I'm back in 1990

Chapter 581: Various groups come to investigate

"Understood," Cao Charlie replied, and the secretary immediately hung up. He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and picked up the sturdy landline receiver from the large mahogany desk, a professional smile instantly spreading across his face: "Old He! What made you think of me? Want to invite me to Clearwater Bay for a few rounds of golf again? Did you think you didn't lose enough last time?"

Charlie Cho's laughter was still echoing in the office when Ho Sai-cheung of the Chiu Fung Group spoke in his signature Hong Kong-accented Mandarin through the microphone.

"Haha, that's right! You were absolutely right. My hands have been itching lately. How about a few rounds next Tuesday afternoon?" He Shichang's words sounded like a normal golf invitation.

Charlie Cho knew perfectly well that Ho Sai-cheung was a veteran in Hong Kong's top tycoon circle, well-informed and with extensive connections. When he called at this time, it was definitely not just to arrange a game of football.

Sure enough, after a few pleasantries, He Shichang changed the subject: "Charlie! Your avenue is quite lively! I had tea this morning and read the newspaper; that young man has quite an impressive air about him!"

He Shichang's tone was neither enthusiastic nor abrupt, as if he were asking a casual question out of curiosity during a chat.

Charlie Cao naturally knew that He Shichang had come to inquire about information, but without his boss's formal authorization, he would not casually reveal his boss's identity.

Although his tone was enthusiastic, his words were impeccable: "Old He, this is all just tabloid nonsense written to grab attention. You actually believe it? The person in the newspaper is a representative of an important partner of our group. He came here to handle some matters, but I didn't expect those paparazzi to make such a fuss."

"Partners?" Of course, He Shichang didn't believe Charlie Cao's explanation.

"Charlie, we've known each other for quite some time now, and I've never heard of a business partner that you and all the top executives at Avenue would greet? Besides, I've seen the photos; your usually arrogant vice presidents are all so meek and respectful to that young man!"

Of course, Cao Charlie wouldn't admit it. He laughed it off and said, "Old He, you're so perceptive. To be honest, it's mainly because this person has a special status. We're just doing our duty as hosts, at least to make him feel valued! You know, doing business these days is all about sincerity and respect."

"Haha! Yes, yes, Charlie, you're right. It's never a bad thing to be polite!" He Shichang smiled in agreement with Cao Charlie's words, and knew that he shouldn't expect to get anything substantial out of Cao Charlie, so he stopped pressing the issue.

"See you next Tuesday at 2 PM at Clearwater Bay! We'll chat then!"

"See you there!" Cao Charlie readily agreed, and the smile on his face slowly faded after the other party hung up the phone.

He Shichang's call was the first thing to happen, and for the next few hours, Cao Charlie's phone kept ringing non-stop. His secretary was extremely busy, as one by one, names that represented wealth and power throughout Hong Kong were called to Cao Charlie's phone.

Hong Kong real estate tycoon Zheng Yuguo's voice on the phone was urgent: "Brother Charlie, it's me, Old Zheng. Who's that handsome guy in the Rolls-Royce in the newspaper? I have a new project, a prime location, interested in joining in? Could you arrange a chat with that guy for me? Tonight at Fook Lam Moon, I've booked a private room, all-you-can-eat abalone!"

Charlie Cao could only decline Zheng Yuguo's invitation, citing Huang Xiaochuan's full schedule and the many other matters he needed to attend to.

Xu Xiaoheng, the son of the shipping magnate, spoke in a more relaxed and elegant tone: "Charles, I heard that your Dadao Group has a mysterious VIP guest? Is his car still that classic Silver Spur that you bought but never drive? You have excellent taste! I'm planning to host a small gathering at the yacht club this weekend, mostly with friends from the industry. Would you do me the honor of bringing this new friend along to have some fun and introduce us?"

Cao Charlie was sweating profusely. If he were to take that guy to Xu Xiaoheng's inner circle, he might not even know how he died later. I'd be so grateful to your ancestors for eight generations! Cao Charlie naturally made up an excuse to refuse.

Luo Jihui, a self-proclaimed Hong Kong financial tycoon, also called, his voice revealing his shrewdness and calculation: "President Cao, let's not beat around the bush. Was that young man you met the big boss behind your Dadao? Is he interested in investing in some emerging tech stocks? I have a few teams from Silicon Valley here; their projects are definitely profitable. Please pass on a message for me—commission is negotiable!"

Cao Charlie cursed inwardly, "Go to hell! You want to talk to my boss about securities and financial investment? Who do you think you are?" However, on the surface, Cao Charlie still refused Luo Jihui's proposal by citing the company's strict investment procedures.

Hong Kong socialite Xue Zhilun's voice was sweet and seductive: "President Cao, that handsome young man on your main street is so mysterious and charming! I saw his photo, and my heart is pounding! What does he like? Art, wine, or something else? I recently acquired some nice oil paintings and would like to find someone knowledgeable to appreciate them with! Could you help me make an appointment?"

Charlie Cho was both amused and exasperated, and could only make up an excuse to get rid of this famous Hong Kong socialite.

In addition to the barrage of phone calls, Charlie Cho's inbox was also flooded with emails of varying wording but essentially the same content. Some wealthy individuals who were close to him even went directly to the Cho family home to visit him and subtly inquire about his whereabouts.

Even during lunchtime, at the prestigious "Chinese Club" in Central, Charlie Cho was surrounded by several wealthy acquaintances. The conversation, after much probing and circling back and forth, eventually centered on Huang Xiaochuan.

Cao Charlie knew that such probing would only increase, so he devised a countermeasure: he required everyone at the group headquarters to declare Huang Xiaochuan as a representative of the group's important strategic partners, and absolutely forbade anyone to mention the word "boss".

When asked, he said that the other person was low-key and disliked being in the spotlight, and that being photographed by paparazzi was purely accidental and there was no need to overthink it.

However, the more Charlie Cho did this, the more mysterious he seemed, which in turn aroused the curiosity of Hong Kong's wealthy circles. Huang Xiaochuan's mystery was amplified infinitely, and his identity as the "mysterious young man behind the Dadao Group" became almost an open secret in Hong Kong's wealthy circles. Rumors flew everywhere, and a group of reporters and paparazzi blocked Huang Xiaochuan's door every day. This made Old Huang Zeng Lijuan and others extremely worried, and they dared not leave the house.

These speculations and rumors spread like wildfire in the private clubs of the wealthy, on golf courses, and on yachts in Victoria Harbour. Everyone wanted to know who this young man who had suddenly appeared in the center of Hong Kong's wealthy circle was, and what kind of impact his appearance would have on Hong Kong's existing wealth structure.

The wealthy are all waiting, waiting for the next public appearance of this mysterious young man, perhaps then they will have the opportunity to meet him.

Meanwhile, Charlie Cho became the unfortunate gatekeeper to keep Huang Xiaochuan's secrets. Since Huang Xiaochuan came to Hong Kong, his hairline has visibly receded by several centimeters.