Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
At eight o’clock, the annual party commenced.
On a brightly lit stage, two hosts warmed up the audience by introducing the evening’s events with clever jokes and stories. After one gave an impressive introduction to the first speaker, the other enthusiastically announced, “Please welcome the chairman of the board of the Gu Company, Gu Yusheng!”
During a sea of applause, Gu Yusheng rose calmly from his seat and walked onto the stage with elegance and poise.
Speeches by company CEOs are typically predictable and boring and, although Gu Yusheng’s speech was predictable, it was anything but boring. His passion was captivating, and the audience was fixated on him throughout his speech.
Having been born into a wealthy family, he’d become accustomed to handling public events like this from a young age. Facing this full audience, he remained naturally calm and collected, and his voice was articulate and smooth. His presence glowed with charisma and, under the lights, the stage was like the background in a dream.
As a man of few words, his speech ended within three minutes.
Many young women in the audience gave him longful looks as he walked off the stage.
After Gu Yusheng’s speech, the first dance of the evening began.
As the music played and dancers twirled, waiters weaved among tables and guests through the banquet hall with trays of food and drinks.
After the dance, the vice president of the company gave his speech, followed by several more activities on the program.
The best actor of the Baihua Award made his appearance when the waiters were about to serve the last course.
Throughout the event, Gu Yusheng had never once looked at the stage but, when stifled screams drifted into his ears as the actor came on stage, he opened his eyes to sneak a peek.
His height, figure, and looks are incomparable to mine… How strange. How blind must a woman be to be attracted to him?
Gu Yusheng nodded at the actor when he came down from the stage and lightly called out, “Xiaowang.”
His sudden break in silence caught the attention of Liang Doukou, who turned to look at him.
Gu Yusheng knew that Liang Doukou was observing him, but he pretended to be unaware and started speaking to Xiaowang, who had moved his ear closer to Gu Yusheng.
“Go and…” Gu Yusheng paused after his first two words. The banquet hall was noisy and, worried that Liang Doukou wouldn’t be able to hear him, he raised his voice before continuing, “Go and bring…”
He paused again, before finally resuming. Instead of using the term Secretary Qin, he intentionally referred to her in a more familiar manner. “Take Xiao’ai backstage. Doesn’t she want a photo with the actor?”
Having had some drinks, Xiaowang didn’t notice Gu Yusheng’s odd way of asking. He nodded blankly and walked over to Qin Zhi’ai’s table.
…
Ten minutes later, Xiaowang returned.
As the program was coming to a close, Gu Yusheng prepared to entertain his guests.
In the past, Xiaowang had always accompanied him when he entertained, if for no other reason than to help drink Gu Yusheng’s alcohol when he needed to slow down. But this time, as Xiaowang was getting up from his seat, Gu Yusheng directed him to attend to other matters.
