Xia Qingyu's worries were not unfounded.
While she was lost in her own negative emotions, Xia Honglang also suffered a series of blows while entertaining Xiang Xueyuan.
It was supposed to be a simple chat, but Xia Honglang despairingly discovered that all the projects targeted by Xiang Xueyuan's research institute overlapped with the Xia Corporation's projects after its transformation. Moreover, they far surpassed the Xia Corporation in terms of asset share, future prospects, and technical means.
Did this mean that when Xiang Xueyuan officially held his press conference next week, it would be the time for the Xia Corporation's stock to plummet and its market share to be completely squeezed out?
Thinking of this, Xia Honglang felt a chill run down his spine, and his head began to swim.
However, due to Xiang Xueyuan's presence, Xia Honglang endured and tried his best to remain calm. Yet, his subtle expressions and gaze betrayed him.
Xiang Xueyuan's smile widened, as if a high-ranking predator was leisurely toying with its dying prey. His eyes were arrogant, and his tone was casual and languid, "We've been talking for so long, I haven't even asked President Xia, what are your company's current main projects?"
Xiang Xueyuan's words made Xia Honglang's expression stiffen. He coughed lightly and then, with a smile, shifted the topic, "Just some regular projects. By the way, I heard Professor Xiang wanted to discuss cooperation with the Xia Corporation. What kind of cooperation is it?"
"It's like this," Xiang Xueyuan said with a light smile. "Although the technology I possess is leading, it has always been abroad, so I am not very familiar with the domestic market. Professional matters should be handled by professionals. If possible, I hope to cooperate with President Xia."
Hearing Xiang Xueyuan's words, Xia Honglang's eyes lit up, "Professor Xiang means..."
"Just as President Xia understands," Xiang Xueyuan's smile remained unchanged. "Peace brings wealth."
"But... why choose the Xia Corporation?" Xia Honglang looked at Xiang Xueyuan, somewhat puzzled why such a good opportunity would be offered to him.
"This is also to thank President Xia for taking care of and cherishing Qingyu," Xiang Xueyuan replied.
Upon hearing Xiang Xueyuan mention Xia Qingyu, Xia Honglang's expression froze. He then recalled his earlier blunder and said apologetically, "I'm truly sorry about what happened before. I didn't know at the time..."
"It's alright," Xiang Xueyuan didn't want to dwell on the past either, only giving a vague chuckle and saying, "Although I might be a bit older than you, I've been paying attention to youth culture all these years."
"Oh? Is that so!" Xia Honglang became interested when this topic came up. "I've also been paying attention to youth culture. Qingyu has taught me a lot of trendy words and phrases, and she's even sent me many emojis. Last time Qingyu even said..."
As Xia Honglang rambled on, the elegant smile Xiang Xueyuan had maintained since his arrival began to falter.
What did this mean?
What was Xia Honglang showing off about?
Was he flaunting how close he was to Xia Qingyu?
Didn't he remember! He, Xiang Xueyuan, was Xia Qingyu's biological father!
This Xia Honglang was merely a substitute chosen by his wife and daughter after he left.
As long as he wished, he could easily reclaim everything that belonged to him.
"Heh, since that's the case, I hope President Xia will attend the press conference next week. We can discuss and finalize this matter then," Xiang Xueyuan said with a chuckle. "I'll be heading back now."
"Alright." Xia Honglang, understanding that Xiang Xueyuan had just arrived in country Z and had many things to do before next week, did not insist on him staying. He personally escorted him out of the Xia Corporation and then returned to his office with a smile.
He had been worried about the future development of the Xia Corporation. If he could finalize matters with Xiang Xueyuan, it would be like finding a silver lining.
However...
Thinking of Xiang Xueyuan's other identity, Xia Honglang still felt some hesitation. He decided to first ask for Liu Ru's thoughts upon returning.
He hoped Liu Ru wouldn't mind.
Meanwhile, after leaving the Xia Corporation, Xiang Xueyuan went straight to his car and arrived at the research institute.
The research institute was already quite substantial, showing no signs of not having officially commenced operations. Personnel moved about frequently, appearing busy.
Upon arriving at the institute, Xiang Xueyuan went directly to the top-floor office. As soon as he opened the door, he saw a doll-like beauty reclining on the sofa. Her clear, transparent sapphire eyes and the inflated pink bubble gum made her complexion appear even fairer.
Upon seeing Xiang Xueyuan, her eyes lit up, revealing a bright, flower-like smile, "Father."
"Honestly, Xifu, you're all grown up, yet you're still like a child, with no manners," Xiang Xueyuan said with a light, gentle tone.
"Hehe." Xifu then shifted her position on the sofa, tidied her hem, and sat up obediently, asking, "Where did you go, Father?"
"I went to the Xia Corporation," Xiang Xueyuan said, taking his seat behind the large solid wood desk.
"The Xia Corporation?" Hearing this, Xifu frowned slightly, her eyes filled with confusion. "Father, haven't all the directors of the Xia Corporation surrendered? If you want the Xia Corporation to go bankrupt, it's just a matter of a flick of your finger. Why did you have to go in person?"
"Heh heh, since we're playing a game, we should naturally have fun," Xiang Xueyuan chuckled. "What's the satisfaction in letting him die directly, compared to letting him fall into complete despair at the moment of hope?"
He deliberately opened this research institute and intentionally disclosed its operational direction to Xia Honglang, all to let Xia Honglang know the gap between them.
Back then, he could conquer his wife with his personal charm. Now, he could prove that Xia Honglang was nothing special.
Just giving him a little taste of sweetness was enough to make him beam with joy.
"Then what did you say? What are you going to do?" Xifu asked curiously.
"I told him I would hand over the operating and trading rights of the research institute to him," Xiang Xueyuan said. "The market share represented by this part, its profits, would make anyone's heart flutter."
"Why!" Xifu's eyes widened. How could such an important thing be handed over to Xia Honglang, Xia Qingyu's father!
Wasn't this like giving money away for free?
What about the revenge his father had promised?
"Heh heh, the free ones are the most expensive," Xiang Xueyuan's lips curved slightly. This was merely the first step he was taking.
Xifu still had many questions, but before she could ask them, she heard a knock on the door and a report, "Professor Xiang, Mr. Song is here to see you. Shall I let him in?"
"Song Junhan?" Xiang Xueyuan remembered this young man. "Old Su said this young man is very good. Let him come up."
"Yes."