“He has done something so disgraceful that no amount of regret or apology can erase it.”
The voice was neither loud nor particularly angry.
Yet the moment those words fell, the atmosphere throughout the lobby changed.
Everyone instinctively turned toward the source of the voice.
A man in his sixties slowly emerged from the quieter corner of the lobby.
He wore an impeccably tailored dark suit that fit his tall frame perfectly.
His black hair, touched only slightly by the passage of time, was neatly combed, and his posture remained straight and composed.
There was nothing outwardly ostentatious about him.
He wore no extravagant jewelry, nor did he carry himself with the exaggerated arrogance often displayed by wealthy men.
Yet somehow, the moment he appeared, people instinctively made room for him.
Inside Mu Wanqing’s mind, System 888 suddenly became unusually animated.
If a system could dance, then Mu Wanqing was quite certain that System 888 was dancing at that very moment.
The excitement in its voice was almost impossible to conceal.
[Host!
Host!
That is Wu Si!
The President of LVMH Greater China.
He is an extremely mysterious figure.
Even if you search for him online, you will most likely find nothing more than his name and a few carefully preserved records of his professional career.
Photographs of him are exceptionally rare.
Even within Shanghai’s high society, very few people know what he looks like.
Only those who truly stand near the top of the hierarchy are familiar with his identity.
He deliberately maintains that level of distance and exclusivity.]
Mu Wanqing raised her brows slightly, “why?”
[Because he dislikes unnecessary attention.
He prefers peace and quiet and has little interest in involving himself in the meaningless social circles of the wealthy.]
Wu Si walked forward at an unhurried pace.
Then he stopped beside Mu Wanqing.
His gaze first fell upon Liu Qiang.
There was no fury in his eyes.
No dramatic expression of disgust.
Yet the way he looked at the kneeling security guard made Liu Qiang feel as though he were nothing more than an unsightly pile of rubbish someone had forgotten to remove from the floor.
Liu Qiang’s face turned pale and he lowered his head instinctively.
Although most of the people in the lobby did not recognize Wu Si, the security supervisor certainly did.
His face changed the moment he saw the elderly man.
Earlier that morning, he had personally assisted the hotel’s General Manager in receiving President Wu.
But, hadn’t President Wu already left Shanghai and returned to the Capital that very evening?
Why was he suddenly back at the hotel at this hour?
Before the security supervisor could make sense of the situation, Wu Si turned toward him.
A cold smile appeared on his lips, “Is this how you conduct business?
A security guard humiliates and harasses a guest at the entrance.
Then, when the matter reaches the lobby, a receptionist takes it upon herself to threaten the guest and even physically interferes with her.
Tell me, is there still any respect for the law in this place?”
The security supervisor immediately opened his mouth, “Presi…”
Before he could finish the word, Wu Si shot him a sharp glance and the supervisor immediately fell silent.
Cold sweat formed on his forehead.
He might not yet know every detail of what had happened, but based on President Wu’s words, he could already piece together most of the situation.
And the more he understood, the more his heart sank.
Wu Si did not stop, “Such a large disturbance has taken place in the lobby, yet there is no manager present to handle it.” His gaze slowly swept across the reception desk, “A receptionist, however, seems to believe that she possesses the authority to investigate the matter, reach a verdict, threaten a guest, and decide how the entire incident should be resolved.
Have the standards of the Bulgari Hotel truly fallen so low?”
The receptionist’s face turned white and her lips trembled slightly.
Before anyone could say another word, hurried footsteps suddenly sounded from the direction of the entrance.
A middle-aged man rushed into the lobby.
His hair was slightly disheveled, and his breathing was noticeably heavier than usual, as though he had hurried there without wasting a single moment.
The moment he appeared, several hotel employees immediately straightened their backs.
The guests also recognized him.
He was the General Manager of the Bulgari Hotel.
The receptionist’s legs suddenly gave way and she stumbled backward before collapsing onto the floor.
Her mind went blank, It’s over, she thought.
The General Manager barely spared her a glance.
Instead, he walked directly toward Mu Wanqing.
His expression was solemn.
“Miss, please do not worry.” His voice carried the careful respect of someone who understood the seriousness of the situation, “On my way here, I reviewed the relevant surveillance footage and received a preliminary report regarding the incident.
I already have a clear understanding of what occurred and how this matter should be handled.”
He paused.
Then, before the astonished eyes of the guests, he gave Mu Wanqing a respectful bow,b”I sincerely apologize for what happened to you tonight.
As the General Manager of this hotel, I accept responsibility for the failure of our staff to protect the dignity and safety of a guest.”
The words caused another wave of murmurs to spread through the lobby.
The General Manager continued, “I understand that tonight’s incident has greatly affected your experience.
If you wish to contact the Public Security Bureau, that is entirely within your rights.
However, before you make that decision, I respectfully ask that you give the hotel an opportunity to correct our mistakes and provide you with a proper explanation.”
With that, he reached into the inner pocket of his suit.
He removed a business card.
Holding it respectfully with both hands, he presented it to Mu Wanqing.
“This is my card, I am the General Manager of this hotel,” he said.
“Please allow me the opportunity to personally handle this matter.
I promise that the hotel will give you a satisfactory explanation.”
Mu Wanqing’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Of course, she was not foolish enough to stubbornly insist on calling the Public Security Bureau at this point.
First of all, she did not actually possess the recording she had claimed to have.
Second, she had already achieved her immediate objective.
Liu Qiang had publicly admitted his wrongdoing through his actions, and more importantly, Wu Si was standing right beside her.
There was no benefit in unnecessarily offending the General Manager while a figure of Wu Si’s standing had already stepped forward.
Mu Wanqing understood one principle very clearly.
A wise person knew when to advance and when to retreat.
There was no need to turn every conflict into a fight to the death.
She reached out and accepted the business card, “Very well.” Her voice was calm, “Since the General Manager has personally spoken, I will not be unreasonable.
However, Manager, I hope that the way you handle this matter will not disappoint me.”
Her meaning was perfectly clear, I am giving you an opportunity, do not waste it.
The General Manager immediately understood.
His expression became even more serious, “Please rest assured, Miss.
I will not disappoint you.”
The General Manager had already investigated enough to understand exactly what had happened.
Earlier that night, he had been sleeping peacefully at his residence when his phone suddenly rang.
The call came from Wu Si’s personal assistant.
The moment he answered, the assistant’s voice had been unusually grave.
“Manager, something unpleasant has happened at the hotel.
President Wu is personally present.
And no senior management is currently present to deal with it.”
The General Manager had not wasted another second.
He immediately got dressed and summoned his chauffeur.
During the entire journey back to the hotel, he repeatedly reviewed the surveillance footage sent to his phone.
The more he watched, the more ridiculous the situation appeared.
The General Manager’s expression remained cold as he turned toward the security supervisor, “Take this piece of trash away.
Break his limbs, then hand him over to the Public Security Bureau.” He paused before adding coldly, loud enough for everyone nearby to hear, “As far as the hotel is concerned, Liu Qiang was acting with malicious intent.
His behavior has seriously damaged the reputation of this establishment and endangered the safety and dignity of our guest.
If necessary, the hotel’s legal department will cooperate fully with the investigation if he was involved with our rivals.” Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
Those words struck Liu Qiang like a bolt from the blue and his face instantly drained of color.
He understood exactly what the General Manager was doing.
The General Manager had effectively ensured that whatever consequences followed would fall entirely upon Liu Qiang’s shoulders.
“Manager!
Manager, please!” Liu Qiang finally lost all control.
“Please forgive me!
I was wrong!
I truly know that I was wrong!”
The security supervisor’s face remained grim.
He nodded immediately and gestured toward several guards,”Take him away.”
Few security guards stepped forward and seized Liu Qiang by the arms.
Liu Qiang struggled desperately, “Little sister!
Please forgive me!
I beg you!” His voice became increasingly desperate as he was dragged toward the entrance.
But against several trained security guards, his resistance was meaningless.
Then the General Manager than slowly turned his attention toward the receptionist.
The moment his gaze landed upon her, the blood drained from her face.
Before anyone could say anything, she rushed out from behind the reception desk and fell to her knees before him.
“Manager!” Tears immediately filled her eyes.
“Everything I did was for the sake of the hotel!” Her voice trembled, “I only wanted to resolve the matter quickly.
I did not want the incident to grow larger and affect the hotel’s reputation.
Please forgive me!”
She hurriedly turned toward Mu Wanqing, “I will apologize to Miss as well!
I will sincerely apologize!”
The General Manager gave a cold laugh, “Apologize?” His expression was filled with ridicule, “Is this how you protect the interests of the hotel?
By threatening a guest with the hotel’s legal team?
When did a receptionist gain the authority to summon the hotel’s legal department?”
The receptionist’s lips trembled.
She opened her mouth but could not find a single excuse.
The General Manager looked down at her, “You did not protect the interests of the hotel, you endangered them.
You forgot your position.”
“Since your current position has made you forget your responsibilities, then you should no longer remain in that position.” The General Manager spoke calmly, “From tomorrow onward, you will report to the housekeeping department.”
For a moment, the receptionist did not understand.
“You will be responsible for cleaning duties.”
Her entire body trembled.
“Go to the staff office near the service entrance.
Report to your new supervisor and collect your new uniform.”
The receptionist stared at him in disbelief.
She could not accept what she had just heard.
She had worked hard for years to secure a position at the front desk of one of Shanghai’s most prestigious hotels.
She had worn an elegant uniform, interacted with wealthy guests every day, believing that her position placed her above ordinary people.
And now she was being transferred to housekeeping.
The General Manager looked at her coldly, “I am not firing you.
You may remain here and perform your new duties or you may resign.
However, I suggest you think carefully before making that decision.
After what happened tonight, I doubt anyone in Shanghai would be interested in employing someone with your record.”
The meaning behind his words was obvious.
He was effectively blacklisting her from the industry.
The receptionist’s world collapsed and her body went limp.
Two female employees immediately stepped forward.
They carefully lifted her from the ground and led her away.
The General Manager watched until she disappeared from view.
Then he turned toward his assistant, “Call an emergency management meeting.
This hotel needs a proper internal review.”
The words were deliberately loud enough for the employees nearby to hear.
Several members of staff immediately lowered their heads.
The meaning was clear.
Tonight’s incident would not end with Liu Qiang and the receptionist.
The assistant swallowed nervously, “Yes, Manager.” He immediately turned and began making the necessary arrangements.
The General Manager finally released a quiet breath.
Only then did his expression soften slightly.
He turned toward Mu Wanqing, “Miss…”
“You may call me Miss Mu.” Mu Wanqing interrupted calmly.
The General Manager nodded immediately, “Of course.
Miss Mu.” He offered her a polite smile, “I hope the hotel’s handling of the matter has satisfied you.”
The General Manager continued carefully, “If you are satisfied with the way this matter has been handled, I hope you might reconsider reporting the incident to the Public Security Bureau.
Once this matter becomes a public case, the consequences for the hotel’s reputation will be extremely serious.”
Mu Wanqing nodded lightly, “Mm.
Your actions were decisive,” she said.
“And the way you handled the matter was to my satisfaction.
Don’t worry.
I will not pursue this matter further.”
The General Manager visibly relaxed.
Mu Wanqing continued, “My college entrance examination is only a few days away.
I have no intention of involving myself in unnecessary trouble.
I came here only because I wanted a quiet place to stay for a few days and concentrate on my studies.”
The General Manager’s eyes widened slightly, “So Miss Mu is a Gaokao candidate!
Then your time is extremely precious.
I should not keep you standing here any longer.”
Before Mu Wanqing could respond, he turned toward the reception desk, “Prepare the best available accommodation immediately, The Presidential Suite.
Reserve it for Miss Mu for the next two days.
The cost will be covered by the hotel.”
Mu Wanqing’s eyes widened, “Manager, there is n….”
But he was already walking toward the reception desk, “Miss Mu must be able to focus completely on her examination preparations.” He spoke while personally checking the hotel’s reservation system, “The suite will provide complete privacy.
No unnecessary disturbances.”
Mu Wanqing opened her mouth again, “Actually, I…”
But the General Manager moved far too quickly.
Within moments, the reservation was already being processed.
Mu Wanqing felt both amused and helpless.
Just as she was about to speak, a familiar notification sounded inside her mind.
[Ding…
Congratulations, Host!
Side Mission: Check into the Presidential Suite at the Bulgari Hotel Shanghai.
Completed.
The Reward of ¥10,000,000 RMB.
has been legally transferred into the Host’s bank account.
Please check your current balance.]
Mu Wanqing’s breathing stopped for half a second and her fingers tightened around her phone.
Almost immediately…
Buzz.
Her phone vibrated.
Mu Wanqing lowered her eyes.
A new notification had appeared on the screen.
She opened her banking application.
For a moment, her mind went completely blank seeing the string of numbers displayed before her eyes.
However, Mu Wanqing quickly suppressed her emotions and slowly raised her head, “Manager, there is no need for the hotel to provide the suite free of charge.
I appreciate the gesture.
But I do not need anything for free.
I will pay the full amount myself.”
Her words caused several people nearby to exchange surprised looks. This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
Mu Wanqing continued calmly, “Please reserve the Presidential Suite for me for the next ten days.”
The lobby became quiet and the General Manager stared at her.
Even Wu Si, who had remained silent throughout most of the exchange, glanced at the young girl in stunned silence.
On the first-floor mezzanine overlooking the lobby, Chen Gang nearly choked on his champagne, “What?” He coughed twice, staring downstairs with such disbelief, “She wants to book the Presidential Suite for ten full days?” he asked.
“Do not tell me she intends to stay here and study for the Gaokao?”
Zhang Jianjun stood beside him with one hand resting casually against the railing.
A faint, amused smile played on his lips, “That appears to be the reason.”
Chen Gang slowly turned to look at him, “Brother Zhang, is she serious?
Isn’t that little too extravagant?
Even you would not casually spend that kind of money.
Ten days in the Presidential Suite, together with taxes and all the mandatory services…
that is close to three million yuan!” He clutched his chest dramatically, “Three million!
That is nearly three months of my pocket money!”
Zhang Jianjun did not even look at him, “Keep your voice down,” he said lazily.
“And watch.”
Downstairs, the General Manager finally seemed to recover from his shock, “M…Miss Mu…” he began cautiously.
“Are you certain?
The cost of the Presidential Suite is…”
“I am not in the mood for jokes, General Manager.” Mu Wanqing interrupted him without hesitation.
Her expression remained calm, though there was still a trace of impatience in her eyes.
She reached into her pocket, took out her bank card, and placed it firmly on the counter, “Charge everything to this card,” she said.
“And please make it quick.
I still have studying to do.”
The General Manager stared at the card.
It was an ordinary Bank of China card.
Not even the gray VIP card that wealthy customers occasionally carried.
He looked up at Mu Wanqing.
Nothing about her appearance suggested that she was someone who could casually spend millions of yuan.
Yet her expression did not contain even the slightest hesitation.
The General Manager swallowed, “Very well…
Miss Mu.”
He reluctantly picked up the card and proceeded with the transaction.
The lobby had already fallen strangely quiet.
Guests who had originally intended to leave remained where they were.
Others discreetly slowed their movements, their attention fixed on the reception desk.
The General Manager entered the amount into the system of Three million yuan.
For a brief moment, his fingers paused above the keyboard.
Then, under Mu Wanqing’s increasingly impatient gaze, he finally processed the payment.
The card was inserted into the POS terminal and Beep…
A few seconds later, the machine began printing the receipt.
The soft mechanical sound seemed unusually loud in the silent lobby.
The lobby erupted in murmurs and whispers.
It was as though an invisible bomb had suddenly fallen among the crowd.
The General Manager himself remained frozen.
His fingers tightened slightly around the card.
The payment of three million yuan had been successfully processed from this seemingly ordinary-looking bank card.
Suddenly, the small piece of plastic in his hand felt strangely heavy.
Even as the General Manager of one of Shanghai’s most luxurious hotels, earning three million yuan would take him several years.
Yet this young girl had spent the same amount without blinking an eye.
“Is everything finished now?” Mu Wanqing’s voice pulled him back to reality, “If it is, please give me my room key.
I would like to go upstairs and study.”
The General Manager immediately straightened, “Yes, of course, Miss Mu.” His attitude had become noticeably more respectful.
He carefully returned her bank card.
“Miss Mu, please wait for a moment,” he said politely, his smile far more sincere than erlier.
“Your personal butler has already been notified.
He will personally escort you to your suite.”
Mu Wanqing nodded, “Very well.”
Then, as though suddenly remembering something, she turned toward Wu Si, “President Wu.
Thank you for stepping forward earlier.
If it had not been for your intervention, this matter might have developed into something far more troublesome.”
Wu Si was immediately taken aback, “You know who I am?”
A faint, mysterious smile appeared on Mu Wanqing’s lips, “President Wu, there is no need to worry.
Your identity is safe with me.”
Wu Si stared at her and enuine shock appeared in his composed expression.
He had deliberately kept a low profile throughout the years.
Even within Shanghai’s upper circles, very few people knew his true identity.
Those who did were usually influential figures with access to the highest levels of business and society.
Yet this young girl had recognized him immediately.
Who exactly was she?
Before he could ask another question, Mu Wanqing had already turned away.
A middle-aged man dressed in an immaculate hotel uniform was waiting respectfully near the counter, “Miss Mu,” he said with a polite bow.
“I am your personal butler during your stay.
Please allow me to escort you upstairs.”
Mu Wanqing nodded, “Thank you.”
Wu Si remained where he was, watching her retreating figure, “Is she a hidden heiress from some powerful family?” The words slipped quietly from his mouth.
“Yes.
She must be a hidden hairess, I’m absolutely sure.” Upstairs, Chen Gang finally recovered from his shock.
He slowly nodded, as though he had finally solved the greatest mystery of the century.
Zhang Jianjun glanced at him.
Chen Gang continued seriously, “Brother Zhang, think about it.
How else can you explain this?
She spent three million yuan as though she were paying for a bowl of noodles, and she even recognized President Wu.” He shook his head solemnly, “Only a handful of people in the upper circles know President Wu’s identity.
If she knows him, then her background cannot possibly be ordinary.”
Zhang Jianjun’s lips curved faintly, “Your analysis is quite thorough.”
Chen Gang immediately raised his chin, “Of course.”
Zhang Jianjun turned his gaze back toward Mu Wanqing.
“What an interesting girl,” he murmured and immediately straightened his posture, “the show wasn’t bad either, with so many twist and turns.
Definitely worth watching.”
At that moment, a voice suddenly interrupted him, “Young Master Zhang!” A young man approached from behind, “Everyone is waiting for you inside.
You disappeared for so long that we thought something had happened.”
Immediately another coquettish voice followed, “Exactly.
We became worried, so we came looking for you.”
Had Mu Wanqing been present, she would have immediately recognized both voices.
Wang Yuyan and Si Yifan.
However, Zhang Jianjun and Chen Gang did not turn around.
Their attention remained fixed on the figure approaching the private elevator downstairs.
Seeing that neither man responded, Wang Yuyan and Si Yifan exchanged confused glances.
What could possibly be so interesting that Zhang Jianjun had ignored them completely?
Curiosity overcame them.
The two walked toward the railing and looked down into the lobby.
At first, they saw only the magnificent interior of the hotel.
Then their eyes fell upon the girl standing beside the golden elevator doors.
The expression on their faces changed instantly.
Their brows furrowed and eyes widened.
And almost simultaneously, both spoke.
“Mu Wanqing?”