Chapter 355 - Best Gift

It shocked Isabella's relatives the moment Hanxi brought in the money to pay for the shares. From what they learned, he was a bodyguard and worked part-time as a model. 

Stefano and Salvatore gave beams at each other, including their wives. For minutes, they had tried to convince Hanxi not to sign the contract but apparently; he was carrying five million dollars with him since this morning. 

For those who were earlier angered by Manuel and Alice, they cheered on Hanxi and Isabella, amazed by how it all developed. 

"Wow, it was a good thing you had taken out money from the bank, but still I can't believe you were keeping that much money!" 

"As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. Just look at the faces of those two!"

"Wow! I am just blown away… I've never seen so much cash! Dad, never let me," said one of Salvatore's children. 

Vittoria, who was holding her breath, looked up to Hanxi and asked, "Where did you keep all that money?"

Hanxi cleared his throat and said, "I - I just left it in the trunk of the car."

"Huh!" said Salvatore. "You have a very big wallet, young man! Haha!"

Soon, Isabella laughed and so did some of her cousins. 

Although many of them were sorry for the Manuel, they also recognized that he asked for trouble. They heard him and Alice well, arguing about trapping Hanxi. It only meant that they had planned this all along, from the moment they revealed Hanxi's past. 

"I never thought, they would go this far," said Vittoria. She turned to Hanxi and added, "I honestly thought you had fallen into their trap - but  thank goodness that was not the case."

"Don't worry, Mrs. Ricci. I am not one to make rushed decisions without a plan," said Hanxi with a smile on his face. 

"Well, it's all over now, including my friendship with those two," said Isabella before hugging Hanxi by the waist. 

"But, Hanxi, I don't mean to doubt, I just want to know how come you have such amount of money?" Stefano asked with confusion written all over his face. 

He coughed before answering, "I have little investments with Andres Islands - the same resorts that hired me to model.. and also in a Korean company… Plus I am really, really well paid."

Seeing that they were not satisfied, he added, "and my sister, one that I consider a real sister is also very, very rich. She helps me now and then."

"I see… Your sister, the one who started the Andres Islands?" Isabella's father clarified. 

"Yes, sir. That is right."

"Well, that is good to know, Hanxi. Indeed, you proved us wrong… and I am sorry, I also worried that you may not be able to provide for my daughter, but it looks like you can. That… honestly gave me relief," said Stefano as he put one hand to his chest. 

Hanxi smiled at him and answered, "It's fine, Mr. Ricci. I don't necessarily boast about how much I own. This is because I've had so much help from my sister, I sometimes feel like I don't deserve what I have."

"I honestly still need to learn about managing a business of my own. However, now that I am with Bella, I am committed to learning how to stand on my own two feet."

"That's good, Hanxi and I like your honesty," said Salvatore. When he heard Hanxi admit that his sister was helping him, he was impressed by his confession. Others would simply brag and end up going into battle unarmed. 

Stefano nodded while looking at his brother. He then said, "I did not get to where I am without my brother's help." Looking back at Hanxi, he encouraged him, "So learn from your sister, Hanxi and you will achieve the same success."

"And now, daddy. Hanxi also owns 2% shares from the Bank of Trust Italy. He will definitely get there!" Isabella excitedly announced to everyone. 

Soon, their gathering turned joyous again. The housemaids brought in more food and some wine to match, adding to the fun in the party. 

When it was finally time to open some gifts, Isabella helped bing in all boxes and gift bags for her father to open. One by one he announced the gift and gave a few words of thanks. 

Stefano opened Hanxi's first gift, and he was all smiles with a new Rolex watch. He thanked Hanxi and proceeded with the other gifts. 

When there were two gifts left, Stefano asked who were the owners of the last two. 

"Me, grandpa! That is my gift," Matteo said, pointing a square box with a huge white bow. 

They all laughed at Matteo and Stefano happily opened the box. He found a coffee mug with a print that said, "The best grandpa."

Everyone gave awes and Vittoria especially became teary-eyed with Matteo's gift. 

"Thank you, my grandson. Come here and give me a hug." 

After receiving a warm embrace from his grandchild, he held up a big Red Chinese packet and asked, "And what about the second one?" 

Hanxi let out a heavy sigh and said, "That is still mine, Mr. Ricci."

Everyone was shocked, including Isabella. She glared at him and said, "You certainly came prepared."

"Chinese Red packet means cash inside? It would not be another 5 Million Dollars right?" Stefano said, trying to crack a joke.

Hanxi smiled while everyone gave a laugh. He had no idea what was inside, so he said, "It's a surprise."

Slowly, Stefano opened the content. He found pieces of paper that were neatly folded. He read it thoroughly and looked up to Hanxi with a paled face. He looked down again and read. He read it several times like as if he wanted to be sure. 

Isabella became worried. She pulled Hanxi by the arm and whispered, "What was that?"

He leaned closer to her and replied, "I have no idea. Andy prepared it for me."

Hanxi was feeling uneasy. He told himself, 'I should have forced Andy to tell me what was inside.'

Soon, Stefano was teary-eyed. He covered his mouth and weakly called for his brother, "Salvatore, take - take a look at this."

Salvatore did the same. He read the pages, flipping each one carefully and did so multiple times. His back was facing the crowd and the moment he turned around, they were all stunned to see Salvatore crying.

Slowly, Hanxi watched as Salvatore approached him. He gulped at what he was about to say or do to him when out of the blue; he hugged Hanxi very tightly. He said, "Thank you. Thank you so much!"

Hanxi responded to the hug. Even if he had no idea what they read. He said, "You are welcome?"

He then saw Stefano stand up and joined their hug while saying, "Hanxi, this is the best gift I have received in five years. It's not only a gift for me but for my brother as well. Thank you so much."

At that very moment, Hanxi wished he could tell his sister, 'Darn, Andy. You are going to give me a heart attack!'