Chapter 2: Pursuing Tycoon Status
After their noon meal, Xia Yu took on the responsibility of tutoring his younger siblings with their homework. In this life, he had two younger siblings - Xia Ming, aged 14 and in the third grade, and Xia Xiaomei, who was 12 and about to enter Secondary One. Guided by Xia Yu's example and his remarkable mentoring, both siblings were deeply inspired. With diligent efforts and Xia Yu's guidance, their academic performances excelled, consistently securing spots in the top three ranks of their classes.
This achievement brought immense joy to Xia Dahai and his wife, who saw a transformative shift in their family's fortunes. From generations of humble fishermen, they glimpsed the dawn of prosperity on the horizon.
Thanks to the success of their three children, Xia Dahai and his wife gained a newfound respect in their small fishing village. While some families might have enjoyed more material wealth, they dared not underestimate Xia Dahai, understanding that he was now the father of accomplished children. This tacit acknowledgment contributed to the family's reputation.
But it wasn't merely the father relying on the sons. The symbiotic relationships within the family were the bedrock of their success. As Xia Yu continued to uplift his younger siblings, their collective journey was a testament to the power of education in transcending limitations.
Xia Yu's actions echoed a sentiment shared throughout history: that knowledge was the vehicle of transformation for the underprivileged.
From ancient times, countless tales had been woven of impoverished scholars ascending through academia to alter their fates. It was an immutable truth that knowledge could bridge divides and unlock doors to new realms.
Once Xia Yu finished tutoring his siblings, a familiar and hearty voice echoed from outside, reminiscent of Zhang Fei's roaring presence on the battlefield.
"Xia Yu, you ready? Let's go!"
Recognizing the voice of his close friend, Xia Yu's lips curved into a smile. He replied in kind and hastened to the door, where a robust figure awaited.
This visitor was none other than Xia Lei, a lifelong friend of Xia Yu's. Though only 17 years old, he stood tall at 185 centimeters, an impressive growth considering his childhood struggle with malnutrition.
Xia Lei's lineage intertwined with Xia Yu's; distant blood ties connected their fathers as relatives. Tragedy had struck Xia Lei's family, with his father perishing at sea during a fishing expedition when Xia Lei was a child. Raised by his mother, he endured a difficult upbringing marked by scarcity, often lacking enough food to sustain himself.
Xia Yu, recognizing Xia Lei's hardships, had secretly shared his family's fish to alleviate his friend's hunger. This small but impactful gesture cemented a deep and lasting bond between them.
Xia Yu's intellectual prowess and the kindness he showed to Xia Lei forged an unbreakable friendship, one where the latter looked up to the former as an older brother. Despite their age difference, Xia Lei embraced Xia Yu's wisdom, and their camaraderie was a cornerstone of both their lives.
Xia Lei's circumstances took a turn for the worse when his mother fell seriously ill a year ago. Unable to maintain his education, he was forced to abandon his studies. In this period of vulnerability, Xia Yu grappled with the dilemma of intervening, aware that his friend's actions were largely driven by desperation rather than ill intent.
For Xia Lei, life had reached a crossroads, one where circumstances dictated his choices more than personal desires. Despite the moral dilemma, Xia Yu understood the underlying reasons and withheld judgment.
With a bag of seafood in hand, Xia Yu emerged from his home to meet Xia Lei's expectant gaze.
"Hey Lei, just hold on, let me grab the stuff," Xia Yu assured him before stepping into the house to retrieve the materials needed for their barbecue.
"Xia Yu, you're taking so much! Your family could sell this for money," Xia Lei exclaimed, his fisherman's instinct gauging the value of the haul.
A smile played on Xia Yu's lips as he responded, "My parents heard that you got accepted into the police force, so they insisted on a grand celebration. I told them it was too much, but they wanted to express their joy. How could I refuse their wishes, right?"
Xia Lei acknowledged Xia Yu's explanation with a nod, recognizing the genuine sentiment behind the gesture. It wasn't just about the food; it was an embodiment of Xia Yu's family's kindness and care.
In their unassuming camaraderie, the three friends embarked on a journey to their usual barbecue spot.
As they gathered and prepared the food, the tantalizing aroma of the grilling seafood wafted through the air. The trio each held a bottle of beer, poised to enjoy the fruits of their labor and the companionship that came with it.
"Congratulations, Brother Jun, on your admission to the police force. We shall now address you as Officer Xia!" Xia Yu raised his bottle in salute, a playful glint in his eyes.
Xia Lei chimed in, his voice resonating with joviality, "Indeed, congratulations! You've got our backs from now on!"
A smile graced Xia Jun's face as he responded, "Brothers for life." The sentiment was sincere, a vow stronger than mere words could convey.
Their beer bottles clinked together in a resounding chorus of camaraderie, their spirits lifted by the bond they shared.
Amid the laughter and camaraderie, the bond between the trio solidified once more.
As the evening waned and the barbecue drew to an end, they instinctively made their way to the mountaintop. It was a tradition they held dear - to stand atop the hill, gaze out at the expanse of sea before them, and savor a moment of tranquil contemplation.
The wind carried the bracing scent of the sea, brushing against their faces as they surveyed the sparkling expanse before them. Beneath the mountain, Victoria Harbour bustled with activity, while on the opposite shore, towering structures and bustling piers showcased the vibrancy of urban life.
Among these structures, the Peninsula Hotel stood in majestic splendor, a testament to luxury and opulence.
"The view here never ceases to amaze me. It's so serene," Xia Jun remarked, his voice tinged with wonder.
Xia Lei and Xia Yu nodded in agreement, the beauty of the scene moving them all.
Xia Lei's eyes glimmered with a wistful glint as he mused, "Imagine standing on the top floor of the Peninsula Hotel and looking down at all this. It must be breathtaking."
Xia Jun's expression mirrored his yearning, his voice soft as he added, "Indeed, I wonder how magnificent that sight would be."
Both their gazes turned to Xia Yu, instinctively seeking his opinion. Throughout their lives, Xia Yu had been their compass, guiding them with his wisdom and foresight.
Meeting their expectant eyes, Xia Yu smiled and said, "There's only one way to find out. Let's go up and see for ourselves."
"But can we really get in? I've heard that only the elite can access the upper floors," Xia Jun mused, his tone a blend of hope and doubt.
"Yes, even experiencing it once would be a dream come true," Xia Lei chimed in, his voice carrying a yearning echo.
Xia Yu's gaze held a determined glint as he looked at both his friends. His tone was resolute as
he spoke, "We won't know until we try. Let's set our sights on that goal."
Their eyes met his with trust and expectation, a silent agreement forming between them. As the eldest of the trio, Xia Yu's words were a source of inspiration and reassurance.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Xia Yu's mind was set on the path ahead. He reminisced about the past, his gaze shifting from the harbor to the infinite possibilities on the horizon.
In this pivotal moment, with his two friends by his side, Xia Yu's resolve strengthened. Memories of past lives merged with aspirations of the present, fueling his determination.
"Destiny, whether in triumph or adversity, I shall seize it with unwavering resolve. In this lifetime, I shall become a TYCOON!"
Weekly Power Status
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