Chapter 596: Investment in the UK

Xia Yu settled into his office chair, glancing over the pristine surroundings. Despite being away for over a month, everything was immaculate, indicating that his staff had diligently maintained his workspace. The delicate droplets of water clinging to the leaves of the potted plant on his desk were a testament to this care. Feeling satisfied, he motioned for George Berkeley to sit across from him.

"What's the current situation at the company?" Xia Yu asked, leaning back and adopting a relaxed posture.

George Berkeley took a moment to organize his thoughts. "Boss, the acquisition of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is progressing well. Elena is handling it, but we've hit a minor snag. The process is awaiting government approval, and with the upcoming change in leadership, it has stalled temporarily."

He continued, "The *Financial Times* and the *Daily Telegraph* are both performing steadily. As for the fund, I've focused on identifying new investment opportunities. Over the past month, we've invested in seven companies: Prudential Group, Fortis Insurance, Aviva Group, BP, Centrica, Southern Scotland Power, and National Grid. So far, we've committed £570 million. 

"Our strategy is to target stocks in the banking, pharmaceutical, and retail sectors next, as these industries currently show low risk and promising growth. The fund still has around £1 billion in liquid assets ready for deployment."

Xia Yu nodded, processing the information. His initial plan had been to use the $3 billion allocated to Bright Fund to strengthen his position in British markets, anticipating both profits and future opportunities. Converting that amount to pounds left them with a sizable war chest, and George Berkeley's strategy appeared prudent.

He was particularly pleased with the diversification into finance and energy. As he anticipated, Margaret Thatcher's upcoming administration would usher in economic reforms that could positively impact financial entities and privatized firms like BP. The power companies, while stable rather than spectacular earners, provided a solid foundation for the portfolio. 

"Excellent. Continue with your plan," Xia Yu affirmed, a slight smile appearing on his face. George Berkeley visibly relaxed, relieved by his approval.

Given his credentials—Berkeley was once the head of Goldman Sachs's UK branch—Xia Yu trusted his judgment. With the general direction approved, he felt confident that George wouldn't make any rash decisions.

After discussing the finer details for a while, Xia Yu dismissed George to return to his duties. No sooner had he left the office than he spotted Elena, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, striding down the hall with a folder in hand. The moment she saw Xia Yu, a radiant smile spread across her face.

"Elena, it's been a while!" Xia Yu greeted her warmly.

"Boss, I didn't expect you back so soon. Henry will be thrilled when he hears!" she responded with enthusiasm.

"Oh? Has he been managing well without my supervision?" Xia Yu joked.

Elena chuckled. "He's been diligent, practicing his kung fu every morning. He's improved quite a bit and often mentions he wants to show his progress to his master."

Xia Yu laughed, appreciating the image. "I look forward to seeing that."

Noticing how much more vibrant and beautiful Elena seemed, he added sincerely, "By the way, Elena, you look even more stunning than before."

Blushing slightly, Elena replied, "Thank you for the compliment, Boss."

"Now, about the Rolls-Royce acquisition," she began, but Xia Yu cut her off gently. "Let's discuss this in my office."

Inside, Elena greeted Li Qian with a smile before turning her attention back to Xia Yu. She launched into a detailed report about the acquisition, explaining the steps they'd taken, the negotiations involved, and the hurdles they still faced.

When she finished, Xia Yu pondered for a moment. "Did your father mention anything about the delay?"

Elena nodded. "He has established all the necessary connections, but the approval process has paused because of the pending government change. However, once the Conservative Party takes power, we should have no issues. We expect to finalize everything by May."

Xia Yu nodded, his earlier concerns alleviated. "Good."

"By the way, would you like to join us for dinner tonight? Henry will be home from school, and he'd be thrilled to get some advice from you."

Xia Yu smiled. "I'd be happy to come. Thank you for the invitation."

Elena returned the smile. "It's my pleasure."

After concluding their discussion, Xia Yu leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. He was reassured by the progress being made, and Elena's efficiency and professionalism only strengthened his confidence in her abilities.

The conversation shifted his mind back to his original purpose in London: the acquisition of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and his broader ambitions within the UK. He recognized that timing was critical; securing the deal before the Conservatives solidified their power was ideal. However, he knew that this would not be the only opportunity. His extensive network, both in business and politics, provided multiple avenues to achieve his goals.

Reflecting on the ongoing political changes, he recalled Gerard Pate's successful campaign for the London mayoral seat. With Gerard in power and the Conservative Party's momentum increasing, Xia Yu saw a strategic advantage. His investments and business plans were aligned with the shifting political winds, and he felt confident that his influence would only grow stronger.

Back in Hong Kong, he had already begun laying the groundwork for his next moves. The video game industry remained a prime target. Having tested the waters with arcades, he was now exploring opportunities to expand into console and computer games. He knew that the technological advancements required for this were significant, but he was prepared to invest heavily in both research and talent acquisition.

Xia Yu's thoughts drifted back to the arcade plan he had set in motion with Xia Lei. He had been pleased to see how quickly Xia Lei grasped the potential for expansion and profitability. The arcade business, with its direct cash flow and ability to employ many of Xia Lei's men, provided a stable base while they explored more innovative ventures.

His mind then turned to the longer-term vision for the game industry. He imagined a future where his own game development company would create iconic titles that could compete on the world stage. With the right strategy, he could leverage both his media holdings and technological capabilities to build a cross-platform empire that spanned everything from arcade games to home consoles, mobile devices, and beyond.

That night, Xia Yu felt invigorated by the possibilities. His plans were vast, his ambition boundless. He knew there were risks, but he also knew he had the skills, resources, and connections to navigate any challenges that came his way.

As the car rolled through the streets of London, he glanced out at the city, knowing that every move he made now would shape his future and the future of the vast empire he was building.