The Sea Queen of 1985

Chapter 448: Chapter 448: Laughed So Hard My Water Broke

While there were a vast number of Japanese investors in Shencheng, the city was focused on developing its own economy. It couldn’t just let others lead it by the nose and grant their every whim.

Kuno Hiroo guessed that Han Xiaorui was angry and had likely put in a word or two.

’Thinking about it, those people had screwed him over too, which led to him unintentionally doing the same to Han Xiaorui.’

’Fortunately, the situation was still salvageable. If those people had actually succeeded, he probably wouldn’t even be able to set foot in Hua Country again.’

The strong business relationship he had worked so hard to build with Ye Feng and Han Xiaorui would have been destroyed.

But now, there was still room to turn things around and opportunities for future cooperation.

The ornamental fish were extremely popular in Japan, providing him with a very healthy cash flow each month.

The Fengshui Fish, in particular, allowed him to connect with many influential figures in politics and business.

After buying the Fengshui Fish, these people always felt their luck had turned. Things went smoothly, their wishes often came true, and some even felt their health had improved significantly.

As a result, his ornamental fish business was not only profitable but also a powerful tool for expanding his network.

His ornamental fish business had now even reached the imperial family.

While supplying the imperial family with ornamental fish wasn’t profitable, the resulting benefits were obvious.

Thus, Kuno Hiroo didn’t dare to offend Han Xiaorui, let alone threaten her by halting his purchases of ornamental fish from Jinshan Bay.

In business, it was common practice to have a backup plan, and Kuno Hiroo was no exception.

He had tried purchasing ornamental fish from other parts of Hua Country, but the quality was never as good as Jinshan Bay’s.

He wanted to be in the top-tier of the business, which naturally meant he needed the best product. This was another reason he couldn’t afford to offend Han Xiaorui.

When Ye Feng learned how Han Xiaorui had handled Kuno Hiroo, he smiled and nodded. ”He needed to be taught a lesson. Even if he wasn’t completely in on it, he must have caught wind of what was happening.”

”He isn’t a true friend, so there’s no need to be angry. Everyone is just looking out for their own country’s interests. We just have to guard our bottom line. As for Kuno Hiroo, if there’s a profit to be made, we’ll work with him. If not, we’ll naturally be in touch less often.”

”However, from what I know of him, the fact that he humbly admitted his mistake and even sent us a wedding invitation shows he still wants to salvage his friendship with us. The next time we see him, we should just act like nothing happened. We’ll just need to be more vigilant from now on.”

Han Xiaorui nodded. ”You’re right, Ye Feng. I thought of that, too. ’Those not of our kind are sure to be of a different mind.’ Of course, he has no obligation to protect our interests.”

”It’s just like how we would never defend Kuno Hiroo’s position over our own. Some experts claim that science and sports have no borders, but scientists and athletes have nationalities. It’s the same for us in business.”

Xu Yingying came over, her large belly preceding her. ”Xiao Rui, come and take a look. What do you think of this invitation for Ningning and Zhuangzhuang’s full-month banquet?”

Seeing Xu Yingying’s big belly, Han Xiaorui looked nervous. ”Auntie, be careful! You could give birth any day now.”

Xu Yingying chuckled. ”Don’t worry, I’m in great shape, and the baby is doing well, too. Come look at the invitation first. If it’s good, I’ll have them sent out.”

Han Xiaorui looked at the exquisite invitation and praised it generously. ”Auntie, I trust your taste. Thanks so much.”

Xu Yingying raised an eyebrow, looking quite pleased with herself. ”But of course. I’ve always had an eye for style. We’ll use this invitation, then. Since we didn’t do a full-month banquet, we’ll do a hundred-day celebration instead.”

Han Xiaorui nodded. ”Thank you, Auntie, Grandma, and Grandpa.”

”Don’t mention it. Mom and I don’t have much to do these days, and we enjoy taking care of these things,” Xu Yingying said with a laugh. ”Xu Jizu is coming over, too. And he has a surprise for you this time.”

Han Xiaorui was surprised. ”Auntie, what kind of surprise does Uncle have for us?”

”It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you beforehand,” Xu Yingying said, keeping her in suspense.

Han Xiaorui didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. ”Auntie, how could you do this? You’ve piqued my curiosity and now you’re leaving me hanging. I won’t be able to sleep tonight!”

Ye Feng chuckled. ”Uncle already told me. He’s drawn up a will for his assets in the United States, dividing them into four parts. Ningning, Zhuangzhuang, and the baby in Auntie’s belly will each get a share.”

Han Xiaorui gasped. ”But Uncle is still young! Why is he writing a will so early? Besides, if he gets married and has kids of his own someday, he should leave his assets to them. Wouldn’t it be awkward for him to have to ask for it back?”

Xu Yingying shook her head and explained, ”You don’t know Xu Jizu. He’s chosen not to marry. No marriage, no kids, just dating. He’s completely devoted to his research career.”

Han Xiaorui didn’t get it, but she was floored. ”Alright, I don’t understand it, but I respect his decision. And I’ll say this: if Uncle ever does have children, we should be the ones to insist on changing the will. We shouldn’t put him in a difficult position.”

Xu Yingying was touched when she heard this. ”Xiao Rui, do you know what the most appealing thing about you is?”

Han Xiaorui thought for a moment, then touched her cheek. ”Isn’t it because I’m beautiful?”

Xu Yingying burst out laughing at that. ”Looks are only really important to a lover. To everyone else, they don’t matter that much. What Dad, Mom, and I admire most about you is your principle that ’a gentleman acquires wealth by honorable means.’ You’re never greedy.”

Han Xiaorui couldn’t bring herself to accept the praise. ”I’m not that noble, really. I can be greedy, too. For example, whenever I go out to sea, I wish I could haul in every last bit of seafood in the ocean.”

Han Xiaorui’s comment made Xu Yingying roar with laughter, but her expression suddenly changed. She looked down at her belly. ”Ah! Xiao Rui, I’m going into labor! Get me to the hospital, quickly!”

She had just been laughing so hard her water broke.

The family driver immediately took them to the hospital.

”Grandma, please stay here and help watch the kids. Ye Feng and I will go to the hospital,” Han Xiaorui said, worried about the elderly couple’s health.

Old Madam Xu shook her head, her tone firm. ”Xiao Rui, I have to go. No matter how old your aunt is, she’s still my little girl. I’ve already lost one daughter... I... I can’t lose another!”

”You stay home and watch the children. It’s enough to have Ye Feng come with us. Don’t worry about us. Just look after the house and the kids.”

Mr. Xu couldn’t bear to stay behind either, so Ye Feng escorted the elderly couple to the hospital.

They went to a private hospital.

The room was spacious and even had an attached sitting area.

Xu Yingying’s water had already broken, but she wasn’t dilating quickly, so the doctor gave her something to induce labor.

Finally, just as the sky began to brighten at dawn, a beautiful baby boy was born. Both mother and son were safe and sound.

Old Madam Xu and Mr. Xu were overjoyed and gave the doctors and nurses large red envelopes.

However, when Mr. Xu saw the baby’s shock of blond hair, some of the joy vanished from his eyes.

’Sigh. A little half-breed foreigner.’

’Still, he’s a good-looking boy. His eyes are black, and he looks a bit like Yingying, and a bit like that man from France.’