NABC Chapter 1639 shows a clear self-awareness.
Chapter 1639 shows a clear self-awareness.
Huang Yimei hung up Qin Hao's call and turned over in bed.
The invitation letter is sorted out.
But what to wear was a problem for her, since it was a cocktail party or banquet and she didn't even have a decent evening gown.
The next morning, Huang Yimei had just finished washing up when a loudspeaker blared downstairs.
She dried her hair and walked to the window. Looking down, she saw Qin Hao's Porsche parked below. He was wearing a dark gray casual suit jacket over a white T-shirt, and his hair was clearly styled. Huang Yimei had to admit, he was quite handsome.
"So early? Didn't you say you were going in the evening?" she shouted downstairs.
"You come down first."
Huang Yimei changed her clothes and went downstairs. Qin Hao opened the car door and gestured for her to get in.
Where to?
You'll know when you get there.
The Porsche weaved through the morning rush hour traffic for over twenty minutes before finally stopping in front of a shopping mall that looked very expensive. Huang Yimei looked up at the sign—Science and Technology Shopping Center.
In Beijing in 2001, Scitech was a truly high-end shopping mall. Any brand you picked out there would have prices that would make the average working-class person gasp.
What are you doing here?
"Buying clothes, huh?" Qin Hao locked his car and walked towards the gate as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "You can't exactly go to a charity gala in a T-shirt and jeans, can you?"
Huang Yimei followed behind him, already calculating the balance in her salary card. She had just started the job last month and hadn't received her salary yet. She only had a little over two thousand yuan left in her account, which she had saved during her internship.
As soon as I entered, two female sales clerks in uniforms came to greet me.
"Mr. Qin, you've arrived." One of the older sales clerks greeted him with a smile, clearly recognizing Qin Hao.
"Okay, help her pick out an evening gown." Qin Hao gestured with his chin toward Huang Yimei.
The two sales clerks' eyes fell on Huang Yimei at the same time, and they looked her up and down.
"This young lady has a very good figure; she looks good in anything." After saying this, the older sales clerk magically produced a measuring tape from behind her back, while another sales clerk pushed over a mobile clothes rack with four or five dresses hanging on it.
"Miss, please stand up straight so I can take your measurements."
Before Huang Yimei could react, the measuring tape was already wrapped around her shoulders, waist, and hips. The saleswoman's technique was quick and accurate, muttering to herself as she measured, while her assistant scribbled down notes in her notebook.
"Shoulder width 38cm, chest circumference—"
"Wait, wait, wait!" Huang Yimei finally snapped out of her daze and took a step back. "I haven't even said I wanted to buy it yet."
The sales clerk's hand froze in mid-air, and she glanced at Qin Hao with some embarrassment.
Qin Hao, sitting on the leather sofa next to him flipping through a magazine, said without looking up, "Measure first, then we'll see if we buy it."
Huang Yimei glared at him, but the sales clerk had already come over again, and she was too embarrassed to dodge anymore, so she could only stand stiffly and let them take her measurements.
"Mr. Qin, this lady's measurements are very close to our sample garment size. We have several ready-made ones she can try on." The sales clerk closed her notebook, her tone carrying a touch of professional admiration: "To be honest, we see so many customers every day, and it's rare to see someone with such a good figure."
"Of course." Qin Hao put down the magazine and raised an eyebrow at Huang Yimei.
Huang Yimei rolled her eyes.
A salesperson pushed a rack over, displaying three evening gowns—one champagne-colored, one navy blue, and one black. The fabric of each gown gleamed under the light, shimmering with a golden sheen; they were clearly not cheap.
"Miss, would you like to try this champagne-colored one first? It's a very flattering color."
Huang Yimei was pushed into the fitting room by Qin Hao.
After the fitting room door closed, the first thing she did wasn't to change her clothes, but to flip open the price tag.
Then she froze.
The tag had a string of numbers printed on it. She counted them twice to make sure she hadn't missed an extra zero.
Eighteen thousand.
Huang Yimei took a deep breath, carefully hung the clothes back up, and then checked the tags on the other two items.
The dark blue one costs 23,000. The black one is the cheapest, at 15,000.
She stood in the fitting room, staring at her complicated expression in the mirror, and suddenly found it a little funny. She was a newly hired assistant, earning just over two thousand yuan a month after taxes, and this dress was worth more than half a year's salary for her.
"Miss, do you need any help?" the sales clerk's voice came from outside the door.
"No need, I can do it myself."
Huang Yimei steadied herself and finally put on the champagne-colored dress. Since she was already there, trying it on wouldn't cost anything.
The zipper was on the side, and she managed to zip it up with some effort. Then she turned around and looked in the mirror.
It must be admitted that there's a reason why things are expensive.
The champagne-colored satin gown clung to her curves like a second skin. The neckline was perfectly designed, neither too revealing nor too revealing, yet it accentuated her collarbone and the lines of her shoulders and neck. The skirt fell just above her ankles, allowing her to walk without dragging on the ground, while still maintaining the flowing elegance of an evening gown.
Huang Yimei turned around in front of the mirror and had to admit—she really looked good.
Just as she pushed open the door and came out, Qin Hao looked up.
Their eyes met in the mirror.
Qin Hao's expression faltered slightly. He put down the magazine, looked her up and down, and then nodded: "This one."
"I haven't even said I'd buy it yet." Huang Yimei lowered her voice, quickly walked to Qin Hao's side, bent down, and whispered in his ear, "Do you know how much this costs?"
"How many?"
"Eighteen thousand."
Qin Hao's expression remained unchanged: "Oh."
"Oh?" Huang Yimei exclaimed anxiously, "Eighteen thousand! That's not even enough for half a year's salary!"
"I didn't ask you to pay anything."
“That won’t do either.” Huang Yimei shook her head, her tone resolute: “How can I use your money to buy such expensive clothes?”
Qin Hao leaned back on the sofa, spreading his hands: "I don't even have a job, where would I get the money?"
Huang Yimei was stunned for a moment, then realized what he meant—he meant spending his father's money.
“Spending your dad’s money is even worse.” Her voice lowered, tinged with anxiety. “I’ve never even met your dad yet, and you’re wearing clothes he paid for on our first meeting? What kind of behavior is that?”
Qin Hao looked at her, and the corners of his mouth slowly turned up.
"It's alright, we'll see him tonight."
Huang Yimei was stunned.
She blinked, as if she hadn't heard her clearly: "What did you say?"
“I said—” Qin Hao stood up, walked to her, and looked down slightly into her eyes: “I’ll see my dad tonight. He’s going too.”
Huang Yimei's mind went blank.
Is your dad going to the China World Hotel tonight too?
“Yes,” Qin Hao said casually, “I got the invitation from him. He heard you were going and wanted to meet you.”
Huang Yimei stood there, her expression shifting from shock to panic, and then from panic to an indescribable tension.
Why didn't you say so sooner?
"If I had told you earlier, would you still have agreed to come?"
Huang Yimei opened her mouth, only to find that she couldn't refute it.
Seeing her like this, Qin Hao smiled and patted the back of her hand: "Don't worry, my dad is just curious, he doesn't mean anything by it."
"Curious? Curious about what?" Huang Yimei asked blankly.
"I'm curious what kind of girl could possibly tame a womanizer like me."
When Qin Hao said this, his expression was so self-righteous that it made you want to punch him.
Huang Yimei stared at him for two seconds, then burst out laughing.
"You do have a clear understanding of yourself."
Seeing her smile, Qin Hao breathed a sigh of relief and pressed his advantage, saying, "So, just consider it a gift from my dad. There's absolutely no need to feel guilty."
Huang Yimei shook her head again.
“Who accepts such an expensive gift before even meeting the person?” She took off the champagne-colored dress, carefully folded it, and handed it back to the sales clerk with both hands: “Thank you, we’ll take another look.”
The saleswoman took the clothes, her facial expression perfectly controlled—her smile remained impeccable, but a subtle hint of confusion flashed in her eyes. She was probably thinking: Is this girl stupid?
Seeing Huang Yimei's resolute expression, Qin Hao knew she really wouldn't accept it, so he didn't press her further.
"Alright, let's go to another one."
-
After leaving the Scitech Plaza, Huang Yimei led Qin Hao on a stroll through the nearby streets, eventually finding a reasonably well-decorated clothing store in the vicinity.
The storefront is small, and the mannequins in the window are wearing a few simple dresses, each priced at around several hundred yuan.
"This is fine." Huang Yimei pushed open the door and went in.
There was only one owner in the shop, a woman in her forties with curly hair, who was behind the counter eating sunflower seeds and watching TV. Seeing a customer come in, she clapped the sunflower seed shells off her hands, stood up, and greeted, "Take a look around, feel free to try some if you like."
Huang Yimei rummaged through the clothes racks for a while and finally picked out a yellow off-shoulder dress.
The fabric wasn't the best quality, but the design was simple and elegant, and the yellow saturation was just right—not too bright, not too dark. She picked it up and held it up to her feet; the length reached her calves, perfect for an evening event.
"How much is this?"
"Eighteen thousand."
Huang Yimei tried it on, and the size was just right. She twirled in front of the mirror; although not as stunning as the champagne-colored dress worn by Saite, it was still quite appropriate.
"That's it."
After stepping out of the store, he put his hands in his pockets and suddenly remarked, "Looks like I'll have to find a way to make money too."
Huang Yimei, carrying the bag, gave him a strange look: "Why did you suddenly have this idea?"
"Did you see that boss's expression just now?" Qin Hao turned and gestured with his chin towards Seth. "He looked so disgusted, like I was some gigolo."
Huang Yimei was stunned for a moment, then laughed.
“I think she’s right, you really are a gigolo.” She paused, then added, “But not from me. My salary isn’t enough to support a rich young master like you.”
"Why don't you give it a try?"
“Sure,” Huang Yimei said, her interest piqued. “Once I get promoted and receive a raise, and become the president of the Asia-Pacific region, I should be able to support you.”
Qin Hao looked at her serious profile and couldn't help but smile.
“Okay, I’ll wait then,” Qin Hao said.
-
The clothes have been bought, but this is just the beginning.
Huang Yimei started getting ready as soon as she got home. First, she washed her hair and took a shower, then she started putting on makeup in front of the mirror. Foundation, eyebrows, eyeshadow, lipstick—she meticulously applied each item, as if she were completing a fine-brush painting.
If you're not satisfied with half of the makeup, you wipe it off and start over.
As Wu Yuejiang passed by her room, he glanced inside and was startled by the table full of cosmetics: "What are you going to do? A beauty pageant?"
"Mom, I have a business dinner tonight, it needs to be formal."
"What kind of social occasion requires such heavy makeup?"
"Not too heavy, not too light. It'll blend in under the lights, and if you apply it lightly, you won't even notice."
Wu Yuejiang left with some doubt.
Huang Yimei continued her struggle in front of the mirror. Her hand trembled slightly while applying eyeliner, causing it to splay crooked. Frustrated, she pulled out a tissue to wipe it off and started over.
By the time she finally finished her makeup, it was already four o'clock in the afternoon.
Then comes the hair.
Her hair was long and thick, and it looked good when it was down, but tonight was a formal occasion. Wearing it down would look too casual, and putting it up would make her look older. She tried on her hair in front of the mirror for a long time, and finally decided on a half-up, half-down style—loosely tied up at the top and letting it fall naturally over her shoulders at the bottom.
After finishing her hair, she put on the yellow dress and stood in front of the dressing mirror, examining herself.
The person in the mirror was wearing a yellow off-the-shoulder dress, her hair half-up, and her makeup exquisite. Her collarbones were particularly prominent against the neckline, her waist was perfectly cinched, and the skirt draped down to her calves, revealing a slender ankle.
She turned around in front of the mirror to make sure every angle was correct.
Then she took a deep breath and said to herself in the mirror, "Huang Yimei, you can do it. It's just meeting your boyfriend's dad, what's the big deal?"
No sooner had he finished speaking than a loudspeaker blared downstairs.
Two sounds, short and crisp.
She glanced at the alarm clock on the table—it was exactly six o'clock.
Qin Hao arrived ahead of schedule.
-
When Huang Yimei came downstairs carrying her handbag, Qin Hao was leaning against the car door waiting for her.
He changed his clothes—a dark suit jacket over a white shirt, no tie, and the top button of his shirt casually undone. His hair was combed back, revealing his forehead, and he looked much more mature than usual.
Qin Hao's expression paused briefly when he saw Huang Yimei walk out of the stairwell.
He straightened up, his gaze moving from her face to her shoulder, then from her shoulder to the hem of her skirt, and finally back to her eyes.
"How is it?" Huang Yimei stopped in front of him, nervously tugging at her skirt. "Is it alright?"
Qin Hao did not answer immediately.
He stared at her for a full three seconds, then said, "I'm starting to regret it."
"What are you regretting?"
"I regret agreeing to take you to the banquet." Qin Hao opened the car door and gestured for you to enter. "The whole place will be staring at you; I'd better be prepared to fight."
Huang Yimei rolled her eyes at him, but couldn't help but smile as she got into the passenger seat.
-
The Porsche 986 cruised smoothly along Chang'an Avenue at dusk. Outside the car window, Beijing was transitioning from the hustle and bustle of the day to the vibrancy of the night, with streetlights lighting up one after another, as if someone were lighting a river of light along the way.
Huang Yimei sat in the passenger seat, her hands on her knees, her fingers unconsciously twisting the strap of her handbag.
Qin Hao glanced at her: "Nervous?"
"No," Huang Yimei stubbornly replied.
"You almost broke the bag strap with your hands."
Huang Yimei glanced down at her hands, loosened the bag strap, and took a deep breath: "Okay, a little."
"Just a little?"
“Many points.” She finally admitted, turning to look at Qin Hao: “What kind of person is your father?”
Qin Hao thought for a moment and gave a rather concise summary: "Rich people."
"...Do you even need to tell me?"
"Then what do you want me to say?" Qin Hao shrugged. "My dad was among the first to go into business after the reform and opening up. He started in textiles, then rode the wave of the real estate boom, and his business grew bigger and bigger. He's not a talkative person, but he's very good at judging people. He basically leaves me to my own devices; as long as I don't cause him any big trouble, he doesn't really care about me."
After listening attentively, Huang Yimei asked, "So what kind of girl does he like?"
Qin Hao glanced at her and laughed: "Someone like you."
"I'm being serious with you."
"I'm being serious with you," Qin Hao said earnestly. "My dad is the kind of person who judges people by their character. He can tell what kind of person you are at a glance. So you don't need to try to put on any special act; just be yourself."
Huang Yimei was silent for a moment, then nodded.
At 6:30, the Porsche stopped in front of the China World Hotel.
The doorman quickly stepped forward and opened the car door. Qin Hao handed the key and a two-hundred-yuan tip to the doorman, then bent his arm.
Huang Yimei took a deep breath and placed her hand on his arm.
The two walked into the hotel lobby side by side.
The lobby of the China World Hotel exudes a luxurious atmosphere that makes you unconsciously slow your pace—a huge crystal chandelier hangs from the three-story-high ceiling, casting dappled light on the golden marble floor.
Huang Yimei linked arms with Qin Hao, her off-shoulder yellow dress shimmering softly under the crystal chandelier. Her steps were composed, her back straight, her chin slightly raised, as if she were already accustomed to such occasions.
But in reality, her heart was beating twice as fast as usual.
Eyes converged on Huang Yimei from all directions. Some men looked at her, while others looked at Qin Hao. Their gazes held a mixture of amazement, curiosity, scrutiny, and subtle observation.
Qin Hao remained expressionless, slightly turning his head to whisper in her ear, "Relax, you're the center of attention right now."
Are you sure you're not putting more pressure on me?
"I am stating the facts."
As the two walked to the entrance of the banquet hall, a security guard in a black uniform reached out and stopped them.
"This is a private banquet. Do you two have invitations?"
Qin Hao took out two gold-embossed invitations from the inside pocket of his suit and handed them over. The security guard took them, carefully checked the numbers on them, then bowed slightly and gestured for him to come in.
"Please, both of you."
Huang Yimei secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Stepping into the banquet hall, the interior was even more luxurious than the exterior. Dozens of round tables were set in the enormous space, each covered with a pristine white tablecloth and adorned with silver cutlery and crystal glasses. Directly in front was a stage where a band was playing a soothing jazz piece.
The guests chatted in small groups, the men all dressed in suits and ties, while the women wore a dazzling array of evening gowns. Amidst the clinking of glasses, everyone wore a polite social smile.
Huang Yimei's gaze swept across the crowd, and her heart began to race again.
"Why do I sense you're a little nervous?" Qin Hao leaned closer, his tone teasing.
Huang Yimei glared at him: "Nonsense, you suddenly told me your dad was coming, I wasn't prepared at all."
"I wasn't prepared at all when I met your parents," Qin Hao shrugged.
"How can that be the same?" Huang Yimei exclaimed anxiously, "We weren't even together yet back then!"
"We're together now, aren't we?"
Just as Huang Yimei was about to say something, her gaze was suddenly drawn to a middle-aged man.
On the other side of the banquet hall, a middle-aged man was surrounded by a group of people. He was wearing a custom-made dark gray suit, had a tall and straight figure, his hair was neatly combed, and his face carried a composure that came with experience in grand occasions. His features were five or six parts similar to Qin Hao's, but he was more mature and steady, with an imposing aura between his brows and eyes.
"That's your dad, right?" Huang Yimei's voice lowered unconsciously.
Before Qin Hao could answer, the other party had already spotted them.
Qin Mo's gaze pierced through the crowd, landing precisely on Qin Hao and Huang Yimei. He said something to the person beside him, then, holding his wine glass, strode towards them.
Huang Yimei instinctively gripped Qin Hao's arm tightly.
Qin Mo walked up to them and stopped.
His gaze first swept across Qin Hao's face, then fell on Huang Yimei, scrutinizing her from head to toe for a few seconds.
"You must be Huang Yimei?"
His voice was gentler than I had imagined, carrying a kind of warmth that comes with being an elder.
"My son always mentions you; you are indeed very beautiful and have a great presence."
After Qin Mo finished speaking, he turned to Qin Hao and gave him an approving smile: "You have good taste, kid."
Huang Yimei smiled shyly and greeted him gracefully, "Uncle, you flatter me."
Qin Mo looked Huang Yimei over a few more times and liked her more and more.
He had seen countless beautiful girls, and his son wouldn't even look at those who weren't pretty. But this girl had something special about her—a subtle scholarly air that clearly indicated she came from a scholarly family.
She is unassuming and unpretentious, possessing the dignified air of a well-bred lady.
"You brat!" Qin Mo suddenly turned to Qin Hao, his tone tinged with reproach: "You brought that girl to the banquet, why didn't you even buy her a nice dress?"
He had a sharp eye and immediately recognized that Huang Yimei's yellow dress wasn't from any of those big brands. The fabric, cut, and details were definitely a step below the gowns worn by the other women in the banquet hall.
Qin Hao shrugged, looking completely innocent: "When have I ever felt bad about spending your money? If they wouldn't accept the roses, what could I do?"
Upon hearing this, Qin Mo's gaze returned to Huang Yimei.
This time, there was something more in his eyes—not scrutiny, but appreciation.
For a recent female college graduate to refuse a dress that costs tens of thousands of yuan so decisively shows a kind of backbone that not everyone has.
However, Qin Mo didn't continue praising him. Instead, he turned to Qin Hao and instructed him, "You brat, since you've met someone you truly like, treat her well and stop acting like a child."
As he spoke, he took out a business card from the inside pocket of his suit and handed it to Huang Yimei.
"If he ever dares to bully you again, just tell your uncle and I'll take care of him."
The business card was dark gray, with only a name and a phone number printed on it. There was no title or company name, but it had a weighty feel to it.
Huang Yimei accepted the business card with both hands, smiling and thanking him, "Thank you, Uncle."
Qin Mo nodded, glanced at Qin Hao again, and then turned back into the crowd.
As soon as Qin Mo left, Huang Yimei visibly relaxed.
She let out a long sigh, then flashed the business card in her hand at Qin Hao, saying smugly, "Did you hear that? See if you dare bully me again."
When have I ever bullied you?
"Just because it didn't exist before doesn't mean it won't exist in the future." Huang Yimei carefully put the business card into her handbag and patted the bag. "I need to carry this as a protective shield."
"Okay, you're great. From now on, we'll listen to you on all matters, big and small, in our family."
Huang Yimei snorted and took a sip of her juice. Once the tension subsided, she finally had the mind to observe her surroundings.
The banquet hall was getting busier and busier, with at least two or three hundred people at a glance. The men chatted in small groups, holding whiskey glasses, while the women huddled together, laughing and talking quietly, occasionally bursting into silvery laughter.
"By the way, what does this Mr. Teng you mentioned look like?" Qin Hao asked.
“I don’t know either.” Huang Yimei shook her head. “There’s only written information about him online, not a single photo. All I know is that he was a collector and owned many Impressionist paintings.”
"Then we'll just have to rely on luck."
Just as Huang Yimei was about to speak, a voice suddenly interrupted from the side.
"Miss, would it be convenient for us to get to know each other?"
Huang Yimei turned her head and saw a slick-back-haired young man standing next to her. He was wearing a bright blue suit with an extravagant diamond brooch on his lapel, and his hair was slicked back with hair gel, exuding an aura of "my family is very rich".
"It's not very convenient." Huang Yimei smiled politely and tilted her head slightly in Qin Hao's direction.
The man then noticed Qin Hao's presence, sized him up, and then dismissively looked away, continuing to speak to Huang Yimei, "My name is Fang Mingyuan, from the Fang Group. May I ask how I should address you, Miss?"
My surname is Huang.
"Ms. Huang, it's a pleasure to meet you." Fang Mingyuan took out a business card from his pocket and handed it to her with both hands. "This is my business card. Would it be convenient for you, Ms. Huang, to leave your contact information?"
Before Huang Yimei could even speak, a hand reached out from the side and snatched the business card away.
"Her clothes don't have pockets, so I'll put them in for her."
Qin Hao casually stuffed the business card into his pocket, the movement as natural as picking up a fallen leaf.
Fang Mingyuan's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his smile: "And who is this?"
"Her boyfriend." Qin Hao smiled slightly, revealing a set of white teeth.
Fang Mingyuan glanced at Qin Hao, then at Huang Yimei, his smile finally fading. He coughed lightly and turned to Huang Yimei: "And Miss Huang's business card..."
Huang Yimei spread her hands, smiling sincerely: "I'm sorry, I don't have any business cards."
Fang Mingyuan finally gave up, awkwardly said "Let's talk another day," and then slunk away.
Huang Yimei watched his figure disappear into the crowd and couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"What are you laughing at?" Qin Hao asked.
"I'm laughing at you." Huang Yimei picked up her juice and took another sip. "The expression you made just now was just like a dog guarding its food."
"You called me a dog?"
"I'm praising your loyalty."
The two were arguing when another man approached them. This time it was a middle-aged man, and his target wasn't Huang Yimei, but Qin Hao.
"Young Master Qin! Long time no see! How has your father been lately?"
Qin Hao instantly switched to social mode, put on a polite smile, and began exchanging pleasantries with the other party.
Huang Yimei watched from the side, secretly admiring him. This guy usually seemed carefree and irresponsible, but he became quite capable in serious situations.
In just over ten minutes, at least a dozen people had come to chat her up. Some were after Huang Yimei, and others were after Qin Hao. The two worked together seamlessly—Qin Hao blocked the men, and Huang Yimei blocked the women; a single glance or gesture was enough to deter them.
Half an hour had passed and Mr. Teng was still nowhere to be found, so Huang Yimei was getting anxious.
"Come with me."
Huang Yimei followed his gaze and saw a young man wearing glasses and looking refined walking briskly towards the lounge at the end of the corridor on one side of the banquet hall.
"Do you know him?" Huang Yimei asked.
“I don’t know him.” Qin Hao shook his head, then said something that made Huang Yimei want to hit him: “But my intuition tells me he should know where Mr. Teng is.”
"Stop joking, this is very important to me."
"Really, believe me, my intuition is very accurate."
After Qin Hao finished speaking, he grabbed Huang Yimei's hand without further ado, and led her through the crowd in that direction.
The two walked through the banquet hall, turned into the corridor, and hurried to the door of the lounge. The door was not closed completely, leaving a crack.
Qin Hao pushed open the door.
The lounge was small and simply furnished. There was a sofa, a coffee table, and a few chairs. On the sofa sat a French man in his fifties, with gray hair, wearing a dark suit, and a glass of red wine in front of him.
The young man with glasses from before was standing in front of him, speaking in French.
Hearing the door open, the young man turned around abruptly.
Zhuang Guodong frowned deeply as he looked at the two people who had barged in. He adjusted his glasses and said coldly, "This is a private lounge. Have you two come to the wrong place?"
Qin Hao ignored him.
He walked straight past Zhuang Guodong, stood in front of the French man, and greeted him in French.
The foreigner, who had been leaning back on the sofa, leaned forward slightly, and his eyes lit up.
He had been in China for some time, and apart from his assistant Zhuang Guodong, he had almost no one to communicate with. He didn't speak Chinese, and his English was limited to just a few words; the entire dinner was utterly boring for him.
Now finally someone can speak to him in French.
Mr. Teng spoke almost impatiently. He spoke at a rapid pace, with a heavy French accent, and Huang Yimei couldn't understand a single word.
Qin Hao listened attentively, nodding occasionally. After Mr. Teng finished speaking, he turned to Huang Yimei and translated it sentence by sentence.
He said he'd heard of your company, but had never worked with you before.
"The fact that your company can host the Sino-French exchange exhibition shows that you are quite capable."
"However, if we want to borrow his works for an exhibition, we need a complete proposal. After all, his collection consists of priceless treasures."
"When did you learn French?" She stared at Qin Hao, her voice filled with disbelief. "How come I didn't know?"
Qin Hao turned to look at her, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"I know a lot more than that. You'll have plenty of time to discover it all later."
“However—” Qin Hao’s voice pulled her back to reality: “The most important thing now is to call your boss.”
"What?"
“Mr. Teng can only give her thirty minutes to present her proposal.” Qin Hao nodded towards Mr. Teng. “Call her now and tell her to come to the hotel immediately. Whether thirty minutes is enough depends on your CEO Jiang’s abilities.”
Huang Yimei was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what she meant.
Without asking any more questions, she turned around and quickly walked out of the lounge, taking her phone out of her handbag.
After three rings, Jiang Xueqiong's voice came from the other end of the line: "Hello?"
"President Jiang, it's me, Huang Yimei."
"What's the matter so late?"
“I met Mr. Teng at the charity gala at the China World Hotel,” Huang Yimei’s voice trembled slightly with excitement. “He agreed to give us thirty minutes to present our proposal. Could you come over now?”
There was a full three seconds of silence on the other end of the phone; they were probably a bit sluggish from drinking too much.
"What did you say?! You saw Mr. Teng?!"
"Yes, he's in the lounge next to me right now. But he said he can only give me thirty minutes—"
"I'll be right there!" (End of Chapter)