Chapter 571 - 304: With Two Cheats in Hand, How Could I Lose?

Of course, he had to show the proper respect.

"Don’t be so formal. Just call me Auntie. Have a seat over here."

He Jing smiled and gestured dismissively, her manner exceedingly warm as she personally poured water for Qi Sheng and Jin Ying.

"Auntie."

Qi Sheng obediently changed his form of address, sizing up the Sect Leader of this top international venture capital firm.

She had short hair, which she hadn’t deliberately dyed black, allowing the white strands that came with age to show.

Far from making her look old, it gave her a rather gallant air.

"I heard from Yingying that you want to acquire the Four Seasons Hotel?"

He Jing sat on the sofa across from him, curious to see what gave Qi Sheng such confidence.

"If President He has looked into the Banyan Tree Group, you must know how well our sleep products are selling."

"Acquiring the Four Seasons Hotel would reduce the time cost of the Banyan Tree Group’s expansion."

"The Four Seasons Hotel would also benefit from the Banyan Tree Group’s sleep products, addressing the limitations of its otherwise singular brand appeal."

"This would solidify and increase its market share and influence in the luxury hotel sector."

"In other words, this merger would be a union of titans, not just a simple acquisition."

Qi Sheng laid out the benefits of the acquisition with eloquent confidence.

He Jing nodded slightly from time to time, indicating that she was listening carefully.

He Jing had already reviewed the Banyan Tree Group’s files back when Jin Ying first asked for her help.

With her characteristically sharp instincts, He Jing had noticed the immense changes Qi Sheng had brought about since taking over the Banyan Tree Group.

Previously, the Banyan Tree Group was merely considered "pretty good" in the high-end hotel sector.

But after Qi Sheng’s acquisition, Banyan Tree’s influence had become much more profound.

Especially among high-net-worth individuals.

Banyan Tree began to pull away from brands like Waldorf and Four Seasons.

To put it in concrete terms, while luxury brands like Waldorf and Four Seasons could be considered six-star...

Banyan Tree had already become a seven-star luxury hotel brand.

Even with Banyan Tree’s higher average room rates, its approval and popularity among high-net-worth individuals remained unaffected.

On the other hand, if the Four Seasons Hotel were to acquire the Banyan Tree Group, it would naturally be to enhance the sleep experience.

Without improving the sleep experience, Four Seasons would never be as good as Banyan Tree.

"I want to hear your thoughts on your relationship with Yingying. Have you considered marrying her?"

He Jing suddenly asked, her gaze even sharper than before.

"Hmm... I will marry Yingying, but in the short term, my career is still the priority."

Qi Sheng and Jin Ying exchanged a glance and couldn’t help but smile in tacit understanding.

"The girl’s parents passed away early. She grew up with her uncle and me. I’ve always raised her as my own daughter. I hope you’ll treat her well in the future."

He Jing looked at Jin Ying with a gentle gaze.

With her worldly experience, it wasn’t hard to see that Qi Sheng had been sincere just now about wanting to marry Jin Ying.

"However, I hope the wedding will be relatively low-key. It would be best to only invite a small number of close friends and family."

Qi Sheng added as an afterthought, to avoid causing a huge stir.

"My husband’s and my positions are sensitive. An arrangement like that couldn’t be better."

He Jing naturally had no objection. They could simply invite a small number of distinguished, high-status guests.

"However, her uncle will act as the witness at your wedding."

The moment He Jing said this, a moved Jin Ying threw her arms around her.

"Thank you, Auntie."

Jin Ying hadn’t expected He Jing to make such a promise.

In Singapore, her uncle’s power was absolute.

Only He Jing had the influence to get the founding father of Singapore to serve as a wedding witness.

"Ahem, whatever you decide is fine."

Qi Sheng suddenly felt a pang of apprehension, wiping non-existent sweat from his brow.

’If Jin Ying and I get married and then divorce, I won’t get banned from entering Singapore, will I?’

’But that’s a problem for another day. Once Jin Ying has a child...’

’Even if they don’t give me, the father, any face, they can’t possibly forbid me from coming to Singapore for the child’s sake.’

...

The project itself was profitable, so He Jing approved it on the spot.

Temasek would provide a 2.5 billion US Dollar loan, with the annual interest rate still at 10%, same as before.

Qi Sheng wouldn’t have to mortgage his plane and overseas assets after all.

His high-quality domestic properties alone were more than enough to easily secure 1.5 billion US Dollars.

After chatting with He Jing for quite a while longer, Qi Sheng and Jin Ying were finally able to leave.

But He Jing insisted that the two of them must come to their home for dinner that evening.

Given the status of He Jing and her husband, they wanted for nothing in terms of material possessions.

Qi Sheng didn’t buy any expensive health supplements.

Following traditional custom, he just brought some gifts and went with Jin Ying to her family’s home for the first time.

The stern guards at the gate made it clear that the residence before them was no ordinary place.

Only after undergoing a personal security check were Qi Sheng and Jin Ying allowed to pass.

"Auntie, Uncle, these are some small gifts we bought."

Jin Ying put down the items in her hands and introduced Qi Sheng while holding his arm.

"This is Qi Sheng. He’s my boyfriend."

"Your aunt has told me about you. A very fine young man."

Li Xianlong smiled and nodded at Qi Sheng.

His tall, handsome appearance was indeed a good match for his wife’s most beloved niece.

"Come in and talk."

Once inside, there were a few other unfamiliar figures.

"This is the eldest sister, Li Xiuqi; the second brother, Li Yipeng; the third brother, Li Hongyi; and the fourth brother, Li Haoyi."

Jin Ying was introducing Li Xianlong’s children to Qi Sheng.

Only Li Hongyi and Li Haoyi were her aunt’s biological children.

The first two were born to Li Xianlong’s previous wife.

After giving birth to Li Yipeng, Li Xianlong’s previous wife passed away.

Qi Sheng greeted them one by one and could clearly feel that Li Hongyi and Li Haoyi were the most enthusiastic towards him.

The family banquet that evening was also very sumptuous, featuring an array of specialty dishes.

It was clear that He Jing was very satisfied with Qi Sheng.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have made it such a grand affair.

Not only were all the children present, but she had also called back her husband, who was normally busy with countless affairs of state.