At first, the conversation was formal and serious. This was mainly because a considerable number of people were displeased with Chen Yuan’s new appointment. These people belonged to their own factions and, having prospered under the protection of powerful backers, were naturally unwilling to change the status quo. They were also afraid of upsetting the powers that be.
Liu Jia from Inner Mongolia—the only relatively young person present and the head of the Yangshao 213 Power Generation Department—mentioned that a group of his colleagues was eager to commit to Chairman Jiang’s new plan, and they had chosen him as their representative.
"You haven’t met all the leaders yet. In fact, many people wanted to come to this private dinner, but I didn’t extend the invitation. I was worried it would be hard to talk with too many people around. After your appointment ceremony, I’m sure many will come looking to pledge their support."
"Then I will certainly welcome them warmly. As a newcomer, I’ll have to rely on the guidance of all you seniors."
"Ah, no, President Jiang. You are young, capable, and determined. We should be the ones relying on you."
After some pleasantries, the topic gradually shifted from serious, formal business. Mo Nana arrived just then. As she took her seat, she gave Gao Dengfeng a warm hug, calling out "Gao!" with a beaming smile.
She sat down next to Jiangg Ning.
The old-timers began reminiscing about their glorious past, recounting the bloody years of struggle when Jiang Zhengfeng first joined the Jiang enterprise. Chen Yuan found himself listening with interest.
Toasts were made and glasses were raised, and the night grew deep.
...
While the banquet in the villa’s main hall was in full swing, a small, exquisite luxury car pulled in from outside the courtyard. It stopped haphazardly not far from the entrance.
Two fashionable and strikingly attractive young women got out, one from each side of the car.
"Didn’t I tell you? The girl playing the club advisor is such a two-faced bitch. Right from the start, she was so high-maintenance. First this wasn’t right, then that wasn’t right. Why should I put up with her? Does she really think she’s some pampered princess and everyone has to tiptoe around her?"
"Tell me about it. She’s so ugly, looks like a pig that escaped its pen. And her perfume is so strong it could choke you. Her voice sounds like she’s got a whistle stuck in her throat, and she still tries to sound all cutesy. It makes me sick."
"It’s probably because of that friend of hers, the one surnamed Gu. Next time, let’s not invite either of them. It’s not worth the headache."
The two young women started for the house as soon as they got out of the car, gossiping nonstop until they heard voices from the main hall. Only then did they fall silent.
Just then, a middle-aged man who had been waiting by the door came out.
"Welcome back, Miss. Give me the keys, I’ll park the car for you."
"Yeah, I’m back," the taller girl in the short skirt said. "What’s going on inside? Does my dad have guests?"
"Yes. They’ve been drinking for over two hours. They’re important people. The boss is very happy today, too. He even brought out his treasured vintage."
"Important people?" Gao Tongyu sounded surprised. "I’ve never heard my dad talk about anyone he needs to personally entertain." She craned her neck to look, but through the several decorative screens, she could only make out a few blurry figures. "He’s not too drunk, is he?"
"No, he’s holding back. He’s just in high spirits," the driver replied.
"Yu, since your dad has guests, maybe I shouldn’t stay over. Should I just go home?" her friend asked tactfully.
"Oh, it’s fine. They can have their party, and we’ll have ours upstairs. We won’t bother each other."
"Okay, then."
With that, the two young women entered the living room. Gao Tongyu kept trying to peek through the gaps in the screens to get a clear look at the people inside. She went all the way up the spiral staircase to the second floor, but still couldn’t make out who they were.
「In the main hall.」
"You’re running a business while still attending university?" Gao Dengfeng asked in surprise at the dinner table.
"That’s right. I have to go to class every week. It’s a lot of running back and forth."
"That must be tough. We all assumed you were focused on helping your father with the business and had put your studies on hold. I never thought President Jiang would be able to manage both without neglecting either. How much energy that must take!"
"A little hardship is nothing. It helps that Landa University is close to the office."
"Landa University? You didn’t study abroad? Our domestic education system can’t compare to those overseas. What a shame."
"I’ve been here in the north ever since elementary school, and I tested into Landa University on my own. I never even considered studying abroad, but I’m actually pretty happy about that."
"Impressive. I must say, the way you were raised is really different from our methods. Take my daughter, for example. I sent her to study in the UK last year, and this year she’s already making a fuss, wanting to take a leave of absence to come home and rest, for no reason at all... She’s just been pampered. It’s so much better to make your own way, one step at a time. No wonder you’re so humble and down-to-earth, President Jiang. Now I understand."
This topic struck a chord with everyone, bringing up a lot of feelings. Most of those present were middle-aged men who had started as poor students themselves. They had struggled every step of the way to get to where they were, only to provide their children with excellent educational opportunities that they didn’t appreciate.
Gao Dengfeng himself had been a bona fide university student back in the day. He came from a rural village in Southern Anhui, from a family so poor they couldn’t afford to eat. His life story was certainly an inspirational one.
The conversation flowed freely.
The conversation meandered from their glorious past to the modern education system, then to class disparity, and finally, it even turned to Jiangg Ning.
Someone grew curious about which university Jiangg Ning had graduated from. After a few questions, she had no choice but to answer.
They had assumed Jiangg Ning was an "insider" assigned from headquarters. Since none of them had ever seen her before, they were naturally cautious around her. After all, anyone who could serve as a leader’s secretary had to be a trusted confidant.
"Dad!"
The atmosphere at the table was lively, and everyone was feeling a bit fuzzy-headed from the alcohol. Just then, a charmingly dressed young woman suddenly popped out from behind one of the screens.