The next day, Gu Xia didn’t immediately return to Jia*gbei but opted to stay at the company. The Ch*nese New Year was fast approaching, and the employees had a lot on their plate, aiming to secure more substantial year-end bonuses.
Furthermore, the company’s annual meeting was just two days away, and Gu Xia couldn’t afford to miss it. So, Gu Xia phoned his parents to discuss the matter.
Gu Xia spent the next two days at the company hotel, working from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
***
On the day of the company’s year-end party, Gu Xia dressed in formal attire, admiring his reflection in the mirror. He’d had a haircut the previous day and, under the persuasive influence of the hairstylist, even agreed to a perm. Not an extravagant afro but a backward-bending perm, giving his hair a slicked-back appearance. Gu Xia was quite pleased with the result.
Tonight, the company’s year-end party was scheduled to take place at the nearby Shangri-La Hotel.
Gu Xia left the hotel and made his way to Shangri-La. He felt like he was walking on air, exuding a confidence reminiscent of characters from a music video in his previous life. He wanted to exude the same carefree charm as those stylish League of Legends champions – he wanted to enjoy the moment.
Upon arriving at Shangri-La’s banquet hall, he found it bustling with people. Company employees were mingling, indulging in snacks, and wearing their finest attire, their faces adorned with smiles.
“Mr. Gu is here!” People greeted Gu Xia one after another.
Female staff members, in particular, approached him eagerly, attempting to strike up conversations.
For these hardworking girls in the bustling city, catching the eye of a handsome and successful boss would be a stroke of luck, potentially securing their future prosperity.
Gu Xia managed these interactions gracefully but eventually took the opportunity to join Xu Fan, who was dressed formally and chatting with several department managers.
“Gu Xia is here,” Xu Fan greeted with a smile.
“Mr. Gu!” The managers chimed in.
Gu Xia returned their greetings with a smile and said, “Seeing you all so cheerful, what’s the topic of conversation? Let me join in the fun.”
“Haha, we were just discussing you, young man. The female employees in the company are all dolled up today, ready to make an impression.” Xu Fan said, teasingly.
Upon hearing this, Gu Xia touched his nose, raised an eyebrow, and asked, “Is that so? Am I that attractive?”
“Hehe, Mr. Gu, you’re quite attractive indeed. If I weren’t already married, I might have set my sights on you. You’re young, wealthy, and talented – who wouldn’t be drawn to a man like that?” Li Xiaoxiao, the manager of the operations department, playfully remarked.
“Haha, Li Ke, your husband wouldn’t be pleased to hear that,” Xiong Xiong added with a grin.
“If he gets angry, I’ll just chase after Mr. Gu,” Li Ke replied, jokingly.
Gu Xia chuckled wryly; these people…
“Alright, enough with the jokes. Gu Xia, a few friends of mine from Sh*nghai will be joining us later. I’ll introduce you to them; they’re well-known figures in Sh*nghai’s business and political circles,” Xu Fan said, more seriously.
“Sure thing, Brother Xu,” Gu Xia replied.
Soon, more people arrived, including colleagues from the company, as well as notable figures from Sh*nghai’s business community – CEOs and managers from various industries, bank presidents, government officials, and even a few second- and third-tier female artists. Xu Fan’s networking prowess was on full display.
Gu Xia, however, wasn’t particularly fond of such gatherings. He found the superficial conversations tiresome and preferred more meaningful interactions. Nevertheless, he understood that as he ventured further into the business world, attending such events would become a necessity.
As the evening wore on, company employees took the stage for various performances, while guest singers whose names Gu Xia didn’t recognize graced the audience with their songs.
Gu Xia observed Xu Fan, confidently conversing with a multitude of people. He couldn’t help but admire his social skills, which had been honed through years of experience. Gu Xia, being relatively new to this world, had yet to build such connections. As he opened his own company and navigated the business realm, he knew he’d have to learn from Xu Fan.
A gentle breeze wafted by, and a melodious voice chimed in, “Gu Ban, do you mind if I join you?”
Turning to look, Gu Xia recognized her – a familiar face from TV series, an actress who often played supporting roles. Her name was Li Mi, and she had an alluring presence. Dressed in a low-cut dress that showcased her figure, she had makeup accentuating her features, and she flashed a bright smile at Gu Xia.
“This actress is Li Mi. She’s been keeping an eye on you since you arrived. After all, she lives in the Capital and frequents such business events, so she’s familiar with most prominent individuals here. When she heard that you were the legal representative and boss of Lingyun Technology Co., Ltd. in the Capital, her interest was piqued. She may not know much about Lingyun, but she’s well aware of the takeaway industry, and your company, as one of the pioneers, has likely caught her attention. Given your youth, wealth, and promising future, you’re quite an attractive prospect for someone like her, who’s nearing her thirties.” Li Ke, who was sipping drinks with Xu Fan not far away, remarked to Xu Fan.
Xu Fan, glancing at the situation, sneered and said, “How could Gu Xia be interested in a has-been like her?”
Xu Fan was well-acquainted with Li Mi’s reputation. She was known as a woman who eagerly pursued wealthy men in the Capital’s upper class. She had likely been with many affluent bachelors before they entered into wealthy families. This had become common knowledge among Sh*nghai’s upper crust.
Gu Xia, however, didn’t recognize her immediately and asked, “Who are you?”
“Oops, Mr. Gu, it seems you don’t recognize me. I’m Li Mi, the actress in the recent film ‘Red, Green, Yellow, and Thin,’ which was released a couple of days ago. People often call me Miss Mimi. You haven’t seen that movie, have you?” Li Mi said with a pitiful look.
Gu Xia couldn’t help but shudder inwardly, ‘This woman has quite the unpredictable personality!’
“Miss Li Mi, right? I apologize, but I don’t typically watch TV and wasn’t aware of your role in the film.” Gu Xia replied. After all, he didn’t usually watch those romance-themed TV series.
“Mr. Gu, would you mind if I joined you for a chat?” Li Mi asked, her tone sweet and playful.
Gu Xia looked at Li Mi, who had transitioned from pitiful to cheerful in a heartbeat. He sighed inwardly at her acting prowess.
“Miss Li, please have a seat,” Gu Xia offered.
Li Ke, still observing the situation, whispered to Xu Fan, “Famous Li Mi from the Capital is trying to make a move on Mr. Gu.”
She emphasized “famous” because while Li Mi wasn’t known for any particular negative reputation, her history of pursuing unmarried wealthy men in the Capital’s upper class was widely known.
Xu Fan looked over there and sneered, “How can Gu Xia like a broken bus?”
Xu Fan also knew about Li Mi, and he definitely knew much more than Li Ke.
Li Mi was famous in the upper class society of Sh*nghai as the “bus”. As long as a rich unmarried young man treated her a little better, she would immediately let them ride her.
It was unknown just how many young masters she had sle*pt with, otherwise, how could she appear in so many popular TV series?
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