When Du Shengrong announced that Du Zhaohui had won the competition and would receive 5% of Shengrong Group’s shares, the atmosphere at the Spring Banquet reached its peak!

What an obvious signal this was!

Du Shengrong, autocratic, had always held the group’s shares tightly in his grasp. While other Hong Kong tycoons would share company shares with their family members to varying degrees, Du Shengrong wasn’t stingy with money—he simply refused to let power disperse!

If he hadn’t been over sixty this year and forced to consider succession, he would have continued being an autocratic ruler, not even willing to part with 5% of the shares.

With so many children and several legitimate concubines, without selecting a leader, neither the group internally nor outsiders could understand whom Du Shengrong truly intended as his successor… Now things had changed. An autocratic ruler willing to distribute 5% of shares had made the Du family’s inheritance situation clear—it seemed the eldest young master had become the frontrunner.

“Congratulations, Young Master Du.”

“Congratulations to Mr. Du as well, having found a worthy successor!”

“Mr. Du, what position will Young Master Du hold in the group?”

“Young Master, I’m from Cikun Real Estate…”

“Mr. Du, would you and Young Master grant us an interview?”

Well-wishers and those seeking connections streamed endlessly toward Du Zhaohui, their ulterior motives practically written on their faces. These people surrounded Du Zhaohui, who was basking in unlimited glory!

Previously, Du Zhaohui had often been surrounded like this.

When he dated certain starlets, Hong Kong paparazzi would inevitably chase and corner him.

But today was completely different.

Although there were reporters in the crowd, they weren’t paparazzi from tabloids and gossip magazines, but legitimate journalists who had entered through proper channels. They weren’t interested in gossip but cared about power shifts within Shengrong Group, its development plans, and Shengrong Plaza—in other words, Du Zhaohui had completed his transformation.

After today, in the hearts of Hong Kong people, he would no longer be the playboy who dated starlets, but rather Du Shengrong’s chosen heir—a positive example of a prodigal son’s return.

Previously, people watched him for entertainment, speculating about which starlet he had slept with.

From now on, people would look at him not with gossip in mind, but with respect, wondering what other big moves this reformed prodigal son would make when he truly took over, and what his management style would be… All these factors would influence Shengrong Group’s future direction.

The group’s educated middle and senior management were utterly shocked.

It was hard to accept that the eldest young master had won.

What about the second young master?

Everyone knew what kind of person the eldest young master was—how could he possibly create a project like ‘Shengrong Plaza’?

How could an uneducated playboy suddenly become so capable just by claiming to have reformed?

This defied common sense.

Moreover, the eldest young master had always been close to those veterans who, despite being kicked out of management, still liked to meddle based on their seniority. Would his rise allow these old-timers to make a comeback?

This wasn’t good news.

There were only so many positions available—as some gained, others would lose.

These people were full of doubts and worries, yet had to forcibly suppress their feelings. Shengrong Group belonged to Du Shengrong—he was the chairman and largest shareholder. Who had the right to interfere with his decision to give shares to whomever he pleased or choose which son would inherit the company?

Du Shengrong had even kicked out veterans who had built the empire with him, let alone hired employees.

The atmosphere was both lively and strange.

Madam Yu smiled, “Did Xiao Xia meet Zhaohui in Pengcheng?”

Just moments ago she had called her Miss Xia, now it was Xiao Xia. Madam Yu was older than Xia Xiaolan and ran a larger business, so calling her Xiao Xia showed intimacy.

Xia Xiaolan nodded: “I suppose so. Since we met, Young Master Du has changed quite a bit. As a friend, I’m happy he received the 5% shares today.”

“It seems Zhaohui has truly been focusing on his career in the mainland these past couple of years, accumulating strength before making his move, leading to Shengrong Plaza’s success. Previously, we’d see his romantic affairs in the tabloids every few days, but now that’s completely disappeared—he’s truly matured quite a bit.”

Madam Yu did not attempt to hide how unruly Du Zhaohui had been before.

Xia Xiaolan just smiled without speaking. There’s a saying about “speaking deeply despite shallow acquaintance”—she had only met Madam Yu today, only knowing she was Du Shengrong’s friend. While the other party was warm toward her, one couldn’t immediately understand someone’s character.

Whether Madam Yu’s words were simple observations or had a deeper meaning, Xia Xiaolan had no intention of investigating.

While Du Zhaohui was receiving congratulations, Xia Xiaolan’s gaze fell on Du Zhaoji.

Surprisingly, Du Zhaoji didn’t seem particularly upset.

With Du Zhaohui winning 5% of the shares and gaining such an advantage, Xia Xiaolan had expected Du Zhaoji to lose composure!

It seemed this second young master was more inscrutable than she had imagined.

An opponent who openly displays emotions isn’t frightening; the most dangerous are those whose thoughts you can’t fathom.

“Ah Hua.”

Xia Xiaolan beckoned, and Ah Hua immediately bent down.

Xia Xiaolan whispered a few instructions in his ear, and Ah Hua respectfully replied: “…Miss Xia, I understand.”

Madam Yu observed everything, amusement in her eyes.

Some men might muddle through their entire lives, never growing up regardless of age.

What can change them might be a major life event, or simply meeting a good woman. This woman could be their mother, sister, or someone they admire… Du Zhaohui lost his mother early and had always lacked such a guiding female figure.

Now it seemed Du Zhaohui had found someone he admired.

This Xiao Xia was the woman Du Zhaohui liked.

But Xiao Xia herself didn’t know.

Xiao Xia showed no signs of liking Du Zhaohui at all; when she looked at the diamond ring on her hand, her eyes revealed tenderness.

That was feeling for another man.

Such stories happen every day in the world—people meet, hearts are moved, and some improve themselves because of ‘love’. The immature playboy transformed after meeting someone he admired. He was now at the height of success and satisfaction, yet he wouldn’t know that ‘love’ is a two-way choice—the woman he liked might never reciprocate his feelings!

On the other hand, while Du Zhaoji maintained composure, the second concubine couldn’t bear it.

When Du Shengrong announced giving 5% of shares to Du Zhaohui, the second concubine couldn’t maintain her smile. She rose from her seat, and Liu Keying’s eyes flickered:

“Second Sister, where are you going? Ah, if you hadn’t torn up our alliance, Zhaoji would have been today’s winner.”

The second concubine finally found an outlet for her anger:

“Do I need to apply to you and wait for your approval even to go to the bathroom? Liu Keying, you still think you’re clever, but you’re just a fool!”

The second concubine left with her handbag, and Liu Keying, unable to swallow this slight, followed after her.