Most of the items listed were minor, since most of the major ones had already been resolved earlier in the meeting. Catching them was certainly not an easy job, but it did fall in line with her current position, and the people skeptical of her began looking at Chu Xiang in a new light.

With all the matters now resolved, Fang Qing and Xiao Han signed the cooperation contract and stood up to shake hands. Following that, all the other participants applauded enthusiastically, looking forward to reaching new heights by working with one another.

“Since everyone worked so hard today, I have asked Xiao Lang to reserve a restaurant and karaoke room for us. Everyone should go and enjoy themselves after doing such a good job. Tomorrow, we will officially announce the commencement of the project.” Fang Qing said, signalling the end of the meeting.

“Thank you, Director Fang!” The meeting room  — filled with young adults — erupted into cheers at the prospect of partying through the night.

Xiao Han waited for everyone else to leave before glancing at his wristwatch. “Director Fang,” he politely began. “Will you be attending Mr. Chen’s birthday banquet tonight? If so, shall we go together?”

Seeing her mother hesitate, Chu Xiang interrupted. “Mom, are you not feeling well? I’ll go in your stead so you can go home early and rest. Dad has yet to come back home and I have more homework to do anyway; you should get enough rest. Don’t worry, I will make sure to apologize to Mr. Chen on your behalf.”

Fang Qing thought for a while before nodding. “Alright. President Xiao, our Xiang Xiang doesn’t attend commercial gatherings very often. Even if she did, she would attend the events as our daughter. Therefore, could you please help me take good care of her?”

“You can rely on me. Director Fang should prioritize health and get some proper rest,” Xiao Han responded.

“Then I’ll have to trouble you with that matter. But first, I’ll call Xiao Lang over to bring the two of you to the stylist.” Fang Qing had originally made the appointment for herself, so she asked Liang Te to inform the stylist of the change in plans.

***

Mr. Chen was once a powerhouse in the business industry, though since his retirement, his family business — now handled by his children and grandchildren — has lost some of its prestige. Even so, he remained a famous figure in the business world, which was why well-known business executives would naturally be participating in the celebration of his 80th birthday.  While congratulating Mr. Chen was the primary reason for this, the banquet was also an excellent opportunity for these people to make connections and exchange ideas. Some collaborations may even result from such gatherings and end up being successful. 

Though Xiao Han had already made an appointment with his stylist, he cancelled it as it would be more difficult to decline the one Fang Qing just arranged for him and Chu Xiang, who he then followed.

Meanwhile, Chu Xiang had initially wanted to wear a red outfit, but the stylist suggested that she wear something in a darker color so as not to overwhelm the guests of the birthday banquet. She agreed and began to look through various dresses.

She held one up. “I’ll go with this one. I like the effect of the diamonds on the black fabric.”

“Miss Chu has a very good eye for fashion indeed — this particular dress just arrived today, actually. Though it may shine brightly under the light of the chandeliers in the banquet hall, it gives off an air of modesty and mystery, if I do say so myself. Doesn’t it remind you of a black swan? Such a refined dress suits you perfectly.”

“In that case, I’ll be picking this one.” Chu Xiang chuckled.

A black swan? Did she not realize what kind of person the wearer was?

Since both Chu Xiang and Xiao Han were born with good-looking features, it was easy for the stylist to prepare them for the gathering. Because they were going as a pair, their accessories were selected to match each other, and Xiao Han changed into a suit that complemented the black, diamond-encrusted evening dress. While their outfits were certainly magnificent enough on their own, they looked even better together.

Chu Xiang, ensemble complete, walked out of the dressing room, and Xiao Han’s eyes flashed in astonishment. Even the stylist looked dumbfounded, pushing her glasses up her nose.

“Miss Chu has such a domineering aura… A black swan…? More like a queen!”

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