Chapter 116: Investment Outlook [Second Update]

At this moment, in the luxurious reception hall of the villa, Lu Xiao sat upright at the long, opulent European-style dining table, engaging in conversation with several business magnates from District 16.

Xiao Xuefeng, representing the Xiao Group, sat not far from Lu Xiao. However, the usual arrogance and domineering air he once carried had vanished, replaced by an ingratiating demeanor as he listened intently to Lu Xiao recount his remarkable contributions to the Lu family.

"President Lu, you're truly not only handsome but also incredibly talented. With someone as outstanding as you around, how are the rest of us supposed to compete? Compared to you, I really fall short," a hawk-nosed man in his thirties beside him chimed in, clearly entering full sycophant mode.

"Indeed, President Xiao is right. It's rare to find a talent like President Lu anywhere under the heavens. I've been working in real estate for many years, and I've never met someone as exceptional as you. Truly admirable," added Wang Jiang, CEO of Dongfeng Real Estate, sitting nearby.

Next to Lu Xiao was Qian Xiaoxiao, chairwoman of District 16's Aier Internet Company, heavily made up and looking disdainfully at Xiao Xuefeng and Wang Jiang. She sneered with a sarcastic tone, "Gentlemen, we're all here to discuss investments with President Lu. How about we talk about something meaningful instead of this flattering nonsense?"

Xiao Xuefeng's face flushed, and he cast a sidelong glance at Qian Xiaoxiao.

"And you’re no better, dressed like a flashy vixen. Everyone knows how your pathetic internet company got started. It's laughable," Wang Jiang retorted disdainfully toward Qian.

"Exactly. A woman who climbed up by sleeping around dares to criticize others here? Ridiculous," Qian shot back.

"You two..."

The three exchanged barbs back and forth, but Lu Xiao remained silent, thoroughly entertained by the spectacle. He had seen such scenes countless times and always maintained this indifferent attitude.

Just then, the grand doors of the banquet hall swung open again, and three people entered. Among them was Wei Jin, deputy director of the District 16 Hunting Ground Supervision Bureau, who had previously given Fang Nian trouble at a charity gala.

The other two were Wan Feng, CEO of District 16’s second-largest internet giant, Boiling Network, and Cui Yunhai, the region’s top real estate developer.

Seeing the trio walk in together, Xiao Xuefeng, Wang Jiang, and Qian Xiaoxiao all felt a chill run down their spines.

Wang Jiang’s sharpness nearly vanished as he sighed helplessly. "This is over. I didn’t expect the opponents to be these two titans. With them here, there's no chance for investment. This trip was probably for nothing."

Qian Xiaoxiao shrugged helplessly, her fawning expression gone. "Why bother fighting? When Cui Yunhai and Wan Feng wave their hands, our so-called upper-middle-class families collapse. If they’re here to compete for investment, it’s a lost cause. Better to go home and get some rest."

Xiao Xuefeng also recognized these two giants of industry. While the Xiao family monopolized a local market segment, compared to these two, they were far inferior.

If it came down to financial power, defeat was certain—Xiao Xuefeng was no fool. But if it came to substance, there was still hope for a fight.

Regarding the Hunting Ground Camp project, Xiao Xuefeng felt confident. Their industries differed. Though real estate and internet were at the top of the chain and the easiest to profit from, there were too many real estate operators now, limited land, and stringent approvals. The internet industry was no longer as booming as before the great disaster; many people had no leisure time to browse online, and operating costs had soared, reaching a bottleneck—this was their disadvantage.

Therefore, this new industry—the hunting camp—still in its growth phase, stood out, especially given the current booming popularity of the hunting grounds, which made the camp’s prospects particularly promising.

However, Xiao Xuefeng hadn’t expected Wei Jin to be invited today. Honestly, as the operator of the hunting camp, he feared Wei Jin, who held direct authority over product approvals and wielded life-or-death power over their operations.

Wei Jin’s presence was clearly orchestrated by Cui Yunhai and Wan Feng. They likely didn’t want a third party joining their struggle. So, to suppress the only qualified contender—the Xiao family—they brought Wei Jin along.

If Xiao Xuefeng said anything out of line, Wei Jin would undoubtedly intervene, and the Xiao family would lose both face and resources.

When Lu Xiao saw Wan Feng and the others enter, his cold demeanor immediately vanished. He stood to greet them.

“President Wan, President Cui, welcome. Please, have a seat.”

Then, glancing at Wei Jin beside him, Lu Xiao asked Wan Feng, “President Wan, who is this friend?”

Wan Feng laughed heartily before introducing him.

“President Lu, I must properly introduce this gentleman. He is Wei Jin, Deputy Director of the District 16 Hunting Ground Supervision Bureau, Director Wei. You must know, Director Wei holds absolute authority over the hunting grounds and camps in District 16. Not a single hunting tool can pass without his approval, nor can any hunting ground be put into use without his consent. Impressive, isn’t it? Hahaha...”

Wan Feng’s words were clearly directed at Xiao Xuefeng, who was no fool and immediately felt as if he were sitting on needles—extremely uncomfortable.

Xiao Xuefeng really wanted to leave but knew that with Wei Jin present, securing investment today was impossible. Yet, leaving now would be too humiliating. So, he forced himself to sit and waited for the meal to finish, eager to leave quickly.

The group exchanged polite conversation but did not touch on investments, knowing such matters were reserved for discussions over drinks during the meal—a timeless rule in the business world.

Once everyone was seated, the villa’s servers began bringing out dishes. Because the table was large and sharing difficult, each dish was portioned individually.

The first two dishes were a cold appetizer of boneless chicken feet, not with the usual garlicky aroma but a tingling, spicy flavor, and roasted lamb chops, crispy on the outside and tender inside, smelling delicious without any gamey odor.

Qian Xiaoxiao knew business talks were futile but had to eat at least one meal here, so she did not hold back.

The moment she tasted the boneless chicken feet, a look of satisfaction immediately spread across her face.

“Truly delicious.”