TDDDMFM Chapter 54: Cocktail Party
The next day.
The venue for the cocktail party was the Peace Hotel.
This hotel was a relic from the sixties and seventies of the last century, and it had been listed as a cultural heritage site by the city. Later, it was bought by a prominent figure and turned into a private club.
With its prime location and beautiful surroundings, it was usually used for business receptions.
At nine o'clock in the morning, the parking lot of the club was already filled with cars, all luxury vehicles.
Today's event was organized by the Business Bureau of Fragrant City, with a semi-official nature and considerable significance. Almost everyone attending the event was an elite from various sectors of Fragrant City.
Yan Bingxue tossed the car keys to the attendant and walked into the club with Zhou Xiaobei.
The decoration of the club was magnificent.
The lobby on the first floor was decorated in European style.
The second and third floors were in imitation of Chinese style.
And the top floor was the banquet hall.
"It's true what they say about luxury and extravagance!"
After entering, Zhou Xiaobei couldn't help but exclaim.
The life of wealthy people was truly beyond the imagination of a poor boy from the countryside. Two words could summarize it: extravagant.
The two of them walked into the lobby, immediately attracting countless eyes.
These days, handsome men and beautiful women were always the center of attention.
Yan Bingxue was no exception. Coming from a wealthy family, she had an extraordinary temperament and stunning looks. Plus, she had dressed up carefully for the cocktail party, looking noble and beautiful like an angel.
Zhou Xiaobei was also different from usual today. Wearing a designer suit, a white shirt, leather shoes, and a tie, he looked like a perfect gentleman.
The two of them together were definitely a golden couple.
"Who are these two? Are they really such a perfect match?"
"The woman is Yan Bingxue, the granddaughter of the head of the Yan family, the jewel of the Yan family!"
"So, it's her! One of the Four Beauties of Fragrant City. No wonder! Only a family like the Yan family could produce such a combination of temperament and appearance!"
"And who's the man by Yan Bingxue's side? Which family's young master is he? Could he be Yan Miss's fiancé?"
"I'm not sure about that, but since he can accompany Miss Yan, he must have an extraordinary background. He should be the young master of some big family, maybe even her fiancé!"
People passing by whispered to each other.
At the same time, in an inconspicuous corner, a pair of eyes filled with resentment were staring at Yan Bingxue and Zhou Xiaobei as they entered, focusing particularly on Zhou Xiaobei.
Shen Yue was staring at the two from a distance, her eyes almost spewing flames. Her teeth gnashed, making a grinding sound, "Damn it, how did that scumbag Zhou Xiaobei end up here?"
Dong Tianming's expression wasn't good either, he had also seen Zhou Xiaobei.
It really was an unfortunate encounter.
"He must have benefited from the Yan family's connections and attached himself to Yan Bingxue. Parasite, gigolo, damn!"
While he sneered at Zhou Xiaobei for being a gigolo, his jealousy doubled. Clearly just a villager from the village, and yet he was so lucky. He had caught Yan Bingxue's eye, while Shen Yue, with all her talents and background, was ignored. Yan Bingxue must be blind, right?
Irrational!
The cocktail party was held in the banquet hall on the top floor.
At this moment, inside the venue, small groups of guests were scattered throughout, gathering in various corners of the hall, discussing secrets within their own circles, making the atmosphere lively.
"You two are late! How come?" At that moment, Shen Xinmin, dressed in exquisite Tang suit, walked over with a glass of red wine, curious about his daughter's unusual expression.
"Dad, do you remember that guy named Zhou Xiaobei who sabotaged our company's celebration banquet the other night? That kid is here too," Shen Yue said with resentment.
"Oh, how did he end up here?" Shen Xinmin couldn't help but be surprised.
Today's cocktail party was organized by the Fragrant City Business Bureau, and all the guests invited were elite figures of Fragrant City. How could Zhou Xiaobei, a rustic villager, be here?
"Uncle Shen, you don't know. He's here with Yan Bingxue. It seems like he's latched onto the Yan family," Dong Tianming said coldly.
Upon hearing this, Shen Xinmin's expression turned ugly.
So, this kid really managed to latch onto the Yan family!
"Hmph, so what? Even if he clings to the Yan family, he's just a nobody. Dog meat can't make it to the banquet table. Even if he clings to the Yan family, he's just a plate of dog meat," Shen Xinmin snorted.
Shen Xinmin had absolutely no goodwill towards Zhou Xiaobei. Although Zhou Xiaobei had once saved his life, that was ancient history as far as Shen Xinmin was concerned. Even if there was any gratitude to be given, it should be to Chu Yuhan. What does that have to do with Zhou Xiaobei?
In his eyes, Zhou Xiaobei was just an insignificant ant.
Dong Tianming said angrily, "Uncle Shen, I just can't stand his nouveau riche attitude. Just wait, I'll have someone kick him out. What qualifications does he have to attend the same party as us?"
"You're right, to prevent one rotten apple from spoiling the whole barrel," Shen Xinmin agreed.
"Let's go together."
Shen Yue reached out and grabbed Dong Tianming's arm.
The two of them glanced at the location where Zhou Xiaobei was, then walked over. Meanwhile, Yan Bingxue was explaining some of the rules of the cocktail party to Zhou Xiaobei, reminding him to be careful not to cause any embarrassment.
Zhou Xiaobei was only half listening.
At that moment, a middle-aged bald man in a suit approached Yan Bingxue with a glass of wine and said in a low voice, "Miss Yan, long time no see. You're getting more beautiful every day!"
"Oh, Mr. Qian, long time no see," Yan Bingxue nodded to the man.
The middle-aged man's name was Qian Zhongren, he was in the investment banking business and had a large company with assets worth billions. He had collaborated with the Yan family on several projects.
Qian Zhongren was in his forties, not very attractive, with shrewd businessman eyes. He smiled, "Miss Yan, has the head of the Yan family not come? It's been months since we last met. I heard that the head of the Yan family was ill. Is that true?"
"Yes, it's true, but he's better now. My grandfather is on his way here, he should be here soon. You can chat with my grandfather when he arrives," Yan Bingxue said.
"That's great... Oh, by the way, who is this young man?" Qian Zhongren looked at Zhou Xiaobei.
"I'm Zhou Xiaobei, her friend," Yan Bingxue said to Zhou Xiaobei, "Xiaobei, this is Mr. Qian, the head of Qian Investment, a well-known figure in the investment banking circle."
"Hello, Mr. Qian. I've heard a lot about you from Miss Yan. It's a pleasure to meet you," Zhou Xiaobei shook hands with Qian Zhongren.
He remained calm and composed.
Although Zhou Xiaobei had never attended a cocktail party, he knew how to exchange pleasantries.
"So, you're Mr. Zhou. You truly are a talented young man. Standing next to Miss Yan, it's a perfect match. It's enviable!" Qian Zhongren said with a smile.
Yan Bingxue frowned slightly.
Did Mr. Qian think she and Zhou Xiaobei were a couple?