"A dog's mouth can't spew ivory!" Qin Meimei glared fiercely at Yu He's retreating back.
If Ye Qichen couldn't secure the venue, how could this wild girl possibly change the manager's mind? She was overestimating herself! Even if Chen Dong were to show up, it wouldn't make a difference.
"The manager of Disheng isn't someone who abandons principles for beauty. Even if you had your sister strip and present herself to him, he wouldn't change his mind," Qin Meimei sneered.
"Watch your mouth!" Ye Qichen warned, his face darkening. He could tolerate insults directed at him, but he absolutely wouldn't allow his sister to be demeaned.
"Tch." Qin Meimei scoffed dismissively. "My mouth is much cleaner than that brat's! If you want to waste your time here, then waste it." She didn't believe they could sway the manager.
Then, she took an invitation from her bag and tossed it through Ye Qichen's car window, saying haughtily, "Young Master Ye, don't forget to attend the Gu family's annual gala."
Ye Qichen watched Qin Meimei leave like a proud peacock, his hands gripping the steering wheel. In previous years, because Ye Zisu was Gu Ze's fiancée, the Gu family would invite the Ye family to their annual gala. But this year, the two families had completely fallen out. Qin Meimei's invitation wasn't a sign of her generosity, but a deliberate act. It was meant to flaunt that she had snatched the venue, a blatant provocation. Unfortunately, his influence was too weak to contend with the Gu family.
He had no idea what method Yu He was referring to, but he was certain it wouldn't involve the sordid tactics Qin Meimei had implied. He turned the steering wheel, found a parking spot, and began trying to contact other hotels and venues while waiting for Yu He.
Half an hour later, Yu He came down and found Ye Qichen's car. She opened the passenger door and slid in. "Done."
"Done?" Ye Qichen was shocked, glancing at the time. She had only been gone for half an hour!
"Mmm," Yu He hummed. "The fifth, ten in the morning. Time and venue are unchanged."
"How did you do it?" Ye Qichen couldn't help but ask. Did Yu He have more sway in Bei City than he did?!
"Used a bit of technique," Yu He replied.
Ye Qichen, recalling Qin Meimei's words, worried, "It wasn't by selling yourself, was it?!"
Yu He: "..."
Yu He: "The manager is bald."
Ye Qichen:?
He had seen the manager of Disheng Hotel before; he was a young man in his thirties. He seemed to be under immense pressure working for the Qin conglomerate, suffering from severe hair loss at such a young age, making him quite bald.
"I'm a looker, and I don't like bald men," Yu He added.
Ye Qichen: ???
If she didn't like bald men, what did that have to do with her securing the venue? Later, when Ye Qichen saw the manager of Disheng Hotel again, his thinning hair had become thick and lustrous, and he finally understood.
"However, let's keep this matter confidential for now. On the day of the gala, we'll treat everyone to a grand show as the opening act," Yu He reminded him.
"Alright." Ye Qichen, though unsure of her plan, knew that securing the venue and date was a massive help.
***
Meanwhile, at the Gu family's estate, the entire family and staff were busy sending out invitations for the annual gala. After the Gu family conglomerate had been suppressed for a while, Gu Tianlei hoped to rely on Qin Meimei to make a triumphant comeback at this gala. He personally delivered an invitation to the Lu family. The elder branch of the Lu family was not in Bei City. Only Lu Enhua and her family of three, along with Old Madam Lu, were present. He fawned, "Director Lu, Madam, Chenyu, please be sure to attend the Gu family's annual gala at Disheng on the fifth." They sent invitations to the Lu family every year, but only Lu Chenyu, who was on good terms with Gu Ze, would attend. This year was different, and Lu Chenyu had also fallen out with Gu Ze. Gu Tianlei was now worried that even Lu Chenyu wouldn't come.
Qin Meimei had inquired about Qin Beiting's whereabouts and heard he would be attending an event today. As soon as Qin Beiting arrived at the event, she followed him. "Beiting... Seventh Master." Remembering Gu Tianlei's words about Qin Beiting disowning him publicly, she immediately changed her address. "On the fifth, the Gu Corporation's annual gala will be held at Disheng Hotel. You are cordially invited." Qin Meimei said, presenting the invitation with both hands. She had always been wary of Qin Beiting, and the inherited Qin family shares he held made even her, usually so arrogant, humble in his presence.
Qin Beiting glanced at her and the invitation in her hand, did not take it, and strode past her. "Seventh Master will consider attending based on his schedule," Chen Dong said, accepting the invitation and turning to catch up with Qin Beiting. Qin Meimei stood frozen, her smile rigid. Qin Beiting had never attended Gu family banquets. She used to think it was because she hadn't personally delivered the invitation, lacking sincerity, hence his absence. At this moment, she realized it wasn't a lack of sincerity on her part, but that Qin Beiting disdained the Gu family!
Inside the elevator.
"The Gu family's annual gala shares the same time and venue as the Ye family's. Qin Meimei must have done this deliberately, right?" Chen Dong said, opening the invitation. Qin Beiting narrowed his eyes, a mocking smile flickering at the corners of his eyes. "Is that so? Then prepare a grand gift for the Ye family." Hearing this, Chen Dong silently offered his condolences to the Gu family for a second.
In the blink of an eye, the fifth arrived. The banquet hall on the third floor of Disheng was filled with light music, dancing, delicacies, distinguished guests, and clinking glasses. Qin Meimei and Gu Tianlei, holding champagne, mingled with the guests, their faces beaming. At this moment, an assistant behind them stepped forward to remind them, "Master, Madam, Director Lu and his family of three have arrived." The arrival of a family of three—did this signify the honor of the Lu family? The Lu family, one of the four great families, attending the gala was an immense honor. Gu Tianlei and Qin Meimei hurried to the elevator to personally greet them, not forgetting to summon the media for photographs.
With a ding, the elevator doors opened, and a server held the doors as Lu Enhua and her husband emerged hand-in-hand, followed by Lu Chenyu. The family of three were dressed elegantly and dignified, exuding the refinement of a scholarly family. "Director Lu, Madam, Chenyu, your presence graces our humble abode. We apologize for not coming out to meet you sooner," Gu Tianlei said with a welcoming smile. "Madam Lu looks even younger than before, and Chenyu is even more handsome. Please come in," Qin Meimei said with a smile, ushering them into the banquet hall.
The guests in the banquet hall soon noticed the commotion. "They managed to get the second branch of the Lu family, a family of three, to attend. Their connections are impressive." "Indeed. Director Lu and his family only appear at important events; they rarely attend such private gatherings." "It wasn't a wasted trip today. I must go and strike up a conversation later."
The guests' hushed conversations reached Qin Meimei and Gu Tianlei, filling them with pride. The arrival of Lu Enhua's family had already ensured more than half the success of this gala. The Gu family's standing in Bei City was now secure. "Didn't you say this was the Ye family's banquet?" Lu Enhua asked Lu Chenyu, turning her head.