Chapter 44
The two of them arrived at the presidential suite on the top floor of the hotel. They walked across the thick handmade carpet and approached the study in the suite. Xiao Yi noticed that Fu Yu seemed a bit serious and playfully pinched his cheek to ease his tension. Then, he knocked on the study’s door.
“Come in,” a voice from inside commanded with authority.
The door opened, and Fu Yu walked into the room with steady steps. He respectfully bowed to the elderly man behind the desk. “Hello, Chairman Xiao.”
The person before him was a leading figure in the domestic business world, the chairman of the Xiao Group, and also Xiao Yi’s grandfather, Xiao Yonghong. Despite being nearly seventy years old, he appeared vigorous, with sharp and perceptive eyes. The gray hair did not make him look old but rather added a touch of wisdom gained from years in the business world.
“Hello,” Chairman Xiao’s voice did not reveal any emotions, but when Fu Yu met his gaze, he felt the imposing aura and intense pressure. Nevertheless, Fu Yu met the gaze calmly without any attempt to evade or hide.
Xiao Yonghong stared at him for a moment and then let out a faint snort. He turned to Xiao Yi, who was standing by his side. “You’ve got a good eye, young man.”
Xiao Yi breathed a sigh of relief, smiled, and replied, “Of course.”
“Don’t get too proud,” Xiao Yonghong continued, “I have something to discuss with him. You can leave for now.”
Xiao Yi looked worriedly at Fu Yu, who gestured that it was alright. Xiao Yi reluctantly left the room.
Once the door closed, the room fell into silence. Both the old man and the young man were not talkative types. Xiao Yonghong squinted his eyes as he observed Fu Yu. After a while, he began a conversation that veered in an unexpected direction. “I named Xiao Yi, do you know why I gave him that name?”
“I’d like to hear the details,” Fu Yu replied humbly.
“Our family names for boys usually contain the character ‘永’ (Yong), such as his father, Yong Bo, and his elder brother, Yong Qing. These names were given with certain expectations for their future. However, when Xiao Yi was born, I was already old and had grown indifferent to many things. I believed that children should have their own lives and not inherit the expectations of their parents and elders. So, I gave him the name ‘逸’ (Yi), hoping he would lead a carefree and unrestrained life and do what he wanted.”
Fu Yu listened attentively, without interrupting. Xiao Yonghong continued, “Perhaps because I’ve always indulged this child, it led to some wilfulness during his youth. Your presence changed him. I was pleased that he had a friend like you, until one day, he shut himself off completely, as if he had lost his soul. When I sent someone to investigate the reason, I discovered that his feelings for you were not merely that of friends.”
“While his father and I were surprised and struggled to accept it, my grandson was so heartbroken at the time that we couldn’t bear to add to his pain. We thought that since you would no longer be in contact, time would heal his wounds.”
“But who knew that you not only continued to meet but also came together. It seems I’ve been too indulgent with him.” Xiao Yonghong’s gaze held meaning as he looked at Fu Yu, revealing the purpose of this conversation. “I want you to leave him. Can you do that?”
“No, I can’t,” Fu Yu replied without hesitation.
“Well, you’re quite bold. What if I say that if you don’t leave him, I’ll destroy your company? You should know that it would be effortless for me.”
“I know, but the influence of Xiao Group overseas is not as strong as it is domestically. I can start fresh abroad with him, and he can still lead the life of a young master. ”
Xiao Yonghong chuckled at Fu Yu’s response. “If you were a girl, I would have allowed Xiao Yi to marry you into the family. Unfortunately, you’re a man, so I’ll have to grudgingly accept another grandson.”
Fu Yu understood what he meant and respectfully bowed again. “Thank you for your understanding.”
Xiao Yonghong patted his shoulder and said, “Alright, let’s go. That kid has been waiting impatiently.”
The two of them left the study, and Xiao Yi, who had been anxiously waiting outside, quickly approached. Seeing the harmonious atmosphere between them, he felt a heavy burden lifted from his heart. Now that he had his grandfather’s approval, he knew his parents wouldn’t pose any problems.
Fu Yu and Xiao Yi followed Xiao Yonghong downstairs and entered the banquet hall, where they would deliver a speech for the evening’s event. Although this was a small matter that could have been handled by the hotel manager, Xiao Yonghong had come for a different purpose—to catch a glimpse of his grandson’s love interest. After the speech, he left promptly.
However, under the dazzling spotlight of the banquet hall, all the guests noticed the unusual relationship between Xiao Yi and the unfamiliar young man standing beside him. Those who were attentive could sense the extraordinary connection between the two and the significance of Chairman Xiao’s attention towards the young man. Overnight, Fu Yu, who had always kept a low profile, became a subject of discussion and speculation among the high-ranking figures in the business world, although he remained oblivious to it all.
