PFC Chapter 154 Stereotypes
Chapter 154 Stereotypes
Strangers were completely bewildered, while acquaintances were secretly thrilled.
It is common knowledge that there is a world of difference between being rich and having power.
Just like the difference between a private yacht and an aircraft carrier fleet—the former allows you to drink champagne in the Pacific Ocean, while the latter can dictate the rules of the Pacific.
Power means the ability to control resources, set rules, and influence decision-making.
While a real estate tycoon was still pulling strings to secure a bed in a VIP ward, the Zhou family already had a special access point at the 301 Hospital.
While internet upstarts were scrambling to get into the CPPCC (Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) directory, the Zhou family patriarch had stacks of handwritten New Year's cards from three generations of leaders in his study.
The Zhou family is a giant tree that has stood in the capital for centuries.
Any one of their achievements, if taken out and used by someone else, would be enough to propel that family to great heights.
His ancestors were among the first batch of military industry experts to study in the Soviet Union, and his great-uncle once headed a strategic resources administration bureau.
The three provincial-level administrative division adjustment plans came from Zhoujia Think Tank, and the five central enterprises' mixed-ownership reforms have their front companies behind them.
Despite owning 47 listed companies, Mingming is never on the rich list, and his private breeding laboratory in Hainan alone holds three patents related to food security.
Zhou Chengjing stands at the top of this vast family system.
On the surface, he is the chairman of Zhou's Capital Group, but in reality, he controls the [Beidou Group] cross-border M&A fund. Last year, he also quietly acquired the largest port cluster in Southeast Asia.
Moreover, Zhou Chengjing is currently the head of a high-level research group at the National Development and Reform Commission, enabling him to directly participate in the revision of the 14th Five-Year Plan.
I heard that he is now living in seclusion in that three-courtyard siheyuan in Xishan.
There, they don't discuss stock price fluctuations; they only decide where the lifeline of a certain industry should be drawn.
This kind of energy cannot be created by simply throwing money at it.
Such a person actually showed up today!?
Today's birthday banquet for Madam Jiang Yanglin has brought together celebrities from all walks of life. The presence of someone of Zhou Chengjing's status and position undoubtedly elevates the banquet's prestige.
Many people appeared to be chatting idly, but in reality, they were all secretly waiting for an opportunity to strike up a conversation with Zhou Chengjing.
Unfortunately, Zhou Chengjing had no intention of exchanging pleasantries with anyone. He politely responded to the people from Jiang Yanglin's family who were there to greet him, and then calmly walked into the manor.
Those who tried to get close to him were disappointed, but unwilling to give up.
A woman in a burgundy evening gown, with a determined look in her eyes, bit her lower lip, took a deep breath, adjusted her skirt, and walked quickly in the direction Zhou Chengjing had left.
Unfortunately, as soon as she arrived next to Zhou Chengjing, before she could even speak, he coldly replied, "Excuse me."
The woman in the red dress froze, her forced smile vanished, and she instantly gave up. They were both respectable people; there was no need to force it after being rejected. She could only silently step aside.
Bai Li stepped gracefully out of the car, her high heels lightly touching the ground with a crisp sound.
I glanced up unintentionally and happened to see the whole scene that had just unfolded.
Just then, Xiao Hao's incredibly piercing notification sounded in Bai Li's mind: "Beep beep beep! Detected a member of the opposite sex with a 97 out of 100 appearance score!!!"
Xiao Hao's background notification sound was very loud, as if he really wanted to befriend Bai Li.
After all, I only scored 97 points in looks, and it's been a very long time since I've met anyone of the opposite sex who scored 95 points or higher.
A score of 97 for looks is very authoritative. With such a high score, you don't even need to look hard to find him. He is most likely the man with the amazing aura from before.
His confidence and composure in every gesture, along with his powerful aura that makes people hesitant to approach him, overshadowed his good looks.
"But I guess it's another Celestial Dragon," Bai Li thought to herself.
Getting to know Wuhai was an unexpected surprise.
Just Wu Hai was enough to give Bai Li a hard time, and the thought of meeting another similar person gave her a headache.
Bai Li gently shook her head. Even if the man in front of her had a perfect appearance score of 100, Bai Li currently had no interest in making friends with him.
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Upon entering the venue, the dazzling crystal chandeliers, like suns, cascaded down, illuminating the entire space as bright as day, exuding an atmosphere of luxury.
Bai Li successfully met Mr. Li, who was already waiting for her.
As the person in charge of Longtao Entertainment, Mr. Li naturally wouldn't miss such an occasion, as it was both an excellent opportunity to expand his business and an important chance to maintain his network of contacts.
Bai Li guessed this, so she arranged to meet him at the venue before the banquet.
Bai Li knew very well that her network in this industry was still shallow, far from being as extensive and sophisticated as that of President Li.
In order to get a feel for market trends, she made a point of contacting Mr. Li in advance and asked him to introduce her to some influential figures in the industry.
When Mr. Li received Bai Li's request, he readily agreed without hesitation.
Bai Li finally needs my help.
The last time Bai Li asked him to help with the film's film license, he thought he could take this opportunity to make Bai Li owe him a big favor, so that he would have more say in future collaborations.
But who could have imagined that, due to a variety of complicated reasons, he ultimately failed to help and missed this excellent opportunity.
Later, the theme song of "Asking the Immortals" became a hit across the internet, and Mr. Li was completely convinced by this old lady.
This lady has real money at her disposal; she's the type who won't hesitate to spend money on advertising.
I don't know where they came from...
Thinking back to how I had secretly planned to compete for a spot in the summer movie season and release my own film, it now seems like such a foolish move.
When he tried to increase his bet again, Bai Li flatly refused.
As soon as Bai Li entered the venue, President Li immediately saw her.
The reason is simple: the white pear is just too dazzling.
A well-tailored gown shimmered under the lights.
Stunningly beautiful.
It's not on the same layer as the others anymore.
Mr. Li's face immediately lit up with a warm smile, and he quickly stepped forward, greeting him enthusiastically as he went:
"Mr. Bai, we've been waiting for you! How did things go with the Dragon Seal thing last time? I felt really bad that I couldn't help. Don't worry, I'll definitely make up for it today. I'll introduce you to some of the most important people in our industry."
As he spoke, President Li turned slightly to the side, extended his hand in a "please" gesture, and led Bai Li further into the venue.
Mr. Bai smiled slightly.
It's been a long time since we last met. We've always kept in touch by phone, but Mr. Li is still as glib as ever.
"The dragon emblem issue has been resolved," Bai Li replied calmly, glancing back at Guan Cha. The two then followed President Li deeper into the venue.
"Oh, that's wonderful! Congratulations, Ms. Bai! And I wish 'Asking the Immortals' a huge box office success, becoming a blockbuster this summer! I hope I can share in the glory." Mr. Li glanced at Guan Cha beside Bai Li, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes, and asked, "And who is this?"
"My assistant, Guan Cha," Bai Li introduced briefly after a moment's thought.
Upon hearing this, Guan Cha stepped forward, politely extended his hand, and shook hands with President Li: "President Li, I've long admired your name."
"What a handsome man!" President Li said with a beaming smile, offering a few kind compliments.
General Manager Li led Bai Li, walking steadily toward the core area of the banquet hall.
As I passed by an elaborately constructed champagne tower, crystal-clear glasses were stacked one on top of another, with champagne flowing slowly within, reflecting a dazzling light.
Right across from the champagne tower, several men of similar age to Mr. Li were gathered together, chatting and laughing.
Dressed in a well-tailored suit, with a glittering watch on his wrist, he exuded the confidence of someone who had been navigating the business world for many years.
When their gazes inadvertently fell upon Bai Li beside President Li, a hint of teasing appeared on their faces.
One of the men, slightly overweight with a mustache, smirked and spoke first: "Mr. Li, why did you bring your female relatives with you today?"
Another tall, thin man chimed in, his gaze sweeping over Bai Li: "Could she be a new artist signed by your company? She's incredibly beautiful."
His tone was somewhat frivolous, as if the white pear was merely an object for people to admire.
Upon hearing these words, Mr. Li's smile froze instantly, his heart skipped a beat, and cold sweat almost broke out uncontrollably.
He knew that although these people in front of him had some status in their respective fields, their ideas were still stuck in the old ways and their minds were full of stereotypes and prejudices against women.
In their eyes, women appearing in such business settings are either "female relatives" or "entertainers," completely ignoring the fact that women can also stand on their own in the workplace.
People are generally less tolerant of women.
In this male-dominated business world, even if a woman has enough talent, what people often notice first is her appearance.
It's as if a woman's value is only reflected in her appearance, while her wisdom, ability, and hard work are all overshadowed by this superficial first impression.
Mr. Li noticed that Bai Li's lips were slightly downturned and a hint of displeasure flashed in her eyes. He was about to let out a cold laugh.
He quickly stepped forward, his expression stern as he rebuked, "This is Bai Li from Day and Night Entertainment, President Bai."