Chapter 166 Dinner Party
Chapter 166 Dinner Party
Although she spoke lightly, the thought of giving a report in front of so many people later made Cui Nan's spirits lift.
Then, with a serious expression, she turned around and began to tidy her appearance in front of the car window, just like the people around her.
Seeing this, Xie Yan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Luckily, she had the foresight to decline the task of giving the report in advance.
After everyone got out of the car, the waiter led them into the hotel.
The hotel's style is quite unique; at first glance, it is magnificent and resplendent, like a European castle from a hundred years ago. Pushing open the three-story-high gilded doors, you are greeted by a Baroque-style lobby.
The building's color scheme is ingenious, luxurious yet not garish. The floor is covered with a deep red carpet, embellished with gold thread, and golden candlesticks extend from the walls, their candlelight flickering.
Above the dome, the light from the crystal chandelier cascades down like a galaxy, its gentle and dazzling glow perfectly balancing the heavy and rustic feel of the European style.
in conclusion.
elegant.
So elegant.
Someone murmured, "Walking in a place like this, I feel like I'm about to be crowned emperor."
"Yes, I'm too scared to even fart, I'm so nervous."
"What did you have for lunch?"
One of them, unable to bear it any longer, whispered a rebuke, "...You two, shut up."
The researchers are usually hardworking and their salaries are not enough to afford such a high-end hotel. It is natural for them to look around with curiosity since it is their first time here.
Xie Yan slowed her pace and walked at the back, wondering if she could quietly slip away from the dinner party after the report was over.
She dislikes socializing at dinner parties, and she used to avoid such things whenever possible, since she was really not good at it.
This time, the client is even more financially powerful, making a huge additional investment. Who knows, they'll probably be taking turns toasting and saying some polite words.
Sigh, can't we just get rid of this drinking culture?
However, it backfired.
A handsome waiter stopped in front of a door, flashing a standard smile. "This is the private room for the New Energy Company. Please take your seats and sign in on the right."
A middle-aged man in a suit and tie was clearly taken aback. "Aren't we going to the conference room? We still have a report to give."
The next second, the door to the private room opened from the inside, and a woman dressed as a secretary looked at him and said, "Director Feng, is that right? Just give me the USB drive or electronic file containing the report."
Before she finished speaking, she looked behind Director Feng and said, "Everyone, please sign in here."
Director Feng, looking bewildered, handed over the USB drive and was then ushered into the private room. Before he could even react, the door to the room closed.
The subsequent process is very similar.
Researchers from different institutions were led into different private rooms, as if the reporting step had been skipped and the banquet had begun immediately.
The number of people in the team suddenly decreased, until only Xie Yan's unit remained in the end.
The waiter remained silent, simply focusing on leading the way.
Team Leader Cui stared at the dazzlingly large sapphire crystals on the elevator buttons and finally couldn't help but ask, "They're all on the first floor, why do we have to go upstairs? And why are we having to sit separately?"
"We apologize for the large number of people."
Cui Nan and the director exchanged a glance. Although it felt strange, they could still make sense of it.
The elevator stopped on the seventh floor, and the group of more than twenty people finally arrived at the private room under the guidance. The waiters on both sides of the door respectfully welcomed them in.
"How interesting, does this mean they skip the meeting and go straight to lunch?"
"Well, this is my first time at this hotel, it's so grand."
"Wow, the client is really rich!"
"I remember a steak here costs several thousand!"
"Oh my god, I'll have to eat more. I wonder if I can pack up the leftovers for my wife and daughter to try..."
Everyone sighed with emotion as they found seats.
The head seat was empty, while the director and Cui Nan sat on either side of the head seat.
Although it seemed like there was no need to report anymore, Cui Nan still kept a close eye on things, since they would inevitably have some exchanges when the investors arrived later.
Thinking of this, Cui Nan looked up and searched the table for someone, only to find Xie Yan sitting furtively in a corner closest to the door.
Then, Cui Nan frowned when she saw Xie Yutong, who hadn't made any significant contributions, sitting next to Director Huang.
Even the most oblivious person should know when to stop.
Just as Cui Nan was about to call Xie Yan over to sit down, the door opened again.
Standing at the door was a very capable-looking woman with short hair. She had a bright smile and a loud, strong voice. "I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting. Our CEO, Mr. Shen, had some business delayed him on the way. Please forgive him."
Immediately afterwards, a tall figure appeared behind her.
The man had broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and a slender build. He wore a pure black shirt that looked expensive, and his skin was so white that it was almost frightening.
But his air of unfathomable nobility and the iconic expensive cane on his right hand clearly indicated his extraordinary status.
Everyone in the room immediately stood up. Director Huang's old face was all wrinkled with a smile as he warmly greeted them, showering them with compliments like "I've heard so much about you."
Before this, no one had ever seen who this so-called "sugar daddy" was, and Xie Yan, sitting by the door, couldn't believe it.
She had a bad feeling from the moment she heard Zhou Panpan's voice, and now she dared not turn around, frozen in the midst of the lively atmosphere.
Fortunately, this scene didn't last long. President Shen was invited to sit in the main seat, and the dull sound of his cane tapping on the carpet passed behind Xie Yan, clearly indicating that he didn't see her.
Xie Yan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
If she had known it was him, she would have...
...I guess I won't come...
But it's good that I know he's alright, so I can finally relax.
Just finish your meal quietly and go home.
Just as she was lost in thought, a voice came from above.
"Get up and sit in the front."
With a smile, Cui Nan forced out her words through gritted teeth, pulling Xie Yan's arm with a hint of exasperation, "Everyone else who does nothing knows to step forward and show their face, what are you doing hiding here! Don't you even want a promotion and a raise!"
Xie Yan was shocked, her eyes widening like saucers. She quickly waved her hands, "There are no seats left in front. I'm new here, I don't need it, I really don't need it..."
“There’s an empty seat next to the director. Go sit there. It’s not a good look to be pulling and tugging like this. Don’t force me to drag you over.”
"..."
Xie Yutong, who was just sitting in the front with a smug look on her face, is no longer there; she's disappeared somewhere.
...Xie Yan has never missed Xie Yutong as much as she does now.
However, it seems unlikely that Xie Yutong will return to this dinner party, and the reasons are self-evident.
Ten years ago, she caused Shen Yan enough trouble. Now he's running away as fast as he can, so how could he possibly dare to approach her? He'd probably be scared away right away.
After a silent battle between heaven and man, Xie Yan finally slunk away and sat down next to Director Huang.
He was separated from Shen Yan by only Director Huang.
Xie Yan had never felt so strongly that Director Huang was still not fat enough.
PFC