C10 Guests!

The same banquet hall that Lin Xiaoyue had used for her charity dinner last time was abuzz once again.

All eighty-eight seats were filled—there wasn't an empty one in sight!

When Zhang Guoyuan, the manager of South Group's C City branch, took his place at the head table, a thunderous round of applause erupted throughout the hall.

With a warm smile, Zhang Guoyuan scanned the room, his eyes eventually resting on Xia Xianfeng, who was seated not far from the main table.

Based on the information he had, these attendees were the same ones who had been at Director Lin's banquet at Lin's Group.

Zhang Guoyuan wasn't concerned about who else might show up. The presence of Xia Xianfeng, the reputed leader of C City's Four Young Masters, was all that mattered.

The audacity of this man to challenge the Ultimate Lord—he truly had no sense of his own mortality!

Noticing Zhang Guoyuan's amused gaze, Xia Xianfeng's pride swelled even more.

Clearly, the South Group's manager held him in high regard.

Without hesitation, Xia Xianfeng cleared his throat and confidently addressed Zhang Guoyuan, "Director Zhang, it's a rare privilege to be part of such a splendid event. I'm honored to join the esteemed families of C City's business community here today. Now that all the invited guests have arrived, may I ask if you have any further announcements?"

Zhang Guoyuan hadn't anticipated such arrogance from Young Master Xia. Caught off guard for a moment, his smile quickly widened. Since Xia was taking the initiative, he'd gladly give him the opportunity.

"You truly embody the spirit of the Four Young Masters of C City, Young Master Xia. Your poise commands my utmost respect! I'm confident that with the stewardship of your generation, C City's business landscape will soar to new heights!"

Zhang Guoyuan's praise sent Xia Xianfeng's spirits soaring. The endorsement was unmistakable.

With this affirmation, Xia was certain his stature within his family—and in C City's business circles—would only continue to climb. That was the essence of 'rising to a higher level.'

Our South Group has been established in C City for several years now. During this time, I've had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable growth and progress within the local business community, as well as experiencing the unique culture and warmth of the people here...

Zhang Guoyuan continued his address, his impassioned words drawing smiles from everyone in attendance.

Sensing the perfect moment had arrived, Zhang Guoyuan got to the heart of the matter. "In gratitude to C City, I've decided to host this gathering to discuss..."

As Zhang Guoyuan lavished praise on C City's business elite, and clearly held her in high regard, she couldn't help but beam with pride.

Brimming with confidence, Xia Xianfeng was the first to voice his stance, addressing Zhang Guoyuan directly.

"Director Zhang, your magnanimity sets a shining example for us all in C City's business sphere! To show our appreciation and respect, the Xia family pledges to contribute twenty million. It's our way of supporting your grand vision, however modest our contribution may be."

Xia Xianfeng's public declaration prompted Zhang Guoyuan to burst into hearty laughter: "True heroes are often the youngest among us, and the future of C City's business world is bright indeed! With Young Master Xia's bold generosity, I have no doubt that his future successes will far surpass the mere title of being one of the Four Young Masters of C City. I look forward to it!"

Bolstered by Zhang Guoyuan's commendation, Xia Xianfeng's demeanor grew even more self-assured.

With such a pledge, his future as the head of the Xia family in C City seemed all but assured. What could his siblings possibly do to rival him?

His gaze swept over the assembled guests. Without waiting for Zhang Guoyuan to prompt them, he boldly called out, "All of you are esteemed figures in C City's business community. Surely, there's no need for Director Zhang or myself to elaborate on what's to be done, right?"

In that moment, Xia Xianfeng had positioned himself on equal footing with Director Zhang of the South Group.

The other business leaders of C City, already eager to ingratiate themselves, quickly opened their wallets.

"The Niu family will contribute five million!"

"The Wang family will put in eight million..."

Everyone relished the opportunity to gild the lily and foster strong relationships. After all, it was just a matter of money, and they had plenty to spare!

Zhang Guoyuan was all too happy to take the easy route. Once the uproar at the banquet had subsided, he turned to his assistant and inquired, "Did you get all the contributions from C City's business luminaries recorded?"

The assistant glanced up, adjusted his glasses, and confidently assured, "Rest assured, Director Zhang, I've meticulously noted the contributions and their exact amounts from each family."

Xia Xianfeng couldn't help but feel smug upon hearing their conversation. Director Zhang's success in securing support from the various families surely had something to do with his own influential role. He anticipated that this would earn him extra care and consideration in the future.

He was just about to ask Zhang Guoyuan about his plans for the funds raised when the banquet hall's wooden door creaked open.

The sight of Qin Dongfang's icy demeanor, Lin Xiaoyue's hesitation, and Ye Xiaoyun's anxiousness caused a stir among the attendees.

Xia Xianfeng shot a glance at Zhang Guoyuan, then discreetly stepped aside to call Donkey Kong. He had paid his dues; that irritating pretty boy by Lin Xiaoyue's side shouldn't be around any longer.

As the trio entered, a contingent of hotel security guards swiftly took positions outside the door. The business elite of C City didn't need any explanations; they understood the gravity of the situation.

Some couldn't resist taunting Lin Xiaoyue as they eyed Qin Dongfang by her side. "Look at Director Lin, unable to get in and resorting to strong-arming her way into the event."

"Indeed! She knew she needed an invitation but still had the audacity to force her way in. Director Lin truly lives up to her reputation as the valiant woman of C City's business circle! But I wonder, does she think she can just waltz into Director Zhang's banquet uninvited?"

"Lin Xiaoyue, we haven't even come to terms with the shock from your last event, and here you are, daring to crash Director Zhang's banquet. Do you really think..."

Amidst a chorus of accusations, Zhang Guoyuan subtly signaled to Qin Dongfang that everything was under control, unnoticed by the others.

Xia Xianfeng, who had been unable to reach Donkey Kong, walked back into the venue just in time to witness the crowd berating Lin Xiaoyue and her companions. A sneer of contempt curled his lips. "Ha! Lin Xiaoyue, you've got some nerve, crashing this event. What's the matter... looking to get paid for your stint as a greeter outside?"

His mocking question was met with roaring laughter; Lin Xiaoyue's earlier discomfort outside the hotel had been witnessed by all.

In the midst of the laughter, Qin Dongfang boldly stepped forward with Lin Xiaoyue in tow, addressing Zhang Guoyuan, who presided at the head table. "I believe everyone present has made significant investments, haven't they? Director Zhang, isn't it time to disclose how those investments have been utilized?"

Xia Xianfeng wasted no time in rebuking him sharply. "Impudent! This is a crucial gathering, and even Lin Xiaoyue has no place here. You're nothing but her bodyguard. What makes you think you have the authority to spout off here?"

"Security! What are you waiting for? Get in here and throw these three out! Or are you waiting for Director Zhang to lose his temper?"

At his command, the security guards stationed outside the banquet hall, their faces filled with alarm, swarmed in.

But, to everyone's astonishment...

Just as the security guards stormed in, Zhang Guoyuan, who had remained silent until now, gestured for calm and declared, "Director Lin is a valued guest of mine. Who dares lay a finger on her?"