The old gentleman might not understand the entertainment industry, or have come across any celebrities, but as far as he was concerned, the way this girl spoke and her broad-mindedness outclassed many of the hypocritical gentlemen present at the event.
"I’ve witnessed the development of Shuangshi, vibrant and full of potential. The future is boundless. We must definitely collaborate given the chance."
"Isn’t today an opportunity?"
This time, the old man looked at Shi Lan with different eyes, filled with great surprise.
The two of them hit it off and chatted away until the event started.
"I never imagined you had visited so many deserts."
"That’s why, when it comes to discussing cooperation with Mr. Qin, I feel it’s my responsibility to take charge."
Mr. Qin is currently the vice-chairman of the business association and one of the hosts of tonight’s event. Many medium-sized businesses, including the brothers of the Shi Family, were hoping to climb up the ladder by engaging Mr. Qin in conversation. However, Mr. Qin had no fondness for the people from the Shi Family.
Back when Miss Shi was still around, they had met and clashed in the business world a few times; she was a respectable opponent. But ever since she died in a car accident, the people at Shi Family became unbearable to watch.
"Shi Xiu is lucky to have you. You two are sure to be happy and fulfilled."
During their conversation, the business association meeting started, and it was arranged like a cocktail party, allowing guests to mingle freely.
Mr. Qin began his speech, and at that moment, members of the Shi Family silently approached Shi Lan.
Shi Hongyu held a glass of red wine, gazing at Shi Lan beside him with disdain and mockery in his eyes, "You little actor, you’re quite lucky to get involved with Yan Shixiu, seizing the position of Mrs. Shuangshi’s chairman. But don’t be too pleased with yourself; half of Shuangshi still belongs to the Shi Family, and sooner or later, it will have to be returned."
Shi Lan sneered coldly. She was no stranger to her second uncle’s shamelessness and retorted, "Whether half of Shuangshi belongs to the Shi Family, I don’t know, but the other half of the Shi Family definitely doesn’t belong to you."
"What are you babbling about?" Shi Hongyu seemed as though someone had grabbed his throat, suddenly feeling annoyed.
"Why not realize the truth earlier? If you had even a hint of the talent of an heir, the old Mr. Shi wouldn’t need to choose from the younger generation, right? It seems all those bugs and hidden cameras Miss Shi poured into your mouth over the years were all in vain," Shi Lan said mockingly.
This time, Shi Hongyu was shocked.
He looked at Shi Lan incredulously, as if he had seen a ghost.
After a moment, his face turned red as he spoke, "I am your elder. No matter how powerful your Shuangshi is, you should still call me ’uncle.’ You have no manners, daring to disrespect me to my face?"
"With a murder case weighing on the Shi Family, shouldn’t you act with more discretion? Although I, the little actor, draw a lot of attention, I am still the wife of Yan Shixiu, Mrs. Chairman of Shuangshi. Others might look down on me, but they still have to show me a little respect. But what about the Shi Family? The business association might have a place for you now, but in a couple of years, I doubt we’ll see the Shi Family around..."
However, no sooner had Shi Lan finished speaking, than Si Junlan’s hand reached out. Her slap, though, never made contact as Shi Lan caught her wrist.
"You ill-mannered actor!" Si Junlan chastised in a low voice.
Shi Lan flung her hand away, but their confrontation had already caught the attention of the people on stage and around them.
From the podium, Mr. Qin could clearly see the ruckus below and addressed the crowd, "At the last year’s business conference, Miss Shi was the attendee. Her impassioned and convincing speech won over everyone present. I wonder, which member of the Shi Family will come up to speak this year?"