Chapter 113 - Marriage Alliance

While waiting for the other guests to arrive, wines and cocktails were served. Businessmen from other companies used this time to engage with other potential partners. Unlike the previous birthdays, surprisingly, President Xia and his wife arrived earlier without the grand entrance.

Before taking over the company, the current CEO of the Royal Dragon was the former mayor of Guangzhou. His position in the city further led to the growth of their empire. His wife, on the other hand, was a mystery. Rumor has it, that Madame Xia is the brilliant mind behind her husband's success.

The Xia couple were not very sociable. In fact, they rarely attend celebrations and gatherings unless it was their own. It wasn't because they think too highly of themselves but they were just too occupied with running the business. Furthermore, many times have they been betrayed by so-called partners who try to get to their good side only to schemed against them.

The Royal Dragon Corporation was very selective when forming solidarity. Even shareholders who decide to sell their stocks have to go through the approval of the president himself. 70% of the company was solely owned by the Xias. 40% was owned by the members of the main family while the remaining 30% was owned by the branch family or distant relatives. Only 30% were distributed to those with absolutely no relation to the Xias.

All eyes were on the aloof-looking, powerful couple who strolled down the center aisle. Many of the guests came to this event hoping to rub shoulders with them but seeing how indifferent they were, they felt hopeless.

The two only greeted and glanced at selected tables whom they consider true comrades in the business and naturally, family members who have already settled down.

Although the company had invited many prominent families and business owners, for most of them, invitations were sent out in respect. The Xias merely appreciated their use of the products and services the Royal Dragon offered. President Xia did not have to mingle in order to gain benefits for the company, he had their managers and executives to this.

Everybody expected the couple to settle down in the table specially prepared for them at front most part of the banquet hall but instead, they decided to chat with the Lu Family. "Ah, Mr. Lu. How are you doing?" Said President Xia extending his hand to Lu Wei. "I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the aid Gabriel's Den had given in all our retrieval missions. May we join you at your table?"

The entire Lu Family was dumbfounded at being asked if they were willing to share a table with the great President Xia. It was true that the Royal Dragon supported them but seeing the couple spare no time for the other guests, it made them wonder why they were given such an honor.

"Yes! Yes, of course, President Xia. Please join us." It took almost a second before Lu Wei could respond. "This is my wife, Christina. You already know my father, Lu Jie and my son, Lu Fang."

"Ahhh… Such a good looking man you have, but seeing both of you, I have no doubts he is definitely yours!" He said while reaching out to his wife, directing her to take a seat beside him. "Darling, don't you think I am as handsome as Lu Fang?"

"Darling, you are absolutely more handsome than any man in this banquet. You are my husband after all," responded his wife.

The couple laughed at each other, surprising not only the Lus, but also the tables not too far from them.

"So, Lu Fang," called Madame Xia, "are you seeing anybody? Such a fine young man yourself, I bet women are trying to get their hands on you."

Lu Fang found it strange being asked about his personal life but answered anyway, "Yes, In fact, she is here at the hotel… only that we did not have enough invitations for her to join us." He was about to request for Andrea to join them when he heard the lady give an apology.

"Oh, dear. I'm so sorry to hear that. I'm afraid that we have given out all the invitations. In thirty minutes or so, I'm sure that every seat in this hall will be filled." Seeing the disappointment in his face, she remarked and asked, "Oh, you must really love your girlfriend? What's her name?"

"We call her Andy, but her name is Andrea Li… and, yes! Yes, I do. I love her very much – "

The Xia couple burst out laughing. They were so overwhelmed that they became teary-eyed and their faces turned red.

"It's amazing how time flies. I still remember Mr. Lu bringing his son to our branch in Beijing when he was… in college, I think," President Xia said before turning to his wife, "Do you remember that time, darling?"

"Yes, darling. Had I known this day would come, we could have kept close tabs on the young Master Lu."

The couple laughed again making everyone even more curious. They seem to be interested in Lu Fang. However, it did not take long for them to return to their serious expressions.

"We will get straight to the point, "said President Xia, "We want to propose a marriage alliance to between our families."

"…"

His wife then added, "We want Lu Fang to marry one of our own."

The Lu Family was speechless. Lu Wei especially thought he heard them wrong and clarified, "you want Lu Fang to marry a Xia?"

The president smiled and leaned forward placing his elbows against the table before saying, "Yes…Well... a distant relative."

Lu Fang's face turned gloomy. How he wished his babe was with him to show the Xias that he was in a happy relationship.

"Think about this clearly. Being business partners with us and having the right connections, this marriage will certainly bring Lu-Wei Enterprises to greater heights," the powerful man added as he sat back with his arms folded to his chest.

"I'm very sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Xia, but I love my girlfriend very much. I would not trade her for anything. Not even for the power of being a Xia – "

Lu Fang's bluntness was interrupted by Madame Xia's threatening's statement, "we can easily crush Lu-Wei Enterprises in a blink of an eye… Now, let me ask you again, are you sure you would rather choose this… Andrea Li over the Xias?"

The happy environment in the table had already turned dark. The Lu Family never expected that they would fall into a difficult situation by attending this celebration.