Chapter 708: Asserting Sovereignty!

While the meeting upstairs was proceeding in a tense yet orderly manner, preparations for the reception downstairs were in full swing.

At that moment, a red carpet was laid out at the hotel entrance, and media reporters had been waiting there for quite some time.

As the time drew near, luxury cars began arriving one after another, and one by one, high-society ladies and socialites walked down the red carpet into the venue.

Every time a car pulled up, the reporters would frantically snap away with their cameras, capturing the elegant figures of these socialites and high-society ladies—this would make for the best material in tomorrow’s newspapers and magazines.

At 6:15, a motorcade of five luxury cars pulled up to the hotel entrance.

As the doors opened, two beautiful women dressed in luxurious gowns stepped out of the cars.

It was Jiang Xue’s first time attending such a grand event, and her first time walking the red carpet. After getting out of the car and seeing so many reporters pointing their cameras at her, she couldn’t help but feel nervous.

Chen Chuhong noticed Jiang Xue’s nervousness and immediately patted her hand, saying, “Don’t be afraid, little Xue. Brother Li Yi is a figure who has taken the Hong Kong business world by storm. As his wife, you must possess that same regal bearing!”

Encouraged by Chen Chuhong, Jiang Xue clenched her teeth and silently gave herself a pep talk. After muttering a few words only she could hear, she lifted her head high.

She then nodded to Chen Chuhong and, with confident strides, walked along the red carpet toward the hotel.

The reporters lining both sides of the red carpet couldn’t help but get excited when they saw Jiang Xue and Chen Chuhong.

So beautiful!

The one on the left was mature and elegant, with a hint of allure—definitely the epitome of a wife.

And the one on the right was even more extraordinary—not only was she young and beautiful, but she also possessed a mature beauty beneath her innocence. Two seemingly completely different auras were perfectly unified in her, which was truly breathtaking!

The reporters didn’t even have time to ask who these ladies were; they all raised their cameras and kept snapping away, using up as much film as they could, afraid of missing a single beautiful moment!

The red carpet was only a few dozen meters long, but Jiang Xue felt as if she had exhausted all her energy.

After her invitation was verified and she entered the hotel, she couldn’t help but let out a long sigh of relief!

Seeing this, Chen Chuhong immediately smiled and said, “Don’t be nervous. It’s true that this kind of thing can be very unsettling at first, but you’ll get used to it after attending a few more times!”

“I feel like I can barely handle this one. My legs are already shaking—if I have to do this a few more times, it’ll kill me!” Jiang Xue said with a touch of resignation.

“Sweetie, you have to understand that at high-end cocktail parties or balls like this, men need a date. If you don’t go, what will people think of our friend Li Yi?”

Chen Chuhong continued, “Or do you want him to bring someone else to these events?”

“No way!” Jiang Xue said firmly and decisively.

“Dressing up beautifully and accompanying your man to these events isn’t just about saving face for him—more importantly, it tells all those pretty girls out there that he’s mine, and nobody else is allowed to get close!” Chen Chuhong said with the air of someone who’d been there and done that.

Jiang Xue nodded thoughtfully, then said, “I get it. That’s how you stake your claim!”

“Exactly. Back in the day, there were so many women swarming around your Brother Huang. I used this very tactic to make them back off!”

Chen Chuhong continued, “Brother Li Yi is young and handsome, a renowned investment genius in Hong Kong, and a billionaire. A man like him is like a beacon in the night. I don’t know how many women are like moths drawn to a flame, desperate to climb into his bed. As his wife, you absolutely cannot back down now!”

Jiang Xue looked at Chen Chuhong and said gratefully, “Thank you, Sister-in-law. I’ve really learned a lot!”

“You’re welcome. But don’t worry—I can tell that Brother Li Yi truly cares about you from the bottom of his heart!”

Then she whispered, “Let me tell you a secret: today I took you out to buy clothes and jewelry, and I even hired Hong Kong’s most famous makeup artist and stylist to help you get ready—all at Brother Li Yi’s request!”

Jiang Xue’s eyes lit up, and she asked excitedly, “Really?”

“Mm-hmm!”

Then Chen Chuhong added, “Just think about it—he’s a grown man, and he remembers even the smallest details like this. That really means he holds you dear to his heart!”

Jiang Xue nodded and said, “That’s just the kind of person he is…”

Just then, the elevator came to a stop. Chen Chuhong immediately said, “Little Xue, we’re here. The battle for us women is about to begin!”

Jiang Xue: @#￥%……&

……..

The elevator doors opened, revealing two rows of waitstaff in matching uniforms.

As soon as they spotted Jiang Xue and Chen Chuhong, someone came over to greet them and guide them toward the venue.

Upon entering the main hall, Jiang Xue was instantly stunned by the opulent scene.

The vast reception hall was resplendently decorated in gold and splendor, with massive crystal chandeliers everywhere; under the glow of the lights, the entire hall shimmered with radiant hues.

Along both sides of the hall stood two long rows of tables, laden with an array of exquisite food and beverages—many of which were rarely seen in China.

For Jiang Xue, who was accustomed to the sight of people in her village struggling to get enough to eat, this was quite a shock.

What shocked Jiang Xue even more were the people in the hall. It was packed with people—men and women of all ages—all dressed in their finest, exuding an air of opulence.

Seeing them, Jiang Xue suddenly began to understand what Li Yi had meant.

If she had come dressed in those plain clothes, she would indeed have looked out of place compared to them.

“Sis, didn’t you say Little Yi and Brother Huang had already arrived early? Why haven’t I seen them?” Jiang Xue asked.

Chen Chuhong shook her head and said, “I don’t know either. Maybe they’re still busy…”

Just then, the two spotted a young man and woman, both dressed to the nines, walking toward them. It wasn’t until they drew closer that they recognized them—it was actually the siblings Li Yunbao and Li Yunling.

As soon as they met, Li Yunling greeted them warmly: “Sister-in-law, Sister Xue’er, you’re here!”

Li Yunbao, on the other hand, spoke very politely: “Ladies, Brother Yi and Uncle Huang are in a meeting upstairs. I’ll take you over there to wait for a bit—and by the way, quite a few people would like to meet you!”

“Alright, thanks for your help!” Chen Chuhong said.

Jiang Xue and Chen Chuhong followed the Li siblings through the crowd to a semi-enclosed private room.

There weren’t many people in the private room—just a dozen or so women, including three or four middle-aged ladies of high social standing and six or seven young ladies.

Each of these women carried herself with an air of arrogance and exuded an aura of nobility.

However, once Li Yunling had introduced Jiang Xue and Chen Chuhong to everyone, the attitudes of these socialites and aristocratic ladies changed instantly, and they all greeted them warmly.

Jiang Xue, in particular, instantly became the focus of their praise.

These women all remembered their husbands’ instructions: they must cultivate a good relationship with Li Yi’s wife, as befriending her would bring numerous benefits to their families.

Although Jiang Xue wasn’t quite used to this kind of setting—especially being showered with compliments by so many socialites and aristocratic ladies—it left her feeling somewhat at a loss.

But by now she had a general understanding of the nature of this cocktail party and her husband’s standing here. Recalling Chen Chuhong’s previous advice, the clever young woman quickly adapted and tried to engage in simple conversation with these ladies in her somewhat imperfect Mandarin.

At exactly 7:00 p.m., the music in the hall suddenly stopped.

Immediately afterward, a series of heavy footsteps echoed from the spiral staircase on one side.

The guests then watched as dozens of distinguished figures descended the stairs—none other than Li Yi, Li Futiao, He Dongying, Li Chaoren, Huang Lixing, as well as Lord Bao, Old Master Huo, and others!

As soon as these bigwigs made their entrance, the venue erupted in thunderous, sustained applause!

Soon, these dignitaries had descended the stairs and taken their places at the very front of the Banbanhaobang venue, facing all the guests.

Next, the highly respected “Ship King” of Hong Kong Island, Bao, strode forward to the microphone and announced in a loud voice, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to today’s reception!”

“Just moments ago, the Hong Kong Island Branch of the Global Chinese Chamber of Commerce was officially established. Through a vote, Mr. Li Futiao was elected as President of the Hong Kong Island Branch, with Mr. Ho Tung-ying, Mr. Li Heng-ji, Mr. Li Yi, and Mr. Fok serving as Vice Presidents. I myself will serve as Secretary-General, and Mr. Wong Lap-hang as Deputy Secretary-General. Additionally, Mr. Li Chaoren, Mr. Lo Ka-ying, and Mr. Lai Kau-ying… have been appointed as Board Members of the Branch.Now, please welcome President Li Futao to address us…”

While Old Li was speaking, Li Yi’s gaze swept through the hundreds of guests, searching for that graceful figure in his heart.

Finally, he spotted the person he was looking for on the right side of the crowd.

The moment he saw Jiang Xue, Li Yi was stunned by her appearance.

With her makeup freshly applied, Jiang Xue looked exceptionally radiant and captivating. Her exquisite makeup, paired with a classic white evening gown, made her appear strikingly beautiful—truly a vision of unparalleled beauty.

Jiang Xue also spotted Li Yi; she gave a faint smile and waved gently at him.

Every gesture and smile exuded natural charm, and her beautiful eyes were filled with sincerity.

What surprised Li Yi even more was that just as Old Li announced the official start of the cocktail party, he saw his own lovely wife walk over to him on her own initiative and confidently slip her arm through his…

……..