Welcome receptions are often good places for expanding one’s network.
Within a single event, you would often find attendees from various industries, statuses, and ranks.
Take this particular event for example: even though it’s a gathering for the finance industry, the invitees include not only leaders from the relevant trade associations, CEOs of various companies, senior executives but also stars and such.
Money, power, and charm are never standalone entities; they blend seamlessly amidst the clinking of glasses and the lingering fragrance of fine attire.
And it was amidst this lively scene that Chen Cheng noticed something amiss.
From a distance, he spotted several acquaintances like Chen Jin, Wang Xinan, among others, who were without female companions, clearly contradicting what Wen Shulin had suggested in the afternoon.
"It seems that the ’requirement to bring a male or female companion’ you mentioned isn’t quite true," Chen Cheng bluntly stated.
Caught out, Wen Shulin no longer hid the truth. "The operations you’ve been involved in are, after all, somewhat clandestine and not above board. Currently, while your Dili has support from above, it hasn’t yet truly integrated into the mainstream financial circles."
She paused a moment. "Plus, it hasn’t officially been listed, so no invitation was extended to you."
Chen Cheng was momentarily stunned, then understood.
What Wen Shulin said was correct; his previous dealings, though profitable, had indeed skirted the grey areas of the industry.
And the respected title "Mr. Chen" was only recognized within the bond issuance sector, without breaking into wider circles.
Now that Dili Private Equity has just been established, Chen Cheng is eager to secure a foothold, to become part of a new circle, to connect with more contacts and resources.
"I didn’t tell you because I feared you’d be unhappy," Wen Shulin said with a smile. "What? Is it beneath you to accompany me?"
Chen Cheng felt Wen Shulin’s different kind of warmth and chuckled, "I wouldn’t say it’s beneath me, just that your explanation in the afternoon was quite unconvincing."
Pretending to be offended, Wen Shulin lightly punched him, "I was just afraid you wouldn’t come! If you really hadn’t come, where else could I find such a suitable male companion?"
Her eyes twinkled. "Besides, accompanying me on the red carpet is an opportunity many dream of but can’t have!"
Chen Cheng laughed heartily. "Well, that is true. It’s my honor to accompany the stunningly beautiful Chairman Wen."
"That’s more like it." Wen Shulin nodded contentedly, elegantly threading her way through the crowd with her arm linked in Chen Cheng’s.
Although it was his first time at such an event, Chen Cheng was composed and spoke appropriately.
Wen Shulin also timely introduced him to some industry insiders, helping him expand his network.
At that moment, a man in his fifties with a glass in hand approached, "Chairman Wen, it’s been a long time."
"Lao Liu, long to see you," Wen Shulin replied with a smile, raising her champagne glass slightly.
"How have you been? Your CGG has been quite the hot topic recently, first with the change of fund manager and then rumors of establishing your own firm; it even made the hot search a few days ago," the man went on to say, "At the center of the storm, as expected!"
Wen Shulin calmly said, "It’s alright, all within the plan, nothing unexpected."
The man smiled meaningfully and turned his gaze to Chen Cheng, "And who is this?"
"This is Chen Cheng from Dili Private Equity, Mr. Chen," Wen Shulin introduced. "Mr. Chen, this is Liu Zhida from Zhongjin, Chairman Liu."
Chen Cheng considered; he had met someone from Zhongjin before—it was Li Bo, who had been transferred to the Magic City.
However, the position Li Bo held at Zhongjin as SVP was somewhat beneath that of this Chairman Liu.
Liu Zhida’s eyes brightened considerably, "Ah, Mr. Chen, I’ve heard much about you. Although Dili Private Equity is just starting, it has gained some renown in the industry lately. You’re quite the young talent, Mr. Chen."
Chen Cheng modestly replied, "Chairman Liu is too kind. Dili is still finding its way forward, we have a lot to learn from our peers."
Liu Zhida nodded slightly, "Mr. Chen is being too modest. In today’s unpredictable financial market, we need young people like Mr. Chen, full of vigor and fresh ideas, perhaps stirring up a different kind of storm."
Wen Shulin timely added, "Chairman Liu, Mr. Chen has some unique insights in the field of investment. You should have more exchanges and cooperation in the future."
Liu Zhida laughed, "Naturally, that would be most sought after. Someone recommended by Chairman Wen surely wouldn’t disappoint."
He pondered, "Eh? Mr. Chen, where did you previously work?"
Facing the probe, Chen Cheng understood that discussing his prior dealings wasn’t suitable for such an occasion and diverted, "Previously, I made some personal investments overseas."
"Overseas? Singapore? Middle East? Or Japan?"
Chen Cheng smiled lightly, not answering directly, but instead asked, "Aren’t the mainstream markets currently elsewhere?"
Liu Zhida’s eyes flickered, evidently surprised by Chen Cheng’s response.
He had assumed Chen Cheng, like other young people, would be eager to showcase his background and experience, but the other man remained calm and inscrutable.
This shrewdness increased Liu’s interest in Chen Cheng.
"It seems that Mr. Chen’s perspective is quite unique."
Liu Zhida smiled with a deeper implication, "In this world nowadays, gold is everywhere, but so are pitfalls. Having a steady and solid approach is the real skill."
He looked back at Chen Cheng, "Zhongjin has a business deal coming up, and I wonder if Mr. Chen might be interested?"
Chen Cheng gestured silently for Liu Zhida to continue.
"We have a distressed asset package worth 26 billion," Liu Zhida paused, "for a tenth of the price, would that interest Mr. Chen?"
Chen Cheng did not respond immediately, while Wen Shulin beside him thought rapidly.
"Chairman Liu, what kind of distressed asset is it? You have to clarify," Wen Shulin interjected on behalf of Chen Cheng, "2.6 billion isn’t a huge sum, but we have to see if it’s worth investing in."