Arriving at the venue took more time than Zhi Ruo thought. It was already half past 7 and the event has surely begun. They were already parked in front of the hotel and staff were already waiting for the person to come out. Surely it was someone important. After all, they rode in a Rolls Royce.
Before opening the door, Xiao Tong said in a clear voice, "Remember to have fun, okay? Don't mind those people who don't know who you are. Karma will get them back."
Zhi Ruo smiled and gripped her best friend's hand in assurance. "Don't worry. I won't. I'm a strong, independent woman right?"
Xiao Tong couldn't help but giggle. She always had faith in Zhi Ruo's skills and mindset. It was just sometimes that she would get carried away.
"Oh I almost forgot! Here," Xiao Tong shoved a trench coat in her hands. "I found this while you were busy changing. It gets cold at night and you get cold easily, so remember to stay warm, okay?"
Zhi Ruo's eyes widened when she saw the familiar trench coat in her hands. But before she could say there was no need, the car had already driven off. As she sighed in defeat, Zhi Ruo headed inside the building, her purse hung over her shoulder and her hands gripping the trench coat in nervousness.
She could feel the stares of people looking at her in awe, but she paid no heed to it and confidently handed her invitation to the person in charge of security.
When she headed inside the large and grand meeting room, the representative of the company was already giving a speech by the front. There were no seats left and Zhi Ruo headed to a secluded corner by the room, taking a glass of champagne from a waiter.
Her eyes were scanning the crowd. Not bad, the room was filled with influential but good people whom Zhi Ruo knew by heart. Her eyes caught a familiar person who stood by the door with a warm aura.
His warm aura made Zhi Ruo relax a little bit. At least she knew someone here personally. The man was a friend of his uncle's who owned a catering business. She had always been a fan of cuisine, so it wasn't a surprise for her to know him. He was a family man who cared for his family more than anything.
Perhaps because she knew him personally, Zhi Ruo headed in his direction to pay respects. She put on a smile and tapped his shoulder.
The man looked surprised. "Zhi Ruo? What're you doing here? I thought your grandparents would come!"
Zhi Ruo smiled politely. Although she was indeed the brains behind the Zhi family's success, Mr. Goh was unaware of her position and just knew she was an adored granddaughter from a very influential family.
He had admired the girl's humble and respectful attitude through the many times they have met and suffice to say this woman was a good friend of his.
"Mr. Goh, how wonderful to see a familiar face in here. I just arrived and was wondering if I could accompany you?"
Fortunately for her, he was alone so being accompanied by an elder made her somewhat relax. "Of course! Anything for a good friend of mine."
Zhi Ruo was about to offer him a toast to an unexpected reunion when a loud voice interupted her thoughts. "Good evening everyone. I am glad that everyone took their precious time off to see Hua Conglomoerate's annual banquet. As such, the people I've invited her today are in no less what we consider the very best! The cream of the crop!
Now you might be wondering why an old man such as myself is still speaking, but I would like everyone to pay attention to what I am about to say."
With his words, Zhi Ruo's ears perked up and her eyes were drawn to the front. His words had successfully managed to pique her interest, as she had a feeling that whatever was going to be announced were huge.
"Ever since the founding of the company by my good friend's son, I have been watching it grow bit by bit, the countless obstacles and scandals we have faced, the opportunities that were given to us, and the joy of watching our people help one another to the top. It is my pride and joy to be standing here today in front of all of you. And because we have been proudly standing at the top of the list, our CEO has decided to reveal himself!"
Zhi Ruo resisted the urge to once again spat out her drink. And although she felt excited at the prospect of meeting the man she had been curious to know about since four years ago, she couldn't help but notice an uneasy feeling rising in the pit of her stomach.
"Please welcome, Mr. Mo!" the old representative gestured to the left side of the stage where a man walked up to him with a confident smile and great posture. His aura, the way he carried himself, it was all too familiar.
"You have got to be kidding me."