Just after his conversation with Xia Mi had ended, Zhong Ping's call came in. This surprised Wang Xiaoqiang somewhat, despite the fact that his relationship with Zhong Ping had almost reached a level akin to a mix of brother-sister and romantic partners, they rarely called each other.

This was because Wang Xiaoqiang wasn't in the habit of making phone calls to check in, and Zhong Ping, being busy with her affairs, seldom called him.

"Sister Ping, is something the matter?" Wang Xiaoqiang asked.

"Can't I call you without a reason?" Zhong Ping retorted with feigned annoyance.

"Of course, you can, sorry Sister Ping, that's just my usual way of answering the phone; it's sort of like a greeting. You shouldn't mind it..."

"Hehe... is that how you greet someone? Others might think you're fed up with them!" Zhong Ping chided with a laugh, then said, "Actually, I do have a reason for calling you today..."

"Whatever it is, just say it; as long as I can do it, I'll not shirk the responsibility..."

"Hehe, I'll hold you to that," Zhong Ping replied: "Tomorrow evening, I'm organizing a charity auction at the Green Pine Club in the Provincial Capital, and I hope you can come and support the event..."

"That thing...," Wang Xiaoqiang wasn't familiar with or interested in charities and auctions, so he immediately considered declining.

"Didn't you just promise to be unhesitatingly responsible? You're not going to back out now, are you?!"

"Sister Ping, I really won't be able to help with this, and what kind of support could I possibly offer with my status? It would be a good thing if I don't embarrass you..."

"Ay... why do you sell yourself short? You are a local entrepreneur, after all. Besides, even if you were nothing, it wouldn't be embarrassing..." Zhong Ping said: "I want you to come for two reasons: first, to seize this opportunity to see you, and secondly, to introduce you to some business friends, which could be beneficial to your ventures in the future..."

"You're so kind, Sister Ping!"

"So, will you come?" Zhong Ping asked with anticipation.

"I'll come, definitely. For your kindness alone, Sister Ping, I have to..."

"Good, then it's settled. When you reach the Provincial Capital, call me and I'll have Qili pick you up..."

"No, no need for that, Sister Ping, just give me the address, I can find it."

"That works too. I'll send the address to you later, and if there's anything unclear, give me a call..."

"Alright, as long as I have the address, I'll certainly be able to find it," Wang Xiaoqiang declared unabashedly.

Not long after hanging up the phone, Zhong Ping sent a text message. It read:

Tomorrow at eight o'clock, River City Cangping Mountain Green Pine Clubhouse No.1 Villa.

Wang Xiaoqiang hadn't expected it to be on a mountain, and one he was unfamiliar with at that. He was somewhat puzzled by the address. If it weren't for the fact that it came from Zhong Ping, he would have doubted its authenticity. But since he had already spoken boldly before, he felt embarrassed to ask now and trusted he would find the place.

The next afternoon, Wang Xiaoqiang drove his Hummer to the Provincial Capital. When he arrived, it was already evening. He parked in front of a restaurant, had dinner, and casually got directions to Cangping Mountain from the restaurant owner. Then he drove straight there, and by the time he reached the foot of the mountain, the sky was dim.

From afar, Cangping Mountain was a small hill resembling the Mantou Mountain near his hometown where he was building a chicken farm. A winding road led up the mountain. Several villas stood atop the hill, and lights along the winding road indicated this was clearly not a barren mountain.

Just then, a BMW car turned onto the mountain road, followed by a taxi driving up.

"Shoot, it looks quite lively," Wang Xiaoqiang muttered to himself and drove up the mountain as well.

In the dim light from the street lamps, Wang Xiaoqiang followed the taxi up the winding road. The dense forest on both sides and the occasional startled bird taking flight added to the quiet solitude.

As he climbed, the path suddenly opened up near the summit. The road was lined with lampposts exuding an ancient charm, and the forest ahead faintly revealed glittering lights, creating a mysterious atmosphere that irresistibly beckoned to explore its depths.

The entrance to the club was a wooden structure, with greenery climbing over its sides, exuding an aura of antiquity and elegance. Young workers dressed in black suits, white shirts, and earpieces stood at the door. When Wang Xiaoqiang drove his Hummer up, the taxi in front had also come to a halt.

A girl stepped out of the taxi, clad in a sexy, sequined lace mermaid evening gown with a low V-neck and trailing fishtail, which outlined her tall and graceful figure. Under the lights, the sequins twinkled, making her seem like a mermaid from the legends gracing the mortal world.

Wang Xiaoqiang's eyes lit up. When he saw the girl's face through the car window, he was taken aback. Wasn't this girl Jing Xueyan, whom he had only recently met at Old Tang's home?!

The only difference was that this girl wasn't wearing glasses.

After the girl paid the taxi fare, the vehicle drove off.

Within the clubhouse, electric carts and dedicated personnel were responsible for shuttling guests between the villas. After a brief check of his identity by the staff at the entrance, Wang Xiaoqiang tossed his car keys to the valet, instructing him to park the car.

It was at that moment, the girl who had sent off the cab driver, spotted Wang Xiaoqiang.

Just like Wang Xiaoqiang, she was taken aback when she saw him and almost exclaimed in surprise, "Eh? Mr. Wang, is that you?"

The girl then walked towards Wang Xiaoqiang,

"Are you Jing Xueyan?" Upon recognizing he had been recognized by the girl, Wang Xiaoqiang instantly confirmed she was Old Tang's granddaughter, Jing Xueyan.

"Mr. Wang, I didn't expect us to meet again so soon, it must be fate!" Jing Xueyan immediately showed a delighted expression, her voice was husky, sweet, magnetic, and she spoke with a gracious manner.

She was indeed a radio host.

"Yes, you suddenly dress up like this, I almost didn't dare recognize you, tsk tsk, so gorgeous..."

The first two times they met, Jing Xueyan had dressed very conservatively, the very image of an intellectual beauty. Now, suddenly donned in an evening gown, she looked even more slender and striking, like a celebrity walking down a red carpet.

"Mr. Wang, you sure have a way with words!..." While Wang Xiaoqiang sized up Jing Xueyan, she beamed sweetly at his compliments, and very naturally looped her arm through Wang Xiaoqiang's, "Mr. Wang, are you also here to attend the party tonight?"

Suddenly having his arm taken by a girl he had only met twice made Wang Xiaoqiang a bit uncomfortable, and he stiffened, "Ahem, yes, to tell the truth, it's actually my first time attending a party like this..."

"Mr. Wang, you must be joking..."

Jing Xueyan clearly didn't believe Wang Xiaoqiang's words. Moreover, she did not let go of his arm despite his discomfort; instead, she pressed her exposed, soft arm even tighter against Wang Xiaoqiang, as if afraid he would escape.

Last time she visited her grandfather, Old Tang, tang Mingyuan casually mentioned Wang Xiaoqiang, saying that he held an extraordinary status and position and was a person with a good heart.

He instructed her to show more respect if she met Wang Xiaoqiang again and hinted that his career was impressive, that he was talented, and could be considered a benchmark when looking for a boyfriend in the future.

Jing Xueyan was a clever person and quickly grasped her grandfather's hints. Therefore, when she met Wang Xiaoqiang again, not only did she show him great respect, but she was also notably "close".

However, her grandfather's words were vague and didn't specify Wang Xiaoqiang's exact status, career, or the kind of people he knew... the more ambiguous it was, the more it sparked Jing Xueyan's imagination, especially considering the nature and class of tonight's party; the credentials of the men attending, especially, could be easily surmised.

Green Pine Club was one of the top private clubs in H Province.

It was a club that appeared low-key but was luxurious and mysterious in every way, a gathering place for real upper-class individuals and socialites.

The club operated on a strict membership system with rigorous requirements for its members.

If someone thought that money alone was enough to become a member of this club, they would be sorely mistaken.

People with vulgar and rude behavior, no matter how wealthy, were not accepted as club members. Only real, veritable social elites who passed the shareholder committee's review were eligible to become members of this club.

Such a strict membership system may seem to push people away, but in reality, it greatly elevated the prestige and class of Green Pine Club. It made the clubhouse stand out in H Province and even the whole country, becoming the most dazzling site and prompting many to take pride in possessing a Green Pine Club membership card.

"Miss Jing, could you tell me what program you host on River City Radio Station? I would like to follow your work on television in the future..."

"Ah, it's just a rather niche program broadcast at three in the afternoon, called 'Good Music in the Afternoon'. My screen time is less than five minutes, and the rest is just music played by the station... sigh..."

Jing Xueyan sighed softly, looking like someone with talents that had yet to be recognized.

"Miss Jing, don't be discouraged. You've just started working and you've already joined the radio station in the Provincial Capital; you're bound to have great opportunities ahead..."

Listening to Wang Xiaoqiang's comforting words, Jing Xueyan smiled sweetly, "Mhm, but Mr. Wang, don't call me Miss Jing in the future, just Xueyan or Little Yan, it's more intimate..." "Ah…" Although Jing Xueyan was older than him, Wang Xiaoqiang felt it was appropriate to address her as such considering his relationship with Tang Mingyuan.

"Mr. Wang, you'll be my date for the evening, and after the party, I was hoping for a ride back in your car..." Jing Xueyan said coquettishly, tilting her head into Wang Xiaoqiang's chest. In fact, arm-in-arm was already not a big deal locally, especially in high society, but Jing Xueyan's tilting gesture was clearly a bit too flirtatious.

If she weren't Old Tang's granddaughter, Wang Xiaoqiang would think she was downright love-struck, and he was also somewhat confused by her words, replying and asking in return, "A ride is no problem, but what do you mean by 'date'?" (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to QiDian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets; your support is my greatest motivation.

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