Inheritance of Two Trillion Chapter 2481 - 1834: Chen Feiqiu Returns Again (Part 2)
Previously on Inheritance of Two Trillion...
Chen Feiqiu’s nonchalant demeanor caused Bai Xiaosheng a mixture of amusement and irritation.
"Since you are here, a proper welcome hasn't been offered yet, so let's toast with this wine first," Chen Feiqiu declared, lifting his glass. "Of course, this isn't exactly my territory either. I'm also a newcomer, so this isn't a true welcome, more like encountering an old friend in a foreign land."
His fluency in Huaxia, coupled with his masterful use of idioms and proverbs, was astonishing. Bai Xiaosheng found himself thinking Chen Feiqiu spoke better than many native Huaxia citizens.
The glasses clinked together as they both took a sip.
A sudden thought struck Bai Xiaosheng. He set down his glass and asked Chen Feiqiu, "By the way, when I met Prince Hadu earlier, he looked at me blankly, as if he barely knew me. And when you were leaving, he didn't seem inclined to continue the conversation. So, I'm a bit confused – why did he send a car specifically to pick me up? And are you also acquainted with Prince Hadu?"
Chen Feiqiu’s appearance here suggested that his earlier claims weren’t entirely fabricated; he did possess some standing as the son of a chieftain.
"Yes, it was I who arranged for the prince's escort to pick you up," Chen Feiqiu confided in a hushed tone to Bai Xiaosheng. "You guessed correctly. I fabricated that it was a royal decree, stating you were an old acquaintance of the prince. That fellow actually bought it. He’s in charge of hospitality, and he readily provided a car, making everything quite simple!"
With a proud straightening of his posture after revealing this, Chen Feiqiu announced, "As for me, I am indeed a friend of Prince Hadu!"
He’s starting to resemble a seasoned con artist more and more…
Bai Xiaosheng chuckled, remarking, "Prince Hadu certainly has a diverse social circle – all sorts of individuals."
"What’s that supposed to mean? It sounds like you’re making fun of me," Chen Feiqiu grumbled.
"Not at all!" Bai Xiaosheng replied with firm sincerity.
"But speaking of which, how did you know I was with the Huaxia Business Group? And when did you arrive?" Bai Xiaosheng inquired, raising his glass for another sip.
Chen Feiqiu tapped his nose and asked Bai Xiaosheng with a smirk, "Do you assume I'm oblivious?"
"What do you mean?"
"The news of your Huaxia Business Group's visit is everywhere. I see two or three reports daily on my phone without even trying, especially regarding your name, Bai Xiaosheng. You frequently appear in the news. I must say, you're quite the sensation in the business world. Tell me more; I'm genuinely curious..."
Bai Xiaosheng had effectively opened the floodgates, and Chen Feiqiu eagerly began probing him about his current business endeavors.
With no pressing matters and no other company present,
observing the ongoing arrival of guests in the hall, and knowing the banquet was still at least an hour away from commencing,
Bai Xiaosheng was content to engage in conversation with Chen Feiqiu on various subjects.
They conversed animatedly for over half an hour without interruption.
While Bai Xiaosheng remained composed, Chen Feiqiu became increasingly spirited, his occasional loud laughter drawing curious glances from the waitstaff.
Upon hearing about Bai Xiaosheng's ambitious business venture in Bichi City, which involved numerous prominent companies and even attracted interest from neighboring cities, Chen Feiqiu burst into applause.
"While others focus on expanding within a single industry, you're venturing into multiple sectors, aiming to reshape the commercial landscape of an entire region. And you genuinely possess the capability to achieve it. Incredible, Bai!" Chen Feiqiu exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with admiration for Bai Xiaosheng.
"Try not to praise me too effusively; I'm merely capitalizing on favorable circumstances and benefiting from the support of my friends," Bai Xiaosheng replied with a smile. "My intention is to establish a new enterprise there, to be named Dongzhou Group. 'Dong' signifies the East, the direction of the rising sun, embodying vitality. 'Zhou' represents mutual assistance, as our partners hail from diverse corners of the globe. To attain success, collaboration is paramount; only through collective effort can we realize our objectives."
Strictly speaking, this new company marks Bai Xiaosheng’s eleventh privately-owned venture, though it remains in its nascent planning stages.
His tenth company was established in Nalinta City. Bai Xiaosheng integrated the Luka team's "Feibei High-Tech," which has already gained considerable traction.
As for the preceding nine companies, whether situated in Asia, Europe, or America, they have all ascended to become industry-leading powerhouses!
Even elite global corporations and influential magnates regard them with newfound respect.
The broader world remains unaware that Bai Xiaosheng is the true mastermind behind these enterprises, and few can fathom the immense power wielded by a single individual controlling such a vast portfolio of companies.
While inadequate compared to a titan such as the Zhenbei Group, its achievements were undoubtedly significant.
Chen Feiqiu found himself genuinely intrigued by Bai Xiaosheng's strategic vision for the nascent enterprise.
More importantly, he was touched by Bai Xiaosheng's trust, sharing even these nascent preparations without reserve.
Chen Feiqiu listened with rapt attention, his gaze thoughtfully dissecting Bai Xiaosheng.
"Why the scrutinizing stare?" Bai Xiaosheng inquired, noticing the intense look and glancing at himself, half-expecting a stray thread or misplaced adornment.
"I simply believe that immense talent like yours is squandered managing a mere regional office. Frankly, I envision you as a finance minister, overseeing the economic affairs of an entire nation," Chen Feiqiu remarked, his words laced with hyperbole.
It was, indeed, an exaggerated compliment.
Bai Xiaosheng chuckled, "Spare me such lofty pronouncements. Should I ever forsake my current path for politics, perhaps that role might beckon. However, the stark reality is that no one would likely offer me such a position, and the world of politics holds no appeal nor seems suited to my disposition."
Bai Xiaosheng voiced his thoughts with unvarnished honesty.
Chen Feiqiu erupted in laughter, "You truly take me at my word? With your formidable business acumen, you'd leave everyone in awe, and impeachment proceedings would likely commence before breakfast!"
Amidst their lighthearted banter, Bai Xiaosheng's attention was drawn to an individual discreetly observing them. The focus, however, was not on him, but on Chen Feiqiu seated opposite.
Nodding subtly in the person's direction, Bai Xiaosheng posed the question to Chen Feiqiu, "Are they seeking you out?"
The observer, despite their furtive glances, exuded an air of respect rather than malice. Bai Xiaosheng surmised they might be part of Chen Feiqiu's retinue.
After all, this was a VIP lounge. A subordinate venturing in, uncertain of their master's current companion and hesitant to intrude, would naturally adopt such a guarded demeanor.
Chen Feiqiu followed Bai Xiaosheng's implied direction, identified the individual, and affirmed with a nod, "Ah, indeed, that is one of my own."
"You've even brought escorts, at least two. Quite the grand entrance!" Bai Xiaosheng jested.
He recalled Chen Feiqiu's bodyguard, 'Gan,' from their previous encounter in Huaxia. His absence now suggested he had not accompanied Chen Feiqiu inside.
Including the previously noted bodyguard, it implied a contingent of at least two security personnel.
"Naturally. Have you forgotten whom you're addressing? I am Chen Feiqiu, the cherished son of the chieftain, poised to inherit his mantle," Chen Feiqiu boasted, rising from his seat. "Allow me to ascertain the needs of my discreet attendant."
Bai Xiaosheng nodded, "Go swiftly. Unless it's a matter of urgency, I doubt they would risk seeking you out here."
Chen Feiqiu offered a gesture of acknowledgment, hastened his steps, and moved to engage in whispered conversation with the individual who had sought him.
A smile gracing his lips, Bai Xiaosheng signaled a nearby waiter, requesting a fresh pour of wine.
...
Meanwhile, Chen Feiqiu was exiting the lounge with his subordinate.
Lowering his voice, the subordinate reported, "The individual has arrived and is currently in the adjacent VIP lounge. Prince Hadu has just concluded his meeting with them."
"What unfortunate timing, to have guests arrive precisely when I'm occupied. I'd rather not entertain them," Chen Feiqiu muttered with a hint of annoyance.
"Nevertheless, a meeting is advisable," the subordinate quickly interjected. "Their standing is quite exceptional."
"I am aware. From the Zhenbei Group..." Chen Feiqiu started, then paused, murmuring, "They operate within the same sphere as Bai! Now, I am genuinely curious to witness firsthand what makes them so extraordinary and how they ascended to such a position!"