A tremendous surprise after seventy-six days

Xiao Yao’s gaze swept over the faces of Ding Songqing, Fan Jingyu, and the others. These people were all old friends of Ding Songqing, and they knew well his lifelong greatest wish. Now, each wore an expression of deep concern.

“President Ding has a son and a daughter in his fate, so there’s no need to worry about someone inheriting the family business.” Xiao Yao didn’t beat around the bush; he revealed the result directly.

“Really? When will I have a son?” Ding Songqing was already over sixty; in recent years he had begun to accept his fate. He hadn’t expected Xiao Yao to give him such a tremendous surprise.

With Qin Huali and the Tang family holding Xiao Yao in such esteem, and Xiao Yao himself being an even greater tycoon than Ding Songqing, it seemed unlikely that this young man would fabricate such a story to deceive him.

The result was so astonishing that Ding Songqing was beyond words.

“It’s simply a matter of looking at affinity with children, which is a very simple thing in physiognomy; there’s no chance of error, rest assured.” Xiao Yao sized up Ding Songqing, “I hadn’t realized President Ding is something of a romantic, leaving traces everywhere. It’s a case of planting flowers intentionally and not seeing them bloom, but planting willows unintentionally and finding shade. President Ding actually already has a son. Your son was born on June 7, 2008. He’s seven years old this year.”

The result Xiao Yao gave was so unexpected that everyone present looked at Ding Songqing with strange eyes.

Ding Songqing’s face stiffened for a moment, but the embarrassment was quickly overwhelmed by the joy in his heart.

He suddenly stood up, grabbed Xiao Yao’s hand, and asked excitedly, “Is this true? Is my son well? Where is he now?”

Xiao Yao withdrew his hand from Ding Songqing’s grasp. “Such a big matter—I wouldn’t dare joke with you, President Ding. It’s absolutely true. Your son should be doing well, at least he is healthy. As for his location, I can only tell you that he is not in this city, but he’s within the province. I’ve already told you his date of birth; it shouldn’t be difficult for you to find him.”

Xiao Yao actually knew more details about Ding Songqing’s son, but he didn’t intend to share everything. There was no need. What he had told Ding Songqing was enough.

“Thank you, Mr. Xiao, thank you so much! With this information, I’ll definitely be able to find my son. When I do, I’ll host a grand banquet to thank you properly, Mr. Xiao.” Having longed for this all his life, Ding Songqing’s excitement was indescribable as his dream was finally within reach.

“When you’re reunited with your son, we’ll be waiting to share in your celebration.”

Xiao Yao said no more. The favor he had done was not so great—without him revealing the news today, in two years’ time Ding Songqing would still have reunited with his son. Xiao Yao had merely advanced the meeting by two years.

Despite only just meeting Xiao Yao today, Ding Songqing had already received such a tremendous benefit. For Ding Songqing, this was far more important than earning another ten or eight billion. Seeing Ding Songqing receive such a boon, the others couldn’t sit still, each harboring the same thought, though none dared voice it.

Qin Huali, having known Xiao Yao longer than the others and acting as the intermediary, ventured, “Mr. Xiao, you see everyone is itching to know more; a few drinks and they’re all like monkeys. Is there any other news you can share to make everyone happy? If only President Ding benefits, everyone else will be envious and jealous and feel particularly left out.”

“All of you here are blessed with wealth and good fortune; there truly aren’t many things that could make you happier.”

Xiao Yao pondered for a moment. “In the next two years, you’ll all be safe and sound, with no disasters, and your businesses will prosper. I can only assure you of peace in advance. As for Director Fan, your luck is rising soon and you have the opportunity to advance further, though it will be quite challenging. If you prepare early, your chances of success will increase.”

This news was too sudden; Fan Jingyu was entirely unprepared.

His mind raced as he recalled recent events. Ultimately, he found only one useful piece of information.

During a routine health check two days ago, Mayor Wang’s lung was found to have a tumor, preliminarily judged benign, with plans for a follow-up at Xiehe Hospital. Since no biopsy had been performed yet, the result was not certain. Could it be that Mayor Wang’s tumor was actually malignant?

If that were the case, and if Fan Jingyu could act quickly, he really might have the chance to advance!

“Thank you, Mr. Xiao, for your auspicious words. If things turn out as you say, I’ll make sure to invite you for a drink someday.” Fan Jingyu spoke sincerely, “Unfortunately, I’m just a civil servant, unlike President Qin and the others with vast businesses. All I can offer is my gratitude.”

“If Director Fan truly advances, do more good deeds and practical things for people—that will be the best thanks to me.”

From Fan Jingyu’s features, it was clear he was ambitious and capable. Rarer still, he possessed a sense of public duty; as long as he preserved this, it was enough. Xiao Yao had no intention of seeking any return from him.

Everyone present was genuinely happy for Fan Jingyu.

Though Ding Songqing and the others had their own connections within government, their relationships with Fan Jingyu were good. If he advanced, even if it couldn’t help their own businesses much, it would still bring them a valuable ally—something beneficial with no downsides.

Whether or not Fan Jingyu would ultimately advance, since Xiao Yao had spoken, everyone naturally congratulated him.

Thanks to the connections of Qin Huali and the Tang family, everyone trusted Xiao Yao’s abilities, but seeing is believing; that trust wasn’t yet absolute.

After the luncheon ended, everyone began to wait for news from Ding Songqing and Fan Jingyu.

If Ding Songqing really found his son, or if Fan Jingyu advanced, their belief in Xiao Yao’s miraculous talents would become unshakable.

Fan Jingyu’s situation would take time; everyone, including himself, could only wait patiently. But Ding Songqing was far more efficient. Only three days later, he found his son in a small town and obtained a paternity test report.

He wasn’t disappointed. The report confirmed that he truly had a seven-year-old son.

PS: Many thanks to “Don’t Look at the Present” and “A Shepherd of Pastoral Fields” for your generous rewards!