354: Chapter 353 Si Hongjun's Test

Si Zhengxiong waved his hand. "No, no, you guys drink. These old bones of mine can't handle the toss and turn of alcohol anymore."

“Just pour a little!” Ye Ziming approached, shaking the wine bottle in his hand. The amber liquid rippled inside the bottle. His tone carried a bit of youthful stubbornness mixed with a hint of coaxing. “Elder Si, I smelled it just now when I opened it. This aroma is soul-stirring. Just have a taste, consider it a celebration of Sister Yao coming back to see you!” As he spoke, he tilted his wrist, and the liquid slowly poured into Si Zhengxiong's glass, just barely covering the bottom—no more, no less, about the amount of a bottle cap.

Si Zhengxiong stared at the tiny bit of wine at the bottom of the glass, then glanced at the smiling Si Yao beside him. The wrinkles on his face smoothed out as if ironed. As he took the glass, his thumb lightly brushed the rim. “Haha, you kid certainly have a way with words. Fine, since Yao Yao is back today, I’ll make an exception and drink a little.”

“That’s the spirit! My grandfather always says, ‘Wine is the essence of grain; the more you drink, the younger you remain.’ It’s actually beneficial for seniors to drink a small amount daily.” Ye Ziming beamed instantly, then turned to pour wine for the others in sequence, finally pouring a glass for himself.

After taking his seat, Si Zhengxiong swirled his glass gently, the liquid leaving faint legs on the glass wall.

He cleared his throat, his gaze slowly scanning everyone present before finally resting on Si Yao's face. The affection in his eyes was almost overflowing. “Today is the most comfortable day I’ve had in these past two years. This girl Yao Yao has spent two years in Shanghai; her character has become more stable, and she’s much more sensible. Seeing this makes my heart happy.”

He paused, then looked at Qin Yi, Ye Ziming, and Zhao Lintai, his tone gaining a touch of sentimentality. “You Juniors have all grown up and reached the age to start families and careers. This old man is truly gratified from the bottom of my heart. I’ll start this first toast: I wish everyone here success in your endeavors, and may those in love be united soon! Cheers!”

“Well said! Elder Si has spoken what’s in everyone’s hearts!” Si Hongjun stood up abruptly, holding his glass high, his voice full of agreement. “Qin Yi, Ziming, Lintai, you must remember that fate is like sand—only by gripping it tight enough will it not leak away. When you meet someone you like, don't hesitate. Strike when the time is right! Cheers!”

As soon as he finished speaking, Qin Yi, Ye Ziming, Zhao Lintai, and the others stood up, lightly clinking glasses with Elder Si and Si Hongjun.

After the first sip of wine, everyone sat back down and began to eat.

Si Yao picked up another piece of braised pork, specifically choosing a lean one, and placed it in Qin Yi's bowl. “Try this. Southwest braised pork is different from Shanghai’s; it’s not as sweet. Eat more.” Qin Yi also picked up some greens for Si Yao. Their interaction was so natural it was as if they were a real couple, with no trace of a performance.

Si Zhengxiong and Si Hongjun exchanged a glance, instantly reading each other's thoughts. They smiled at one another and silently picked up their food.

A moment later, the door to the private room was pushed open gently. The hotel manager wheeled in a beverage cart. Inside a silver decanter, dark red wine glistened under the lights.

He first poured a small half-glass for Si Yao, then the same amount for Shen Jianan. His movements were gentle, fearing a spill. “Ladies, this wine has been breathing for half an hour; the taste is just right.”

Si Hongjun chimed in at the right moment, “Yao Yao, Nannan, this wine was brewed at our own winery. Give it a taste and see how it is.”

“Our own winery?” Si Yao raised an eyebrow and swirled her glass gently, the red wine forming beautiful legs. “When did our family buy a winery? How come I didn't know?” She brought the glass to her nose, took a light breath, and her eyes brightened. “Hmm, the aroma is very clean, no impurities, and there’s a faint fruity scent.”

“Last year, in Bordeaux, Country F,” Si Hongjun said nonchalantly. “It’s on par with famous estates like Lafite and Latour, considered one of the five major wineries in Bordeaux. However, we haven't publicized it; the wine produced is mainly used as employee benefits for the group's subsidiaries or to entertain distinguished guests.”

Si Yao took a small sip, letting the liquid swirl on her tongue before swallowing. A satisfied smile appeared on her face. “The taste is indeed excellent, much better than the imported red wines in my bar. Have someone send me a few cases later; I’ll let the customers at my bar have a taste, consider it an advertisement for our family winery.”

“No problem, just tell me how much you want. We still have plenty stockpiled in the warehouse.” Si Hongjun agreed readily, his eyes full of doting for his daughter—as long as Si Yao liked it, this little bit of wine was nothing.

The conversation shifted to Shanghai. Si Zhengxiong put down his chopsticks and looked at Si Yao, his tone full of curiosity. “Yao Yao, I heard from Hongfei that you opened a bar and a buffet restaurant in Shanghai, and business is doing quite well? We haven't seen each other in over two years; why don't you tell your father and me how you manage your business?”

Si Yao put down her wine glass and responded somewhat shyly, “Oh, it’s just small-time stuff, nothing worth mentioning.” As she spoke, she looked at Qin Yi, paused for a moment, and added, “However, I recently invested in Qin Yi's company. I feel it definitely has more potential than my bar and restaurant, and it will make more money.” After speaking, she winked at Qin Yi, with the pride of a young girl showing off her boyfriend.

“Oh?” Si Zhengxiong’s gaze immediately turned to Qin Yi, his eyes gaining a bit of scrutiny, as if evaluating a future grandson-in-law. “Qin Yi, what exactly does your company do?”

Qin Yi put down his chopsticks and sat up straight, his tone sincere. “I hope you won't laugh; it’s just a newly established small company. We plan to do financial investment, mainly short-term and long-term investments in the stock market, and we will also invest in emerging technology industries in the future.”

As soon as he finished, Ye Ziming immediately took over the conversation, his tone full of admiration. “Elder Si, don't listen to Young Master Qin’s modesty! The company Young Master Qin founded isn't small at all; the paid-in registered capital alone is 1 billion! I dare say, in our Dragon Country, companies that can pay in 1 billion in registered capital are definitely few and far between.” As Ye Ziming spoke, he looked toward Si Hongjun and continued, “Not only that, Young Master Qin’s skill in trading stocks is also beyond what ordinary people can compare to! Just a few days ago, there was news about the stock price of Shengneng Group in the hong kong stock market crashing. I wonder if Uncle Si is aware of that?”

Si Zhengxiong also turned his gaze toward Si Hongjun. Although Southwest International Group was the Si Family's business, Elder Si did not directly participate in the group's operations, so he didn't concern himself with these commercial matters.

Si Hongjun nodded in response. “I’ve heard a bit about it. I heard many people were trapped. Why? Could it be that Qin Yi was involved in this?” As he spoke, Si Hongjun’s gaze turned toward Qin Yi with some suspicion.

The abnormal fluctuations in the stock price of Shengneng Group on Hong Kong Island were entirely a case of financial fraud. If Qin Yi was really involved, then whether this 'prospective' son-in-law could marry into the Si Family would truly need to be re-evaluated!

But at that moment, Ye Ziming slapped the table and said excitedly, “Haha, that’s not it! It was me—I had previously gone all-in on Shengneng Group’s stock! Fortunately, I met Young Master Qin. I asked him to help me look at the stock's trend over the past six months. He told me right then that there was a problem with the stock and insisted I sell everything when it hit 23, otherwise it would definitely crash! I had bought in at 8 HKD, and thinking I’d already made enough, I stayed cautious. I didn't wait for 23; I sold everything at 22. And guess what happened?”

Si Hongjun raised an eyebrow. “I remember the news saying Shengneng Group's stock price started to crash at 23.1, right?”

“Exactly! It was only off by ten cents from Young Master Qin’s estimated peak!” Ye Ziming gesticulated wildly with excitement. “Tell me, isn't Young Master Qin amazing? He literally helped me bite off over eight million from the market makers' mouths! If I had sold a second later, I would have lost everything!”

Listening to Ye Ziming’s praise, although Qin Yi was secretly pleased, his face still bore a 'please don't say anymore' expression. He waved his hand helplessly. “Ziming, you’re exaggerating. I just saw that the stock's trading data was a bit abnormal and had a faint feeling, that's all. I'm not as amazing as you say.”

Si Zhengxiong raised an eyebrow, a look of surprise appearing on his face, which then turned into a frown. His tone carried a hint of warning. “Ho, is that so? I didn't realize you had such a talent for stocks, Qin Yi. However, the stock market is risky; ups and downs don't rely entirely on technique. Especially in our Dragon Country, the stock market is inextricably linked to government policies. One careless move and you could lose everything.”

“You are absolutely right, Elder. I will keep those words in mind and will certainly be cautious with future investments.” Qin Yi immediately nodded in agreement, his posture humble.

But Ye Ziming was unhappy and immediately countered, “Elder Si, those words might apply to others, but applied to Young Master Qin, this Junior begs to differ.”

“Ziming, stop talking nonsense. I’m not a god; I’m not as amazing as you say.” Qin Yi laughed and interrupted him, afraid he would say something even more exaggerated. He didn't want to expose his talent as a 'Financial Prophet' in front of so many people. After all, he understood the principle that a tall tree catches the wind.

However, Si Hongjun became interested. He pulled out his phone and opened a stock trading app, showing the morning's market data on the screen.

He waved his phone and looked at Qin Yi, a hint of challenge in his eyes. “As the saying goes, talk is cheap! Ziming has praised you so much, why don't we two have a bet and let us see for ourselves?” He paused, pointing at the data on the screen. “The A-share market closed at 3230 points this morning, up 3.15%. How about this: we each pick a stock and predict its rise or fall at the afternoon close. As long as the predicted result is within 5% of the actual result, it counts as a win. What do you think?”

Before Qin Yi could even respond, Si Yao immediately jumped in, her eyes shining like stars and her tone full of excitement. “Okay, okay! But how can a bet have no stakes? A bet without stakes is no fun at all!”

Si Hongjun looked at his daughter's joyful appearance and asked with a smile, “You want a prize? Fine, you tell me, what are we betting?”

Si Yao glanced at Zhao Lintai, and a sly curve immediately formed at the corner of her mouth. Her voice wasn't loud, but it was enough for everyone to hear. “How about we bet on my marriage! If Qin Yi wins, you all stop forcing me to get engaged to Zhao Lintai; if Qin Yi loses, I’ll listen to your arrangements!”

These words were like a bombshell exploding in the private room. Everyone, including Zhao Lintai, focused their gaze on Si Yao's face.

The chopsticks in Zhao Lintai's hand fell onto his plate with a 'clatter'. His gaze toward Si Yao was full of shock and anger, and he was just about to speak up in protest. Unexpectedly, Si Zhengxiong had already slammed the table heavily and scolded sharply, “Nonsense! How can the marriage of a granddaughter of my Si Family be used as a bet! What kind of behavior is this!”

The aura of a Peak Anjin Martial Artist was instantly released, making everyone present feel a chill in their hearts. It was clear that Elder Si was truly enraged.

Si Yao was also startled by her grandfather's attitude. she immediately lowered her head, looking aggrieved, and stopped speaking.

Seeing this, Qin Yi immediately reached out at the right time and held the back of Si Yao's hand to comfort her.

Si Hongjun cleared his throat twice, glared at his daughter, and quickly tried to smooth things over. “Elder, please calm down. Yao Yao was just speaking off the top of her head without thinking.” He paused and looked at everyone, his tone softening. “Since the bet was my suggestion, I’ll set the stakes. I guarantee it will be fair and reasonable.”

As soon as he finished, everyone's eyes were fixed on Si Hongjun—Qin Yi with curiosity, Si Yao with anticipation, and Ye Ziming excitedly rubbing his hands.

Only Zhao Lintai was currently clenching his fists, his eyes full of resentment. He cursed inwardly: On what basis?! Your Si Family was the one who shamelessly made the engagement with my Zhao Family years ago to seek our help. Now that times have changed, your Si Family not only refuses to fulfill the agreement but is also openly and secretly trying to break it! Truly, there is no merchant who isn't treacherous!

Si Hongjun thought for a moment and said solemnly, “How about this: if Qin Yi wins, Southwest International Group can inject capital into Yiqin Capital. Provided the total investment does not exceed 20% of Yiqin Capital's current total assets, I can make the decision that Southwest International Group will not take any shares, but only enjoy a share of the profits from the invested funds. If it exceeds 20%, the group will need to conduct an overall assessment of Yiqin Capital and invest via equity. Qin Yi, what do you think of this prize?”

As soon as this was said, Ye Ziming's eyes widened—Yiqin Capital had a paid-in registered capital of 1 billion, and under it was Yiqian Media, which also had a paid-in registered capital of 1 billion. That meant the total assets were at least 2 billion! 20% would be 400 million! And they didn't even want shares, just a profit share. This was practically a windfall from heaven!

But Qin Yi remained calm, his heart unruffled—he had billions sitting in his personal bank account with nowhere to spend them. A few hundred million really wasn't much to him.

But Zhao Lintai completely snapped, his fingernails almost digging into his flesh—On what basis?! This Qin Yi is just a kid with no background. Why should he get hundreds of millions in investment from the Si Family right off the bat? He was a member of the Zhao Family of the Capital; the Zhao Family had helped so much with the Si Family's rise back then! Si Hongjun was clearly favoring Qin Yi!

Qin Yi nodded slightly, his tone sincere. “I thank Uncle Si for your promotion and trust in this Junior. I accept this bet.”

“Haha, aren't you going to ask what you have to pay if you lose?” Si Hongjun asked with a smile, a hint of testing in his eyes.

Qin Yi shrugged, his tone full of confidence. “I don't think I’ll lose. But since it’s a bet, there must be stakes for both winning and losing. Uncle Si, feel free to say what I need to pay if I lose.”

“Hahaha, good! Truly full of youthful vigor!” Si Hongjun clapped his hands. “How about this: didn't Yao Yao say she already invested in your company? If you lose, Yao Yao’s equity percentage will double without any additional investment! How about that?”

“Dad! What are you doing!” Si Yao immediately became anxious. “I only put in 80 million, and a 10% share was already taking advantage of Qin Yi. Now you want to double my shares? Isn't that cheating Qin Yi?”

Qin Yi, however, gently patted the back of Si Yao's hand. “Yao Yao, it’s fine. The stakes are reasonable. Besides, I’m confident I won't lose.”

Qin Yi’s gaze turned back to Hongjun. He paused and added, “Uncle Si, let’s be clear. Although Yiqin Capital was established not long ago, the 1 billion registered capital is fully paid in. Furthermore, it owns 100% of an entertainment media company, which also has a fully paid-in registered capital of 1 billion! That is to say, if I win, Southwest International Group will have to put up at least 400 million, without taking shares, only a profit share. However, investment carries risks; the 400 million you put in might not even see a profit share in the future. Are you sure you want to bet?”

“Haha, no matter. It’s just a mere 400 million. I don't even need to go through the board of directors; I can make the decision myself.” Si Hongjun responded with a nonchalant expression.

“Alright, since the stakes are set, and there are still fifteen minutes before the afternoon market opens, let's not delay. Let's start picking now.” As Qin Yi spoke, he took out his phone.

“Good!”

With that, both Qin Yi and Si Hongjun took out their phones and opened their stock trading apps.