Tan Palace.
The most top - notch luxury villa in Modu.
Ten years ago, there was only one last spot left, which was bought by an unknown lady.
At that time, some people rumored that this young woman named Ruan Xiangqian might be a puppet supported by a certain big shot in the Shanghai circle, a mouthpiece with only dignity but no real foundation pushed out by the big shot.
However, ten years later, this so - called puppet mouthpiece not only slapped the doubters around her in the face with her strength time and time again, but also worked her way step by step to the top of the Chinese entertainment circle on her own.
She built her throne with the glory she earned. From that Miss Ruan, to Ms. Ruan, to General Manager Ruan, and finally to Director Ruan.
Ten years, twenty years.
It witnessed the legendary first half of a woman's life full of ambition and struggle.
The car drove in after passing the security hall. As far as the eye could see, there were luxury cars everywhere. All the well - known first, second, and third - generation scions in Modu had gathered here. Media reporters only needed to wait outside for a minute to capture enough hot topics for the next whole month.
The camera flashed, and Chi Wannian's handsome and ethereal face appeared in the lens. Someone shouted, "Young Master Chi, look at the camera!"
Before he could respond, there was another exclamation. "General Manager Pei is here too!"
Pei Jin stepped out of the car on the right side in his leather shoes. He slightly raised his ink - black eyes, and an aura of inviolability surrounded him, making people dare not speak rashly.
Chi Wannian walked through the inner side and stood in the same position as Pei Jin. Then, both of them reached out their hands at the same time.
The next moment, in full view of everyone, a fair hand reached out and rested on Pei Jin's palm. Just as the corner of his thin lips began to curl up, Chi Wannian beside him also got a hand.
Then she poked her head out of the car. Her bright and flamboyant black hair and red dress caught everyone's attention.
The three of them stood there. One second, two seconds.
"Miss Zhu!!!"
The flashlights were pressed madly, and screams and cheers rang out from all directions.
Countless eager and adoring gazes swept towards Zhu Ning like waves.
From Haicheng to Modu, tens of trillions of dollars had been spent to build her a world - renowned name. Everyone respected her, and everyone loved her.
Although there were numerous famous and noble guests here today, as soon as Zhu Ning appeared, all the stars instantly paled in comparison.
As long as she was around, everyone could only see her.
Everyone could only care about her!
The three of them walked in shoulder - to - shoulder. All the celebrities in the hall stopped in their tracks. When Ruan Xiangqian saw Zhu Ning, she immediately ended her current conversation and walked towards her.
As the host, Ruan Xiangqian first politely greeted Pei and Chi, and then she looked at Zhu Ning.
With red lips and black hair, a beautiful face, standing there with a smile, her eyes were clear, firm and bright. An air of calm superiority surrounded her.
Ruan Xiangqian understood that this calmness of hers came from truly having experienced wealth, power, and the ability to control life and death. It was a kind of noble self - restraint.
"Miss Zhu, I'm Ruan Xiangqian. Thank you for coming to my humble abode. I'm truly honored."
"Director Ruan, I've long admired you. Thank you for the invitation. I've brought a small gift. I hope you'll accept it."
As their hands clasped, Cen Shen came from behind and presented a high - grade purple jade carving. As the jade carving flashed by, everyone in the room gasped.
"Is this... 'The Mastermind'?!"
A low murmur of surprise immediately spread through the crowd.
'The Mastermind' was the swan song of the contemporary mountain - carving master Gu Jun and the most outstanding work in his jade - carving career. It was made from the old - pit purple jadeite that had already been mined out. A few years ago, Sotheby's had appraised its value at 120 million yuan.
A sky - high - priced jade carving!
Zhu Ning just gave it away like that!
Ruan Xiangqian's breath caught for a moment. "Miss Zhu, your thought is enough. This is too precious."
Zhu Ning said sincerely, "Director Ruan, the reason I give this gift is not only to congratulate your son on returning to his ancestral family, but also to express my gratitude. A month ago, thanks to you mobilizing your artists and friends to help promote my hometown, a large number of tourists flocked to Haicheng. I've always kept this kindness in my heart and have been worrying about how to repay you. Now that I have the opportunity, please accept it."
Was 120 million yuan a lot?
It was for the former Zhu Ning, but now, for her, it was just a number.
And a negligible number at that.
According to the market price, if she wanted to invite the divas and superstars under Ruan Xiangqian to promote, the appearance fees would also be quite high.
Others could help without asking for anything in return, but as the beneficiary, she couldn't not give anything. This was basic courtesy. Zhu Ning understood.
Hearing this, Ruan Xiangqian was touched and felt complicated.
Giving away a 120 - million - yuan gift just like that, as casually as buying a small toy from a street vendor. She truly lived up to her reputation of being generous.
If it weren't for the fact that she had never publicly announced Niannian's identity before, she would really suspect that this wasn't a greeting gift but a sky - high betrothal gift to marry her son...
Asking the guest to accept the gift and treasure it, Ruan Xiangqian subtly separated the two bodyguards beside Zhu Ning. Pulling Zhu Ning, she said to the two men, "General Manager Chi, General Manager Pei, I took a fancy to Miss Zhu at first sight. I suddenly have a lot of private things to talk to Miss Zhu. I wonder if you two can give us a moment to chat?"
Ruan Xiangqian smiled, looking like an elder taking advantage of her seniority.
Pei Jin and Chi Wannian, who had been separated: ...
You've already taken her away blatantly. Why do you still ask?
Pei Jin and Chi Wannian couldn't afford to offend an elder. They stepped back. "Please do as you like."
Then they simply told Zhu Ning, "Call us if you need anything."
Zhu Ning nodded at them.
Ruan Xiangqian pulled Zhu Ning smilingly towards the inner hall. As they walked, people came up to shake hands and say hello, praising Zhu Ning for her generosity and amazing moves in Modu. Countless flattering words were thrown at her. Every word was full of worship and admiration, but Zhu Ning always remained elegant and noble.
After Zhu Ning left, Pei Jin and Chi Wannian naturally separated. They each stood at one end, surrounded by celebrities.
After some socializing, Pei Jin went to the restroom. While he was washing his hands, a surprised voice came from outside. "General Manager Pei!"
He turned his head and saw a young man walking towards him. The young man reached out his hand with a smile and said, "Hello, General Manager Pei. I've long admired you! I'm the current general manager of NetEase Music, Chi Wanjue."
Chi Wanjue.
A name that had never been publicly announced in the Chi family genealogy before. Comparing him with the young master of the Chi family, Chi Wannian...
His identity was self - evident.
Pei Jin nodded and took a tissue to dry his hands. "Hello."
Chi Wanjue quickly responded. As Pei Jin walked out, he followed. Standing beside Pei Jin, he tried hard to find a topic. "I just saw you talking to Miss Zhu. Did you come here together?"
At the mention of Zhu Ning, Pei Jin gave a faint hum.
Chi Wanjue thought he had found the right topic. "No wonder you're looking so radiant and in good spirits. It seems you're having a happy event."
Just thinking about the reason for his good complexion, Pei Jin's face suddenly darkened.
But Chi Wanjue seemed completely oblivious. He smiled and said, "I guess you must have achieved what you wanted recently."
Pei Jin's face darkened even more.
Chi Wanjue continued, "Is your love life going smoothly?"
Pei Jin slowly turned his head.
The more Chi Wanjue talked, the more excited he became. "General Manager Pei, to be honest, I've also contributed to your happy life."
Pei Jin said, "Oh, what did you do?"
"You have a crush on Miss Zhu, right?"
Pei Jin didn't say a word. Chi Wanjue said, "Your eyes can't lie."
He continued, "But there are many suitors around Miss Zhu, and you may encounter some obstacles sometimes."
Pei Jin said, "What do you want to say?"
Chi Wanjue gave him a mysterious look. "Didn't Chi Wannian have his house in Runyuan taken back and was driven out of Runyuan?"
"Haha!" He laughed proudly. "It was me who drove him out!"
Hearing this, Pei Jin was so angry that he laughed instead.
Chi Wanjue vaguely felt that something was wrong.
Turning his head, he saw Pei Jin's dark and dangerous eyes. "So it was you who did this good deed."
"Tell me, how should I repay you?"