Chapter 815: Chapter 221: Following the Rules
The words scattered throughout the data were not many, just a few phrases like, "We hope to maintain a good relationship with you," and even if they were known to others, not much could be made of it. These people aren’t fools. Anyone who reaches a high position knows when to do what. The scenes of demanding cooperation in a rude or overbearing manner and causing trouble if refused only happen in fantasy novels.
Moreover, Adrian is considered one of the top figures in the United States, and he knows China very well. Not only is his Chinese fluent, but he also knows some dialects and loves ancient poetry. Now that he wants to expand into the Chinese market, needing someone to speak positively on the international stage, he is undoubtedly a very suitable choice.
However, Adrian is ultimately a businessman, so they communicated in such a way; the less information and the more vague, the less chance of leaving a handle. Of course, this might lead to inconvenient communication, but as long as the other party is wise, they would understand what this means, and they do not mind.
There’s no need for flattering words. As long as Adrian can stay neutral or kindly neutral, that would be considered achieving the goal. Besides, they wouldn’t put all their eggs in one basket either; otherwise, how could Murdoch have STAR Movies radiate the Pearl River Delta?
Furthermore, mere words are useless; actions are key. If Adrian truly exhibits neutrality and friendly neutrality, then investments domestically will certainly proceed more smoothly—of course, as for control, that’s out of the question.
Adrian had long expected their demands. Foreign investments wanting to develop in China is inevitable. While he didn’t understand much in his past life, now with his experiences in this life and careful analysis, he knows very well what to do and naturally agreed readily.
This is quite reasonable. Their demands are not excessive. In a transaction, of course, there must be something worth trading. If they made no demands and gave him the green light on all his requests, he’d have to be cautious instead.
Moreover, there’s a rule in every place. If you want to develop and expand, you must abide by the rules unless you have the power to crush the world. Otherwise, breaking the rules will only lead to failure.
Speaking of which, there’s always been an issue with China’s development—emphasizing strategy over tactics. Often, they excel at setting precise goals but neglect how to achieve them, as long as the goals are reached. Someone once said, look down on the enemy in strategy, but respect the enemy in tactics. Unfortunately, while China has achieved the former, it has failed to achieve the latter, thus allowing others to exploit its extensive development.
Adrian wouldn’t miss such an opportunity, but he is certainly not someone who loses himself easily, hence the statement just made. The meaning is clear: I personally like China very much, and I am willing to maintain goodwill with China and introduce it to the world, but the group is not solely my decision, and I cannot change others’ ideas, so it’s better for us to keep a low profile.
This is the honest truth. Although his influence has been expanding, if it goes against the mainstream social will, it would still be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. If someday, the People’s Daily wrote something like, "Mr. Adrian Cowell is an old friend of the Chinese people," federal bodies like the FBI, CIA, NSA might all come knocking.
This is also why Adrian has always hesitated about putting Gao Yuanyuan on the collectible shelf. Maybe she joined the party without even knowing it herself; after all, it’s just a paperwork issue. Of course, Adrian believes those people wouldn’t be so stupid, as doing so without any achievements would only damage each other’s relationship.
No matter what, the vaccine is administered. As long as he maintains a certain level of goodwill or even neutral objectivity and lets them see it, that would be enough. Adrian waved his hand, drained the champagne in one gulp, and took out his phone to make a call.
"Hi, Yuanyuan, what are you doing now? Yeah, I’m still in Beijing, probably will be here for a few more days before leaving... Is that so? Seems like we’ll only be able to meet in Taiwan for now. Ah, it’s been weeks, and I really miss you," Adrian said with a sigh, sounding very sincere, assured that Gao Yuanyuan on the other end laughed flirtatiously.
After a few more words, Adrian hung up the call, still smiling. He wasn’t lying, although women were not lacking around him, and this time he played the double-ice competition, it had been weeks since they last met, and he indeed missed her. Just then, the phone rang unexpectedly, and seeing the number, Adrian was somewhat surprised.
"Hi, Binlin, what’s up? Oh, of course, I’m free, but you... is that so? You sure know how to surprise someone, Binlin... You’re certain? Alright, then tomorrow it is." Adrian hung up after finishing, his eyebrows still showing surprise and amused astonishment at the news he heard, as little Binlin’s actions... were indeed fast.
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"Ma’am, do you have an appointment?" The doorman asked with a warm smile, making the young lady unconsciously adjust her outfit.
"Yes, in room 06 on the 10th floor." She nodded and replied in a calm tone, but her eyes still couldn’t help darting around.
The beige trench coat with a coffee-colored scarf and belt, warm leggings paired with ankle boots, was quite a nice ensemble, making her look somewhat pure, yet elegant and charming. However, most of these clothes were cheap, except for the Burberry trench coat, which made her feel uneasy even though the doorman showed no peculiar look, as she was currently in the lobby of the Chang’an Club.
Being one of the top four clubs in the Capital, and named after Chang’an, it’s naturally elegant and luxurious. The club’s members are naturally either rich or noble. Although she has seen the world, when has she been to such a luxurious place? Seeing the people coming and going, looking just like regular folks yet stirring a sense of inferiority in her.
"Please wait a moment." The doorman stated steadily, as he looked down to search, seemingly oblivious to her slight nervousness. The employees working in such top-notch establishments are undoubtedly competent.
He quickly found the information he wanted: "Miss Lu Tao, right? Please go this way. The elevator is just ahead, and someone will guide you once you reach the 10th floor."
"Thank you." The young lady smiled, exhaling a sigh of relief as she walked in the indicated direction and silently reached the top floor.
"Hello, Miss Liu, please follow me." The attendant waiting by the elevator promptly gestured for her to proceed.
Lu Tao maintained her smile and nodded, following her a short distance before arriving at the destination, where the person she wanted to find was already waiting.
"Great, Sister Liu, you finally arrived. If you hadn’t come, I’d surely cry to death," said Binlin, as if a load had been lifted, grabbing her hand exaggeratedly while patting her chest.
"What’s going on? Didn’t the others come?" Lu Tao curiously asked as she entered the room.
"Oh, don’t mention it," Binlin complained, "I contacted some friends, but at the critical moment, each called saying something came up. If it weren’t for you, I’d be alone."
"You... you mean... just the two of us?" Lu Tao couldn’t believe her eyes.
"You’re not leaving, are you, Sister Liu?" Binlin immediately showed a nervous expression, "If you go, then there’d really be only me left."
Lu Tao furrowed her brows, momentarily uncertain what to say. She and Binlin didn’t share much of a bond; although she spent some time in Beijing, she mostly lived in Guangzhou. They knew each other mainly because she played a role in "My Fair Princess III" last year. Even though Binlin wasn’t playing Jin Suo anymore, she still gained fame from the series, so they had some common topics in this regard. Furthermore, Binlin was talkative and liked to flatter people. Although Lu Tao didn’t like her at first, eventually, they became acquaintances who could chat a bit.
These past days she was in the Capital for a commercial shoot, and just as she was about to finish and return to Guangzhou, she suddenly received a call from Binlin. After a brief conversation, learning that she was also in the Capital, Binlin began expressing her troubles, saying her company wanted her to accompany an important foreign client and she couldn’t refuse, unsure what to do, and in the end, asked if Lu Tao could come and help.
Lu Tao initially wanted to refuse. She knew that even if it’s just accompanying a guest, accompanying might end up in bed. She had attended social dinners but had protected herself well. Yet Binlin pleaded softly for a long time and mentioned that several people would be there, assuring Lu Tao that she could leave whenever she felt uncomfortable. Moreover, the meeting place was the Chang’an Club—Lu Tao knew this club, one of the top four elite clubs in the Capital, with members like Ka-shing Li, Huo Yingdong, making her very tempted. After much hesitation, she finally agreed.
Who would’ve expected that upon arrival, she found only herself and Binlin, instantly raising her alertness.
However, before Lu Tao could make a judgment, a voice drifted into her ears: "Binlin, what are you busy with outside?"
Following that, she saw a tall, Western man dressed in a tennis outfit of shorts and T-shirt emerging from inside to the living room.
"Oh, Ed, I invited some friends over," Binlin immediately laughed and answered loudly, all the while entwining Lu Tao’s arm.
But Lu Tao did not show any dissatisfaction because she was amazed by the fluent Chinese of this Western man. She had seen Westerners before, but those who spoke this well were as scarce as people like Dashan on Central TV. When she heard the voice earlier, she did not associate it with a Western man at all.
"Great," the Western man showed a happy expression, "Playing tennis with just two people is indeed a bit monotonous."
Then, he came up to Lu Tao, politely extending his hand: "Hello, beautiful Miss, I am Adrian Cowell, may I know your name?"
"Um... I’m Lu Tao, ’Li’ as in ’blade’, and ’Tao’ as in ’waves’." The young lady hesitated a bit and somewhat bashfully shook his hand.
"Retaining the sound of waves? What a lovely name, just as they say, ’When there’s no wind over the sea, the waves rest peacefully’. It suits a pretty girl like you very well." The Western man immediately praised with a smile.
Lu Tao widened her eyes again. What did she just hear? Was it a poem? Is he really a Western man? Could he be someone in disguise?!
"Alright, stop showing off, Ed," Binlin interrupted at this moment, "You head to the tennis court first, we’ll tidy up and come over."
"Alright, I’ll wait for you." Adrian smiled and bowed slightly, then left the room.
"See, Sister Liu, he’s actually quite gentlemanly, nothing to worry about." Binlin immediately pleaded again.
"He... Who is he?" A somewhat dazed Lu Tao finally snapped back to reality.
"Um..." Binlin hesitated for a moment, then whispered into her ear, after which she exclaimed: "It’s him?!"
Then she looked at Binlin with incredulous eyes: "How could he possibly be here?"
"He’s worked with Huayi on many projects, he helped with the release of ’Big Shot’ in North America. It’s said he came over quietly last year." Binlin said, with a hint of implication in her words.
"Last year?" Lu Tao’s eyes lit up, she clearly thought of something, and her expression began to change slightly.
"Sister Liu, kind Sister Liu, please help me." Binlin continued to coax softly.
Lu Tao looked at Binlin strangely, instinctively feeling something was off, but unfortunately, she didn’t think much of it. The identity of that Western man already attracted her attention. There are certain things she knows, this circle knows too, despite many unclear areas, the current situation is enough for her to infer, and enough to bring some ideas to her mind.
"Alright, but... not too long." Lu Tao said, uncertainly.
Then the two women changed into loose clothing and went to the indoor tennis court on the top floor. As a top club’s indoor tennis court, although not as spacious as the outdoor one, it had everything necessary, and the service was impeccable. Since she had eased her mind, Lu Tao played quite engagedly, though her tennis skills were not very good.
"You have to grip the racket this way, then hit out, you can control the strength yourself, remember to estimate the landing point, your reaction can be more leisurely..." Adrian was instructing Lu Tao in playing, not only holding her hand but also supporting her waist, their bodies close together, appearing very intimate.
Although Lu Tao felt a bit uncomfortable, she did not show any sign of rejection. Adrian had previously taught Binlin in the same way, teaching seriously, without excessive physical contact, indeed very gentlemanly.
"Great, yes, just like that, well done." As he let go and had her face off against Binlin alone for a round, he loudly encouraged from the sidelines.
This man is very attractive, not only fluent in Chinese but also knowledgeable in various cultural anecdotes, making communication effortless, and he was humorous and witty. Lu Tao unknowingly completely relaxed, getting increasingly engaged in playing and chatting easily and enjoyably with Adrian, so much so that when he invited her to dinner, she agreed immediately, and then...
"I heard the United States has many inexplicable laws, like... it seems to be New York or somewhere, it’s said that after ten o’clock it’s not allowed to wear slippers. Is it really like that?" Lu Tao giggled as she sat down on the sofa, her cheeks flushed, with a hint of intoxication, looking very cute.
"Yes, but generally no one cares about those, if they did, most people would be prosecuted." Adrian chuckled as he removed his jacket and then poured her a glass of water.
"Thank you, you always seem to know what I’m thinking." Lu Tao accepted it, opening her slightly blurred eyes to look at him.
"Because I love to serve those beautiful ladies; their joyful appearance always brims with allure." Adrian smiled gently, looking intently at her face.
Feeling the heat in his gaze, Lu Tao couldn’t help but lower her head. She knew that Westerners always spoke very directly; although this man was relatively reserved, he had complimented her many times as being beautiful and sexy.
"I should... where am I?" She initially wanted to say she should go home, but looking around realized she didn’t know where she was.
"This is my suite." Adrian quickly explained, "You drank a bit too much, and took a nap after getting in the car. I didn’t know where to take you home, and Binlin had to leave hastily after receiving a call, so I had to bring you back here temporarily."
Lu Tao frowned and closed her eyes, vividly recalling previous events. They had dinner at the Chang’an Club; initially, it was okay, eating and chatting, then, somehow, they started discussing alcohol. Adrian asked the waiter to open several different bottles from both the West and East one by one. She couldn’t resist trying some too, and so, she was slightly tipsy.
"Alright, thank you... Hmm... I need to go back." Lu Tao tugged at her clothes, forced a smile, swayed as she got up, wanting to leave, but she hadn’t completely recovered, so she immediately wobbled back down.
"Careful." Adrian quickly caught her.
"No... nothing, I... I..." Soft in this man’s arms, Lu Tao’s mind was in turmoil, trying several times to get up, but her body felt soft and powerless. At that moment, Adrian cupped her face.
"I feel... feel..." She gulped, wanting to retreat, but Adrian didn’t give her the chance, assertively and unapologetically sealing her lips.
Lu Tao whimpered and began to move her limbs, but not too decisively, as Adrian’s hands started rhythmically teasing her.
"No... I’m not..." It was only after they separated that she managed to say a word, subsequently having her lips sealed again. This time was not as gentle as before; Adrian somewhat roughly dominated her mouth.
Lu Tao still resisted slightly by moving her body, but her determination was weaker than before. Then, amidst this semi-reluctant acceptance, Adrian lifted her up, without pause violating her lips and tongue while carrying her into the bedroom and laying her on the bed. Soon, piece by piece of clothing flew off the bed, and when the bra and panties also flew off...(to be continued. If you enjoy this story, feel free to vote for it on Qidian (); your support is my greatest motivation.)