Chen, with a hint of amusement in his eyes, declared, "From now on, Master, the maid will be attending to your morning attire as well."
Li Feng's face turned a shade of crimson. The image of a maid dressing him every morning was a little too much, even for his newfound wealth and status. However, he couldn't deny the convenience and efficiency of having someone else take care of such mundane tasks.
With a resigned sigh, he nodded his agreement.
A jolt of nervous energy coursed through Li Feng as Chen's pronouncement sank in. Yet, there was no time for further debate. With a quick glance at his watch and a muttered "Let's go," he and Chen dashed towards the main door. The scent of polished leather and exhaust fumes greeted them as they reached the threshold.
There, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, stood the sleek black Audi. The driver, a man with a stoic expression and a neatly trimmed mustache, held the door open with a silent bow.
Without a moment's hesitation, Li Feng, transformed into a beacon of refined elegance in his new suit, slipped into the backseat. Chen followed suit, closing the door with a soft thud.
he car, a blur of black against the sprawling landscape, swiftly exited the gates of Dragon Hill Villa.
The polished black Audi glided to a halt at 6:50 pm, just a short distance from its destination. The driver, ever so discreet, cast a quick glance at Li Feng through the rearview mirror before stepping out to open the door.
Li Feng emerged from the car, his new suit catching the last rays of the setting sun. He straightened his tie, a flicker of nervousness fluttering in his stomach. This wasn't some ordinary gathering in his mind anymore; this was a prestigious event held in a prestigious location.
Before him stood the majestic silhouette of the Celestial Spire Hotel, a five-star monument of luxury that pierced the twilight sky. Its glass facade shimmered, reflecting the city lights in a mesmerizing kaleidoscope. A grand canopy stretched out front, bustling with elegantly dressed individuals who alighted from a steady stream of chauffeur-driven cars.
A wave of surprise washed over Li Feng. He had envisioned a more subdued setting, perhaps a private club or a high-end restaurant. This opulent display was more than he bargained for.
As Li Feng stepped into the grand ballroom, a hush fell over the crowd. Eyes, both admiring and envious, turned towards him. The sleek black suit, tailored to perfection, accentuated his lean frame. However, it was his wrist, or rather, the lack of a fancy wristwatch, that drew the attention of the discerning guests.
Whispers swirled through the crowd. "Who is he? He looks like a nobody." "That suit must have cost a fortune, but look at the watch he's wearing." "Probably some upstart who got lucky."
Li Feng, oblivious to the snide remarks, moved through the crowd with a calm demeanor. He had always been a bit of an outsider, accustomed to being underestimated.
As Li Feng mingled with the guests, he couldn't help but be impressed by the caliber of individuals gathered in the room. Real estate tycoons from around the globe, their names etched in the annals of business history, were all present. The air was thick with ambition and opportunity.
The conversation drifted towards the burgeoning real estate market in Xinzhou, a country on the cusp of economic boom.
This was a world he had only glimpsed from afar, a world of billion-dollar deals and high-stakes negotiations.
Li Feng, his gaze captivated by a meticulously detailed model showcasing a futuristic mixed-use development, barely registered someone approaching. When a voice broke through his concentration, he turned, surprised by the sudden interruption.
Standing before him was a young man, radiating a confident charm. He exuded a mix of youthful exuberance and a hint of seasoned business acumen.
"Hello," the young man offered, extending a hand. "I'm Kai Zhang, from the prestigious Zhang Holdings."
Li Feng, ever the quick study, took in the details. Kai's sharp suit, designer watch, and an air of effortless authority spoke volumes about his family's influence. He extended his own hand, a smile lighting up his face.
"Li Feng," he replied, his voice betraying a hint of curiosity. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Zhang."
A mischievous glint flashed in Kai Zhang's eyes. "You know," he leaned in conspiratorially, "you're the first person here close to my age. Everyone else seems stuck in a bygone era. It's honestly quite a bore. How about it, Li Feng," he proposed with a grin, "fancy spending some time with someone who understands the struggles of a younger in the making?"
Kai with a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know, I was sent here by my father " he confessed. "He had some urgent business to attend to, so he figured this would be a good learning opportunity for me."
Li Feng nodded, understanding the sentiment. "Same here," he replied. "My father thought it would be a good way for me to get a feel."
As they continued their conversation, a waiter approached their table, carrying a tray of wine glasses. Kai picked up one of the glasses and gestured towards Li Feng. "Here, have a drink," he offered.
Li Feng politely declined. "I'm underage," he explained. "I don't drink."
Kai was surprised. "Really? You look older than me. I thought we were around the same age."
Li Feng chuckled. "I guess you could say I have an old soul."
Kai, impressed by Li Feng's maturity, raised his glass in a toast. "To new friendships and bright futures," he said, taking a sip of the wine.
The evening unfolded like a well-choreographed play. Important figures mingled, exchanged pleasantries, and made discreet power plays. Li Feng and Kai, however, remained oblivious to the underlying currents. They were engrossed in their own world, a captivating conversation fueled by shared ambition and youthful energy.
Li Feng, with captivating storytelling, recounted his life experiences, carefully omitting his family's immense wealth and the enigmatic system. Kai, in turn, shared tales of his life and the pressure of living up to the Zhang family name.
Over a delicious dinner, their connection deepened. As the event neared its conclusion, a bittersweet feeling settled over them.
With a lingering regret in their voices, they exchanged phone numbers, vowing to stay in touch. As Li Feng exited the opulent ballroom, a sense of accomplishment washed over him.
As Li Feng sank back into the plush leather seat of the waiting car, a satisfied smile played on his lips.
The sleek black Audi pulled away from the opulent hotel.
Suddenly, a flicker of concern crossed his mind. 'The new car,' he thought, tapping his finger impatiently on the armrest. 'It was supposed to be delivered today.'