Hearing Wang Xiaoqiang's words, Jing Xueyan was also taken aback. Could it be true that he had never attended a banquet or similar event before, not knowing the meaning of having a male companion? Yet her grandfather had said his status was extraordinary, so much so that even her grandfather's family would respect and flatter him.

Such a venerable figure should be a regular in high society, frequenting all sorts of events and banquets. How could he possibly not know what a male escort meant?

"Pfft... Mr. Wang, you're pulling my leg. Your teasing can really make one's brain freeze..." After some thought, Jing Xueyan still concluded that Wang Xiaoqiang was teasing her.

Jing Xueyan had also just started working at the Provincial Capital radio station and currently had no boyfriend. Having no boyfriend had its pros and cons. Pros included the freedom to choose a future partner without constraints, but the cons, like now, meant attending events alone without even a companion, forcing her to grab a random male escort.

Of course, she could attend without a male companion like some provocative women who dressed revealingly to lure men of status at such events. As a radio station employee where reputation was crucial, Jing Xueyan was also looking to expand her network and visibility by attending this event.

However, Jing Xueyan was not a flirty woman; otherwise, she wouldn't be frantically asking Wang Xiaoqiang to be her escort.

"It doesn't matter whether you're pretending or you really don't know; just protect me from any sleazy men trying to take advantage at the party..." Jing Xueyan weakly and coquettishly said.

Wang Xiaoqiang vaguely understood what she meant by a "male escort."

At that moment, the people in the BMW in front of them, after dawdling for a while, finally got out. A young couple emerged, the woman as tall as Jing Xueyan but with a fuller figure and showing more skin with a low V-neck dress that attracted men's glances under the light. The fabric of the evening dress was thin and semi-transparent, allowing glimpses of the scenery underneath.

The man's face, however, was not as commendable, with a flat nose and thick, turned lips—hardly even average in appearance.

But just as a Buddha is dressed in gold, a man dresses for success. Though not handsome, his designer clothes and the confidence gained from mixing in high-class circles gave him an illusion of grandeur and attractiveness.

Jing Xueyan clearly recognized the woman. Seeing her arm-in-arm with a man, preparing to board an electric cart, Jing Xueyan hurriedly took a few quick steps while holding Wang Xiaoqiang's arm and then somewhat sycophantically greeted the woman: "Good evening, Sister Yanli."

By calling the other woman "sister," Wang Xiaoqiang immediately realized she must be Jing Xueyan's colleague. Upon closer inspection, despite not watching much TV, he recalled that the woman was the popular host of the show "Heart to Heart" on River City's television station.

In the program, Mei Yanli was a woman of great empathy and understanding. If anyone had an issue or emotional conflict, they could call into her show, and Mei Yanli would publicly discuss their concerns on television.

Because Mei Yanli was both attractive and empathetic on TV, she became an idol for many men in River City, causing some lovelorn young men or those infatuated with her to purposely concoct emotional tales to call her show, resulting in many humorous incidents but also boosting the show's ratings.

However, in reality, Mei Yanli was nothing like her kind and friendly TV persona. It might be said her behavior was more about "winning over people through their clothes." Seeing Jing Xueyan approaching her proactively, she only haughtily nodded and squeezed out a very forced smile, coldly saying, "Good evening."

After speaking, she took the man's arm and boarded the electric cart, showing no interest in dealing with her new colleague. Meanwhile, the man beside her, seeing Jing Xueyan's especially charming and pure demeanor, which surpassed Mei Yanli's, took a strong interest in her and greeted Jing Xueyan as he got on the vehicle, "There is still space on the cart, come join us..."

Seeing her boyfriend inviting Jing Xueyan onto the electric cart, Mei Yanli's eyes flashed with annoyance and jealousy, and her hostile gaze swept over Jing Xueyan, clearly warning her.

Being new and with an unstable foundation at the radio station, Jing Xueyan didn't take Mei Yanli's arrogant attitude to heart. Gratefully responding to the man's invitation, she happily said thanks and then sat beside Wang Xiaoqiang in the back row.

"Let me introduce myself, Li Chang. How should I address the two of you?" After being seated, Li Chang turned around and extended a hand, introducing himself to the pair at the back.

"Oh, so you're the son of Mayor Li, Young Master Li..." Jing Xueyan obviously had a keen understanding of the upper echelons of River City's society, particularly the powerful backers of some staff at the station. As soon as Li Chang introduced himself, she immediately knew he was Mei Yanli's powerful supporter, the son of River City's Executive Deputy Mayor, Li Chang.

It was said that Mei Yanli had become the host of the "Spirit of the Heart" program only after clinging to his "high branch" and then gradually became popular, emerging as the leading lady of the station. Li Chang was quite proud of his own identity, so when Jing Xueyan revealed his background in one sentence, a smug expression immediately appeared on his face.

He seemed a bit lighter on his feet as he nodded slightly arrogantly and then said, "You look very unfamiliar, yet I feel like I've seen you somewhere before?"

"Young Master Li, my name is Jing Xueyan. I recently joined the television station and am now a colleague of Sister Yanli," Jing Xueyan explained with a smile. After finishing, she pointed to Wang Xiaoqiang beside her and introduced, "This is my friend, Wang Xiaoqiang."

After speaking, Jing Xueyan's autumnal eyes intentionally focused on Li Chang, watching his reaction to the name Wang Xiaoqiang. However, to Jing Xueyan's surprise and disappointment, Li Chang obviously had no idea who Wang Xiaoqiang was.

Upon hearing the name, he just coldly grunted, his expression indifferent as he shook hands with Wang Xiaoqiang, then smiled at Jing Xueyan, "So, you just joined the station. No wonder. I often come to the station to have tea with your station head, I certainly would have noticed you if you were an old-timer.

Since you've joined the station and become colleagues with Yanli, in the future, you can always come to me for anything"

As he spoke, Li Chang's gaze unabashedly swept over Jing Xueyan; in the dimly lit night, a hint of lust gleamed in his eyes.

Seeing Li Chang's interest in Jing Xueyan, a flash of annoyance and jealousy crossed Mei Yanli's eyes, but she immediately put on a coquettish face and gently tapped Li Chang, saying flirtatiously, "Oh, Achang, don't worry, Xueyan is my colleague. I'll take good care of her."

After speaking, Mei Yanli threw a warning glance at Jing Xueyan, her eyes like those of a scheming cat, clearly signaling, "Li Chang is mine, don't set your sights on him."

Although Jing Xueyan hadn't been in this circle for long, she had heard from seniors about its intricacies and knew that Li Chang's seemingly friendly enthusiasm was actually covetous of her beauty. In the past, she wouldn't have minded men like Li Chang desiring her beauty. In this industry, a woman who isn't on men's minds actually represents an out-of-favor, unsuccessful woman.

Only if more men are captivated can a woman prove her worth, thrive, and succeed in this circle.

However, having just arrived with no backing, and with Mei Yanli being the current leading lady of the station, Jing Xueyan dared not offend Mei Yanli easily.

Plus, regardless of Wang Xiaoqiang's fame or influence in River City's upper society, since he was her grandfather's life-saving benefactor and specially mentioned by her grandfather, now that she had invited him as her escort, it wouldn't look good to snatch the olive branch thrown by other men immediately. Jing Xueyan just couldn't do such a thing.

Basically, Jing Xueyan was still considered upright and principled within this circle. Of course, born into this circle, without a strong enough background, sometimes playing along with some wealthy heirs was inevitable, otherwise, no matter how talented, one might still be kicked out.

Although the Tang Family had some influence in Huagui County, that was nothing compared to River City, especially since River City as the provincial capital had levels of people far above the Tang Family. The Tang Family's background couldn't help Jing Xueyan at all in practical terms.

"Thank you, Young Master Li. You are a busy man of high standing, and I dare not trouble you over trivial matters. Sister Yanli is a wonderful person, and in the future, I'll ask for her help in anything. After all, asking her is just like asking you... Right, Young Master Li..." As a host, Jing Xueyan spoke flawlessly, not only flattering Li Chang but also appeasing Mei Yanli.

As Jing Xueyan spoke, a satisfied smile appeared on Mei Yanli's face. She turned her pretty face to glance at Jing Xueyan, then gave Wang Xiaoqiang a slanted look and asked, "Mr. Wang looks unfamiliar. How come I've never seen you before? Haven't you been residing in River City?"

"Uh. Yes, my family is from Huagui County, and I don't usually live in River City. This Private Club is also my first visit," Wang Xiaoqiang replied earnestly. He had listened to their conversation earlier; every sentence was full of calculated intrigue, and he naturally wasn't very interested in these people, nor did he want to cozy up to them. Giving a direct answer was courteous enough.

Seeing Wang Xiaoqiang's tepid reply and the coolness in his gaze, Mei Yanli felt slightly irked inside. After all, she was a beautiful woman and was dressed sexily and attractively tonight. Usually, men couldn't stop staring at her... But tonight was different. A young man from a rural county town, unknown and somewhat rustic-looking, was actually putting on airs in front of her.

Had he really considered himself someone important? (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to qidian.com to vote and support. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)

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