Siheyuan: Pretend to be a Pig and Eat the Tiger

Young Master Guo and Mr. Wu remained silent. They both had powerful families behind them and could not easily express their opinions. The Shao family was different. The eldest son of the Shao family operated independently and had a great deal of autonomy. They did not have that much autonomy!

Indeed, people are different. The eldest son of the Shao family has independent decision-making power in many businesses, which they do not. Mr. Wu's own family has businesses, and he also holds a position in the Bao family. He is certainly not as carefree as the eldest son of the Shao family!
“Let’s go back and discuss it with our families. If that doesn’t work, we can go and visit them as a tourist to find relatives. In any case, we have to go and see them. If it’s suitable, we’ve saved up quite a bit of pocket money over the years, and it might come in handy!”

Young Master Guo cautiously looked at the others. To be honest, he had already been moved by the prospects described by He Yuzhu. None of these people didn't want to break away and show everyone that they could still be elites even without the family.

It's probably possible for you, but the key is that China is like a virgin land. As long as it's developed properly, it will definitely achieve good results. At that time, the family will no longer be unsupported!
He Yuzhu expressed his understanding of their thoughts. They still had a powerful family to rely on, and they couldn't freely express their opinions outside. They had to consider the elders' wishes. Even though Young Master Huo had a lot of autonomy, he still had to consider Old Master Huo's opinion on such matters. They dared not freely express their views outside!

"Alright, then we'll go with Old Huo to take a look. Hmm, going under the guise of tourism, that's a great idea!"

The eldest son of the Shao family is clearly a generous person. He also knows everyone's situation and did not ask them to express their opinions. As for the eldest son of the Huo family, he will definitely go. Old Master Huo has already made a decision to gather a large inspection team to go to China. As a member of the Huo family, he naturally cannot be absent.
Moreover, Elder Huo wanted him to be in charge of matters in China, so all he had to do was say he would go; he didn't need to think about anything else!
"Alright, it's fate that we met. When you young masters arrive in China, I will certainly do my best to be a good host and let you experience the charm of China. You will definitely want to stay longer."
Once we get there, He Yuzhu will be the host. I will make sure you fall in love with this land. This is also a good opportunity for him to get closer to you. How could he miss it? Thousands of years of history can't compare to Hong Kong Island.
Besides, once you go there, you'll see opportunities everywhere. How could these people, who have been exposed to big businesses since childhood, possibly let go of the profits they can get their hands on? Businessmen always pursue projects that maximize profits and make big money; no businessman can escape this!
The others all expressed their gratitude, saying that He Yuzhu was right. He would be the local bigwig there, and many things would be easier if he were there. Some even considered investing their own money, since it was just sitting there anyway. They all had their own money, just not a lot!

In Old Master Huo's study, a group of old men were discussing whether or not to go to China!

"Everyone has discussed it to a near-complete degree. The inspection team will depart in a month. Regardless of your thoughts, you will have to make a decision by then. I will definitely go. You should go back and think it over carefully."

This is a golden opportunity, one that won't come again. This is when China is most short of money, and also when it most needs investment. Adding flowers to brocade is no substitute for providing charcoal in the snow.

While He Yuzhu and his group were chatting over red wine, the bigwigs in the villa had finished their discussions, and the head of the Shenzhou delegation had read out the relevant preferential policies. Then, Old Master Huo directly announced his thoughts to their circle: "Whether you go or not, I will definitely go." Looking at these people, Old Master Huo thought that the purpose of tonight's banquet had been achieved, and now it was just a matter of how many people would go!
"Let's go, let's go out and make our presence known. So many people have come, it wouldn't be right for us old guys not to show up. Besides, there are some interesting young people here, we need to give them some direction, right? Haha!"

As the host, Elder Huo naturally led the way, and the bigwigs filed out and appeared in front of the garden. At this moment, He Yuzhu was a little angry. Many people around him were worshipping foreign things, especially those small businessmen who had achieved some success. They surrounded Wu Jing and fawned over the Li family like lapdogs!

Young Master Huo and his group could be considered part of the younger generation, while he himself belonged to the older generation. However, he lacked the strength to participate in the discussions among the older generation, which would be awkward for him to remain among the younger generation. Therefore, these people naturally stayed in the garden. However, listening to the people around him expressing their disdain for China and their admiration for John Bull, He Yuzhu became displeased!
"Mr. He, what's going on?"

Young Master Huo sensed He Yuzhu's unease at first, his face turning ashen. He didn't seem to have offended her in any way. The group had just been having a pleasant conversation, and as the host, he was determined to find out. His father must have his reasons for valuing He Yuzhu so much. But why had this distinguished guest changed so much after only a short while?
"It's alright. It's shameless of those people around me who have yellow skin but think they're all John the Great, putting on airs and acting superior. These people who have forgotten their bloodline, their ancestors, and where their roots are, actually stand here so brazenly, and their boastful manner is disgusting!"

Yes, He Yuzhu was furious. To be so obsequious to foreigners and still so smug about it. If he hadn't heard it, fine, but now that he had, he couldn't pretend nothing had happened!
"After more than eighty years of colonial experience, with foreigners acting superior, it's inevitable that some people will start to forget their roots and their own identity. Please forgive us; the Huo family has not been hospitable enough!"

Young Master Huo knew that his father disliked such people. He didn't expect that these small businessmen, having been invited by the Huo family, would not only fail to restrain themselves but also boast and talk big. Young Master Huo listened carefully as their discussion continued. However, as the host, he could only secretly remember these people. Little did they know that they had already been blacklisted by the Huo family while they were boasting!

"If you ask me, we should invest in John Bull. That's the only way to gain his approval. If we could even get a knighthood, then our lives would have been worthwhile."

Merchant A twirled his wine glass. Since the Li family supported his words, even if it displeased the Huo family, it wouldn't be a loss as long as he gained the Li family's favor!

"You think you can get a title with your abilities? Dream on! If you donated your assets for free, I wonder if you could even get the lowest title. It's a pity my abilities aren't good enough for the foreign masters. Otherwise, I would gladly donate my assets for free!"

When Merchant B spoke of the peerage, the fervor in his eyes and tone was impossible to conceal, as if joining John Bull was some kind of incredibly prestigious position! (End of Chapter)