Chapter 318: Chapter 170 The Second Item_3

Wu Daode earnestly said, “Mr. Yan, your company’s employees were killed on my turf, and both sentimentally and logically, I should pay my respects to the victims’ families. Please introduce me to them.”

Yan Fei did not refuse Wu Daode’s request and began introducing the families of the victims to him. With each introduction, Wu Daode would clasp his hands together, bow deeply, and extend a respectful greeting to the bereaved families. His humble demeanor actually made him quite appealing to everyone present.

After offering condolences to all the families, Wu Daode gestured, and a beautiful French woman appeared at his side with a tray in her hands, upon which several envelopes were placed.

Wu Daode said mournfully, “Ladies and gentlemen, your children tragically lost their lives on my property. As the host, I failed my duty to protect my guests and feel deeply ashamed. To make amends for my shortcomings, I have specially prepared a red envelope for each of you containing one million euros as a way to express filial piety on behalf of your deceased compatriots.”

After Wu Daode finished speaking, the French woman proceeded to distribute the red envelopes. Confronted with such an immense and unexpected gift, everyone was a bit overwhelmed. Back in China, Dream Technology had already provided them with compensation—ten million RMB in cash to each family of the deceased, as well as care for their elderly parents and children. They were all entirely satisfied with Dream Technology’s arrangement, so they felt somewhat embarrassed to accept Wu Daode’s red envelope and looked to Yan Fei for guidance.

Yan Fei internally marveled at Wu Daode’s conduct, considering him much more capable than Wu Jiechao both personally and professionally. Wu Jiechao was frivolous and unreliable, lying about important matters and leaving a bad impression on others. In contrast, Wu Daode was sincere and steady, inspiring trust at first sight.

Even though Wu Daode was ostensibly compensating the families of the Company’s deceased employees, his actions were meant to impress Yan Fei. Wu Daode was extremely wealthy, but each family member received only one million euros, equivalent to approximately eight million RMB—no more than what Dream Technology had given as a condolence payment. In this way, the families benefited without overshadowing the host and causing embarrassment to Yan Fei.

Yan Fei was quite taken with Wu Daode’s approach, aware that he was attempting to make up for the negative impression caused by Wu Jiechao’s lies, while also aiming to secure the rights to be the agent for Weight Loss Cookies. However, Yan Fei’s first impression of Wu Daode was favorable, and he thought if Wu Daode were truly sincere, awarding him the agency rights in one country wouldn’t be out of the question.

So, Yan Fei said, “Since it’s a kind gesture from Mr. Wu Daode, everyone should accept it.”

With Yan Fei’s approval, the families of the victims accepted the red envelopes. Upon opening them, they found a check inside for one million euros.

Wu Daode apologetically said, “Ladies and gentlemen, payment methods in France aren’t as convenient as they are in China, and since I don’t know your mobile app accounts, I couldn’t directly transfer the money to them. However, there are many banks in Paris, and you can deposit the check amount into your bank account at any bank in Paris. Miss Elena here is an expert in this area. She will be available all day to consult with you on any financial matters and can provide solutions for all your needs.”

Yan Fei said, “I just saw that there are two banks inside this hotel. You should go ahead and deposit the checks into your bank accounts first!”

This is Paris, and while it may be bustling with activity, beneath that bustle lies innumerable sins. If these people were to walk the Parisian streets with cash checks, they would almost certainly be robbed. Therefore, for safety, it was best for them to deposit their checks into their bank accounts as soon as possible. Following Elena’s lead, the families of the deceased went to the bank to deposit their money. Yan Fei and Lu Pingping waited on the couch, with Wu Daode and Wu Jiechao sitting opposite them.

Yan Fei looked at the father and son across him and out of curiosity, asked, “Mr. Wu, did you come from China? How come your Mandarin is so fluent?”

Wu Daode replied, “No, I was born in France. My grandfather settled here after World War II, and he founded the Rongteng Trading Group. I was born in France, raised in France, and because our family business is entirely based in France, I rarely return to China. My Mandarin is so good because my grandfather hired a Mandarin teacher from China to teach me. I’ve always been very fond of China, and that’s why I’ve practiced my Mandarin to this extent.”

Yan Fei asked, “May I know who gave you your Chinese name?”

Proudly talking about his own name, Wu Daode said, “I originally had a French name, but I didn’t like it very much, so I chose a Chinese name for myself. I wish to set an example in matters of moral integrity, so I named myself Wu Daode. What do you think? Does this name make me sound like a gentleman of virtue?”

Yan Fei and Lu Pingping exchanged a glance, struggling to suppress their amusement before saying, “Good indeed, it certainly has the air of a virtuous gentleman.”

Wu Daode continued, “My son’s name is Wu Jiechao. His name includes the character ‘Jie,’ symbolizing excellence; and ‘Chao,’ representing transcendence. I hope that he can surpass my achievements and bring greatness to the Wu family.”

Hearing his father discuss his name, Wu Jiechao immediately looked proud and satisfied, a smug expression on his face.

Yan Fei again exchanged a look with Lu Pingping, their eyes betraying a sense of ‘as expected.’ Chinese culture is profound and complex, and even native Chinese, despite a lifetime of study, would not dare to claim full mastery of it, let alone these overseas Chinese who have lived abroad for generations. Wu Daode had good intentions, but failed to realize that his surname was problematic. ‘No integrity,’ ‘no morals’—such names would be scorned by everyone in China, yet here they were, taking pride in their names, thinking they had chosen wisely and boasting about it everywhere.

This also made Yan Fei think about a very popular Chinese actress known as AB. She started as a model, then branched out and became incredibly famous, partly because her name sounded distinguished and Western to Chinese people.

However, to real foreigners, especially those well-versed in the streets, the name immediately revealed that it was most commonly used by prostitutes in the Red Light District, leading them to laugh at Chinese people for being foolish. This situation was the same as the ridicule Wu Daode and Wu Jiechao received in China; cultural differences often resulted in humorous misunderstandings when it came to naming.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated on N𝘰vgo.co