The government of G Province holds a grand charity banquet annually, inviting wealthy merchants and renowned entrepreneurs from within and outside the province. The purpose of the banquet is to encourage guests to contribute to the underdeveloped and impoverished areas of G Province and to attract more investment to boost the province's economic development.
As the chairman of Imperial Holdings, Alex naturally received an invitation. He glanced at the finely crafted invitation in his hand, smiled, and tossed it onto his desk. He didn't care much about the banquet organized by the province; he only attended to see what kind of people the so-called elites from within and outside the province were.
Noticing Alex's indifference, Hugh reminded him, "Chairman, the attendees of this banquet are influential figures. It might benefit the future development of Imperial Holdings."
"In this world, benefits are always reciprocal. To gain something, you must first give something. These so-called renowned entrepreneurs only care about their own interests. I don't know how they can benefit Imperial Holdings, but I'm sure many of them would like to hinder our progress. We are about to venture into the real estate industry, which is a lucrative field. Many are eyeing this profitable sector, and competition will become increasingly fierce," Alex replied, looking at Hugh.
Hugh nodded and said, "Chairman, I understand. I have recruited some talents from Country Garden at high salaries. Although they were not appreciated there, their abilities are exceptional. The basic structure of Alex Real Estate Group has already been established."
"It's easy to say 'putting talents to good use,' but hard to implement. Country Garden is no exception. We must strive to avoid such mistakes. Nowadays, talents may seem cheap on the surface, but true talents are still highly valuable!" Alex said with a smile.
"Chairman, I believe Edward is a rare talent. He will certainly become a key player in the underworld in the future," Hugh thought of Edward, whom he had only known for three days, as soon as the topic of talent came up.
Alex nodded, closed his eyes, and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. To him, Edward was born for the underworld, and he wished he had more people like him. Alex stood up from his chair after a few moments and said, "Hugh, get ready. Join me at the banquet tonight."
Hugh was delighted to hear that Alex wanted to take him to the banquet. He nodded continuously, saying, "Chairman, I'll go prepare. You go ahead with your work."
Seeing Hugh's happiness, Alex couldn't help but smile, thinking to himself that it was just a banquet, yet Hugh seemed so excited. He then called Mark, asking him to bring Edward and drive to Imperial Holdings to pick him up.
At 7 p.m., the entrance of the banquet hall at the G Province guesthouse was bustling. Luxury cars arrived one after another, and the deputy governor of G Province, Adam, personally greeted the guests at the door. Celebrities and entrepreneurs from both within and outside the province shook hands warmly with Adam, like old friends reuniting after years.
A convoy of more than a dozen Mercedes-Benz S500s and a Lincoln limousine drove into the guesthouse courtyard, parking in an orderly manner. People speculated about who it might be, putting on such a grand display.
As the door of the Lincoln opened, Alex stepped out, followed by Hugh, Mark, and Edward. Adam, seeing Alex, was momentarily puzzled but maintained his customary smile, asking, "And you are?"
A voice came from behind Joel, "I believe this is Mr. Alex, the chairman of Imperial Holdings."
Ella, dressed in a luxurious gown, walked out of the hall. Seeing Alex brought a special feeling to her, whether excitement or thrill, she couldn't tell.
Alex smiled slightly at Ella and walked past Joel, stopping in front of her, "We meet again. How are your two subordinates?"
Ella gazed at Alex and replied coquettishly, "Why don't you ask how I am? I've been thinking about you every day."
Alex cleared his throat, glancing around, not knowing what to say in response to Ella's remark, "Let's talk inside."
Ella laughed softly at Alex's awkwardness, then walked over and took his arm, "Hey, you don't mind if I hold your arm, do you?"
Alex shook his head helplessly, "If you don't mind, what can I say?" With Ella holding his arm, they walked into the banquet hall, followed closely by Hugh, Mark, and Edward, who looked at Alex with utmost admiration. Edward murmured, "Boss, I admire you so much."
Mark patted him and joked, "Don't embarrass the young master. Let's go."
Adam and the other prominent entrepreneurs watched Alex walk into the hall with the curiosity of someone observing an alien. Adam, feeling slighted, thought to himself that this young man was too arrogant, not even acknowledging him, the deputy governor.
Inside the hall, Alex and Ella took two glasses of red wine from a table and clinked them together. Ella looked at Alex with an increasingly bright smile. Alex nudged Ella with his elbow and whispered, "It's not our first meeting. You don't have to look at me like that; I'll get shy."
Ella held onto Alex's arm tighter, pulling him to a sofa meant for guests to rest. Alex felt the softness of her body against his arm.
"The mighty leader of the Reaper gang and the chairman of Imperial Holdings can get shy too?" Ella's big eyes never left Alex's face.
Feeling helpless, Alex sighed, "The leader of the Reaper gang and the chairman of Imperial Holdings are human too!"
"Don't be scared. I can't eat you up. I just want to be your friend," Ella pouted, shaking Alex's arm.
Seeing the occasional glances from the surrounding guests, Alex became anxious, sweat appearing on his forehead, "Ella, please let go of my arm. Everyone is watching us."
Ella glanced around and teased, "Alex, do you know why they are watching? Because they envy you, having someone like me by your side."
"You..." Alex was speechless, letting Ella hold his arm.
Ella chuckled, "By not saying anything, you agree. Being my friend has its advantages. You'll see what they are in time." She placed her wine glass on the coffee table, smiling at the silent Alex.
Guests continued to enter the hall, forming small groups, chatting animatedly. Hugh was also engaged in lively conversation with a few people.
"These people act like old friends, but their minds are filled with ulterior motives," Ella said, glancing disdainfully at the crowd.
Alex nodded in agreement. To him, these so-called elites, gentlemen, and entrepreneurs were nothing. He almost regretted coming today, but thinking about contributing to charity made him feel better.
Ella leaned her head on Alex's shoulder, feeling a sense of happiness. Just as she was savoring the moment, a voice sounded beside her, "Beautiful, may I have a drink with you?"