Shang Kaiwen and Liu Chuanfeng checked into the only four-star hotel in the area. Faced with the old furnishings, Shang Kaiwen couldn’t help feeling helpless, as the decrepitude and underdevelopment of the place were truly unexpected.
However, this was her first real time attending a raw stones procurement event. Liu Chuanfeng had mentioned that it was a major event with well-known domestic jewelry and gemstone executives in attendance, as well as some international experts, all sharing a common passion.
In business, who wouldn’t want to acquire better quality raw materials than others? The amount involved this time was enormous.
Many speculative traders who wanted to get rich overnight also followed their noses here, like vultures drawn to the scent of blood, unwilling to leave without a bite.
"Miss Shang, rest assured, our participation in the public bidding conference isn’t until the day after tomorrow. These two days, I can show you around locally, visit some beautiful sights, and enjoy some fine dining," Liu Chuanfeng had a unique infatuation with Shang Kaiwen, stemming from gratitude as well as her personal charisma. Shang Kaiwen was attractive and in the blossom of her youth, coupled with a pure and delicate charm that made her the goddess of Liu Chuanfeng’s dreams.
Shang Kaiwen, of course, was aware of Liu Chuanfeng’s feelings, but using them to her advantage was indeed her purpose. She smiled faintly, her smile curving into a perfect arc that nearly made Liu Chuanfeng lost in reverie.
"Brother Liu, thank you. It’s so nice to have you by my side. I really don’t know anything about this, and I owe it all to your help. Otherwise, I as a girl wouldn’t know what to do."
Liu Chuanfeng was fully satisfied. Even if his goddess demanded his utmost sacrifice, he would not hesitate. This Shang Kaiwen was a kind-hearted, genuinely innocent, and lovely woman. Aware that her brother’s death had placed the entire Shang Family’s burden on a twenty-year-old girl, Liu Chuanfeng felt it was his duty to help Shang Kaiwen; otherwise, he couldn’t live up to the help she had once given him.
Otherwise, he would be no better than a wretched, ungrateful beast. He wanted to stay by Shang Kaiwen’s side, helping her achieve everything and ensure her business continued to thrive. He harbored no expectations of one day marrying her, as that was unlikely.
The status between the two was worlds apart, his only desire was to protect Shang Kaiwen and ensure her happiness.
"Alright, go and pack, and I’ll take you out for a stroll shortly."
Watching Liu Chuanfeng leave the room and close the door behind him, Shang Kaiwen’s smile gradually faded. Liu Chuanfeng was a useful pawn, but she still lacked certain things, including status, funds, and fame. Currently, not many people knew who Shang Kaiwen was when she went out.
She had to represent the Shang Family in many matters, but Shang Feng was still unwilling to introduce her as the sole heir, reluctant to start having her appear publicly. This dissatisfaction stemmed from the same old issues with gender, where just like her parents, he could not fully let go.
Even though her own brother was finished, Shang Feng still held onto the Shang Family, reluctant to hand over power, simply because he felt that a girl was not up to the task.
This time, she really needed to accomplish something significant to show Shang Feng. Currently, not many of the family’s ventures made substantial money; most were stable industries that generated profits in an orderly fashion, but overnight riches were out of the question.
She was here at this public bidding conference because Liu Chuanfeng had clearly told her that this time, barring any accidents, he could help her secure at least half of China’s jewelry and gemstone raw materials supply. With that, they would dominate a significant portion of the jewelry industry.
Shang Feng would then see her in a new light.