On the afternoon of the next day, Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao rushed to the charity event venue.
The Red Skull’s assassination plot aimed specifically at Ye Fan unfolded silently.
In the hall, prominent figures from all walks of life gathered, with laughter and joyous chatter echoing.
Walking together, Chu Mengyao whispered to Ye Fan, "Do you know what’s special about these charity events?"
"Women bring something out, and men bid extravagantly to win it. These charity events are less about charity and more about gathering more funds under the guise of charity. Men tend to bid higher for the woman they fancy, showing respect and affection. The public display satisfies the woman’s vanity greatly, while a man’s reputation is also enhanced."
Ye Fan explained the deeper meaning of this type of charity event according to his understanding.
"You seem to understand it thoroughly. Although this behavior is somewhat worldly, it’s a good way to compel men to pay. Naturally, a man will bid hard for an admired woman’s offering, gaining her favor and demonstrating his generosity and charitable heart. It’s indeed killing several birds with one stone," Chu Mengyao replied nonchalantly.
"Mengyao, Ye Fan, you’re here." Liu Shangxiang gracefully approached, accompanied by a fragrant breeze.
Having her own company, among Chu Mengyao’s friends, Lu Xiangxiang and Zhao Shiyan weren’t present. This charity event was tailored for some business heads.
"Shangxiang, you came early." Chu Mengyao greeted warmly.
"Hello, Miss Liu." Ye Fan also greeted politely. He was always courteous to Mengyao’s friends.
"Ye Fan, just call me by my name from now on. You’re so close to Mengyao, and I call you by your name directly. It’s not pleasant to keep calling each other Miss or Mister." Liu Shangxiang smiled.
"Okay, I’ll try to remember that next time." Ye Fan nodded.
Liu Shangxiang pursed her lips, giving Mengyao a signal, "It seems you’re the unique star of this charity event."
Following Liu Shangxiang’s gaze, Meng Hao and Ji Tian approached from two different directions.
"I knew these annoying guys would pester us. As expected," Chu Mengyao frowned.
"Mengyao, you’re here." Ji Tian and Meng Hao appeared beside Chu Mengyao almost simultaneously, smiling gentlemanly, greeting their goddess-like Chu Mengyao.
Chu Mengyao kept a stern face and ignored them.
The two did not get discouraged, maintaining their smiles, and politely greeted Liu Shangxiang.
As for Ye Fan, Ji Tian and Meng Hao deliberately ignored him. Both had been bested by Ye Fan before, and more importantly, their plot against Ye Fan failed. Now, they could only treat Ye Fan as a stranger, acting as if they didn’t see him at all, treating him as air. Only by doing so could they retain some self-respect in front of Ye Fan.
"Mengyao, you must be tired from the journey. How about I accompany you to grab a bite?" Meng Hao offered diligently.
"Mengyao, you must be thirsty. There’s juice over there, how about we check it out?" Ji Tian smiled warmly.
Liu Shangxiang threw a meaningful glance at Ye Fan, as she couldn’t help Mengyao out of this situation; it had to be Ye Fan.
Seeing Mengyao’s frustrated expression, Ye Fan immediately threatened the two, "Be smart and disappear from my sight, or I won’t hesitate to reward you both a few slaps."
"Who are you, do I know you?" Meng Hao glared.
"Exactly, may I know your honorable name? How should I address you?" Ji Tian taunted.
"Try saying one more word of nonsense, if you have the guts." Ye Fan looked at them mockingly.
This expression from Ye Fan caused an involuntary shiver in their hearts.
Meng Hao immediately fled, putting a considerable distance between them, smiling at Chu Mengyao, "Mengyao, let’s chat later."
Ji Tian also wisely backed off, "Mengyao, you look stunning today, more beautiful than all the ladies here."
Both Meng Hao and Ji Tian knew Ye Fan was decisive. Regardless of the occasion, if he said he’d act, he would act. To avoid suffering at his hands, they had no choice but to retreat like a whirlwind.
"Ye Fan, you’re incredible, scaring those two off with just a word." Liu Shangxiang quietly gave him a thumbs up.
Chu Mengyao relaxed, feeling rare ease, "It’s fortunate to have you by my side, otherwise, I wouldn’t have a moment’s peace."
"In the future, I’ll handle these pesky flies for you," Ye Fan promised.
"Haha," Liu Shangxiang laughed, teasingly saying, "Mengyao, are you dating Ye Fan? I see Ye Fan’s posture clearly as protecting beauty, fearing other men will entangle you."
"You’re overthinking," Chu Mengyao blushed slightly.
"Is that so?" Liu Shangxiang grinned mischievously, staring intently at Ye Fan, "Ye Fan, do you think so too?"
"Yes, you’re overthinking," Ye Fan replied matter-of-factly.
"That’s true team spirit, speaking in unison, wearing the same pants, even lies sound the same." Liu Shangxiang chuckled inwardly.
"President Chu, you’re here." Mayor Niu came over cheerfully, accompanied by Shen Tingting and Li Qianru.
"Mayor Niu, long time no see," Chu Mengyao replied cordially.
"Thank you for your concern, President Chu," Mayor Niu grinned, pointing to the two women beside him, "These are my distant relatives, whom President Chu has met once. If there’s an opportunity, I hope President Chu will interact with them more. They have quite a bit to learn from you."
"This is Miss Li Qianru, the leader in the charitable sector. You all should get acquainted."
Mayor Niu made sure to introduce the two women beside him to Chu Mengyao.
"Hello, President Chu, you’re known as the premier female powerhouse. I hope to learn from you in the future," Shen Tingting smiled, extending her hand.
"Miss Shen, you’re too kind," Chu Mengyao said, shaking hands with Shen Tingting symbolically.
"President Chu, I’ve long admired you but never had the chance. Today, meeting you feels like it was meant to be," Li Qianru smiled charmingly.
"Miss Li, you’re the real celebrity here, the leader of charity. Your reputation precedes you," Chu Mengyao replied.
"Compared to you, President Chu, my achievements are rather unsubstantial," Li Qianru said with a charming smile, "What I do in charity pales compared to your modest effort helping those homeless children."
"Miss Li, you’re too modest," Chu Mengyao responded.
"President Chu, I have some questions regarding charity. I wonder if you have some time to talk?" Li Qianru asked politely.
"I’d be happy to," Chu Mengyao responded sincerely.
"After the charity event, let’s find a time to meet. How about it?" Li Qianru suggested.
"Sure," Chu Mengyao readily agreed.