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Although Mei Yanli was unhappy inside, she didn't show it on her face, instead, she deliberately probed, "Seeing that Mr. Wang is quite young, he must be a promising young man. May I ask where in Huagui County you have found success?"

Upon hearing Mei Yanli ask Wang Xiaoqiang where he worked, Jing Xueyan couldn't help but feel a tightness in her heart.

Background and connections are important for working at the radio station. If Wang Xiaoqiang had a high status, it would invisibly elevate Jing Xueyan's own status, making others dare not underestimate her.

Just like the Mei Yanli in front of her, at the end of the day she was just a program host, but because she snagged Li Chang, a well-known young master in the Provincial Capital, she commanded respect in both high society and at the radio station, her status untouchable.

Jing Xueyan had invited Wang Xiaoqiang to be her male companion on the pretext of deterring those with ulterior motives, but in her mind, she also harbored the intention to use Wang Xiaoqiang to elevate her own status.

After all, if Wang Xiaoqiang was someone even her grandfather had tried to please, his status must be higher than her entire family's, indicating that he must have some significant clout in the Provincial Capital. However, it seemed that reality wasn't as favorable as she had anticipated.

"There's no such thing as a high-level position, I just contract some farmland at home and run a small company..." Wang Xiaoqiang spoke the truth. Since he had no interest in the couple in front of him, he didn't bother to boast.

"No wonder I haven't met you. I know almost everyone in River City's circles," Li Chang said, displaying a touch of displeasure at Wang Xiaoqiang's indifferent demeanor, especially when he saw that Wang Xiaoqiang's arm was always being held by Jing Xueyan, he spoke with a slightly cold and disdainful look.

The implication was very clear—Wang Xiaoqiang's status was too low, not someone from River City's elite circles.

Actually, a small local company boss is not someone he would consider worthy of attention.

"Hehe, but it's not bad for Little Wang to start contracting land at home so young." Seeing her boyfriend Li Chang displeased with Wang Xiaoqiang, Mei Yanli naturally became more haughty. Although she seemed to compliment Wang Xiaoqiang on the surface, the tone of her voice was patronizing, her mockery obvious, and she even changed the respectful address of Mr. Wang to Little Wang.

Jing Xueyan saw that both Li Chang and Mei Yanli were deliberately belittling Wang Xiaoqiang, her handsome face subtly shifted color, a flash of anger crossing her eyes, but she didn't dare to speak out, meanwhile, feeling a sense of inner urgency, worried that the young and impetuous Wang Xiaoqiang would not be able to hold back from verbal conflict with them.

It would be a significant problem if that were the case. After all, Li Chang was the son of River City's Executive Vice Mayor and held considerable influence in River City. Offending him would make life difficult for a newcomer at the TV station with no backing.

Wang Xiaoqiang naturally disdained to argue with people like Li Chang and Mei Yanli, so he simply replied indifferently, "I appreciate the praise..." After saying that, he took Jing Xueyan's hand and got out of the car......

The car had already arrived at its destination, Villa No. 1 of the clubhouse.

Wang Xiaoqiang's indifference and refusal to dwell on Li Chang's and Mei Yanli's haughtiness irritated Li Chang, especially when he pulled Jing Xueyan out of the car without a word of courtesy, not even glancing at Li Chang and Mei Yanli; the sense of being snubbed, and worse, snubbed by a "petty person," made them both feel extremely uncomfortable.

However, believing themselves to be people of background, identity, and status, they did not stoop to argue with Wang Xiaoqiang. They simply got out of the car with slightly unhappy expressions and walked hand in hand straight to the villa.

Villa No. 1 is the largest villa in the clubhouse, occupying the most prominent position with the best view and scenery. At this moment, the villa was brightly lit, and through the gate and the large French windows, one could see that some people had already gathered in the hall.

"Mr. Wang, that Li Chang's father is River City's Executive Vice Mayor, a man who holds real power here. When we go in, please be a bit mindful...," Jing Xueyan said in a low voice, holding Wang Xiaoqiang's hand as they walked forward.

"No worries, an Executive Vice Mayor is a human, not a tiger; what's there to be afraid of? Besides, it's his father who holds that title, not him, hehe..." Wang Xiaoqiang replied with a carefree smile.

Why should he treat the son of a mere Executive Vice Mayor with deference and politeness?

Saying a word to him was already polite enough!

Seeing the nonchalant and disdainful expression on Wang Xiaoqiang's face, Jing Xueyan felt so frustrated she wanted to cry. Her intention for selecting Wang Xiaoqiang as her male companion was to leverage his reputation to quickly break into River City's high society.

But now, she hadn't gained any face and instead had offended the big sister of the station and the son of River City's Executive Vice Mayor.

"Mr. Wang, that's how society is these days. If the father holds an office, his son is powerful. You might not be familiar with our circles or how complex they are. It's better to endure and give in when you can," Jing Xueyan said, despite feeling dejected, she dared not blame Wang Xiaoqiang. After all, he was someone even her grandfather had to respect, so she patiently tried to advise him.

```

"Alright, I'll be careful later..." Wang Xiaoqiang, seeing Jing Xueyan's anxious and pitiful look, didn't have the heart to upset her further and smiled reassuringly at her.

Upon hearing Wang Xiaoqiang say this, Jing Xueyan secretly sighed with relief.

As they were talking, the two had already walked hand in hand to the entrance of the hall.

The hall was extremely spacious and extravagantly decorated, with a huge and sparkling crystal chandelier hanging in the middle of the hall, illuminating the entire space in a grand and majestic light.

Since the charity gala had not yet officially started, the hall was mostly filled with young people who had just arrived, chatting quietly in pairs and small groups. The organizers and truly important figures had not arrived yet, or they were elsewhere.

Zhong Ping was not in the hall either; she was likely either on the second floor greeting guests or had not yet arrived. The hall was mainly staffed by administrative employees and assistants of the Holiland Group.

After all, Zhong Ping was a top-ten ranked figure on the national list of tycoons and would not stoop to personally entertain nobodies like Li Chang, let alone a provincial capital TV host like Mei Yanli. They were merely there for the bustling scene but were still far from warranting Zhong Ping's personal hospitality.

Although Wang Xiaoqiang had never attended any events like a gala before, he naturally didn't go out of his way to don any famous high-end brands either.

However, since Zhong Ping had asked him to attend the event, Wang Xiaoqiang couldn't dress too casually. He, too, had worn a branded suit. Although it wasn't extravagantly expensive, it was at least not street stall material.

As they say, clothes make the man, just as gold makes a Buddha. Wang Xiaoqiang was young and quite handsome, and now, dressed in fine clothes, he naturally appeared even more striking and debonair. The men were handsome, and the women even more so. As a hostess, Jing Xueyan was top-tier in looks, charisma, and figure.

Clinging to Wang Xiaoqiang's arm, the two strolling into the hall immediately drew many gazes.

The men were undoubtedly looking at Jing Xueyan, while the women, naturally, were checking out Wang Xiaoqiang. "Yanli, isn't that woman one of the newcomers at your station? I remember she's called Jing Xue... Jing Xueyan, right?

As for the guy beside her, I have no idea, a total stranger," said a rather handsome man with black-framed glasses, squinting his eyes and ogling Jing Xueyan's shapely figure from behind the lenses while speaking to Mei Yanli beside him.

This man was named Xu Wenhai, and he was Zhong Ping's nephew. Zhong Ping had been divorced for many years, remained single, and had no children of her own, so after making money, she devoted herself partly to charitable work and also put a lot of effort into nurturing her relatives' children.

Xu Wenhai was the son of Zhong Ping's sister; although a playboy, his work ability was quite good. Moreover, Xu Wenhai was quick-witted and always behaved obediently and knew how to please Zhong Ping, making him one of her favorite nephews among the many relatives' children. There were even rumors that Zhong Ping intended to give a portion of her Holiland Group shares to this nephew.

As for whether it was true, only Zhong Ping herself knew.

"What, are you interested in Miss Jing, Young Master Xu? If so, why not call her over? As for who that man with her is, why care so much, as long as he's not her husband, right?" Seeing Xu Wenhai seemed quite intrigued by Jing Xueyan, a hint of jealousy flickered in Mei Yanli's eyes, swiftly followed by a sly and sinister flash.

"That's not it, just that a gentleman doesn't covet what others love, besides, I don't really know that Jing Xueyan," Xu Wenhai replied with a flattened mouth, grinning, yet his gaze continuously roamed over Jing Xueyan, hotter than ever.

"Haha... I never realized that Young Master Xu was such a virtuous gentleman... how come I never noticed it before?" Li Chang's lips curled with a touch of mockery, then he continued, "Yanli, go and call Jing Xueyan and that Little Wang over here. I want to see if our great Young Master Xu can remain unswayed in the face of beauty."

After speaking, Li Chang gave a mischievous smile and gestured towards Xu Wenhai with his glass, while Xu Wenhai chuckled, raising his glass and joking, "Young Master Li, you're giving me a tough challenge."

"You lascivious ghost!" Mei Yanli gave the two men a sideways glance, then sashayed over to Wang Xiaoqiang and Jing Xueyan with her voluptuous hips, glass in hand.

"Xueyan, and you, Little Wang, come over here, I want to introduce you to someone." Approaching them, before Jing Xueyan could speak, Mei Yanli had already enthusiastically grabbed Jing Xueyan's hand.

Seeing Mei Yanli, who had appeared rather displeased when getting out of the car earlier, suddenly come over to greet them so affectionately was somewhat surprising. They say women are fickle, but indeed, this woman changed quite quickly.

But since she invited them with such warmth, Wang Xiaoqiang wouldn't put on airs. Besides, Jing Xueyan was already following her eagerly and delightedly, so Wang Xiaoqiang had no choice but to follow suit, albeit reluctantly (To be continued. If you like this work, please cast your recommendation and monthly votes at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.

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