Keller's grandfather, while acknowledging Alex's perspective, harbored a lingering hesitation, mindful of the group's future trajectory and the gravity of every decision.
"Grandpa, I understand your concerns, but I implore you to grant me the opportunity to prove myself," Alex pleaded.
"Alex, I have faith in your abilities, and I believe your vision is sound. However, for this endeavor to materialize, you must garner the support of a broader consensus," Keller's grandfather replied thoughtfully.
"Grandpa, please rest assured. I will not disappoint you!" Alex comprehended the underlying message; by presenting a feasible plan, she could propel her initiative forward.
The successful execution of this plan would not only bolster her influence within the group but also safeguard her position against Tian Tian's potential return.
A week later, Keller's grandfather convened a meeting to propose investing in the film industry. Initially, over half the attendees voiced their opposition, but Alex's well-conceived strategy, addressing the potential pitfalls of such an endeavor, garnered the admiration of both Keller's grandfather and the entire assembly. Furthermore, she volunteered to spearhead the project.
The outcome of the meeting surpassed her expectations, marking a triumphant conclusion.
Her inspiration to venture into the film industry stemmed from Alex's influence. In her previous life, Alex had embarked on this path, only to be falsely accused and expelled from the Andra family by Tian Tian and Ethan, halfway through her preparations.
Upon scrutinizing Alex's actions, Alex couldn't help but admire her business acumen. Pursuing the film industry would fundamentally address the looming threats to the Andra Group's future. This opportunity also presented itself as a means to fortify her own influence, a dual-pronged strategy that Alex seized with both hands. She completed the remaining tasks and expedited the plan's implementation.
Alex embarked on executing her plan with meticulous precision.
The plan progressed smoothly, but as a precautionary measure, she made a pivotal decision.
She discreetly mortgaged all her assets, amassing a total of $132 million, and invested $100 million in Huaguo Media & Entertainment Co., Ltd., a company on the brink of bankruptcy, thereby becoming its silent majority shareholder.
Alex recalled that, in her past, Huaguo Media & Entertainment Co., Ltd. had emerged from its financial crisis to swiftly ascend to the fifth-largest film company in the country within a year.
Thus, even if Tian Tian returned to the Andra family and Alex somehow lost her foothold within the Andra Group, she could still rely on Huaguo Media & Entertainment Co., Ltd. as a formidable base to compete with Tian Tian.
This evening, Alex prepared for a pivotal business cocktail party. At half-past two in the afternoon, she called her driver and made her way to the parking lot.
Exiting the company, she encountered Sheng Xiangdong.
"What brings you here?" Since Sheng Xiangdong's rejected confession, he had vanished from her sight, and Alex assumed he had given up on her, a thought that had slipped from her mind.
"Do I need to justify my presence to you?" Sheng Xiangdong replied, his gaze dark and inscrutable.
Unwilling to engage in pointless conversation, Alex strode ahead, with Sheng Xiangdong calmly following behind. As they approached the parking lot, Alex couldn't contain her frustration any longer. She spun around and confronted him, "What exactly do you want?"
"Is it not obvious? I'm here to retrieve my car," Sheng Xiangdong said, barely glancing at her as he walked past her to his Porsche, unlocked it, and drove up to Alex's side, rolling down the window. "I heard from Mrs. Andra that you're attending the cocktail party hosted by Star Ocean Global Media. As I'm also going, hop in."
"Thank you, but I'll pass," Alex rejected coldly, reaching for her phone to call her driver.
As soon as she answered, Mrs. Andra's voice echoed through the line.
"Hello, sweetheart."
"Mom, why are you answering the phone?" Alex's heart sank, sensing an impending inconvenience.
"I have a sudden emergency, and Mr. Chen is ill today, so I asked your driver to take me instead. I called Sheng Xiangdong to pick you up from the office. He should be there by now."
"Mom, but I have an important cocktail party to attend," Alex protested anxiously.
"I know, dear. Your Aunt Jiang mentioned that Sheng would be there too, so I arranged everything. If he's not there yet, just give him a call. Good luck, my dear!" Mrs. Andra ended the call abruptly, leaving Alex fuming.
Seeing Alex's frustration, Sheng Xiangdong smirked, "Your driver won't be coming today. The party starts in two and a half hours. I doubt you have time to hail a cab."
Sheng Xiangdong drove Alex to a renowned salon for a makeover before proceeding to the venue.
The cocktail party was held in a five-star hotel, adorned with freshly airlifted champagne roses.
Attending a commercial cocktail party was one thing in Alex's memories; experiencing it firsthand was quite another. The champagne, exquisite cakes, and lavish decor were a stark contrast to her former world.
The attendees were all influential figures, and the host, Star Ocean Global Media, held a pivotal position in the domestic film industry. Establishing a partnership with them would significantly benefit the Andra Group's film industry endeavors.
Sheng Xiangdong instructed Alex to place her hand on his arm, explaining it was a matter of etiquette. Alex complied, linking her arm through his.
Her gown, with its intricate pleats, revealed her pale back and slender arms, while the corseted waist accentuated her figure, striking a balance between sensuality and modesty, igniting countless imaginations.
The stylist had crafted her dark hair into voluminous waves, applying a subtle makeup palette and a bold red lipstick, transforming her into a regal vision of sophistication and elegance.
Sheng Xiangdong, clad in a perfectly tailored suit, exuded a refined charm that complemented Alex perfectly. Standing side by side, they made an impeccable couple, drawing countless admiring glances. Alex gracefully conversed with those who approached, exuding a humble yet poised demeanor.
"Miss Andra, your reputation precedes you. Today, I see that it is well-deserved," a man with angular features, a straight nose, and eyes as deep and mysterious as the night, said, his tone fraught with intrigue.