Chapter 2684 - 1668: Good News, Bad News

Chapter 2684: Chapter 1668: Good News, Bad News

Before the end of office hours, Chairman Shi slipped out, expressionless, and drove directly to one of the top hotels in East Sea, the Eastern Star International Hotel.

Today, the Donghai Commerce Association, formed by entrepreneurs from East Sea and the Yangtze River Delta, was hosting a banquet here—no big deal, just to foster relationships, much like how ordinary folks call up friends occasionally for drinks and chats.

As the CEO of Tianci Capital, a rising star in East Sea’s business circle, and a member of the Donghai Commerce Association, Luo Peng naturally attended. When Shi Qianxi arrived, he happened to spot her.

"Miss Shi."

Mr. Luo immediately greeted her warmly with a big smile.

Old acquaintances after all.

If you trace their acquaintance back, it dates to when he was still in university.

While greeting her, Luo Peng took a step forward, clearly planning to exchange pleasantries, but to his surprise, she walked by without even acknowledging him, as if he didn’t exist.

This left Mr. Luo standing there, bewildered.

Could she have not seen him?

Unlikely.

Even if she didn’t see him, she should have heard his voice. Given their relationship, even if preoccupied, she should at least nod or smile.

What’s going on?

"Mr. Luo..."

Though ignored by Shi Qianxi, others were eager to engage with him. Tianci Capital, now an undeniable force in the pricey land of East Sea, had even the chairman of Jinhai Industry contacting the firm’s general manager for a loan.

Birds of a feather flock together.

Boss Jiang is free-spirited, but Luo Peng is even more so. While Boss Jiang was lovesick during his studies, Mr. Luo never had a romantic blunder. If he couldn’t figure out a woman’s thoughts, it was simple—just don’t guess.

Baffled by Shi Qianxi’s rudeness, Luo Peng didn’t dwell on it further; she was never his concern anyway.

"Chairman Xiao, Mrs. Xiao, long time no see."

As if nothing happened, Luo Peng turned and engaged with people who noticed him.

"Dad."

Shi Chief navigated through the magnificent venue to find her father.

Of course, she saw Luo Peng.

She just didn’t want to acknowledge him.

Someone who was once crushed under her high heels wasn’t worth her time.

Though friends joke he’s retired, Shi Zhenhua wasn’t idle. With only one precious daughter, he often had to help out.

"Qian Qian..."

The surrounding entrepreneurs, with their dazzling presence, showed surprisingly kind smiles.

Shi Qianxi smiled back, greeting each uncle and aunt, then took her father’s arm.

"Dad, come with me."

Pulled aside, Shi Zhenhua was puzzled, patting his daughter’s hand, "Be steady."

Shi Qianxi was unfazed, "Dad, I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?"

Shi Zhenhua instinctively frowned.

His daughter’s nature was well-known in East Sea, not to mention by her father.

"I don’t want to hear either. Look, there’s Uncle Jiang. He’s been overseas for years, I’ll go greet him."

Avoiding her father’s escape, Shi Qianxi quickly held on to him.

"Dad, if you don’t choose, I’ll choose for you."

Shi Zhenhua silently stared at her, prepared for the worst.

"I’m with Jiang Chen."

This didn’t seem like a rebellion.

Shi Chief’s nature was never conventional.

Besides.

Wasn’t it Jiang Chen who sought them out?

Even though prepared, hearing his daughter’s straightforward declaration, Shi Zhenhua froze, expression stiff, then trembled slightly, as if his chest had been struck by a hammer.

"Dad!"

Shi Qianxi called, wondering why he was silent.

"...Is this good news or bad news?"

Shi Zhenhua spoke in a low, slow voice.

Wisdom comes with age indeed.

Truly insightful.

Shi Qianxi rolled her eyes.

Alright then.

Seems it’s good news.

Ultimately a legend, even among the elite, Shi Zhenhua is unmatched, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

"Then what’s the bad news?"

He gave his daughter a meaningful look, hinting she should think before speaking.

But clearly still upset, evidenced by her ignoring Luo Peng earlier, Shi Chief’s emotions hadn’t fully settled, so she spoke quickly, almost without giving her brain a chance to work.

"He’s not planning on breaking up with Li Shuru."

If Boss Jiang were here, he would’ve jumped up to silence her.

Yes.

He proposed meeting Shi Zhenhua and Meng Meiling, but it was just for a "meal" together.

Hmm.

Though since returning from Sha City, he’d become more candid, Shi Zhenhua is still an elder!

To elders, one doesn’t have to be so blunt.

And since Shi Zhenhua underwent major surgery, any mistake could have serious consequences, who’s to blame then?

Zhang Zhongquan’s a vivid cautionary tale!

Of course.

A legendary figure from the grassroots to Shanghai, Shi Zhenhua far surpasses someone like Zhang Zhongquan, in perspective, understanding, and mindset.

I’m with Jiang Chen, but he’s not breaking up with Li Shuru.

Hearing her daughter’s rapid, fierce announcements, his pupils merely constricted.

"Isn’t this the same news?"

"In business, you taught me to complicate simple things, Dad."

Another blow to Shi Zhenhua’s chest.

"So, what are you telling me?"

He asked with a stern expression.

That guy indeed had great favors for their Shi Family.

But fairness is fairness.

What father would be happy hearing that?

"He wants to invite you and Mom to dinner."

Despite seeming reckless, Shi Qianxi hadn’t lost her mind, leaving room for maneuver.

For sure.

What did he call her?

Talent!

Plus, he mentioned imperial kins and nobility!

If she’d honestly told her father all that, he wouldn’t be standing as steadily as now.

"Scoundrel! What’s he mean by that? Daring to invite us to dinner? Does he know what age this is? Does he think he’s someone important?"

As expected, Shi Zhenhua reacted angrily, his hair bristling.

"He thinks he’s Qin Shi Huang."

Shi Qianxi interjected.

Shi Zhenhua was taken aback, almost choking on his breath.

No, it couldn’t be.

He’d already handed over power.

His daughter shouldn’t be wishing him an early grave, right?

"To hell with dinner! Tell him, I’m not dining with him!"

No, wait.

Is this a matter of dining or not?

That wasn’t answering the point at all.

As Shi Qianxi continued, she suddenly noticed someone approaching from the corner of her eye, her delicate face changing slightly before she fell silent.

"What’s up?"

It turned out to be President Lan, the leader of Donghai Commerce Association, and the rightful protagonist of this banquet, also the owner of Eastern Star International Hotel, approaching.

More than just her was present.

Beside.

Stood Tanki Liuli.

Wasn’t she supposed to be aiding the Flood Dragon’s tribulation?

What’s she doing here in the world’s vanity fair?