Chapter 280: Dinner (6)
Xia Siyu is a star, and many people call her by name.
But this one, his voice incredibly familiar, she turned to look. And for good reason, it was her dear older half-brother from the same father, Xia Ju’an.
Xia Ju’an and Xia Sicai are fraternal twins, both 29 years old this year. Xia Ju’an was born five minutes earlier and is the older brother, while Xia Sicai is the younger sister.
However, although they are twins, they don’t look very alike. Strictly speaking, Xia Ju’an resembles their father, Xia Youbiao, more, while Xia Sicai takes after their mother more.
Who also happens to be Xia Youbiao’s ex-wife.
The marriage between Xia Youbiao and his ex-wife was an appropriate match of social status, but it also meant there was little affection. They were incompatible and divorced within two years, leaving their two children to the Xia Family. Afterward, Xia Youbiao met her mother, Wen Qunxiao, which then led to her birth.
If it were a simple transition from predecessor to successor without a third party climbing ranks or any wealthy individuals keeping mistresses – a typically dramatic narrative – then it could be considered relatively smooth.
But life is never so unchangingly perfect.
If it were, she wouldn’t have ended up following her mother to travel across the ocean, only returning to China during her high school years.
Upon seeing Xia Ju’an, Xia Siyu only had one thought: What’s a lumber merchant like you doing at a luxury gala?
She was not wrong; the Xia Family business originated from construction materials, and with the domestic construction boom in recent years, the family’s fortunes soared alongside, eventually branching into furniture design.
But no matter what business you’re in, you’re still a lumber merchant. Could it be luxury brands are now venturing into the furniture business? She had heard that some luxury brands had started selling toilets not long ago; was this an indication they were moving into home decor as well?
Xia Ju’an indeed had come to discuss business. Luxury brands have been innovating over the past years, considering entering the high-end furniture market. The Xia Family had a good market share in high-quality furniture and was looking to expand their brand’s influence, which is why they were considering a co-branded line with this luxury label. Even if the co-branding didn’t happen, being the supplier for this luxury brand’s furniture could still attract countless people’s attention.
Xia Siyu paid no mind to her brother’s words but was instead asked by a CEO nearby in Italian, “What’s going on? Do you know that gentleman?”
Xia Siyu said nonchalantly, “Of course, I do. There aren’t many in China who don’t know me.”
Hearing this, the CEO simply smiled and continued to eat his dinner.
When attending a gala, no one is really there to eat; they’re there for the networking that comes afterward. Everyone except for Xia Siyu.
Xia Youbiao sat beside her, waiting. Once the meal began, Xia Siyu started with the appetizers and then progressed to the salad, the soups, the two main courses, the dessert, and finally some fruit. Since they were out, she didn’t dare to drink much alcohol, merely sipping it twice during the main course.
Fortunately, there wasn’t a custom to urge people to drink in foreign countries. She conversed effortlessly with the foreign executives sitting around her. Other artists seeing this might get envious and say: Look, she’s really good at brown-nosing, smiling so brightly. What, are the wealthy Chinese not enough for you anymore; now you’re going after foreigners?
These murmurings were also somewhat heard by Xia Ju’an. He frowned slightly, took a sip of his drink, his face full of displeasure.
After everyone finished eating and the CEO left, Xia Siyu went to the restroom. He finally took the chance to approach her.