Although Leng Ruobing wasn’t particularly fond of socializing, the attendees at this dinner were elites from various fields. Leng Ruobing had plans to expand the Qianqiu Group internationally in the future, and the jewelry industry, a major focus for Qianqiu Group, was intricately linked to the fields these elites specialized in.
Acquainting herself with these elites was undoubtedly beneficial for the future development of Qianqiu Group.
Beautiful as a celestial being and serving as the president of Qianqiu Group, Leng Ruobing’s intelligence far surpassed that of the average beauty. Facing these industry magnates, she could almost be said to handle them with ease, even managing to discuss some highly specialized issues. Before long, she had become the true center of attention at the dinner.
After all, at this level, so-called beauty was something they had seen plenty of. Though they might be amazed by some beauties, they wouldn’t regard them differently for that alone. Only those truly capable could catch their discerning eyes, and through the earlier conversation, Leng Ruobing clearly proved this point.
As for Xiao Zheng, he was forgotten by everyone.
He was happy about that, indulging in the feast on his own. Some women tried to strike up a conversation with him, but he paid them no mind—all he could think about was the Golden Bone.
As time slowly passed and drinks were exchanged, the dinner was about to end. However, everyone was still in high spirits and did not want to leave just yet.
Someone then suggested, "Why don’t we gamble a couple of rounds?"
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately agreed.
In this country, gambling was a very popular form of entertainment among the upper class. These people of the upper echelons had no worries about clothing or food and held immense power, doing whatever they wished.
In such circumstances, they easily grew tired of many things. To find new delights, they constantly sought out new activities, eventually adopting gambling as one such form.
So-called gambling, with unpredictable wins and losses, was extremely thrilling. Every win or loss stimulated these people’s nerves tremendously, bringing them intense excitement.
Gradually, this activity took on additional significance—it wasn’t about the money but about the jackpot and the glory of being the center of attention.
It was like the duels that were very popular in the upper echelons of Europe during the Middle Ages and the early Industrial Revolution.
Since the majority were in favor, the organizers of the banquet quickly began to arrange everything, and soon a large round table was set up.
Everyone swarmed around it.
Many people started excitedly right away, while those who did not participate watched with great interest from the side.
Leng Ruobing didn’t much like gambling, but in such a setting, it wasn’t good for her to just leave, so she also stood by and watched with the others.
However, the situation wouldn’t proceed calmly for long, and soon someone noticed Leng Ruobing, the beauty who had shone so brightly at the banquet.
Thereupon, a blond young man named Hillman smiled and said, "Beautiful miss, may I have the honor of inviting you to gamble for a round or two?"
Leng Ruobing’s brow furrowed slightly.
This Hillman was no ordinary person; he was one of the organizers of this fashion show, wielding significant power.
Although it was another old noblewoman from Eagle Country who had invited Leng Ruobing, Leng Ruobing couldn’t just snub Hillman.
But she really didn’t .
After a moment’s thought, Leng Ruobing apologetically said, "Mr. Hillman, I am very sorry, but I am not very good at this. Perhaps you should invite someone else."
According to gentlemanly etiquette, once a lady has declined your invitation, you shouldn’t persist, but Hillman was different. He maintained a seemingly elegant smile, yet his words were still insistent.
"It’s just a couple of rounds, isn’t it? It’s nothing serious. Miss Leng, in our Eagle Country, gambling is a very popular form of entertainment, and almost everyone really enjoys it. If you want to make friends here, you really must know how to handle it."
Seeing this, others also started to chime in, saying, "Yes, Miss Leng, if you don’t know, Mr. Hillman could teach you."
"If we could have a beauty like Miss Leng at our gambling table, I reckon I could boast about it to my friends for a year."
"I’ve heard that Huaxia people value face very much. Miss Leng, how about giving us some face? It’s just for fun."
The speakers all had subtly mocking smiles at the corners of their mouths.
In reality, with Huaxia’s rise in recent years, the Western society harbored some unspoken hostility toward Huaxia people.
Tonight, Leng Ruobing’s standout appearance suddenly made some people feel uncomfortable. Thus, seizing this opportunity, some began to pressure Leng Ruobing.
Hillman didn’t sentiment; born into privilege and rather authoritative by nature. However, with such a situation unfolding, he could do nothing but watch.
Leng Ruobing found herself in an incredibly awkward position.
It seemed the whole room had begun to target and isolate her.
Though Leng Ruobing had been through many major events, facing such a scene still rattled her somewhat. But, after all, she was no ordinary woman. She was about to outright refuse.
If they thought she was the kind of woman who could be easily bullied, they were mistaken!
Leng Ruobing was not someone who would give face to just anyone.
But just as she was about to speak, Leng Ruobing suddenly felt a warm hand pat her shoulder.
She turned her head and saw Xiao Zheng, dressed in a striking black suit and looking as if he was glowing, standing by her side.
"If Miss Leng does not wish to gamble, you should not force her. That’s not something a gentleman should do,"
Xiao Zheng smiled, "Since everyone is so excited to gamble, let me replace Miss Leng and join you. How does that sound?"
When the others saw a man suddenly appearing, they all frowned, but the women’s eyes shone brightly.
Hillman immediately furrowed his brow, "If I remember correctly, my invitation list does not include you."
Xiao Zheng chuckled, "Me? I’m just a simple person, a sales manager at Miss Leng’s company, a minor figure."