This time, the business association’s focus on sand control charities and corporate poverty alleviation meant that the relevant departments hoped large corporations would shoulder the responsibility. As the largest enterprise in Yancheng, Shuangshi naturally became the center of attention for all businesses tonight.
However, just before the banquet started, people heard that Yan Shixiu had gone to another meeting today, and the one attending the business association tonight would be his new bride, An Lan.
Aside from how young the girl was, her status as an actor and Yan Shixiu’s remarriage made her attendance at such an event inevitably awkward. It would have been better for Shuangshi to send a vice president than an actor, yet she seemed to have no sense of propriety. Was this kind of event something a girl like her could attend?
Yan Shixiu was getting more and more out of line.
But among the entrepreneurs present, who dared to speak out?
Apart from the Shi Family members, there weren’t many here who could truly take Yan Shixiu to task based on seniority.
As it happened, those few who could were magnanimous in character, true entrepreneurs who wouldn’t interfere in the affairs of their own juniors, let alone someone else’s private matters.
The Shi brothers and Si Junlan attended the business association together.
They had also heard about An Lan replacing Yan Shixiu, and at this moment, they sat at their seats with ugly expressions, seething with anger. After all, Yan Shixiu used to be a son-in-law of the Shi Family, took half of their assets, and now he had brought in an actor to share the Shi Family’s resources, which was infuriating.
"When that actor comes later, you two need not be polite to her. What kind of event is this, that a shameless woman could sit on the same level as us?" Shi Hongyu said angrily.
"Big brother, stay calm. Once we brothers take back the power of the Shi Family, are you afraid we won’t be able to deal with Yan Shixiu afterward? After all, he’s just a green boy, too tender," Shi Yihui counseled his elder brother.
At this moment, Shi Lan’s Rolls-Royce had already pulled up outside the hotel lobby.
After the car door opened, Shi Lan stepped out, dressed in a flowing white gown.
Although the intention behind the dress was to make her appear more ethereal, the imposing aura of Shi Lan, the big boss, was undiminished. Despite exuding a temperament that should fit the virtuous wife and good mother, she somehow managed to carry the air of a domineering female CEO inspecting her domain.
Everyone inside thought that the young starlet, having never attended such an event, would likely be intimidated and may even shy away.
But Shi Lan, holding a white clutch in her hands, had already flung her long dress behind her.
That look, that presence.
For a moment, the Shi Family members thought Shi Lan had returned.
The waiter guided Shi Lan to her seat, and following the organizer’s arrangements, she sat next to several highly-respected elders.
But Shi Lan was all too familiar with these individuals.
No, not just with these few, but with everyone present at the event.
There was a time when Shi Lan had battled with them at various occasions.
The septuagenarian sitting to Shi Lan’s left, sensing the aura emanating from her, was sure she was no ordinary girl, so he turned his head and greeted her.
Shi Lan responded with a smile and said, "Mr. Qin, your expertise is far from fading. In just a short time, you resurrected Shanhe Group from the brink, which I deeply admire."
The other party, somewhat surprised, asked, "You know me?"
"Mr. Qin is a revered and respected figure; how could I have the chance to know you personally? I have only heard from my husband about your brave and aspiring endeavors when you went to the desert to establish Shanhe."
"Shi Xiu mentioned these things to you," the elder said with a smile, his eyes warm and kind.
"Mr. Qin is a pioneer in sand control, deserving of respect. And now, this responsibility should also be taken up by us, the younger generation of entrepreneurs," she added.