Chapter 157: Life-and-death friends

After arriving here, Zhao Dequan let out a slight sigh: "I just got some insider news, heard that the two General Managers Ma are going to Cherry Blossom Country, and will do their utmost at this auction to bring our country's treasures back."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up instantly.

"If those two big shots take action, our chances of success will increase several dozen times."

Those several treasures mentioned earlier are all very famous; so many foreign big shots want them, so the competition is fierce—one can imagine.

These people are all willing but lack the ability.

But if those two financially strong General Managers Ma take action, the outcome is hard to predict.

However, how big this hope really is, nobody can say.

Those present may look wealthy day-to-day, but compared internationally, a few of them don't even rank by name—what qualification do they have to compete with those international big shots?

At this moment, Yi Qi suddenly looked toward Xiao Ming, smiling gently and asked, "I don't know what Mr. Xiao thinks of this matter."

As soon as Yi Qi spoke, everyone present was first startled, then the next second they all turned their gazes to Xiao Ming.

Exactly, they overlooked that there's a super big shot sitting here; if Xiao Ming takes action, our chances would increase by hundreds or even thousands of times.

Yi Qi asking Xiao Ming his opinion, bluntly, was just asking whether he would participate in this auction; her question voiced everyone's thoughts, and those present held their breath, waiting for Xiao Ming's answer.

"Since they are the motherland's treasures, who in Wuxingguo wouldn't want to bring their own country's treasures back home?" Xiao Ming replied calmly.

Although he didn't explicitly say he would participate, he also didn't deny it; Xiao Ming's not denying is hardly different from directly agreeing!

Xiao Ming's words were undoubtedly a reassurance pill for everyone!

Everyone also had the sense not to dwell on this issue further!

Afterward, everyone began sharing their recent work matters; Zhao Dequan told everyone he planned to sell all the foreign trade jade and wanted to hear everyone's opinions!

Others' opinions were fairly neutral, only Xiao Ming spoke directly: "General Manager Zhao, you're straightforward; if it can't be developed well, it's also good to act early!"

"Yeah, I think the same! Mr. Xiao, tell us how you've been lately." Zhao Dequan steered the topic to Xiao Ming: "Mr. Xiao, when it came out that you were the biggest shareholder of the aviation technology company, it truly shocked us all."

"And tell us, how did you achieve that?" Zhao Dequan asked curiously!

AT Aviation Technology Company is a world-renowned big firm; although the company isn't under Xiao Ming's name, he is its largest shareholder, so his status and position are hardly different from owning the company!

His shareholding exceeds even the boss's, making him the top figure in the business world!

Xiao Ming didn't put on airs, speaking straight to the point: "Well, this could be called fate."

"More than ten years ago, I attended a gathering and met Louis; afterward, our relationship grew closer and closer! At the very start of this company, I also just put in a little money and took part!"

"Later, as the company developed, the money I invested grew more and more, and my shareholding gradually became substantial!"

In our circle, we all know that to stand firm in business, besides having a head for commerce, some ventures also need money as capital and support; aviation technology, I also don't understand!

Xiao Ming's words stopped there; he didn't continue further!

There was no need to go on; saying more would only make it seem like he was deliberately showing off his wealth!

In fact, he didn't say it outright, but everyone already understood the meaning!

He doesn't understand aerospace technology, but he has money!

In this circle, having money enables you to accomplish many things!

How great the power of money is, they know it better than anyone!

The connection between Xiao Ming and Louis, Xiao Ming didn't fully explain; actually, his reason for investing in Louis and becoming the largest shareholder of AT Aviation Technology Company was that when he met Louis, Louis was at his most miserable.

At that gathering, Louis happened to be mocked, and it was Xiao Ming who saved the situation, leading to the later friendship between the two.

In their later interactions, Xiao Ming learned that Louis's company had suffered a major blow from a disaster, causing his capital chain to break.

In the marketplace, which is inherently ruthless, when Louis's company faced severe difficulty, many opportunists jumped out at that moment, kicking him while he was down, hoping to carve up his company.

Upon learning of Louis's situation, Xiao Ming, without hesitation, gave him 200 million, helping Louis overcome the crisis.

Xiao Ming's helping hand instantly deepened the affection between the two.

Therefore, to Louis, Xiao Ming is a life-and-death friend, and even more, a great benefactor who rescued him from distress.

"Really? You and Louis are originally from different countries, with such a big cultural difference, yet you two could become friends—this fate is truly not shallow!"

Xiao Ming's eye for people has always been sharp; this point is known clearly by those who are acquainted with him.

"Mr. Xiao, you are truly admirable; come, this glass, I toast you." Yi Qi suddenly raised her glass toward Xiao Ming and said.

Xiao Ming blinked slightly; he hadn't yet spoken or reacted when he felt a pair of hands under the table, slowly moving across his body.

Xiao Ming turned to look at Yi Qi; seeing her smile at him faintly, he felt a warmth surge within him.

Fortunately, his son Xiao Yunzhe was seated a short distance away, at that moment earnestly listening to several big shots talk, and hadn't noticed Xiao Ming and Yi Qi's interaction.

Xiao Ming smiled faintly and raised his glass: "Miss Yi Qi, you're joking; I'm just an ordinary person in the secular world."

Afterward, the two clinked glasses.

During this, Yi Qi's hand movements never stopped.

Xiao Ming's remark left everyone startled; although they didn't quite understand, no one pursued it further.

Yi Qi smiled and replied to Xiao Ming: "Really? From now on, we'll still need to ask Mr. Xiao for more guidance."

"Wherever Xiao's strength is needed, Xiao certainly won't shirk." Xiao Ming said, his hand also covering a certain part of Yi Qi's body, and he clearly felt her body stiffen slightly.

Xiao Ming, acting as if nothing had happened, drank his wine and then set the cup down.

His hand also retracted.

Don't look at the young lady as if she's formidable and taking the initiative to flirt, but Xiao Ming—she herself is not at all experienced in flirtation; he merely brushed her lightly, and the young lady's face flushed completely.

Xiao Ming pretended not to have seen it, and resumed chatting casually with Zhao Dequan and the others.

Yi Qi beside him, after being teased like that, also settled down.

……

After two hours, this gathering drew to a close; Xiao Yunzhe, halfway through the event, was called away by a phone call from Geng Jing Shu.