Six o’clock that evening.
Gu Bai changed into a suit that he rarely wore.
In front of Xiao Qiang, Gu Bai was dressed in a white Armani suit, complementing his tall stature, without a wrinkle in sight, a slight smile at the corner of his lips, exuding an effortless elegance, making him appear extraordinarily noble. Even someone like Xiao Qiang, a high-quality human female, couldn’t help but take a few more glances.
This suit was custom-made earlier, costing over 400,000 RMB, with over four quarters’ payment already made, so that Armani would tailor two suits every quarter for Gu Bai.
Xiao Qiang also changed into an evening gown, different from a dress; her evening attire was more gender-neutral, covering her upper and lower body tightly. Perhaps this was the style favored by someone with her strong woman persona.
For such occasions, Gu Bai certainly wouldn’t drive himself, and Xiao Qiang had already arranged for a driver.
Previously, under Mr. Shao’s arrangement, the company bought a total of five cars.
Three Maybachs were reserved for the company’s three director-level executives to use for travel.
A Rolls-Royce Phantom was used for daily foreign guest reception.
As for the one Gu Bai was sitting in now, it was a Bentley Arnage, with fully bulletproof glass, elevated to the highest level of safety, costing no less than 17 million RMB.
This car was custom-configured exclusively for Gu Bai, with a driver dedicated to serving only him.
Gu Bai was very satisfied with Mr. Shao’s thoughtfulness.
After all, he had been driving sports cars to the point of nausea recently. Now Gu Bai had made up his mind that as long as he didn’t have to drive himself, he wouldn’t. He’d let the driver handle all the driving, except when it came to flirting. Fınd the newest release on 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡⁂𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢⁂𝘯𝘦𝘵
After all, if he bought a sports car, making Gu Bai run it on the track wouldn’t guarantee a win.
But using it to flirt, that certainly wouldn’t end in loss.
In half an hour, the Bentley Arnage smoothly stopped in front of the Shangri-La Hotel.
This cocktail party was held in the ’Horizon Club’ Executive Lounge at Shangri-La.
As soon as the car stopped, someone quickly came over to valet, which was also customary for hotel staff. When encountering luxury cars, they always give the most prestigious service at the first opportunity. Don’t think it’s nonsense; even internet cafes have their ways of serving customers, let alone a five-star hotel.
Letting the driver park and wait, Gu Bai and Xiao Qiang slowly got out of the car.
"Do you have a reservation?"
The lobby manager slightly bowed, respectfully asking the two of them.
Gu Bai said nothing, and Xiao Qiang took out the invitation to the cocktail party.
Such invitations are usually arranged by guests and uniformly customized by the hotel to prevent any imposters from sneaking in, as this has happened before.
The lobby manager took the invitation.
After a brief confirmation, his tone grew even more respectful. After all, he had heard about tonight’s cocktail party and knew that those invited were either top executives from major companies or business elites, all of whom were wealthy or influential, with not an ordinary person in attendance.
"That’s correct; this is our hotel’s invitation. Please follow me."
After speaking, the lobby manager gave a few instructions to a service staff member and personally led Gu Bai and Xiao Qiang to the hotel’s Executive Lounge.
The lobby manager gently knocked on the Executive Lounge’s door, and a staff member inside promptly opened it.
The lobby manager made an inviting gesture.
Gu Bai stepped inside first, followed by Xiao Qiang. Generally, in such high-society social venues, the hierarchy is clearly defined, and everyone must remember their status. Xiao Qiang, of course, understood this well, so she always stayed behind Gu Bai, not daring to overstep.
Generally, the Executive Lounge is open to the public.
It’s free for guests staying on the executive floors, while guests from other floors can enter after paying a fee.
But today was different; the entire Executive Lounge had been booked, and only those invited could enter. As for the ordinary people needing the Executive Lounge, it depended on how the hotel arranged it.
Once Gu Bai walked into the lounge, he glanced around.
There were probably dozens of people, dressed similarly, men in suits, women in gowns. Gu Bai wanted to see if there were any big shots he recognized from his past life. After looking closely, indeed, there were a few industry magnates.
For example, the middle-aged woman surrounded by a group of people holding glasses.
Not particularly attractive, yet she exuded an intense aura of a powerful businesswoman; she was Long Dan Ni.
Speaking of Long Dan Ni, some might not know her, but as the ’Talent Show Godmother,’ many people would recognize her. The current top star, Li Yuchun, was made famous by her, as was the controversial singer Hua Chengyu in the music industry.
If it was just these two, it wouldn’t be surprising, but even Mao Buyi, who rose to fame through "Future Son," was crafted by her.
Subsequently, she continuously created top-tier idol groups like "Rocket 101" and leading traffic star Xiao Zhan.
It’s fair to say she’s a woman who effortlessly manipulates the entertainment industry’s flow of influence.
As for the others, there was Yang Function and founders or decision-makers from several other companies.
As an invited investor, Gu Bai certainly wouldn’t be neglected. He had barely stood for a minute when Yang Function came over with her assistant.
In Gu Bai’s eyes, Yang Function in person was much more beautiful than on TV.
No need to mention her figure—curvy, with a slim waist and legs, dressed in a red one-piece gown, paired with luxurious rhinestone earrings, under the lights, she was the epitome of a flirtatious, classic Hong Kong-style female.
As the actual controller of Black Swan Capital, Gu Bai’s appearance would inevitably be known. Given that Yang Function invited him, it was impossible for her not to recognize him.
"President Gu, I’m very grateful that you could honor us with your presence at this cocktail party."
Yang Function smiled lightly and extended her hand to Gu Bai.
Gu Bai also responded with a smile, briefly touching her fingertips, then calmly retracting his hand.
"When I saw President Gu’s photo before, I thought my assistant had made a mistake; I thought they had sent me a photo of a top-tier star from the industry. Seeing President Gu now, it’s hard to believe.
Fortunately, President Gu didn’t enter the film industry, or else you’d certainly take away all the newcomers’ opportunities."
With her unique voice, Yang Function jokingly complimented Gu Bai, her flattering intent apparent.
Too many people had praised his looks, and Gu Bai was used to it. He replied with a smile, "President Yang, I grew up watching your TV series. To say I’m your fan wouldn’t be an overstatement, right? However, knowing you without you knowing me, meeting President Yang today, fulfills a long-held dream."
Hearing Gu Bai say he grew up watching her TV series, Yang Function gave him a playful side-eye, laughing, "Saying you grew up watching my shows, are you saying I’m old, President Gu?"
"Of course not, just didn’t expect after all these years, Sister Mi remains as beautiful as ever, unchanged one bit. Besides, if I dared say you’re old, your fans would surely come for me!"
After a few pleasantries, more guests arrived at the door.
"President Gu, I’ll let my assistant accompany you to enjoy some wine; the investment event hasn’t started yet. Please forgive any shortcomings in hospitality."
Gu Bai waved his hand, indicating there was no need.
It was his first time attending such a cocktail party, the perfect opportunity to get acquainted.
Hearing this, Yang Function didn’t insist, offering an apology before going to greet the other guests.