Hai TangXi maintained the disciplined routine she followed during work, going to bed early and rising early.
After getting up, she would go for a morning run to exercise, then freshen up and enjoy breakfast.
In the mornings, she stayed in her study, organizing data and reviewing case studies of private estate designs from around the world, attempting to incorporate Eastern elements based on her grandmother Wang Ying's ideas.
This was an extremely complex project.
Charging Jiang Beicheng a design fee of several hundred thousand was entirely justified.
But since she had promised, she would naturally see it through for free.
However, her mood was occasionally dampened by Jiang Beicheng's dear sister Wu Keqing and his mistress Li Xingying.
Those two women clung to your leg, living a cushy life.
Not only does your sister have to work for you for free, but she also has to put up with your nonsense!
Did I owe you something in a past life?
Hai TangXi was quite adept at managing her emotions. One sip of coffee, and her mind cleared, allowing her to dive back into her design work.
In the afternoon, she took a break, got up, and sent a message to Jiang Beicheng, asking him to pick her up.
Then she shuttled between the dressing room and the wardrobe, getting herself ready.
Hai TangXi stood in front of the mirror, admiring herself.
Who was it that said taking your sister out would be embarrassing?
With just a little effort, your sister can stun everyone.
And indeed, when she went downstairs to meet Jiang Beicheng, she truly took his breath away.
His gaze lingered on her for several seconds.
She wore a black cheongsam with bamboo-leaf collars and double slits, perfectly accentuating her tall, slender figure. The back was made of white mesh fabric, revealing a large portion of her back, with a black rose embroidered on the mesh.
Today, she had pinned her hair up with a hairpin, adorned with a pair of diamond earrings, and no other jewelry. Her makeup was minimal, just a touch of powder, yet standing there, she effortlessly captured your attention and your heart.
"Will taking me out embarrass you?" Hai TangXi said proudly.
Jiang Beicheng broke into a smile. "Eastern aesthetics truly suit an Eastern beauty like you."
"Greasy!"
Hai TangXi laughed with mock disdain.
She walked up and linked her arm with Jiang Beicheng's, turning back to leave a word with Zhou Ya, who was busy in the dining room. "Mom, Beicheng and I are heading to the gala."
"Alright, will you be back tonight?"
Zhou Ya poked her head out to ask.
Jiang Beicheng chuckled. "Auntie Zhou with the ultimate assist."
"Put away that lecherous look of yours first," Hai TangXi teased, opening the door of the Mansory and sliding into the passenger seat of Jiang Beicheng's car.
They arrived at the Regent Hotel around seven.
The InterContinental Hotels Group was one of the major international hotel chains, known for hosting appreciation banquets the most frequently.
Their dual membership system attracted many loyal customers.
The group's localization strategy in China had also garnered significant industry attention and earned a strong social reputation.
This year's appreciation banquet was held in collaboration with the top Italian winery, Lagna, inviting distinguished member ambassadors to savor fine wines and exquisite cuisine.
The Mansory Cadillac V pulled up to the hotel entrance, drawing plenty of attention.
The Mansory's prestige was still on the rise.
It was indeed a rare sight in new first-tier and second-tier cities.
And it was a modified full-size SUV.
Massive.
It turned heads wherever it went.
Jiang Beicheng stepped out of the car, tossed the keys to the valet for the evening, and instructed him to park it.
"Welcome, Mr. Jiang, to the InterContinental Group's mid-year appreciation banquet," the valet said respectfully as he took the keys.
Jiang Beicheng nodded, heading toward the main hall. Hai TangXi caught up and linked her arm with his.
"Jiang!" The hotel's general manager, Robert, greeted him enthusiastically, shaking his hand and giving him a hug. "I knew you'd come. The gala wouldn't be as fun without you."
"What trap are you setting for me this time?" Jiang Beicheng said with a laugh.
When they invited him, the hotel had asked him to give a speech as a distinguished royal ambassador representing the members, but Jiang Beicheng had declined.
His reason was simple: he didn't want to write a speech.
Those speeches required you to flatter the brand and its partners, something Jiang Beicheng neither liked nor excelled at.
He didn't know who they found to replace him.
"No, Jiang, tonight you're just here to enjoy the fine wine and food. Oh, I forgot to mention, the president is here today, and we've prepared a surprise for you," Robert said with a smile.
"Looking forward to it," Jiang Beicheng replied with a smile.
"Madam, you look stunning. Your beauty is truly unique," Robert complimented Hai TangXi.
"Really? It's my honor," Hai TangXi responded. She was no stranger to such social events at galas. Even before studying abroad, she had attended many gatherings with her parents.
Robert's praise was sincere. As she stepped into the venue, all eyes began to shift toward her.
These galas often attracted "socialites" who slipped in and influencers who came to mooch off the event.
All of them were meticulously made up, wearing carefully chosen gowns, aiming to stand out.
Some hoped to catch a rich suitor, while others, failing that, filmed videos to compete for attention online.
Every woman there was supremely confident, believing she was the most dazzling at the banquet.
The women who sneaked in needed that kind of conviction to navigate the social scene.
But when Hai TangXi entered, they all paled in comparison.
Her Eastern charm and aesthetics were almost perfectly embodied.
No heavy makeup, no extravagant jewelry—just a black slit cheongsam on her 175cm frame, paired with 10cm heels. Her confidence and aura alone outshone everyone in the room.
Several middle-aged women approached her to strike up a conversation.
"What's your surname, beautiful?"
"Is your cheongsam custom-made? It's very tasteful."
"Have you studied abroad, young lady?"
"…"
Hai TangXi picked up a glass of white wine from a nearby table and clinked glasses with the group.
She enjoyed the feeling of being admired and praised.
Confidence in showcasing a woman's beauty was the ultimate sense of accomplishment.
"See you later."
Jiang Beicheng let her bask in the compliments.
Spotting a few old friends, he went over to greet them and exchange pleasantries.
After finishing her chat with the women, Hai TangXi headed toward Jiang Beicheng.
"Hi, lady!"
A young man holding a glass of champagne approached Hai TangXi, smiling as he raised his glass and introduced himself. "Malik!"
He spoke with a London accent.
Hai TangXi smiled, not particularly fond of this kind of approach. "Hai TangXi!"
She didn't introduce herself in English as he had.
Using a London accent in a crowd of locals was a bit comical.
The young man noticed her smile and gave an awkward laugh before offering his Chinese name. "Hello, Miss Hai TangXi. Pan Wenzhou. Pleased to meet you."
"Hello," Hai TangXi replied, shaking his hand politely.
Such galas were inherently social occasions, and attending meant engaging with everyone who approached.
Hai TangXi handled it with grace and poise.
"Did you come to the gala alone, Miss Hai TangXi?"
Hai TangXi shook her head, glancing at Jiang Beicheng.
"Boyfriend?"
"Brother!"
"Your brother is quite handsome."
"I'll thank you on his behalf."
"You're welcome," Pan Wenzhou said, extending an invitation. "May I have the honor of sitting with you tonight?"
Hai TangXi shook her head. "Sorry."
"That's a pity," Pan Wenzhou said with an awkward smile, pulling a business card from his pocket and handing it to her. "Perhaps we'll have more opportunities to connect in the future."
Hai TangXi politely accepted it. "Zhidao Investment?"
"Yes, miss. If you have a good idea or a business plan, feel free to reach out. I'd be more than happy to help realize your entrepreneurial dream," Pan Wenzhou said confidently.
Hai TangXi was amused again by his London accent. "Just returned to the country?"
"Yes, I previously worked in financial services at UBS."
Hai TangXi smiled. "Have you heard of Jack Ma's turtle theory?"
Pan Wenzhou frowned, looking at her with confusion.
Hai TangXi explained, "Sea turtles need to be raised in freshwater for a bit, and native turtles need to swim in the sea for a while. Hybrids are more likely to survive."