A vast area, with at least seventy percent of the people's gazes falling on him.
Li Zhonglou's build was naturally on the thinner side. Even in his prime, his strength lay in his aura. In terms of physique alone, he didn't hold much of an advantage.
Most importantly, his bodyguard persona was a facade. Everyone present was either burly and imposing, or even the weaker ones were wearing tight clothing that revealed their toned muscles.
Only Li Zhonglou possessed a scholarly aura. While he might stand out in a crowd elsewhere, here, people wouldn't pick on the soft target without a reason – that would be foolish!
Fortunately, this scrutiny didn't last long. The staff on the stage announced the arrival of VIPs, drawing everyone's attention back.
In such an occasion, VIPs naturally referred to the four individuals on the elevated platform. As the staff introduced them one by one, four figures entered from another grand entrance.
"We welcome the titan of the business world, Wang Dabao!"
Wang Dabao, the representative of the Wang family, one of the eight great families of Shangjing. He was the third son of Old Master Wang, known in certain circles as Third Brother. He was a man in his forties with a buzz cut.
With thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a炯炯神 gaze, his face always held a faint smile. His attire was ordinary, like a neighborly uncle, making him appear approachable.
Upon his entrance, Wang Dabao smiled and waved to the crowd. Though he appeared very amiable, no one present dared to show any disrespect, and they all politely returned his greeting.
"We welcome our specially invited esteemed guest, Fourth Master Yang!"
As this name was announced, Li Zhonglou's expression suddenly froze. When he saw who had entered, it was indeed the Fourth Master he knew!
How could the Fourth Master of the Green Gang appear here?
Aside from his surprise, Li Zhonglou couldn't help but feel puzzled. He had always believed that the Green Gang, being an underground organization, would not be involved with these types of people.
He hadn't expected Fourth Master to attend such a high-society gathering as a VIP today!
At this point, people around began to discuss Fourth Master's identity. Some speculated he was a hidden magnate in the business world, while others guessed he was a high-ranking figure in politics. However, no definitive conclusion was reached. Clearly, Fourth Master had done a good job of keeping his identity confidential.
"We welcome a veteran figure of the General Martial Arts Association, the South China Tiger!"
Following the staff's introduction, a robust man with sharp eyebrows and a handsome face strode in. The moment he entered, the bodyguards present visibly changed their expressions, instinctively narrowing their eyes.
This was a primal reaction to potential danger!
The General Martial Arts Association. This was the second time Li Zhonglou had heard this name. The first time was from Yu Ke. Back then, he hadn't paid much attention to these words or formed a direct impression. But now, at first glance of the South China Tiger, he instantly understood the weight of those five words!
This man, who appeared to be no older than forty, was likely stronger than the Ghost Squad captain from Iron Lin!
Moreover, his aura was several times more potent than Yan Gui's! Li Zhonglou could feel the oppressive presence emanating from him even from a distance. Forget Yan Gui; even Xi Wen might not possess such imposing presence!
As the South China Tiger made his entrance, the previously murmuring crowd instantly fell silent. The South China Tiger's face always carried a sternness that commanded respect even without anger, and for a moment, few dared to meet his gaze.
This continued until the staff announced the name of the last person.
"We welcome the Deputy Director of the Shangjing General Bureau, Senior Zhong Mingguo!"
The last to appear was the representative from the government, a man in his fifties with a receding hairline. His features were kind, and his face was always adorned with a warm, refreshing smile. However, beneath this amiability, everyone could clearly sense an ingrained dignity.
Surprisingly, the last arrival wasn't just one person; a young man followed behind Zhong Mingguo.
This person, appearing no older than twenty, had a rather handsome and refined look. However, the smile on his face was entirely different from Zhong Mingguo's.
Casual, even irreverent. Despite it being a grand event, he looked as if he were at home, showing not a trace of seriousness.
Upon seeing this figure, Li Zhonglou froze completely, his mouth slightly agape in disbelief.
Long Shi?
Yes, the young man following behind Zhong Mingguo was none other than Long Shi, who had brought him into the Dragon Group!
Looking at the signature smile on Long Shi's face, Li Zhonglou felt a wave of helplessness.
It was one thing to have Fourth Master show up, but now there was an old acquaintance, Long Shi. Li Zhonglou was already contemplating whether he should participate later...
If Fourth Master saw him, it would be alright. After all, he had already made his stance clear to Li Meixia and reached an agreement with her. Strictly speaking, his relationship with Fourth Master was no longer subordinate.
But Long Shi was different.
This guy's mouth was never still! If he knew he was here, it would mean the Dragon Group people would also know. Coupled with the fact that he was currently facing many troubles, if the Dragon Group were to intervene and solve them without his consent, his carefully laid plans could be disrupted.
"No, this is too good an opportunity to make money. I still have to participate, otherwise, Lili won't be able to get by."
Thinking of this, Li Zhonglou's brow furrowed, and he then sighed deeply.
"It seems I'll have to explain things to Long Shi. In any case, I can't let the Dragon Group interfere with my affairs for now."
Li Zhonglou understood very well that while the Dragon Group's influence was indeed strong, it was not absolute dominance in China. This meant he also had opponents of equal standing.
As the saying goes, an enemy's friend is also an enemy. If the Dragon Group intervened in the matters he was currently dealing with, it might also draw the attention of the Dragon Group's rivals.
If the opponent were to use him to suppress the Dragon Group, then his plan would be a complete waste of effort!
As for the matters he had resolved immediately upon returning, that was already a risk taken, and it likely already attracted the opponent's attention. It was only because the Dragon Group had deliberately concealed it that there had been temporary peace. But if it happened again, Li Zhonglou felt his existence would surely be exposed!
In other words, from now on, unless his plan had reached a stable state or he encountered a truly urgent situation, he could not let the Dragon Group interfere in his affairs!
While Li Zhonglou was contemplating these matters, the four individuals had successively taken their seats on the specially made elevated platform. Long Shi, with his hands behind his back, stood behind Zhong Mingguo, looking like a loyal bodyguard.