The sound of the midnight bell still seemed to vibrate in my ears. In the huge living room of Villa No. 3 in Repulse Bay, only the ticking sound of the clock hands echoed in the endless silence.
The bright lights of Victoria Harbour streamed in through the windows, but they could not illuminate the tense and dark clouds that shrouded the place.
Lin Huowang leaned back in the large Italian leather sofa, the amber whiskey ice in the glass almost melted, his deep gaze fixed unfocused on the silent black dedicated telephone in the distance.
Gao Qiaohao sat upright, leaning forward, his hands unconsciously clasped in his knees, his fingertips cold.
He looked at the second hand on his watch sliding silently towards zero, then looked at the dark night outside the window, and his throat tightened.
The British are very particular about respectability and privacy. Expecting the manager of Jardine Matheson to make an exception at midnight is simply unrealistic!
He was too well aware of the pampered lifestyle of Jardine Matheson and his gang. Even if Newbigin was desperate, could he abandon his so-called aristocratic manners and call someone in the middle of the night like a scoundrel being chased for debt?
The end of tension and worry is hopeless numbness. Gao Qiaohao felt as if his heart was being gripped by an ice-cold hand, dropping heavily.
If we miss this opportunity, Hong Kong Land's share price will plummet tomorrow when the market opens... The boss's chess game, which is so closely linked and painstakingly laid out...
Just when he was almost overwhelmed by this suffocatingly long wait——
“Ring, ring, ring—!!!”
The thick black phone suddenly let out a heart-wrenching scream, like an ice cube thrown into boiling oil!
The silence was instantly pierced, and the ringtone, with its brutal penetrating power, repeatedly vibrated, collided, and echoed in the empty living room!
Gao Qiaohao felt as if he was stabbed with a needle in the back. He jumped up suddenly, his heart beating so wildly that it almost jumped out of his throat, and his eyes were fixed on the madly ringing phone.
And at the same moment when the bell rang, Lin Huowang, who was sitting on the sofa, had already naturally pulled up the corners of his mouth, forming a faint smile.
It was a smile of understanding, of control. He didn't hesitate, not even waiting for the urgent ringing to last a moment longer. He leaned forward, his slender fingers firmly grasping the cold receiver.
"Hello?" Lin Huowang's voice was as steady as usual, even with a hint of his usual polite laziness, as if he was just answering an ordinary late-night greeting.
"Ha! Mr. Xiaolin! I'm so sorry to bother you so late!" On the other end of the receiver, Newbijian's voice suddenly burst out with an enthusiasm that was inconsistent with his status, almost splashing invisible ripples in the air.
The warmth was deliberately intimate, like a hand eager to cling. Gao Qiaohao, standing not far away, heard everything clearly, and his tense heartstrings suddenly relaxed, followed by a surge of admiration for his boss's meticulous planning—he had even predicted the other party would call at this most inappropriate time!
"Oh? Sir Newbigin?" Lin Huowang's voice had just the right hint of surprise, then quickly transformed into a proper "pleasure," with a perfectly balanced rise at the end. "You're so polite! I'm sorry to bother you calling so late. Is there something urgent you need from me?"
As he spoke, he gave Gao Qiaohao a determined look without leaving any trace.
Gao Qiaohao understood what he meant and immediately bowed silently and took a few steps back, standing in the shadow beside the floor-to-ceiling window, holding his breath and concentrating.
"What are you talking about, Xiaolinsheng?" Newbijian laughed loudly on the other end. His laughter was hearty, but it also revealed a hidden anxiety. "Why do we need to be so polite to each other among friends?
Speaking of which, last time your newspaper's advanced printing presses ran into some trouble at customs, I left everything else to run around late at night, even alarming the Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose! Ha, Xiao Linsheng must have been very generous! As soon as the Sir heard it was your equipment, he personally ordered it to be released! This kind of trust and respect is unique among Chinese businessmen in Hong Kong Island!"
Newbijian never tired of emphasizing this "help in time of need" kindness, and his intention is self-evident.
Lin Huowang held the receiver, a hint of cold scorn flashing through his eyes, but his face was filled with gratitude. "I'll always remember Sir Newbigin's help! In Hong Kong Island, if it weren't for the care and support of Sir Newbigin and the bosses of the British companies, I, a newcomer, would have had a hard time getting anywhere!"
He deliberately emphasized the "care from the bosses of British companies," and his tone was sincere and impeccable.
"That's right! Xiaolinsheng is sensible!" Newbigin's voice was even more eager, with a hint of persuasion, "Our British financial group has deep roots and strong strength in Hong Kong Island, and has always controlled the economic lifeline of this land.
If a Chinese company wants to establish itself in Hong Kong and achieve great success, which one of them doesn’t have the support of a major British company? Or a financial giant like HSBC? Absolutely not! If HSBC’s vaults are not opened, how can a Chinese company grow independently? Don’t even think about it!
He paused for a moment and threw out the bait he had prepared long ago: "Especially for a young talent like you, Xiaolinsheng, who has courage and means, and has a bright future! I am personally very optimistic about you!
So, I've been thinking about giving you a hand and introducing you to our inner circle. We're having a small get-together in a few days, and it's going to be filled with some of the real influencers in Hong Kong. Come and get to know them.
As long as you integrate into our circle, from now on, Xiaolinsheng, your status will definitely be far higher than those of the so-called Chinese capital leaders such as the Huo family and the Bao family! Their empty board seats are not considered truly respectable in our circle. "
Lin Huowang smiled silently on the other side where Niu Bijian couldn't see him. His smile was sarcastic and cold.
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