After the opening show, the first to perform was a pop star from Hong Kong Island.
Chen Pingjiang recognized the person at a glance and chuckled,
"How did you manage to invite him?"
Dai Sheng said,
"He's cheap. One hundred thousand yuan settled it, but singers over there are generally not very expensive. Except for the Four Heavenly Kings, of course."
He Zhiyu also became animated:
"'Glorious Years'! I used to like listening to that. I remember he later married Zhu Yin, right?"
"Yes, that's her."
The next few mainland singers, with an average of two songs each, were mostly second and third-tier minor celebrities, including some who debuted from Super Girl a couple of years ago.
First-tier pop stars generally wouldn't come for commercial performances at nightclubs unless they were particularly short on money, as there's a hierarchy of contempt in the entertainment industry.
After a dance performance concluded, the MC yelled into the microphone:
"OK, here we'd like to thank Mr. Wang and Mr. Li from our BOSS Card, for ordering 20 bottles of Ace of Spades and our Rémy Martin Dragon Suit! On behalf of all staff, I welcome your esteemed presence. We wish all distinguished guests on stage a fun time, enjoyable drinks, and a beautiful companion to take home."
As Zhao Shaoyang was feeling curious, he saw Manager Ah Xiao walk over:
"Which Mr. Wang?"
Ah Xiao chuckled,
"Young Master Wang, the one who's very famous online and argues with people every day."
"Huh? Wang Cong?"
"Yes, that's him! You and Mr. Chen came in ahead of time, and they came in with the crowd. Luckily, I have sharp eyes and recognized them at a glance."
Chen Pingjiang smiled at He Zhiyu and said,
"The young master of old Wang's family, your rival."
Under Chen Pingjiang's guidance, He Zhiyu's Yuanfang Supermarket was slowly transforming into a commercial complex.
When acquiring land in several cities, they encountered Yida Commercial Real Estate.
Except for one time where they stood firm against them, they were defeated in all other instances and eventually had to switch to different land plots.
He Zhiyu nodded,
"I've long heard that his kid is quite troublesome. I didn't expect him to actually come to Dongjiang."
Chen Pingjiang also hadn't expected the famous Young Master Wang to come.
"Brother Chen, I told those minor celebrities to come toast you; some of their agents want to get to know you,"
Zhao Shaoyang turned to Chen Pingjiang and said.
However, seeing Chen Pingjiang frown, he immediately chuckled sheepishly,
"But I immediately refused them. Their status isn't high enough."
To Chen Pingjiang's surprise, this kid hadn't given up and brought over another group of girls, all of whom were particularly attractive.
"Although everyone is here today to show respect for Brother Chen, I want everyone to have a great time and drink happily. It's too boring for a bunch of men to drink, so I've arranged some girls for us."
Watching a group of girls, chattering like orioles, approach, the others remained still, looking at Chen Pingjiang instead.
Zhang Fu shook his head,
"Forget about us. The situation is so chaotic, what if someone posts it online? Besides, are these girls even reliable?"
Zhao Shaoyang confidently patted his chest,
"It's just drinking, what's there to be afraid of? Besides, I've collected all their phones."
Chen Pingjiang was at a loss with this kid; he was truly like someone presenting treasures.
However, a bar really needed someone like this to keep the big clients happy.
Just as Chen Pingjiang was about to speak, he suddenly felt his vision darken as a figure blocked the light.
He looked up, and in the dim light, he found the girl in front of him familiar.
"Uh, Brother Chen, this is my classmate's best friend. She's a top student, studying art, and is currently filming under Old Zhang."
With that, Chen Pingjiang remembered who she was.
This face looked even more innocent than hers would years later.
"Sit!"
Seeing Chen Pingjiang didn't refuse, Zhao Shaoyang breathed a sigh of relief and quickly pulled the girl's arm:
"Ni Na, sit down, have a few drinks with Brother Chen."
The young celebrity named Ni Na uttered an "Oh," clasped her hands in front of her, and obediently sat next to Chen Pingjiang, occasionally sneaking glances at him from the corner of her eye.
Her eyes were full of curiosity.
Ni Na and Chen Pingjiang were the same age, and their hometown was a county under Dongjiang.
"You know me?"
Just as Ni Na was about to sneak another glance at Chen Pingjiang, her gaze met his.
"I... it's not strange for me to know you, is it?"
Ni Na nodded.
"Not that kind of knowing!"
"Oh!"
Ni Na pursed her lips and smiled,
"I know what you mean. I knew you when I was in school; you were a junior, and I was a sophomore."
"?"
Chen Pingjiang was taken aback.
Ni Na continued to explain,
"I'm from the School of Communication, also in Xianlin, not far from your University of Finance. And our birthdays are only a few days apart. I've seen your information; you were born on August 5th, '88, and I was born on August 8th, '88."
Chen Pingjiang smiled, surprised that the two of them shared such a serendipitous connection.
"Zhao Shaoyang just said you were filming a movie for Old Zhang. Could it be 'The Flowers of War'?"
"You know that too? Last year, I joined the crew to undergo various training courses based on my teacher's recommendation. I expect to have my scenes by summer."
"So you're an 'Mou Girl' too, that's impressive."
The girl named Ni Na wasn't particularly stunning in appearance, but she was exceptionally attractive in a subtle way, possessing a natural sense of sophistication and very fair skin.
Sitting next to Chen Pingjiang, Ni Na still felt a sense of unreality.
Being here felt like a dream.
Zhao Shaoyang's high school classmate was also at the School of Communication, in the same department as Ni Na, and they met in a general education class.
Although Ni Na was the same age as Chen Pingjiang, she had repeated a year.
So, when Chen Pingjiang was a junior, Ni Na happened to be a sophomore.
Last year, Zhao Shaoyang planned to pick up girls at the School of Communication, so he invited his high school classmate to dinner and coincidentally met Ni Na.
Zhao Shaoyang, with his show-off personality, loved to impress girls, so he undoubtedly used his big brother Chen Pingjiang to brag.
Before long, everyone got acquainted.
At the time, Zhao Shaoyang didn't think much of the girl.
Who would have thought that in just a few months, she had transformed, joined a major film production, and even became an 'Mou Girl'?
More importantly, after being immersed in the entertainment industry, she learned how to dress and do her makeup, becoming even more beautiful.
Some time ago, when discussing bar matters, Ni Na proactively expressed her desire to experience it, and Zhao Shaoyang confidently promised he could introduce her to Chen Pingjiang.
Upon seeing Chen Pingjiang, Ni Na was both nervous and uncontrollably happy.
Every young girl has an image of a Prince Charming in her heart, and Chen Pingjiang, right before her, fit the bill perfectly.
Especially under the soft, shifting lights, Chen Pingjiang's profile was as sharp and cool as if carved with a knife, making Ni Na's heart flutter even more.
"Can you drink?"
Chen Pingjiang asked.
"Yes, I can!"
If it were anyone else, especially in this situation, Ni Na would have definitely refused without hesitation.
But if it was Chen Pingjiang, that was a different story.
She downed half a glass of foreign liquor in one gulp, completely dumbfounding Chen Pingjiang, who had intended to dilute it with some green tea.
"Pfft, so spicy and awful,"
Ni Na instantly put on a pained expression, wrinkling her delicate nose and sticking out her tongue.
"Who drinks like you? This is supposed to be mixed with a soft drink,"
Chen Pingjiang found it amusing.
He hadn't expected someone who had made it into the entertainment industry to have never been to a bar.
At this moment, Zhou Guanghan walked over and whispered into Chen Pingjiang's ear,
"Grand-uncle, that second-generation wants to meet you."
Chen Pingjiang nodded,
"Then let him come over."
Young Master Wang was very sensible, paving the way with money.
He bought over two hundred thousand yuan worth of liquor, far more than they could drink, implicitly stating that the liquor should be stored and he would visit often in the future.
Chen Pingjiang wasn't giving Young Master Wang face; he wasn't worthy.
Instead, he was giving face to Zhou Guanghan, indicating that he only agreed to meet because of Zhou Guanghan.
Not long after, Wang Cong led a group of people over with glasses to offer a toast.
"Mr. Chen, I've long admired your reputation. My father often uses you as an example and tells me to learn from you. I'm very happy to meet you today."
Saying this, Young Master Wang raised his glass and drained it.
Chen Pingjiang smiled and said,
"Please also extend my regards to your father. Come, sit."
Zhao Shaoyang, always observant, immediately said,
"Brother Chen, Young Master Wang, it's too noisy here to talk business. We have a commercial KTV upstairs."
Chen Pingjiang glanced, nodded, and then, led by Zhao Shaoyang, went up to the third floor.
The girls who had originally come to accompany He Zhiyu and Zhang Fu were all dismissed with a wave of the hand.
Ni Na was also about to leave, but unexpectedly, Chen Pingjiang gently wrapped an arm around her slender waist and pulled her close, saying,
"Come sit with us upstairs."
Pressed close to Chen Pingjiang, Ni Na felt the warmth from his hand and his strong masculine scent, causing her to tremble before nodding.
Finally, He Zhiyu and the others, along with Wang Cong and his group of men and women, went upstairs.
The commercial KTV on the third floor was even more resplendent.
As a venue exclusively for major clients and VIPs, the cost of just one private room, including equipment, reached seven figures.
Ni Na, whose hand was held by Chen Pingjiang, felt her heart race, fluttering like a startled deer, and her cheeks were flushed.
Her emotions were quite complex, a mix of surprise, nervousness, and a faint, inexplicable anticipation.
No one could refuse Chen Pingjiang, let alone her.
After entering the private room, Chen Pingjiang took the lead and sat down.
The second-generations and girls accompanying Wang Cong cautiously observed Ni Na as they passed by Chen Pingjiang.
Before long, a string of waiters filed in, filling two bar counters with fruit platters, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and soft drinks.
Chen Pingjiang waved, calling Zhao Shaoyang over:
"You get everyone to liven up the atmosphere. Don't let everyone just sit there if I'm not talking. I want to chat with Young Master Wang."
After speaking, Chen Pingjiang turned to Wang Cong,
"I heard recently that you acquired a team and renamed it IG?"
Young Master Wang hummed in affirmation,
"After the acquisition, the team is still gelling. We plan to participate in the City Championship at the beginning of May."
"Then I hope IG performs well, lives up to your expectations as an investor, and strives to win first place to compete in S1."
"Thank you. I came to ask Mr. Chen about the LOL professional league. LPL will be established in the second half of the year, and I'd like to know the conditions for joining the LPL?"
Chen Pingjiang thought for a moment and said,
"I might not know about general matters if you ask me, but because I'm personally quite interested in LOL, I've paid a bit more attention. The initial LPL will only have eight teams, using an invitation system. In principle, it will consider domestic popularity, underlying commercial resources, and team performance.
Actually, IG has a good chance in the first two aspects, as long as their performance in the City Championship isn't bad, they will basically receive an invitation to participate in the LPL."
Ni Na also recognized Wang Cong's identity and knew that this guy had a nickname: the "Entertainment Industry's Disciplinary Committee."
"So, people like this, who usually flaunt their power online, are so well-behaved in front of Chen Pingjiang,"
Ni Na thought to herself.
Even sitting beside Chen Pingjiang, Ni Na had no intention of listening to what he was saying, mainly because Chen Pingjiang's right hand had wrapped around her back, holding her.
From her initial stiff posture, she gradually relaxed, and finally, Ni Na softened and leaned against Chen Pingjiang's shoulder.
Over there, Young Master Wang was still expressing gratitude:
"With your words, Mr. Chen, I'm relieved. Oh, by the way, Mr. Chen, I also founded an investment company myself. If there are any good projects in the future, and if you allow it, I hope to give it a try."
Chen Pingjiang chuckled, then nodded, which made Young Master Wang a bit awkward.
He knew why Chen Pingjiang was smiling.
Instead of being angry, he was quite understanding.
Putting himself in Chen Pingjiang's shoes, he probably wouldn't even bother to respond.
At other times, he might have been too embarrassed to say it, but for the sake of the company, he always had to try.
Being able to connect with Chen Pingjiang would make doing business much easier.
What kind of companies did Chen Pingjiang manage?
Any project he took an interest in would at least be an IPO, right?
Wang Cong had studied Renren.com's financing history and knew that Chen Pingjiang often turned down dozens of investment institutions.
He simply wasn't short on money or investors.
As long as Chen Pingjiang gave a hint, investors would queue up downstairs at his house overnight.
In comparison, what was his newly established investment institution?
It wasn't the richest, had no resources, and no connections.
This was why Wang Cong's Pusi Capital could only invest in small projects and small companies.
Because companies with even a little potential truly looked down on him.
Don't look at his old Wang family appearing to have a lot of money; without connections or guidance in the financial capital circle, he couldn't even get to the table.
Wang Cong and his group came and left quickly.
For their first meeting, Wang Cong was tactful and didn't take up too much of Chen Pingjiang's private time.
After leaving the private room, Young Master Wang proudly shook the Orange S1 Founder's Edition in his hand:
"Chen Pingjiang's WeChat is rumored in the circle to be worth at least ten million. If you can get close to him, making a few hundred million is a piece of cake."
"If we tried to approach him, he probably wouldn't even bother with us. It has to be Brother Cong."
"Of course! With Uncle Wang's face, would Chen Pingjiang dare to refuse?"
Several second-generations flattered Wang Cong, fawning over him.
The girls, meanwhile, lagged behind, whispering.
"What's that girl's background?"
"Don't know her, haven't seen her before, but judging by Chen Pingjiang's attitude, she doesn't seem like his girlfriend."
"That girl has such good luck. She's clearly quite ordinary-looking, much uglier than Xiao Qing."
"I think so too, but she's lucky. Maybe Chen Pingjiang just likes that type."
"Heh, compared to Chen Pingjiang, these young masters in front of us are... truly indescribable."
After Wang Cong and his group left, Chen Pingjiang continued to drink with He Zhiyu and the others for a while.
The party only ended when they were slightly tipsy.
Our Little Zhao was particularly sensible:
"Brother Chen, it's getting late. Why don't you just stay? We've reserved a private room for you on the fifth floor, with a really big jacuzzi. I guarantee you'll like it."
Ni Na was already a bit tipsy, but her mind was still relatively clear.
After hearing Zhao Shaoyang's words, her already flushed cheeks became even redder, almost dripping.
She wasn't a child; she naturally knew what was coming next.
Leave?
Or not leave?
For a moment, her heart was in a turmoil, a mix of nervousness, anticipation, and confusion.
Chen Pingjiang slowly leaned close to Ni Na's ear and said in a low voice,
"Don't go back tonight?"
After a while, Ni Na nodded, shyly almost falling into Chen Pingjiang's embrace.
(End of Chapter)