I'm back in 1990

Chapter 592: Attending the Meeting

In Huang Xiaochuan's office in Central, Hong Kong, the office is located on the best floor of the entire building, with an excellent view. The huge floor-to-ceiling windows offer an unobstructed view of the entire Central district and Victoria Harbour.

Zhang Sui, looking tired, sat opposite Huang Xiaochuan and reported the detailed process and results to him.

"By the time the positions were closed the day before yesterday, we had used approximately 32% of Changhong Capital's funds, and the average leverage ratio was strictly controlled within the safe range you specified. After the 9/11 attacks, market panic far exceeded expectations, with the Nasdaq experiencing a maximum drop of over 27% after the market reopened. Our short positions achieved a profit capture of over 85% near the lowest point. In terms of options, the deep in-the-money ratio exceeded 70%, and the returns from this portion will be even more substantial after the options are exercised and sold. According to preliminary calculations, after deducting all transaction costs and taxes, the total profit this time is..."

Zhang Sui reported an astronomical figure, a figure that would move any central bank governor.

Huang Xiaochuan sat in his chair, his fingers lightly twirling the armrest. The enormous number Zhang Sui reported was like a stone thrown off a cliff, leaving no trace.

Huang Xiaochuan showed neither excitement nor elation, nor even the slightest bit of the exhilarating, uncontrollable feeling he had when he earned his first million in the stamp market. Back then, when he deposited bundles of Smurf stamps into the bank in batches, he couldn't hide the genuine joy on his face.

He's feeling a bit melancholy now, yes, really melancholy. The ancients were right, fame and fortune are a double-edged sword.

He is now the richest man in Asia, but he is not as happy as he imagined!

There are so many things to consider and guard against: the safety of myself and my family, the inability to show my face in public, and the inability to make any statements. Don't tell me that Lao Huang complained to him that going out felt like being a thief; wasn't he the same way?

He doesn't like the scene of being surrounded by a large entourage when he wants to go out, but he can't do anything about it because safety is the most important thing.

If I had known this would happen, I would have preferred to stay behind the scenes. Now I understand the meaning of the Western proverb, "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown."

After a long pause, Huang Xiaochuan finally responded to Zhang Sui: "Well done! You've worked hard! Take a good rest for a while; health is the foundation of everything. By the way, how's things going in New York?"

"Things are alright now, things are gradually recovering. The disaster is over, and people are rebuilding their homes." Zhang Sui was initially a little serious when she heard Huang Xiaochuan's question, but then she felt relieved.

After seeing Zhang Sui off, Gao Song hurriedly returned to Huang Xiaochuan's office.

"Mr. Huang! Tonight you are to attend Mr. Huang Boyi's private party at his residence at 8 p.m. Mr. Huang Boyi personally called me to ask me to tell you that he hopes you will make time to attend. He also specifically emphasized that this is a private gathering with only a few guests. He hopes you will enjoy it!" Gao Song calmly reminded his boss of the evening's arrangements.

Although Huang Xiaochuan disliked these kinds of social engagements, he had to give Huang Boyi face because he had known Huang Boyi for a long time and Huang Boyi was a shareholder of Guangda Real Estate, the second largest shareholder after Dadao Group.

"Got it! Let him know, I'll be there on time."

He paused, then added, "Prepare a slightly formal casual outfit for me, nothing too elaborate."

Gao Song immediately agreed: "Okay, Mr. Huang!"

He then asked, "Should we inform Madam in advance? That way, we can be prepared!"

Huang Xiaochuan knew Yu Xiang disliked these kinds of social events, so he shook his head: "No need!"

"Understood!" Gao Song nodded and left the office.

The Rolls-Royce Silver Spur smoothly entered a prestigious residential area in Deep Water Bay, Hong Kong Island. In the night, a magnificent white mansion, blending modern design with traditional Eastern elements, was brightly lit. This was Huang Boyi's new residence, the venue for tonight's private cocktail party.

Huang Boyi, a small Hong Kong businessman who originally ran a garment factory, has changed dramatically every year since he met Huang Xiaochuan. Over the years, he has not only made a fortune, but also achieved a leap in social class, transforming from a small businessman into one of Hong Kong's top tycoons.

Moreover, thanks to his personal relationship with Huang Xiaochuan, he was the first to invite Asia's richest man to his home. This alone has already made many Hong Kong tycoons envious, and many people have called him, wanting him to send an invitation so they can get to know the aloof Asia's richest man.

The vehicle circled the meticulously manicured garden and stopped at the main gate of the mansion. Gao Song quickly got out of the car and opened the door for Huang Xiaochuan.

The Huang Boyi family and Nan Hui, who had been waiting at the door, immediately greeted them with a friendly yet respectful attitude: "Mr. Huang! Good evening!"

Huang Xiaochuan said politely, "Old Huang, I'm sorry to bother you!"

Hearing this, Huang Boyi beamed and said, "Mr. Huang, preview: an update is coming soon, please stay tuned! You are a distinguished guest whom we can't invite even if we try, your presence is truly an honor!"

Nan Hui stepped forward and greeted Huang Xiaochuan, extending her hand: "Mr. Huang!"

Huang Xiaochuan shook her hand and said, "Let's go! Let's go inside together!"

The group of people surrounded Huang Xiaochuan as they led him inside. As they stepped into the entrance hall, the air was filled with the rich aroma of top-quality cigars, the fragrance of fine champagne, and the scent of fragrant flowers.

Huang Xiaochuan glanced at it casually and confirmed that, as Huang Boyi had emphasized, the scale was not large, with only about twenty guests.

Huang Boyi's living room was arranged as a comfortable social space, with a soft glow cast by a crystal chandelier. Most of the men were dressed in well-tailored clothing, while the women wore luxurious evening gowns or suits.

As soon as Huang Xiaochuan appeared, although he originally intended to keep a low profile, he himself was a huge magnet, immediately attracting everyone's attention. The guests who were originally chatting in small groups all focused their attention on Huang Xiaochuan.

Huang Boyi stepped forward to introduce the guests to Huang Xiaochuan, but a sprightly old man took the initiative to greet him and warmly shook hands with Huang Xiaochuan.

Huang Boyi quickly introduced, "Mr. Huang! This is Mr. Li Zhaoji, a pillar of the Hong Kong real estate industry. I have always hoped to have the opportunity to meet you."

"Mr. Li, it's an honor to meet you!" Huang Xiaochuan replied with a smile while shaking hands.

Li Zhaoji smiled warmly, displaying the wisdom and composure of an elder: "Mr. Huang, you are a promising young man. It is an honor to meet you today. You truly live up to your reputation. I have read your award-winning paper, and its insights are truly remarkable!"

Huang Xiaochuan humbly replied, "Mr. Li, you flatter me. These are just my humble opinions."

"This is Mr. Xu Jiajing (the second generation of the Xu family shipping magnate)," Huang Boyi continued to introduce the guests.

"Mr. Xu, it's a pleasure to meet you!" Huang Xiaochuan shook hands with him.

Xu Jiajin, with his refined and scholarly demeanor and old-fashioned gentlemanly manner, said: "Mr. Huang, my son's previous words were rude and offensive; I hope he will forgive me. Seeing him in person today, I understand what true magnanimity is. If you have some free time in the future, you are welcome to visit my 'Hong Kong Star' anytime."

"Mr. Xu, you flatter me. I will definitely take the opportunity to visit you!" Huang Xiaochuan replied calmly, giving him face but not making a clear promise.

A fragrant breeze wafted by, followed by a charming yet graceful laugh: "Oh dear! Mr. Huang, Mr. Li, Mr. Xu, you big shots have surrounded Mr. Huang so much that we weak women don't even have a chance to say hello!"

The person who arrived was none other than Xue Zhilun, a Hong Kong socialite who had previously tried to get to know Huang Xiaochuan through Cao Charlie. Tonight, she wore a champagne-colored floor-length dress, with exquisite makeup and radiant beauty. However, the look in her eyes when she looked at Huang Xiaochuan was completely devoid of the curiosity and frivolity she used to have. Instead, it was filled with awe and flattery!

Having been in social circles for so many years, she knew very well that this seemingly amiable man was not a kind person, as evidenced by the case of Luo Jihui.

Unfortunately, Huang Xiaochuan didn't recognize him and turned his gaze to Huang Boyi in confusion, hoping he would introduce him.

Huang Boyi quickly introduced, "This is Ms. Xue Zhilun, the rose of Hong Kong's social scene!"

Upon hearing this, Huang Xiaochuan nodded slightly and said at a polite distance, "Miss Xue, I've heard so much about you. Meeting you today, you are indeed truly remarkable."

Xue Zhilun said with a charming smile, "Mr. Huang, you flatter me. How could I dare to talk about elegance in front of you? I was presumptuous and ignorant before. Please don't take it to heart, Mr. Huang."

As she spoke, she picked up the champagne from the waiter's tray and respectfully raised her glass: "I'd like to offer you a toast as a token of my respect and apology!"

Huang Xiaochuan picked up a glass of water, lightly touched it to hers, and said calmly, "Miss Xue, you're too kind. There's no need to bring up the past!"

Huang Boyi promptly smoothed things over: "Alright, alright, Mr. Huang just arrived, let him relax first. Come, come, sit here and try some of my newly acquired top-grade Tieguanyin tea. I've heard it tastes quite good."

He led Huang Xiaochuan to a relatively quiet sofa area, and the others naturally sat down around it, forming a circle. Although other guests wanted to get to know and chat with Huang Xiaochuan, they wisely kept their distance when they saw this scene.

The conversation naturally revolved around the global economic situation, the market turmoil following 9/11, and the future development of Hong Kong.

Throughout the gathering, waiters continuously carried exquisite pastries and drinks. Huang Boyi, as the host, chatted wittily and skillfully, striving to create a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere. Meanwhile, Xue Zhilun and several other socialites formed a small, elegant circle not far away, centered around Huang Xiaochuan's group. Their gazes frequently drifted over, and they whispered amongst themselves, their faces filled with longing and admiration.

Huang Xiaochuan was at the center of this top-tier world of fame and fortune, enjoying a level of respect and attention that others could hardly attain. However, he did not like such occasions. Come to think of it, this was the first time he had entered such a circle in both his previous lives. He had no experience at all, so naturally he had no interest.

After a few hours of feigned politeness, Huang Xiaochuan made an excuse to leave. The group escorted him to his car, and then each said goodbye to Huang Boyi and departed.