others, are difficult to enter, and even if you manage to get a foot in, you will still be squeezed out."

"Although the total assets of the Chinese Business Association members have reached 30 billion pounds, they are mostly confined to retail, dining, small real estate, service industries, trade, finance, and other sectors, with intense internal competition."

After hearing this, Xia Yu thought to himself that it was indeed the case. He then revealed a faint, enigmatic smile and said, "Then Old Master Wu, it seems I was right before. The most important thing for the Chinese Business Association now is to unite all members into one cohesive force, minimize internal strife, and focus on exploring new fields. Otherwise, with these industries being restricted, the market is limited, and competition will only yield marginal results. It is difficult to achieve major success!"

Wu Chengde sensed Xia Yu's meaning, his gaze sharpening as he looked at Xia Yu and asked in a deep voice, "Mr. Xia, do you have any suggestions?"

"Old Master Wu, I recently visited a certain island country and learned some things. I feel that the consortium model of that country has significant advantages. In many cases, their consortiums can outcompete European and American enterprises. Now, the British Chinese consortium is taking shape, with the Chinese Business Association and the Chinese Business Bank already established."

"As long as we make full use of the Chinese Business Association and establish the Chinese Business Bank's unique core position, it's possible to integrate the strong Chinese businesses in the UK into a single consortium, becoming the only Chinese consortium in the UK and Europe."

"At that time, we would be in a position to carve up the market. Even if we don't get a big share, having a seat at the table is better than being dispersed and restricted to a small pond."

Xia Yu elaborated, disregarding Wu Chengde's changing expression and maintaining eye contact until he finished.

Not only Wu Chengde, but even Wu Hongyi, who had been sitting silently, felt his heart racing and his face reddening as Xia Yu spoke.

"I didn't expect Xia Yu to have such ambition. I wonder if bringing him into the Chinese Business Association is right or wrong. Will it be like inviting a wolf into the house?"

Wu Chengde's thoughts were chaotic, considering the possible negative aspects.

Despite being over seventy, Wu Chengde was stirred by Xia Yu's words. He knew the power of the six major island country consortiums, which, despite being dismantled by the US after their defeat, quickly rose again due to their superior systems and dared to compete with major international consortiums.

According to Xia Yu, the Chinese consortium might indeed be established. With strong power, they might even get a share in the lucrative industries.

However, Xia Yu's proposal clearly showed he had such intentions, which conflicted with Wu Chengde's position. He didn't want the British Chinese businesses to be controlled by Xia Yu, with the Wu family becoming a mere figurehead.

Seeing Wu Chengde remain silent, Xia Yu guessed his concerns and said with a smile, "Old Master Wu, in the Chinese Business Association, your prestige is the highest as Chairman."

"And the Chinese Business Bank was founded by Hongyi's father. Now the Wu family holds the most shares. Among Chinese businesses in the UK, the Wu family is the strongest. If a Chinese consortium is to be established, it is undoubtedly the Wu family that should take the lead. I believe the benefits will be considerable, which is better than the current situation."

Wu Chengde remained silent, but his deep gaze met Xia Yu's. Xia Yu's expression was calm and seemingly sincere.

Wu Chengde glanced at his grandson Wu Hongyi, who appeared serious and visibly affected by Xia Yu's words.

After some thought, Wu Chengde finally spoke plainly, "Mr. Xia, I think the saying 'no benefit, no early riser' is very accurate. You are encouraging our Wu family to lead the establishment of a Chinese consortium. What do you want in return?"

Xia Yu's expression remained calm as he spoke frankly, "Old Master Wu, I agree

 with your statement. However, as long as the Wu family becomes the core, leading the establishment of the Chinese consortium, I can help facilitate it. As long as the consortium is established and begins operations, I will withdraw my support and let the Wu family take full control."

Wu Chengde's gaze turned from intense to softened, and his tone gradually became relaxed, "Mr. Xia, you are indeed a very capable businessman. We, the Wu family, are just a small family with limited resources. If you really want to support us, that would be greatly appreciated."

"You are welcome to speak frankly. I'll listen carefully."

Xia Yu was delighted to hear Wu Chengde's change in tone, but he didn't speak immediately. Instead, he nodded in agreement and listened to Wu Chengde's further elaboration.

...

The two parties discussed further details. After Wu Chengde confirmed Xia Yu's intentions and their discussions, he agreed that the Wu family would act as the core in establishing the Chinese consortium. Xia Yu promised to assist in getting the consortium started and then step aside, allowing the Wu family to take control.

After finalizing the details, Xia Yu left the meeting, feeling very satisfied. He had taken the first step in realizing his plan and was confident that the Chinese consortium would soon take shape.

With this achievement, the bright future of the Chinese Business Association and the Chinese Business Bank was beginning to unfold.