spring bite mark

Chapter 35 The Xie Family Financial Group
After spending nearly a thousand carnival gifts last time, that top donor has given away gifts worth tens of thousands of dollars two or three more times.

After experiencing the erosion of money multiple times, Jiang Rong has now become very calm and composed when facing tips in the live streaming room.

However, this is limited to the live streaming room.

At that moment, he had obviously also seen that explosive news in the group chat of the Imperial Capital's Guofeng circle. His spirits lifted, and he immediately looked at Jiang Manman in the front row: "Madam!"

Jiang Manman turned around, and Jiang Rong held the group chat interface on his phone in front of her for several seconds: "The 'Yu' in 'Yu' means 'meeting,' and it will go."

Jiang Manman was slightly surprised and continued reading. Amidst a barrage of questions, the whistleblower continued to send messages:

[I heard that the investor behind this Chinese style exhibition is the same person I met, Yu, and the brands he follows and frequently tipps are all on the invitation list.]

On the plane, Jiang Rong efficiently went through the official list of participating studios and individuals, then reported back to Jiang Manman with a bewildered expression:
“Madam, I conducted a survey on Douyin. 'Yu Yu' has followed a total of 36 live streaming rooms in the Chinese style circle, including our Mu Chan, and is ranked number one in all 36 live streaming rooms. And for this Chinese style exhibition, all 36 of them are on the exhibitor list.”

Shan Shan was a little uneasy: "Boss, why do I feel so apprehensive, like I'm meeting a sugar daddy..."

Ayla looked on with a gossipy expression: "I'm quite curious about what that mysterious top-ranked guy looks like. I hope he's not some burly man picking his toes."

Jiang Rong disagreed: "With their financial power, they can create an impressive and elegant image just by throwing money at it. Don't make wild guesses."

Ayla asked Jiang Manman, "Boss, what do you think?"

Jiang Manman remained calm: "The encounter we have is not the purpose of our trip. Whether we will cross paths at this exhibition or not, we'll let nature take its course."

The planes all arrive at the port at 3 PM.

As Jiang Manman and her group walked out of the airport terminal, they saw dozens of extended-length commercial vehicles with the Digang Guofeng Exhibition logo on them in the exit plaza.

Shan Shan rubbed her eyes: "The organizers are really rich! The cars that came to pick people up cost at least a million, and there are so many of them, the rental fees must be enormous."

Thinking of the big spender on the top of the charts, Ayla couldn't help but joke, "Is it possible that it's not rented, but his own?"

Jiang Rong gently reminded her, "Don't discuss these things in front of others. Learn from our lady's calm and composed demeanor."

At this moment, several event staff members wearing name tags and holding lists are arranging reception matters one by one.

Jiang Manman paused for a moment, then led Jiang Rong and the others over.

Today, the members of Mu Chan were all dressed in a traditional Chinese style. Jiang Manman's cascading curly hair was tied into a high ponytail, paired with an embroidered stand-up collar shirt and a ponytail skirt adorned with iris patterns. Compared to her usual gentle and refined demeanor, she exuded a cold and glamorous charm.

The staff member stared at Jiang Manman for several seconds before speaking: "Is this beautiful lady also here to participate in the Chinese Style Exhibition?"

Jiang Manman nodded slightly, and Shan Shan next to her took out the invitation from her bag and handed it to the staff for verification.

"Yes, this is our invitation." The staff member picked up the list. "Miss, could you please tell me your studio or personal name?"

Shanshan quickly spoke up: "Muchan! We are Muchan Studio."

The staff member precisely ticked "Muchan Studio" at the top of the list, then couldn't help but glance at the group again: "I watched MG's live stream, I never expected to have the honor of meeting the person in person today. Please come with me to the car, the driver will take you to the hotel in the exhibition area."

Behind Jiang Manman, sixteen bodyguards walked up with solemn expressions. The leader respectfully said, "Madam, for safety reasons, we need to send a few people to accompany you."

Jiang Manman looked at the staff member with a questioning gaze.

The staff were clearly surprised that Mu Chan had brought so many bodyguards. After a moment of surprise, they immediately said, "We have seven-seater vans. We can arrange three for you."

After saying that, he took the initiative to lead the way: "This way, please."

Ayla remarked, "The people here in Gangdu have surprisingly good service."

The four people from Jiang Manman's studio got into a black seven-seater van, with three bodyguards sitting to Jiang Manman's left, right, and behind her. Ayla, who had originally wanted to sit with Jiang Manman, had no choice but to obediently move to the front passenger seat.

The van continued its journey, and even the most beautiful scenery could become boring after a while. Seeing the driver's friendly expression, Ayla became interested in conversation and asked, "Sir, do you know who the investors for this exhibition are?"

"I don't know, we're only responsible for picking people up."

Ayla said, "Oh, are most of the people here?"

"About half of you are here, you're early." The driver smiled. "The convention doesn't start until tomorrow, so distinguished guests from the capital can wander around this afternoon. There are plenty of delicious food and fun things to do in this port city."

Shanshan, sitting in the back, became interested: "Where are the most famous restaurants? Can you recommend some, chef?"

"The more famous restaurants in Hong Kong, like Xin Ji Cart Noodles, Jiu Ji Beef Brisket, Typhoon Shelter Crab, and Roast Goose, are all quite good." The driver thought for a moment, "There used to be a very popular Typhoon Shelter Crab restaurant in Mong Kok, with reservations booked a month in advance. It was a must-visit place when you come to Hong Kong. It's a pity you came too late. The head chef of that restaurant has been poached, and the chef who replaced him doesn't taste the same."

Shanshan sighed regretfully, "Which restaurant did you go to? Master, it would have been better if you hadn't told me. Now that you've told me, I'm actually quite tempted to try it."

“It’s not a restaurant,” the driver said uncertainly. “I heard it became the Xie family’s private chef because the young master of the Xie family really likes this dish.”

Jiang Manman, who had been listening casually, suddenly looked at the driver and asked, "Xie Yunxi?"

The driver nodded: "It's just a rumor. Things about wealthy families are a mix of truth and falsehood. We're just hearing about it from others."

Jiang Manman fell silent.

In the front row, Shanshan and her companions chatted with the driver about the must-see attractions in the port city.

Jiang Manman slowly picked up her phone and opened Xie Yunxi's WeChat chat window:

Jiang Manman: [Which restaurant in Hong Kong has the best typhoon shelter-style fried crab?]

A few minutes later--

Xie Yunxi: [Arrogant.jpg]

Xie Yunxi: [The best food is at my house]

Jiang Manman: [...]

Xie Yunxi: [Coming to Hong Kong? I'll treat you to a meal.]

Jiang Manman: [No need, I was just asking.]

Xie Yunxi: [Disappointed.jpg]

Xie Yunxi: [Longing and yearning.jpg]

When Jiang Manman saw that the other person was about to spam the chat again, she simply exited the chat and ignored them.

After about an hour's drive, at 4:30 pm, several vans finally stopped at a very large manor-style hotel.

As soon as Jiang Manman and her group got out of the car, other staff members immediately came forward, verified their information, and then spoke very politely:
"The hotel we've arranged for you consists of three presidential suites on the 8th floor, Ms. Jiang. I'll take you there."

Jiang Manman asked casually, "Do all the guests stay in the presidential suite?"

"No, that's not the case." The staff member smiled. "Our hotel's presidential suite is generally not open to the public. Mu Chan's accommodation was personally arranged by the chairman of the organizing group."

"The organizer?" Jiang Manman paused slightly, then belatedly asked, "Who is the organizer?"

Staff member: "The Xie family, the number one conglomerate in the port city."

Jiang Manman's almond-shaped eyes stung slightly, and a chill ran through her heart.

(End of this chapter)