C14 Happy Event

The Chiang family originated from Huaxia, yet their business empire spans the globe, necessitating a network of regional directors to oversee operations.

In Huaxia's north, seven directors, known as the Big Dipper, each manage business affairs in their respective territories. To the south, six directors, referred to as the Six Stars of Nandou, hold similar responsibilities.

Among these is Ma Huayun, the Star Lord of Tianliang within the Nandou constellation. Under his command is a substantial team, with Yunzhou falling squarely within his purview.

The southern region of Huaxia encompasses over a dozen provinces, each governed by one of the six Star Lords, with two provinces under the jurisdiction of each.

Thus, while Ma Huayun's role may be regional, the power and economic influence at his disposal are formidable, akin to the authority wielded by the Two Jiang Overseers during the Qing Dynasty—a true regional magnate with considerable sway.

For minor issues like securing an advertising contract with the Elizabeth Arden Company, there's no need to escalate to the family hierarchy. Direct dealings with Ma Huayun suffice.

Jiang Yan, planning to reside in Yunzhou for some time, anticipated needing Ma Huayun's assistance. Consequently, he exchanged contact details and arranged to share a meal.

After a day of aimless wandering, Jiang Yan returned to his company to clock out before heading to the Dragon River Hotel on his modest electric scooter. He parked in a vacant spot by the entrance, only to be confronted by a security guard.

"Hey, where do you think you're parking? This isn't just any place," the guard challenged.

Perplexed, Jiang Yan responded, "If not here, then where should I park?"

The guard retorted, "Park wherever you like, just not here. This is the Dragon River Hotel, where a single meal could cost you your scooter. Think you can afford that?"

It dawned on Jiang Yan that he was being judged for his modest mode of transportation.

"I'm here to dine," he asserted. "Isn't it said that the customer is always right? Is this how you speak to your patrons?"

The security guard sneered, "Please, if you're God, then I'm the Jade Emperor himself. Stop trying to gold-plate your face. Move that electric scooter out of the way and don't tarnish our hotel's image."

Just then, a red Porsche rolled up.

"What's the problem here?"

Zhao Yu cast a glance at Jiang Yan and the security guard, feigning ignorance of Jiang Yan's identity.

The security guard hurried over, all smiles, and said, "Mr. Zhao, welcome. There's this clueless guy with a beat-up electric bike, trying to park it in the lot. I'm in the middle of sending him on his way."

At that moment, Xu Fengjiao, sitting in the passenger seat, leaned out and called out, "Jiang Yan, move your bike already. Can't you see Zhao Yu's car needs the space?"

The security guard paused, puzzled, and asked, "Mr. Zhao, you know this guy?"

Zhao Yu gave a wry smile and replied, "I've met him a couple of times. I suppose you could say we're acquainted, but we're hardly close."

Jiang Yan hesitated. Xu Fengqiu had invited him to dinner at the hotel tonight, and he didn't want to clash with Zhao Yu, so he pushed his electric scooter aside to clear the spot.

Zhao Yu parked his Porsche and stepped out with Xu Fengjiao.

"Jiang Yan, no offense, but our Dragon River Hotel is a well-known establishment in Yunzhou. We host many VIPs and dignitaries. You showing up on that rickety electric bike and parking it right at the entrance—it's just bad for our image."

Xu Fengjiao chimed in, "Exactly. If you're not embarrassed, fine, but do you have to drag the hotel's reputation down with you? Your junky scooter parked out front instantly downgrades our establishment."

Jiang Yan gave them an annoyed look and asked, "So where am I supposed to park?"

Zhao Yu pointed across the street and said, "Park it over there, away from our hotel."

Xu Fengjiao added, "I don't know what got into my sister, insisting on dining at Dragon River Hotel tonight. Jiang Yan, do you have any idea why?"

"I don't know!"

Jiang Yan couldn't be bothered to waste any more words with them and pushed his electric scooter across the street.

Xu Fengjiao called out with a frown, "Hey, Jiang Yan, what kind of attitude is that?"

"Let it go, Jiao. No point arguing with someone like him. A man who just stays home all day doing laundry and cooking is hardly worth our time. He's been out of touch with the world for so long, getting upset over him isn't worth it. Let's head inside."

Zhao Yu took Xu Fengjiao by the hand and they made their way into the hotel. Jiang Yan parked his scooter and followed them in. The security guards let him pass without interference, though their looks were filled with scorn.

Xu Fengqiu had reserved a spot in the Dragon River Hotel's lobby, where her colleagues, including Li Xiaoya, were already gathered.

One of her female colleagues surveyed the surroundings, her voice tinged with excitement, "Wow, the Dragon River Hotel really is impressive. It's my first time dining in such a luxurious place. I'm really riding on Feng Qiu's coattails this time."

Another colleague chimed in, "I've heard the head chef here is from an international Michelin-starred restaurant. A meal prepared by the chef himself would set you back thousands of yuan – it's way beyond what ordinary people can afford."

Li Xiaoya scoffed, "Please, don't be so dramatic – it makes you look naive. My boyfriend and I dined here just a couple of days ago. It wasn't outrageously expensive; we spent just over a thousand yuan. The head chef doesn't just cook for anyone, you know. It's only for those with deep pockets and the right connections that he makes an exception."

Turning to Xu Fengqiu, Li Xiaoya smiled and teased, "Feng Qiu, didn't you mention your brother-in-law is the son of the hotel owner? Could you pull some strings and have the chef whip up something special for us?"

Xu Fengqiu hesitated, caught off guard. Zhao Yu was her sister's boyfriend, yes, but they hadn't even gotten engaged.

If she were to exploit that connection to have Zhao Yu request a meal from the head chef, it might come off as if she were taking undue advantage of her position.

Just then, Zhao Yu and Xu Fengjiao made their entrance.

"Sis!"

Xu Fengjiao gave a quick once-over to Li Xiaoya and the rest. The sales center was bustling with more than a dozen people—all present.

"Why are so many people here? I thought you were just having a family dinner."

Xu Fengqiu responded with a smile, "These are my colleagues. I didn't just invite family; I wanted them to join us for the meal too."

Xu Fengjiao's expression darkened as she spoke with displeasure, "Sis, even though Zhao Yu and I are getting engaged, you shouldn't exploit his generosity because of my relationship with him. A single meal costs several thousand at least. He might comp the bill for family, but covering for this many people could run up a tab of ten to twenty thousand yuan. You might not mind, but I feel bad for Zhao Yu."

Zhao Yu chuckled, unconcerned, "No worries. We're practically family now, and I can handle the cost of a few tables. Tonight's meal is on me."

Xu Fengqiu quickly clarified, "Oh no, Zhao Yu, please don't get the wrong idea. I'm treating my colleagues and family to dinner tonight because I have some good news to share. I'll be covering all the expenses."

Xu Fengjiao rolled her eyes and pouted, "Sis, stop trying to play the big shot. You're usually so tight-fisted, always pinching pennies. Even when I ask to borrow money, you're reluctant, saving up to buy a house."

"Why this sudden generosity? Could it be you're divorcing Jiang Yan? Now, if you're divorcing Jiang Yan, that would indeed be cause for celebration."