Chapter 192: Chapter 166: Luncheon
After the unveiling ceremony, there was also a two-hour performance. The celebrities from Huayi performed several acts on stage under Wang Zhongjun’s instructions, giving ample face to Gu Bai.
The participation of these first-tier stars made the otherwise dull program time seem less tedious.
"I announce that the inauguration ceremony of the Black Swan Group is officially over. I ask all guests to exit in an orderly manner. Our company has booked the entire Shangri-La Hotel today, and all guests can dine and stay at the Shangri-La with their invitations and employee name badges. Our company has arranged vehicles at the building’s entrance."
This could be considered a grand gesture by Gu Bai, booking the entire Shangri-La, including dining for nearly a thousand people, which would cost at least several million.
Gu Bai also left first with Qi Jianhong, Wang Zhongjun, Secretary Li from the municipal office, and decision-makers from the Shanghai Capital Company, while some regular guests left later under the arrangements of the public relations department.
.......
Just after twelve noon.
The entire Shangri-La Hotel, from senior staff to regular service personnel, became busy.
This luncheon, initiated by Gu Bai’s invitation, gathered half of Shanghai’s celebrities and demanded their utmost attention.
In the high-end banquet hall, five enormous and luxurious dining tables were set, and these were for the most distinguished guests invited today. Although they arrived only when the banquet started, no one expressed any dissatisfaction, and all greeted him respectfully.
As for the regular guests, they were arranged in the ordinary banquet hall. After all, nearly a thousand people gathered together would be no different from a marketplace.
Gu Bai was chatting with Leader Cui Hong, while Wang Zhongjun, Qi Jianhong, and others stood to the side, occasionally chiming in.
"Chairman Gu, the current Black Swan Group is now a benchmark enterprise in Shanghai. From my position, I hope you can invest more in the real economy, contributing more employment opportunities to society, and slightly shift the company’s focus. After all, the entertainment industry cannot compare with the basic necessities of the common people."
This was Cui Hong’s advice to Gu Bai.
At present, the Black Swan Group is rising rapidly, not only favored by industry tycoons but also drawing positive attention from the authorities. Cui Hong hoped that Gu Bai could create more real value, with an undertone of disdain for the entertainment industry.
Gu Bai didn’t have much else in mind, as the entertainment industry could only be a part of his group’s portfolio. To gain more social status, the real economy was crucial, and he was well aware of this.
Moreover, the funds provided by the system were already sufficient; earning more or less made little difference.
As for Wang Zhongjun of Huayi, cold sweat broke out after hearing the bigwig’s words.
If his conjecture was correct, then industry giants like Huayi would be the first to bear the brunt!
"Leader Cui, rest assured, the Black Swan Group will definitely prioritize social contribution, placing profit second."
Gu Bai also assured Cui Hong.
Hearing this, Cui Hong smiled and nodded slightly. If this promise came from someone else, he wouldn’t believe it, but since it was from Gu Bai, he had no doubts.
Others might not know, but at his level, there weren’t many things he wasn’t aware of.
The Black Swan Charity Foundation, with its generous contribution of 2 billion yuan, to fund the Torch Program of a thousand Hope Primary Schools, was officially noted. This act even prompted the higher-ups to consider making Gu Bai one of the 2017 Hua Country’s Top 10 Young Spiritual Leaders. Had Gu Bai’s company not kept this charity project under wraps and the election of the Top 10 Young Leaders been publicly announced, it would have long been disclosed by the authorities.
A young man who could allocate so much money for charity at the early stage of corporate establishment, how could Cui Hong not have trust in him?
Gu Bai also understood that this large-scale philanthropic move would earn him favor from the big names, but he didn’t expect it to happen so soon.
After exchanging a few words, Cui Hong stood up: "Chairman Gu, I have a meeting this afternoon, so I won’t stay long and will have Secretary Li represent me."
No one dared to ask Cui Hong to miss official business and stay for the meal, so Gu Bai quickly got up to send him off.
Everyone accompanied Cui Hong to the door. Before leaving, Cui Hong patted Gu Bai on the shoulder: "Gu Bai, in terms of age, you’re like a nephew to me. In this private setting, I won’t be formal. I hope you remember my words and become an entrepreneur who truly seeks prosperity for the people, as long as you adhere to your principles.
I.
And the country will surely support you!"
These words, once spoken, left the surrounding individuals with unchanged expressions, yet internally, they were astounded.
To make Cui Hong publicly say such a thing, just how deep was Gu Bai’s background?
"What you said today, Gu Bai will keep it all in mind, and provide the best explanation through concrete actions!"
Cui Hong nodded approvingly.
"Alright, just see me off here. You all go back and have your meal; I’ve delayed your time."
Cui Hong also left in a black Hongqi sedan accompanied by staff.
...........
After Cui Hong left, everyone looked at Gu Bai differently. Previously, they might have only thought of Gu Bai as a young man with substantial capital, but after this incident, even the term ’unfathomable’ was not enough to describe the current Gu Bai.