บท 413: Chapter 413: An Unexpected Encounter
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The reception was held at the opulent 'Tian En' hotel in Penang, owned by the Zhu family, a prominent Chinese family in the region. The hotel's main building is a four-story structure, predominantly white. Behind it lies a vast garden and golf course, offering picturesque views that make it an ideal setting for an outdoor cocktail party.
Today, the Tian En Hotel is bustling with activity. Government officials, parliamentarians, wealthy businessmen, prominent family heads, and major business owners from Penang and Malacca are all present, along with their families. In total, around five to six hundred people have gathered.
This event stands out as one of the most grandiose held in Penang in recent years.
The guests, honored by the governor's invitation, are in high spirits. Among the crowd, Huang Henian, the head of the Huang family, along with his brother Huang Xinnian and his son Huang Linghui, are the focal points. Many people are engaged in conversation with them. The Huang family's recent actions—causing a major upheaval in Malaya, resulting in the Sultan of Johor's death, and leading to the sale of half of Johor's land to Governor Hardy—have made them prominent figures. As a result, the Huang family is now closely associated with Hardy.
The men mingle with their wine glasses, while the women gather to chat about their interests.
At this moment, a slight commotion arises.
Governor Hardy enters the venue, accompanied by Han Yezhen, who is holding his arm. Behind them, a large entourage follows, including Andy.
The crowd parts to welcome Hardy, and everyone bows in respect. Hardy smiles and nods in acknowledgment.
Hardy prefers to avoid formalities and quickly takes to the stage to deliver his speech. The audience stands attentively as Hardy speaks.
"I hope that Penang and the Dominion of Malacca will become places of freedom, democracy, safety, and stability—a place where people can live peacefully, practice their religions freely, and avoid famine and war," Hardy begins.
"Achieving this will not be easy and will require the collective effort of all the people in the dominion."
"Economically, the Dominion Association supports an open policy and welcomes all enterprises that wish to invest here. My vision is to establish the Dominion as a financial hub in Asia, a place for high-end product processing, and a notable entity on the global stage."
"Culture should embrace diversity."
"In terms of education, we will implement a policy of universal primary education, providing free lunch. Secondary and higher education will also be universal, with plans to build three new schools and partner with top universities in Europe and the United States to elevate our own university to world-class status."
Hardy paints a picture of a promising future, not merely as a fantasy but as a concrete plan.
Standing at a distance, Andy doesn't pay too much attention to Hardy's speech, as he reviewed it the day before and helped negotiate its content.
As he sips his champagne and scans the crowd, his gaze lands on a familiar yet strange face. It's the girl from the beach yesterday—memorable yet elusive.
Fate can be curious; sometimes, a fleeting encounter can leave a lasting impression.
A line from the song "Legend" echoes in Andy's mind:
"Just because I looked at you more in the crowd, I never forgot your face again. Dreaming of seeing each other one day by chance, I have been lonely since then."
Andy and the girl lock eyes once more. She seems to recognize him but cannot place him.
Out of courtesy, she nods slightly and smiles before returning her attention to Hardy's speech.
Andy's heart races again.
The girl's smile is enchanting.
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**Later that Evening:**
Hardy finishes his speech to warm applause and steps down, becoming the center of attention among the men, while Han Yezhen becomes the focus of the women.
Hardy introduces Andy to the guests as the president of Hardy Group, and respect is immediately shown to Andy.
The Hardy Group owns most of the enterprises in the Dominion, with the Hardy Investment Company being a subsidiary.
Andy soon becomes the center of business conversations.
"Hello, President Andy, I am Zhu Yunquan."
A heavily accented English greets Andy from behind. Turning around, Andy sees a middle-aged man in his fifties, slightly overweight, accompanied by the girl he had noticed earlier.
Andy extends his hand. "Hello, I'm Andy."
Zhu Yunquan's English falters, and he turns to his daughter. "Xijun, please translate for me. I hope to explore potential cooperation between our hotel and Hardy Group."
Zhu Xijun translates smoothly, "Hello, President Andy. My father says it is a pleasure to meet you. This 'Tian En' hotel is our family's property, and we hope for a future collaboration with Hardy Group."
Andy is intrigued. "And what is your name, Miss Zhu?"
Zhu Xijun smiles, "I'm Zhu Xijun."
Her smile, having now graced him three times, is warmly received by Andy.
"Nice to meet you, Miss Zhu." Andy shakes her hand.
Zhu Xijun informs her father of Andy's response, and Zhu Yunquan expresses his pleasure. "Xijun, invite President Andy to visit us and explore our companies."
Zhu Xijun hesitates but translates, "My father would be honored to have you visit our home and company."
Andy considers and agrees, "I'm currently looking into the industrial landscape of Malaya. Visiting your company would be beneficial."
Zhu Yunquan and his daughter are pleasantly surprised by Andy's willingness to visit.
The following day, Zhu Xijun is picked up by Andy's car for a tour of Penang.
As they explore the streets, sample local delicacies, and learn about local customs, they find themselves enjoying each other's company.
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**At the Governor's Mansion:**
Hardy receives a report.
"Boss, Mr. Andy visited the Zhu family's enterprises yesterday and is now touring Penang with Miss Zhu. He seems quite pleased."
Hardy asks, "What's the background on the Zhu family?"
"They are descendants of the Ming Dynasty Zhu family, established in Penang. They are a top wealthy business family operating hotels, rubber plantations, and more, with assets between 2 to 3 million U.S. dollars. They are also members of Hardy Investment Company."
"And Miss Zhu?"
"Zhu Xijun, 19 years old, studied economics at the University of Hong Kong. She has returned for vacation. She has lived in Penang before and has not studied elsewhere for long."
Hardy reviews a photo of Zhu Xijun, noting her grace and beauty. Considering Andy's past emotional struggles, Hardy thinks a relationship with a traditional, gentle Chinese girl might be beneficial for him.
Hardy muses that Andy's interest in a 19-year-old might be viewed as "an old cow eating tender grass," but if it brings happiness to Andy, it could be worthwhile.
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