Chapter 277: Breaking the Class Ceiling

Li Xin's matter with the Li family, though already settled, caused a considerable stir among Gangdao's upper class.

Those big magnates began to value Li Xin, this rising star, and all developed a strong interest in him.

At the most recent wealthy banquet, Li Xin unexpectedly received an invitation.

Peninsula Hotel.

Li Xin brought Huo Jianning here; this was his third visit.

The first time was negotiating with Shao Lao Liu, the second time settling accounts with the Ma family, and never before had he come to attend a banquet!

As he stepped into the banquet hall, countless pairs of eyes focused on him.

Those wealthy magnates who usually keep a low profile now all showed Li Xin friendly smiles.

Li Xin composure met their gazes; his confidence and poise made those magnates secretly nod.

"Well! Nothing else—Li Xin is just thick‑skinned, unafraid of being watched."

"The more people, the more excited he gets!"

At the banquet, he exchanged pleasantries with all kinds of magnates, also giving himself a appearance in Gangdao's Chinese business circle.

Li Xin was not fooled by the surface appearance; he clearly knew this was only a beginning, and he still had a long way to go.

Compared to these magnates, his foundation is too shallow, with no basis for comparison.

Now these people can chat and laugh with him, but if a conflict of interest arises, they might turn around and dig a pit for him.

"A Xin, you're here too?"

Li Xin turned, saw her, and immediately smiled, replying: "Yeah! I got the invitation today; I didn't know you, A Qiong, were coming, otherwise I would have gone to pick you up—let's come together."

"I've been swamped lately; we haven't seen each other in days—today's a coincidence."

The two found a corner, with Li Xin still holding two glasses of red wine.

After sitting down, he then handed He Qiong a glass.

Li Xin looked at the socializing crowd and asked: "What's the point of such a banquet? Isn't it just to get familiar faces?"

He Qiong smiled and explained: "A Xin, such banquets are still useful."

"Through gatherings, people can meet peers of the same level, expand their networks, and seek cooperation and investment opportunities."

"Such gatherings provide a platform for everyone to exchange resources—including funds, information, technology—so as to pursue greater business cooperation opportunities."

"Some gatherings also offer varied entertainment items, like parties and activities, to help the wealthy relieve stress and enjoy life."

"For example, yacht clubs—many tycoons can't get enough of them, with many playthings you won't find elsewhere."

"There are also charity banquets, auctions, and other social events that can enhance the wealthy's social image."

"And through these activities, they give back to society, so ordinary people can get some benefits—it's not possible for them to take everything."

"There are also professional‑field social activities that let these tycoons share experiences with peers, exchange industry knowledge, and promote career development."

"Well, put simply, it's about industry pricing power, decided at their gatherings—these are the big shots of each industry."

Li Xin listened attentively; he's the type who never pretends to understand what he doesn't.

Perhaps before his status wasn't high, he'd never encountered these; he hadn't expected a banquet to involve so much nuance.

He used to think these gatherings were just occasions for showing off and saving face.

People meet, exchange a few compliments, then afterwards stab each other in the back.

Seeing him listen seriously, He Qiong continued: "Not only that—your ability to attend this gathering proves you've stepped into the threshold of Gangdao's upper class."

"Otherwise, you couldn't get an invitation at all; being able to come shows they've acknowledged your strength."

Li Xin laughed and cursed: "Damn! I've fought tooth and nail—do I still need their approval? If they don't approve, I can't get in, right?"

He Qiong laughed too, shrugged, and said: "No way—these people control a large part of Gangdao's industry; without their acknowledgment, you'll really find it hard to get ahead."

"As a simple example, they control many industry pricing rights; they can make a certain industry's stock spike instantly, or cause it to plummet."

"As long as you do business in Gangdao, you can't avoid dealing with them."

Li Xin asked, puzzled: "A Qiong, since they're top figures in every industry, why would they send me an invitation?"

"It's not self‑mockery; I'm far behind them—we're not on the same level."

He Qiong gave him a sideways glance, annoyed, and said: "A Xin, you haven't recognized yourself— in the media field, you already have the qualifications to enter."

"Also, intermediary companies—this line of business is now a niche; many real‑estate firms want to work with you."

"As long as you have value, they'll find a way to bring you in regardless of what you do—that's banding together for warmth."

He Qiong raised her hand, pointing at the crowd in the hall, and asked: "Noticed anything?"

Li Xin looked carefully and indeed found something: there wasn't a single foreigner here.

He smiled and replied: "This is a Chinese merchants' gathering; you're right—it really is banding together for warmth, and I don't reject that."

"If we could pull off a job on a foreigner, that would be even better!"

He Qiong looked at Li Xin and gave him an annoyed stare.

She also has foreigner blood!

A Xin's attitude toward foreigners has always been unfriendly, which is quite dangerous in Gangdao.

After all, in Gangdao nowadays, foreigners still call the shots; under their roof, one has to bow one's head.

Such an attitude of A Xin's could bring him trouble.

She wants to have a good talk with A Xin; in this special period, we need to stay low‑key, best to be an invisible person.

Now the two‑country negotiations already show signs of breaking down; we can't afford to stir up unnecessary trouble at this time.

He Qiong was about to speak when a voice cut her off.

"Mr. Li, Miss He, sorry to disturb."

He Qiong recognized the man—Qiu Degeng, Chairman of the Board of Far East Group.

She quickly rose to greet: "Mr. Qiu, hello—nothing much, please have a seat."

Li Xin stood up and shook his hand, smiling as he said, "Mr. Qiu, we are business partners, and today is still our first meeting."

After the pleasantries, once seated, Qiu Deteng finally said:

"Mr. Li, I don't know if you have any intention of selling your ATV shares? I can buy them at a high price."

He Qiong, hearing they were about to discuss business, quickly rose to take his leave.

"Mr. Qiu, A Xin, you two chat; I'm going to wander around."

Li Xin nodded and said, "Okay, go ahead; we'll leave together later. We've said many times we'd eat together—let's do it today."

"Okay, come find me when you're done talking."

After He Qiong left, Li Xin looked at Qiu Deteng and said, "Mr. Qiu, I cannot possibly sell my ATV shares; I don't know if you, Mr. Qiu, have any intention to sell? I can take them over."

Old Qiu wanted his shares, and he also wanted Old Qiu's shares.

They are mutually pursuing each other; it just depends on who can succeed.

(Everyone got confused, I posted it wrong; after twelve o'clock, there are still three chapters.)