C9 Pick a Gift

Within each generation of the Xia family, three disciples are chosen to undergo a rigorous assessment to determine the next successor. In Xia Ming's generation, aside from himself, there were two other disciples in contention. One was Xia Yu, the son of the third uncle, who was utterly disinterested in the examination, preferring to shirk his responsibilities. The other was Xia Hong, the son of the second uncle, a highly capable individual who had founded several companies worth over ten billion during the assessment period.

The most likely candidates for succession within the Xia family were naturally Xia Ming and Xia Hong. However, Xia Hong's capability was overshadowed by his arrogance. Once, when a subordinate accidentally spilled water on him while pouring tea, Xia Hong had the man's hands severed in retribution!

Meanwhile, the staff at the Guard Station awaited Xia Ming's decision. Was he cut from the same cloth as Xia Hong? If so, he would be a difficult man to serve.

Xia Ming observed Leng Ningchu's awkwardness and deliberately asked with a stern expression, "What did you do wrong?"

The mood in the conference hall instantly grew tense, prompting Elder Pang to furrow his brow in concern. What had transpired between the young master and Section Chief Leng?

"I..." Leng Ningchu was visibly upset. It wasn't her fault for accidentally entering the men's restroom; she had done it to meet the esteemed young master.

Just as Leng Ningchu was about to resign herself to her fate, Xia Ming's demeanor softened, and he smiled, gesturing dismissively, "Alright, Section Chief Leng, I was only joking with you! Ignorance is no crime... However, as a form of punishment, you'll be tasked with driving me home later!"

The executives in the conference hall were left speechless by Xia Ming's declaration. Was this really a punishment? It seemed too lenient to be true. Driving the young master of the most powerful family on Earth home was an opportunity many would covet!

Leng Ningchu was equally taken aback. Was this truly her punishment? To drive the young master home? As she caught Xia Ming's mischievous gaze and reflected on her own appearance, the implications dawned on her.

Men really are all cut from the same cloth!

So, this was the young master's plan all along?

Oh well!

She had been groomed from a young age to serve the Xia family. If the young master had set his sights on her, where could she possibly run?

"Aren't you going to thank the young master?" Elder Pang, observing Leng Ningchu's shifting expressions, quickly interjected to prompt her.

The heavyweights in the conference hall were titans in their own right. Sensing the subtle atmosphere, they realized there was something brewing between the young master and Section Chief Leng.

Alas!

Had Section Chief Leng secured herself a powerful ally?

It looked like it was time to cozy up to Section Chief Leng! Who knows, she might end up being the lady of the house!

"Subordinate Ningchu thanks the Young Master!" Leng Ningchu managed a bow towards Xia Ming and found a seat to sit down.

Xia Ming cleared his throat and addressed the crowd with a slight smile, "Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Xia Ming, the third-generation heir of the Xia family. Additionally, I have another role as the son-in-law to the Lin's family of River City. Although the family's prohibition has been lifted, I am not yet ready to reveal my identity.

"So, if we happen to encounter each other in the future, please act as if we are strangers. Is that clear?"

"Understood!" Xia Ming's directive brought a collective sigh of relief from the bosses below.

This young master seemed approachable after all! He was amiable and reasonable!

With that in mind, everyone had a clearer picture of their future choices!

After Xia Ming concluded, Elder Pang signaled to his men. Two bodyguards presented a large box to Xia Ming, "Young Master, these individuals were rushed today and didn't bring any gifts. This is all they have. What do you think?"

Inside the box were over a dozen gifts: bracelets, rings, pendants... The bosses in the hall exchanged odd glances at Xia Ming.

The young master asking for gifts at their first meeting had left many of the bosses feeling somewhat uneasy!

Over the last decade, Xia Ming might not have advanced much in other areas, but his skill in reading people had certainly improved. Noticing the bosses' reactions, Xia Ming quickly realized they had misinterpreted his intentions.

Please don't get the wrong idea, folks. I asked you to bring two gifts, not for myself, but because my grandmother's birthday is coming up and I didn't have time to pick out anything special. I'm borrowing these gifts to give to her," Xia Ming explained as he sifted through the box, offering a casual explanation to the gathered crowd.

The influential figures in the room nodded to themselves upon hearing Xia Ming's explanation, a wave of realization washing over them.

"Who brought these earrings?" Xia Ming inquired, selecting a stunning pair of blood-red earrings from the assortment of gifts. They were similar to a pair he had seen in a jade shop earlier that day and they perfectly matched what he had in mind.

"It was me, Young Master," Liu Tianxiong quickly stood up from his seat, responding with reverence.

Liu Tianxiong was the one who had come to Xia Ming's rescue at the KTV earlier that day.

Xia Ming was quite impressed with Liu Tianxiong. "Ah, Liu Tianxiong from the God Eagle Security Group! How much are these earrings?"

Liu Tianxiong, standing by his seat, was momentarily uncertain of Xia Ming's intentions and hesitated before responding, "Eight million? Young Master, isn't that a bit too inexpensive? Shall I have someone prepare a more costly pair right away?"

Xia Ming gestured dismissively, "No need to worry. I don't take gifts for free. Elder Pang, I entrust you with managing my account. Please transfer eight million from my account to CEO Liu as a personal purchase."

The room fell silent as everyone processed the scene before them.

So, the young master wasn't just taking gifts for himself, he was also insisting on paying for them?

This young master truly stood apart from the other heirs of the Xia family!

...

After addressing the crowd and declining Elder Pang's offer to accompany them, Xia Ming and Leng Ningchu took the elevator down to the first floor together.

"Young Master... I..." In the solitude of the elevator, Leng Ningchu felt somewhat restless.

Xia Ming gave Leng Ningchu a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Sister Leng. There's no need to call me Young Master. Just Xia Ming will do. Isn't it nicer for us to address each other as siblings? I only asked you to escort me to ease any discomfort you might be feeling. Don't overthink it!"

Is that so?

Surprise flickered in Leng Ningchu's eyes. Was she overthinking things? Did her figure hold no allure for the young master?

A tinge of disappointment crept into Leng Ningchu's heart.

"Oh, alright, Young Master Xia!" Leng Ningchu hesitated, "But allow me to take you home. After all, I was at fault earlier in the restroom. It's only right that I make it up to you!" Once she shed her formal persona, Leng Ningchu became much more relaxed, reclaiming her enchanting demeanor.

As they emerged from the elevator into the lobby, General Manager Wang Ke, along with Qi Jun and Qin Yao, turned their gazes toward them. "Brother Wang, Xia Ming has come out, and he's got a beautiful lady with him!"

Wang Ke's expression darkened. "Hmph, if he tries to play the big shot, I'll make sure he regrets it!" He paused, then directed a few waiters, "All of you, be prepared!"