Putting down his wine glass, the elder said, "I've lived abroad for many years. I'm getting old and want to return to my roots and develop in the mainland. Before I came to Ruili, I visited many places. Although I discussed cooperation several times, it wasn't very satisfactory. To be honest, my visit to Jiabao's place that time was purely accidental. We overheard someone talking in the hotel, saying that in Ruili, the person who could do business so successfully was none other than you, Xie Jiabao! This sparked great interest in me. You know, people tend to be envious of the wealthy. To receive praise from others is a rare commendation, indicating that the person is admirable in both ability and character. Otherwise, no matter how much money you have or how rich you are, others wouldn't praise you openly. Then I told Xiao Sheng to find out where your company was located, and we decided to pay you a visit. Even if there were no opportunities for cooperation, we could at least become friends. That's how we boldly went to your factory.
Did you expect it? Our entry into your office was so abrupt and rude precisely to see if you were the kind of person they described, whether you possessed great magnanimity and tolerance. The result speaks for itself, otherwise, we wouldn't be sitting here together.
I'm happy today, seeing the children so happy together. I thought, why don't we strengthen our ties by having them become sworn siblings? You gain a son, and I gain a granddaughter. Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing in the world?"
Xie Jiabao took the lead in applauding, while Xie Nana's face grew redder, and she nervously rubbed her hands.
I couldn't use my real identity, as that would not only reveal my age but also my true status. I could only use my passport identity and age to become sworn siblings with her.
According to this age, I am twenty-three years old, one year older than her. She is twenty-two.
So, it's also correct for her to call me "Ge" (older brother).
My full name is Sheng Hao, a very common name.
From now on, Nana has to call me "Ge," and I will call her Nana.
Nana is the eldest in her family. She has three younger sisters. Xie Jiabao's wife has been busy since giving birth to Xie Nana, having one child every year and then another three in quick succession. Da Feng Novel Network
Xie Nana's three younger sisters are all studying in the US.
I asked the elder and Xie Jiabao to sit together. We two juniors stood up and toasted them together.
I said, "As a junior, when I first entered society, I first met Chairman as my benefactor, who guided and supported me all along. I am deeply grateful and indebted, and I will dedicate my life to repaying this kindness! Upon arriving in the mainland, I met Director Xie and Sister Nana, who allowed me to experience the warmth of family and kinship. This makes me feel both humbled and anxious, unsure of how I can live up to your kindness. Chairman said we are all family. If I say too much, it will be going too far. I won't say more. Nana and I will definitely work together from now on, do our business well, and show you filial piety!"
After speaking, Xie Nana and I raised our glasses, toasted them, and then drank them dry together.
Xie Nana could hardly believe her eyes. Yesterday, more than a bottle of red wine had put me down, but today, after more than a bottle of white wine, I seemed perfectly fine.
The elder said, "Alright, the ceremony is done, and we've had enough to drink. Everyone is free to mingle. You two siblings, come and have a drink with your fathers to strengthen your bond."
I quickly stood up, took Nana's hand, and together we went to toast Xie Jiabao.
Xie Jiabao's alcohol tolerance is not that high. After drinking with us today, he was at least eight-tenths or nine-tenths drunk.
Nana and I sat on either side of him. He looked at us with bleary eyes, opened his arms, and embraced us both, saying, "Xie Jiabao finally has a son! I never expected this. Fate has not abandoned me!"
I didn't pour him more wine. At this moment, companionship was the best gift. Xie Nana nestled in his arms, as if she had returned to her childhood.
Although I knew the man beside me was our primary enemy, and the time for confrontation had not yet come, I had to feign affection.
The elder nodded with satisfaction. Everything happening now was for the final roundup.
After a while, someone entered and whispered something to Xie Jiabao. Xie Jiabao sat up straight and said, "Good, I understand."
The person lowered his head and quickly left. Although I was beside him, he spoke very softly, and I couldn't hear clearly.
Xie Jiabao said, "Godfather, Xiao Hao, my brother, Xie Jiahui, has come from the provincial capital and wants to check on our cargo. I need to go back to the factory. Nana will be with Xiao Hao. You should go back and rest, Godfather. We'll find time to gather again."
The elder nodded and asked us to help Xie Jiabao out and have his car take him back to the factory.
I called Wen Siqiang and asked him to drive the elder to the hotel and then take Xie Nana back.
Watching Xie Jiabao's car leave, I glanced at the elder. His expression was grave, and it was evident he was worried. Brother Hui's arrival was extremely disadvantageous to us.
We had clashed with Brother Hui before. If Xie Jiabao introduced us to him as being in Ruili, and Xie Jiahui requested a meeting with us, all our previous efforts would be in vain!
Xie Nana came over and took my hand, leaning on my shoulder. Her tall stature, graceful figure, and beautiful face, as she leaned beside me, attracted countless stares.
Envy, jealousy, resentment? Or a mix of all.
But who knew that Baby was acting? Baby's heart ached!
We couldn't discuss Brother Hui's sudden visit here. Although it was an urgent matter, if we couldn't find a solution, we might encounter difficulties very soon.
How could he possibly not meet us two people who have given them such a significant opportunity? Perhaps he came specifically to see us.
I exchanged a look with the elder, signaling him to go back first. After I saw her home, we would discuss countermeasures.
The elder nodded, indicating he understood my intention.
At this moment, Wen Siqiang drove over. The elder gave us his seat and got into the front passenger seat. We two sat in the back.
I told Wen Siqiang to first take the Chairman to the hotel and then to the Xie family villa.
Wen Siqiang grunted and accelerated.
The elder did not communicate with me throughout the journey. I knew he was contemplating the next steps. This matter was more critical than the group sent by Chen Liben. Dealing with that group involved defense and offense; if we couldn't defend or overcome them, at most, we would suffer some losses. However, dealing with Brother Hui was not so simple; it involved the entire plan.
When the car arrived at the hotel, I asked Wen Siqiang to escort the elder upstairs. Xie Nana and I remained in the back seat. Xie Nana had also drunk a few glasses of red wine and leaned against me, her eyes half-closed, murmuring, "I don't want to be your sister; I want to be your woman."
I gently patted her and said, "Isn't being a sister good? As a sister, we can be together forever. But being my woman might not be. Do you see many people who grow old together?"
Xie Nana said, "I don't care. I'd be happy to be your woman for just one day. I just don't want to be your sister!"