They were just looking down on him, nothing worth caring about. Over the years, hadn’t he already gotten used to it? So why was that arrogant pride in his chest rising again?
Chen Zan forced himself to steady his breathing and calm his emotions.
After changing into the waiter’s uniform, shedding the drenched and miserable state from the rain, his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long, straight legs came into full view. The moment he appeared, the staff in the backstage area couldn’t help but look over, their attention instantly drawn to him.
The manager was momentarily stunned. Only after taking a closer look did he realize this was the one who had almost been late because of the rain. He couldn’t help but mutter, “Li Sheng’s introductions are as high-quality as ever.”
Stepping into the luxurious inner hall, the golden brilliance of the walls made it feel as if one had walked into a grand palace. People moved about in an endless flow, men in tailored suits and women in elegant evening gowns. Refined ladies clinked glasses as laughter and polite conversation intertwined, the cocktail party already in full swing.
“CEO Jiang, it’s been such a long time.”
“Last time, we didn’t get the chance to properly discuss cooperation with you…”
Jiang Youwei stood there, dazzling and impossible to ignore.
From a distant corner, Chen Zan held a tray of champagne. Even among the countless elites passing by, his gaze found her immediately.
Jiang Youwei’s figure was graceful, her features sharp and captivating, her eyes clear yet distant. She lifted her gaze slightly, carrying an air of indifference, as if no one present was truly worth her attention. Moving with ease among those exchanging hollow formalities, she remained composed and elegant, every gesture effortless.
Men and women of all kinds gathered around her, their eyes filled with respect.
“CEO Jiang, regarding that plot of land in the capital, when will the bidding begin?”
“Our Zhang Group is very interested. Considering we’re all alumni of Huasheng…”
Jiang Youwei was no longer the same as before. Back then, who didn’t treat her like a decorative vase, something pretty to look at and nothing more?
Yet who could have imagined that her capabilities would reach such heights? Now she had become a rising star in the real estate industry. People were scrambling to flatter her, let alone worrying about preserving their dignity.
A faint smile slowly appeared on Jiang Youwei’s cool and composed face as she replied, “When the bidding begins.”
The man’s obsequious smile froze instantly, then slowly collapsed and disappeared.
Jiang Youwei’s expression barely changed as she added, “If President Zhang is that concerned, you can keep an eye on the official website.”
In other words, no amount of flattery or attempts to build connections would work in front of her. Completely useless.
Around them, every expression carried calculation, each one quietly revealing the stench of capital.
“So CEO Jiang and President Zhang are alumni?”
“Yes, I know quite well how outstanding CEO Jiang was back in school.”
As the conversation continued, they casually steered the topic toward Jiang Youwei’s past relationships.
“That Chen Zan, I wonder if CEO Jiang still remembers him. Also from Huasheng, a rich second-generation heir who was quite popular with women.”
“A useless dropout who couldn’t even finish university, probably got in through his rich father’s money. Nothing worth remembering.”
“Serves him right. He was so arrogant back then. Now look at the retribution.”
Standing upright in the center of the banquet hall, holding a tray of champagne in one hand, Chen Zan inevitably heard every word.
To those who were gossiping about him, Chen Zan didn’t recognize a single face.
Back then, they probably weren’t even qualified to stand at his side.
“How embarrassing. He dropped out, his education was probably bought by his wealthy father.”
“Later his father’s company ran into financial trouble and went bankrupt. Chen Zan just vanished completely. Who knows, maybe he ended up like the rumors said, locked up somewhere.”