Chapter 43

Having roamed the fields of love for decades, the phrase "unscathed among a thousand flowers" could not describe Xiao Sheng more accurately. Although he was a country bumpkin, he valued the mood and enjoyed the process. When it came to actually engaging in intimate relations with a woman, without a foundation of emotion, he truly couldn't bring himself to do it! But if the relationship became too intimate too quickly, he also couldn't bring himself to take that step. Even if she was alluring and enchanting...

The wine-red evening gown accentuated Zhang Yi's alluring and proud figure. The powerful charm in her every glance and smile made the men around her tremble in their hearts! With every gesture, the mature and charming Zhang Yi exuded a beauty that made many men drool!

The Zhang family from Lingnan was a prominent red family. The old patriarch was a powerful figure in the military, though he had retired to a secondary position, his children were still active in politics. Of course, there were also exceptions like Zhang Yi, the granddaughter he once favored most. After graduation, she directly abandoned the family's arrangements and went south alone to seek her fortune. With her extraordinary courage, insight into the market, and the family's support, she completed the initial capital accumulation for her business in just three years!

The old patriarch, who missed his daughter, repeatedly urged Zhang Yi to shift the focus of her business to Lingnan. She successfully listed the company on the stock market two years ago. In recent years, she has continuously expanded her business using her complex political connections. Starting with pharmaceuticals, Zhang Yi successfully transformed her company. Now, the Zhonglei Group, under Zhang Yi's name, is involved in a wide range of industries, with a particular focus on new energy development, which has received funding support from the National Development and Reform Commission. Such a massive entity could not fail to attract the attention of the local CEOs in Gangcheng.

The meeting in Gangcheng was a crucial step for the Zhonglei Group to enter Jiangsu Province. Northern Jiangsu had a thin industrial base, and the government was focusing on attracting investment, offering superior conditions. Moreover, Gangcheng was the only port in Northern Jiangsu for foreign trade. Therefore, Zhang Yi set her sights on this place.

Zhang Yi, who was accustomed to being surrounded by people, greeted everyone with a professional smile. Even her professional smile made many men feel dazed! The senior management of Maple Leaf Hotel, as the host, went all out to protect her. As soon as the Zhonglei Group showed interest in entering Gangcheng, they successfully acquired this one of the few five-star hotels in the city. In other words, these senior managers were also demonstrating their diligence to their boss.

With graceful steps and a dignified demeanor, Zhang Yi slowly walked to the front of the venue. When she scanned the entire venue from a high vantage point, her smile remained radiant. Clearing her throat, just as she was about to speak, she suddenly saw a familiar figure crouching behind the podium, her eyes fixed on it, and her half-open mouth revealed a moment of shock.

Her reaction immediately caught the attention of everyone. The assistant standing behind her promptly reminded her of something. Zhang Yi quickly regained her composure, her smile becoming even more radiant, and the inner turmoil she felt was something she hadn't experienced in years.

"Escaping for six years, now let's see if you can escape from my palm again..."

As Zhang Yi's clear and alluring voice was amplified by the microphone and spread throughout the venue, the entire hall fell silent. People could even hear the breathing of those around them; if someone were to let out a loud fart, everyone would hear it!

"Thank you, all the CEOs of Gangcheng, for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend the Zhonglei Group's meeting..." A series of flattering words followed, praising the CEOs and then, after a pause to let the applause subside, Zhang Yi continued:

"The Zhonglei Group intends to take root in the fertile soil of Gangcheng. Of course, a good partner will make the work twice as effective. Therefore, we need to communicate and understand each other. In any case, thank you all for your visit today..." Her words, light yet profound, instantly piqued the interest of all the CEOs present. If they could reach a cooperation agreement with the Zhonglei Group, it would bring a qualitative leap to their businesses, especially in the field of new energy development, which was led by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce. The profits were self-evident! However, everyone in the room was well aware that this beautiful and alluring CEO was saying this to maximize the benefits for her company. Even if they understood, who wouldn't go all out to please this female tycoon?

As the music in the venue began to play, many CEOs focused their attention on Zhang Yi as she slowly descended from the stage. If they could have the honor of dancing with this female CEO, it would not only satisfy their vanity but also allow them to fully introduce their companies to her in the five to seven minutes of a dance. Everyone knew that the first to act would have the advantage.

Several young and self-proclaimed exceptional CEOs were eager to try, including Ma Hankong, the CEO of Chengran International, who had a very masculine appearance. After the first two CEOs who approached her were politely declined, the more gentlemanly Ma Hankong slowly walked up to Zhang Yi, bowed slightly with a smile, and asked softly:

"Ms. Zhang, may I have the honor of inviting you to dance?"

"Sorry, I think I have a partner..." Zhang Yi then walked straight to the northeast corner of the venue. At this moment, everyone's attention was on her, and the CEOs standing in the northeast corner were all eagerly waiting for Lady Luck to smile upon them!

Xiao Sheng felt an urge to bang his head against the wall. Hiding in the northeast corner, he had planned to find a quiet spot to hide for a while, but he discovered that the northeast corner was a dead end. Moreover, Dai Muxue, fearing he would cause more trouble, was constantly monitoring him, putting Xiao Sheng in a difficult position. If he tried to escape now, the "big demoness" on the stage would likely turn Gangcheng upside down, and he would really expose his identity, making it impossible to carry out his mission.

"Damn, bad luck today. I should have checked the almanac before leaving. Don't see me, please don't see me..." Just as Xiao Sheng was struggling internally, he suddenly felt a commotion in the crowd. Swallowing hard, Xiao Sheng immediately realized something. When he slowly raised his head and saw Zhang Yi walking straight toward him, he gave a bitter smile and whispered into the microphone:

"Scout, follow the client, I'm in trouble..."

Just as Xiao Sheng finished speaking, Zhang Yi, in her high heels, had already walked through the crowd and was facing him. Her smile was slightly excited but well concealed. Dai Muxue, standing next to Xiao Sheng, watched in shock as Zhang Yi slowly approached him. The entire hall was silent. Zhang Yi gently opened her mouth and smiled, saying:

"Come on, aren't you going to invite me to dance?"