Chapter Fifteen: Huayu Futures

Two days later, Li Fengyu and Li Sen were savoring tea. Li Fengyu, intoxicated by the fragrance, remarked, “This must be the finest Bi Luo Chun. The tea leaves, like green spirals, whirl swiftly as they sink into the water. The buds unfurl, their fine hairs gently stretching. Each leaf is tender and bright green, exuding an exceptionally graceful charm. In the white porcelain cup, the broth is clear and emerald-hued, releasing a fresh, delicate aroma. A gentle sip invigorates the palate. Even after swallowing, a lingering sweetness remains, leaving one with endless aftertaste.”

As Li Sen and Li Fengyu enjoyed their tea, Lin Chu hurried over, clutching a set of documents. “Fengyun, I’ve found it—it’s the president of Huayu Futures,” he said urgently.

Li Fengyu, handing him the freshly brewed Bi Luo Chun, replied calmly, “Take your time, don’t rush.”

Lin Chu passed over the documents, took a gulp of tea, and Li Fengyu teased, “Is it really that urgent? You look exhausted. Drink slowly.”

Lin Chu sank into the sofa, catching his breath. Li Fengyu opened the papers, and Li Sen leaned in to see. As Li Fengyu examined the information, Lin Chu relaxed and explained, “It’s the president of Huayu Securities. Remember when we were swapping positions with iron ore before? I didn’t expect the news to leak so quickly. I got this from a friend who works as a trader at Huayu Securities. I had to pay a hefty price to pry the information from him. (Since he’s a friend, why charge so much? But if he were truly loyal to the company, he wouldn’t have leaked secrets. It just proves that businessmen are businessmen—friendship and loyalty are laughable notions.)”

Listening intently, Li Fengyu seemed lost in thought. Lin Chu noticed and called out, “Fengyu, Fengyu, are you alright?”

Snapping back to attention, Li Fengyu set the documents down. “I’m thinking about how to solve this problem. But tell me, what kind of person is this president of Huayu Securities?”

After a moment’s thought, Lin Chu answered, “The president of Huayu Futures? I don’t know them personally, but my friend said she’s a returnee beauty, about your age. Her name is Gu Yumin. Her grandfather was a formidable figure in Hong Kong back in the day, with connections in Taiwan and the United States. Later, her father capitalized on the reforms and opening up, investing in Shanghai. Now it’s a powerful enterprise. Gu Yumin studied at Oxford University in England. Since returning, her efficient and decisive style has propelled Huayu Futures to great success.”

Li Fengyu’s mind raced rapidly, a sly smile spreading across his face. Indeed, not only was he adept at dealing with men, but he was also skilled in handling women. A meticulous plan began to take shape in his thoughts. Suddenly standing, he declared, “Looks like we need to make a trip to Shanghai to meet this President Gu.”

Lin Chu put down his teacup and responded, “I have to manage the company’s daily affairs; I don’t have time. You two go. Besides, Fengyu is more eloquent. With the company’s second-in-command and the president’s secretary going, it will be enough to show respect.”

Li Fengyu and Li Sen nodded without objection. As they prepared to leave, Lin Chu suddenly called out, “Hey, bring Xiao Chen along.”

Puzzled, Li Fengyu and Li Sen looked at him. Lin Chu explained, “He’s Xiao Chen from the marketing department. He’s quite articulate and very proactive.”

Hearing this, Li Fengyu recalled. Xiao Chen was a junior staff member recruited by the HR department before he and Li Sen arrived. Thanks to his excellent communication skills and enthusiasm, a few days ago, when Li Fengyu was feeling down, Xiao Chen had passed by and thoughtfully brought him a cup of coffee with an extra sugar cube. Li Fengyu had been pleasantly surprised and asked, “How did you know I don’t like bitter coffee?” Xiao Chen replied, “Because you usually enjoy sweet snacks and often drink Nestlé coffee, which is sweeter. So I guessed you prefer something sweet.”

Li Fengyu thought for a moment and said, “This kid is quite resourceful and clever. Let’s take him. I’ve even forgotten what he looks like—it was so long ago. The marketing department is far away, and since he’s often out on business, I hardly see him.”

Li Sen then asked, “I’ve never met Xiao Chen. You say he’s clever, but he’s just a junior staff member. Why pick him?”

Lin Chu smiled slightly. “After you meet him daily, you’ll understand why I chose him.”

The next day, when Li Sen arrived at the entrance of the Xinmin Futures building, dragging his luggage, he noticed a man who stirred an unexpected flutter in his heart. The man wore a black suit, exuding a cold and sharp aura. His chiseled features were nearly perfect, with a typical Korean-style fringe. Standing at about 1.85 meters, his thin lips were pressed into a stern line, while his deep, dark eyes gleamed like those of a leopard, sharp and penetrating.