Chapter 49 

Ms. Sheng from Huaxia is going to host a banquet on her newly bought estate.

The schedule for this banquet is quite flexible, allowing the guests to clear their schedules in advance.

Initially, people in the film industry didn’t think it had anything to do with them. However, as the precise date of the banquet was set, the hype surrounding this grand event increased day by day.

At first, it was because the buzz about the estate changing hands was still fresh. Later on, the public noticed that every confirmed guest for the banquet seemed quite heavy.

“Mr. Wells is actually going; he hasn’t made a public appearance for a long time.”

“Ms. Lauren has confirmed her attendance.”

“Phil has also indicated that he’ll bring gifts to the event.”

The confirmations from these heavyweight figures sparked discussions in the media.

People were speculating about Sheng Quan’s identity and background, causing many to wonder how she managed to invite so many influential figures.

Business, law, and even political figures started appearing on the guest list.

Some even speculated that she might be an Asian princess, but others quickly corrected them, stating that Huaxia doesn’t have a constitutional monarchy and certainly no queen or princess.

Because “heavyweights are attending,” the banquet, about to take place, has become the most anticipated event for many gossip-loving netizens. In the end, the perceived prestige of the banquet reached a level that could easily compete with or even surpass the top events of recent years.

“The onlookers are still busy investigating who is currently involved in what. Smart individuals have already started finding ways to obtain an invitation to the banquet.

This is why the number of invitees to the banquet is increasing like a snowball effect. Country A has many such banquets, and the prestige depends on whether the invited guests listed by the organizers carry enough weight.

To achieve this effect, Shengquan spent a considerable amount of money on “charitable activities” or “business investments.”

Since she is not a citizen of Country A, she needed a reliable professional of A nationality to go through the various processes. Considering that she might not frequently visit Country A in the future, she also needed a representative. Shengquan ultimately hired a representative: Ryan, a schoolmate of Gu Zhao.

Strictly speaking, Ryan was not recommended by Gu Zhao. For some reason, when Shengquan asked him, the usually well-planned and confident Gu Zhao surprisingly said, ‘I don’t trust my judgment of people very much, but I know a trustworthy elder who might be able to recommend someone you want.’

So Ryan took the job.

As a genius similar to Gu Zhao, Ryan is the same age as him. Shengquan still doesn’t know whether Gu Zhao considered “appearance” when consulting with the elder for recommendations because Ryan, who was recommended, is exceptionally good-looking.

He even has some resemblance to Gu Zhao’s features, but compared to Gu Zhao’s more Asian appearance, Ryan is purely handsome in the standard Western sense.

Besides his excellent facial features, he looks young, despite not being very young. The most eye-catching feature is his clear blue eyes.

He even has rare, purely beautiful blond hair.

Of course, Gu Zhao wouldn’t recommend a beautiful vase based on just looks and physique. His exact words were, ‘His life pursuits are different from mine, so he’s not well known. But you can trust him to handle things well.’

‘Of course, if he doesn’t handle it well, you don’t need to be polite; just dismiss him.’

After a pause, Gu Zhao added, ‘He’s very good at pleasing people; you can pay attention to that.’

Shengquan didn’t pay much attention to the pleasing aspect; she was surrounded by people who could please others.

What surprised her was that Ryan and Gu Zhao were blood relatives.

The handsome blond man smiled and said, ‘According to your Chinese saying, I should call him my cousin. We come from the same family, and Ryan can also get financial support from the family.’

Ryan should be Gu Zhao’s English name.

When Ryan mentioned this, he shrugged and made a helpless expression: ‘But he doesn’t want to accept the family’s support. In fact, since he came of age, I haven’t seen him. He contacted me on his own, and it’s more mysterious than me finding a job.’

Shengquan suddenly realized this.

No wonder she felt they looked alike.

No wonder Gu Zhao always gave off the vibe of a standard elite nurtured by a big family.

But this family’s genes are quite strong, actually producing two geniuses in a row—Gu Zhao and Ryan.

And they both look so good.

In a sense, Ryan is indeed quite similar to Gu Zhao. For example, he can quickly understand what Shengquan’s facial expressions mean: ‘Don’t misunderstand, our family is not some famous big family. It did have glory, but now it’s decayed. Ryan’s leaving was the right decision.’

‘If it were powerful enough, it wouldn’t only support us until we’re 35. As far as I know, our ancestors enjoyed their whole lives.’

It’s clear he regrets not being able to enjoy life like his ancestors.

Shengquan even thinks that his previous claim of not finding a job was probably because he didn’t want to work.”

“Of course, Ryan denied this claim himself, insisting:

‘I came for my dear brother. I am curious. Who did he contact me for?’

Shengquan: ‘So now, is your curiosity satisfied?’

‘Of course.’

Although they share blood relations, the feeling when Ryan smiles is completely opposite to Gu Zhao.

Gu Zhao gives off a restrained vibe whether he smiles or not, while Ryan… when he lifts those clear blue eyes, focused and smiling, his face, reminiscent of an elf, always gives a sincere and tempting feeling:

‘After spending time with you, I have to admit that you are indeed worth him doing this.’

Shengquan: ‘Charm tactics don’t work on me. No matter how much you flatter me, I won’t agree to you taking the afternoon off. Don’t forget what you promised me – as long as the work is done, you can rest however you want.’

She is considerate to those who would lay down their lives for her. But for someone like Ryan who clearly just wants to slack off, Boss Sheng declares herself as having a heart as hard as iron.

The charming man who appears to be sincere can only regretfully return to his seat. He is the type to rise early for profit. After discovering that Shengquan is not buying into his act, he quickly shifts into subordinate mode:

‘I should have thought of it earlier. You are Ryan’s boss.’

Although Ryan looks like a lazy person, his ability to get things done is indeed as Gu Zhao described. Whatever tasks Shengquan assigns to him, he can accomplish them all with impressive results.

Of course, after spending a significant amount of money.

In a country like Country A, which particularly values money, a large amount of funds allows Shengquan to gain an unimaginable network of contacts in a short period.

Especially with Ryan, a genius familiar with various rules in Country A, by her side.

He seems to be naturally suited for an environment of exchanging benefits. Moving in various positions, with a charming and trustworthy smile, he turns the money Shengquan gave him into the maximum benefit.

The only thing he doesn’t quite understand is that no one asks Shengquan to, but every time she approves funds for him, she immediately uses twice the money for China.

Using the money in Country A, she can gain exposure and connections. However, in Ryan’s view, using it in China without promotion is like throwing money into the water.

‘You could say I’m being sentimental, or you could say I’m seeking peace of mind.’ Shengquan admits her non-profit-driven behavior frankly. ‘At least a part of the charity funds I invest here will be used for the construction of the Country A government.’

‘Although I know it’s for exchanging what I want, it feels awkward in my heart. I must return double the money to my own country to feel at ease.’

Of course, this is when she’s not short of money. If she had to split every penny in half, she wouldn’t do it.

Seeing that Ryan understands the meaning but doesn’t quite comprehend, she gives a straightforward example:

‘Just like when you have to spend a high price for someone else’s mother to buy a beautiful ribbon for work, but you’ve never bought such a gift for your own mother. If economic conditions allow, would you also buy a ribbon for your mother?’

Ryan pondered for a second and honestly replied:

‘My relationship with my mother is very bad. Instead of a ribbon, I’d rather give her handcuffs as a gift.’

‘But I understand what you mean. You love your country. So, for the upcoming banquet and media coverage, I will strive to control it in the direction you like.’

Shengquan quickly understood what Ryan meant by ‘the direction she likes.’

The next day, Shengquan looked at the ‘gift’ in front of her and fell into contemplation.

Ryan smiled and said:

‘Please rest assured; this is completely legal in Country A. This mansion is your private property, and in Country A, you have the right to do so, and no one will question it.’

His slender right hand rested on his left shoulder, lightly saluting, and the blue eyes lifted, containing a hint of anticipation:

‘I think you will like this job entry gift.’

Shengquan looked at the ‘gift’: ‘…’

Gu Zhao was right; this guy is really good at pleasing people.

She resisted, resisted again… no, which Chinese person could withstand such a ‘gift’?

‘… Well done! Starting from now, you can take an extra day off every month!’

One day later.

A clear and detailed photo spread across China’s internet.

A vast and historically significant castle group stood quietly, unmistakably the recently famous ‘Jones Mansion’ on social media.

And in front of it, the vibrant red Chinese national flag fluttered in the wind.