A Modest Display of Skill

Xiao Yao had not intended to develop further acquaintance with this Mr. Fan, unless he belonged to the Tang family’s branch—then it would have been worthwhile to get in touch.

“My parents both live in the capital. Although work keeps them busy and they seldom return home, they still manage to visit a few times each year. I’m sure there will be an opportunity,” Fan Jingyu said, his tone unconsciously warmer. “I’ve heard from Tianhao that your courtyard house was designed by a master—I’ve long wanted to see it for myself. Next time I’m in the capital, if you’re around, I’ll be sure to pay you a visit.”

Xiao Yao replied, “It would be an honor to receive such a distinguished guest.”

“So the Huahui Bank shares in your possession were transferred from Mr. Tang himself. If I’d known you had Mr. Tang backing you, I wouldn’t have spoken so boldly earlier,” said Ding Songqing, surprised to learn of Xiao Yao’s connection to Tang Zhengshan. “Although Huahui Bank’s shares are quite scattered, Mr. Tang directly and indirectly controls over fifty percent. If there were ever a disagreement, his opinion would prevail. Compared with Mr. Tang, my ten percent stake is inconsequential.”

“Do you have a taste for aged Moutai, Mr. Xiao? My family owns a hotel, and we have quite a stock of aged Moutai. One of these days, I’ll bring a few cases to your house,” Guan Yonggang said, seizing the moment. “I’ve also dined with Mr. Tang Tianhao a couple of times. We’re all young people—when there’s an opportunity, let’s sit down together.”

It was not surprising that Guan Yonggang was so eager to forge a connection, given the astonishing revelations in Xue Jingyu’s earlier remarks.

Xue Jingyu’s family background was already impressive—otherwise, no matter how capable he was, it would have been difficult to rise to his current position before forty. But compared with the Tang family, his lineage was still a tier below.

Even the illustrious, formidable Tang Tianhao was eager to send cases of aged Moutai to Xiao Yao’s home, further confirming what Qin Huali had said.

Although Qin Huali’s appraisal of Xiao Yao seemed extraordinary, with this further proof, no one present dared harbor any doubts.

It seemed that for this young Mr. Xiao, his status as a world-class tycoon was already secondary—the truly important thing was the aura of mystery around him.

Now that everyone knew even the truly elite Tang family was close with Xiao Yao, Guan Yonggang’s desire to draw nearer became all the more urgent.

“To be honest, I only have a slight preference for Moutai. Tianhao tends to be extravagant—he gathered a whole truckload of aged Moutai and delivered it straight to my house. I already have enough to last me decades,” Xiao Yao declined tactfully. “Since you run a hotel, you need the aged Moutai more than I do—I wouldn’t want to deprive you.”

“Then I won’t take too much, just two cases of the finest to send you. Whether it’s two cases more or less makes little difference to the hotel, but it’s a token of my respect—please, Brother Xiao, don’t refuse. Otherwise, if I see Mr. Tang next time, I’ll truly have lost face,” Guan Yonggang pressed, unwilling to miss this chance to get closer.

It was a trivial matter, so Xiao Yao didn’t want to reject him too firmly. “Very well, then I won’t stand on ceremony. Tianhao is my brother—next time you’re in the capital and I’m around, let’s invite him out and have a drink together.”

With this promise from Xiao Yao, Guan Yonggang’s efforts were not in vain. Whereas he had previously been reluctant to address Xiao Yao as “Brother Xiao,” now he did so willingly.

Having gotten to know Xiao Yao a little better, the others at the table—all seasoned veterans of social circles—knew exactly how to adjust their attitudes.

Although everyone wanted to get closer to Xiao Yao, they were all of a certain caliber and did not fawn or humble themselves excessively. Maintaining a relaxed and jovial atmosphere, their witty words flowed, and before long, they found themselves growing naturally closer to Xiao Yao.

As the wine flowed and the mood grew lively, Ding Songqing, feeling he had drawn a bit nearer to Xiao Yao, spoke more freely. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask, but didn’t dare. Now, emboldened by wine, I hope you won’t take offense if I speak out of turn.”

“President Ding, if there’s something on your mind, just say it. I’m not so petty. If it’s something I can answer, I won’t hide it,” Xiao Yao replied. After all, everyone is a social being. Although he had inherited Pan Wu’s three thousand years of memories, memory alone does not equal experience. He was not yet able to live as reclusively or indifferently as Pan Wu once had. And judging by their faces, the people present seemed to be of good character. He was more than willing to add such influential local figures to his circle of friends.

“I’m very curious about your extraordinary abilities, Mr. Xiao. I’m older, and these things fascinate me, but I’ve never had the fortune to meet a true master. If it’s possible, would you be willing to demonstrate something for me?” Ding Songqing spoke honestly, genuinely intrigued by matters of mystery.

“It’s nothing secret—I dabble in a variety of things. I have some knowledge of the ancient arts: medicine, divination, astrology, and the skills of the hundred schools of thought,” Xiao Yao said, in high spirits after a satisfying evening. “If you’d like a demonstration, that’s simple enough. Tell me your greatest wish, and I’ll see what I can do to enlighten you.”

While Ding Songqing hesitated over how to put his wish into words, Qin Huali interjected, “President Ding, you’re truly in luck tonight. It’s rare for Mr. Xiao to be in such good spirits—hurry and speak your wish! Even I know what you want; there’s no need to feel embarrassed. Be forthright and don’t miss this chance.”

“That’s right, President Ding. Everyone here knows your wish. With such a vast family business, it’s only natural you’d want a son to inherit—it’s nothing to be shy about,” added Lu Yanhong, clearly aware of the situation.

“Well, since you’ve all said it, I have nothing to hide. I admit, I’m a bit old-fashioned—not that I prefer sons over daughters, but I have always hoped for a son to carry on the family business. Unfortunately, after all these years, it hasn’t come to pass.”

Ding Songqing’s eyes shone with yearning. “All I want to know is, will I ever have a son in this lifetime?”

Due to health reasons, Ding Songqing had tried everything for half his life and only managed to have a daughter.

As he himself admitted, his character was somewhat traditional and old-fashioned. He longed for a son to pass down the family legacy, to the point of obsession—something all his friends were well aware of.