Chapter 40
Eight o’clock, at the top floor of the Jinhui Tower.
The charity gala was officially underway, hosted by the Bureau of Public Security and organized by the Wu family—a truly grand occasion.
“Friends from all walks of life, welcome to this charity gala organized by our Bureau of Public Security. I, Liu, extend my heartfelt thanks for your presence tonight!”
On the dais, Chief Liu delivered an impassioned opening speech. “Shortly, during this charity event, we will be holding a public auction. All proceeds will be donated to children in impoverished mountain regions. I hope everyone will bid generously and contribute to society.”
As his words fell, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
Chief Liu was, after all, the highest authority in the Bureau of Public Security. His charity gala was an event people fought tooth and nail to attend, eager for the chance to build connections. And with the Wu family involved—one of the wealthiest clans in Jiangzhou, second only to the Li family in terms of fortune—even Han Chuanwu’s Star Transmission Group could not compare.
But now, the once-powerful Li family had vanished without a trace. No one knew the details; all that was certain was that this family, once entrenched in Jiangzhou and ruling with an iron fist, had disappeared overnight, leaving not a single whisper behind.
“What on earth happened to the Li family? Does anyone know the inside story?”
“No idea. They just vanished. I’ve pulled all the strings I could, but there’s not a scrap of information.”
“Maybe it has something to do with the Wu family.”
“I think so too! In Jiangzhou, only the Wu family could ever challenge the Lis.”
“The Li family had the Divine Guard backing them, but the Wu family has the Bureau of Public Security’s support. Until now, the Wu family had always been suppressed by the Lis. But with the Li family gone, Jiangzhou will soon belong entirely to the Wu family.”
Amid whispers and speculation, faces glowed with polite smiles as glasses were raised and silent nods exchanged. In truth, everyone was here for Chief Liu and Wu Tianhao; the charity auction was little more than a pretext.
“Look! It’s Young Master Wu!”
Wu Tianhao was deep in conversation with Chief Liu, making him unapproachable. Instantly, everyone’s attention shifted to the man who had just walked in—Wu Peng, the only son of Wu Tianhao, and future sole heir of the Wu Group. Everyone knew his significance.
“Young Master Wu, it’s been too long! You’re more handsome than ever. And this lady beside you—your date, I presume? What a beautiful couple! A perfect match!”
People hurried forward to greet Wu Peng, showering both him and Li Ruofei, who stood at his side, with effusive praise.
“You’re mistaken, everyone. She’s just my secretary. My date hasn’t arrived yet.”
With that single sentence, Wu Peng doused Li Ruofei’s pride like a bucket of ice water. She cursed Qin Xiaomeng a thousand times in her heart, but still forced a smile, unwilling to lose face in front of such distinguished company.
“Oh? This young lady is so beautiful, and still she hasn’t caught your eye? Now I’m truly curious—just who has captured Young Master Wu’s heart in Jiangzhou?”
“A woman worthy of Young Master Wu’s attention must be extraordinary indeed.”
“Young Master Wu, would you care to share who this lucky lady is?”
Most present weren’t actually close to Wu Peng, but now they had found an excellent topic and quickly engaged in lively conversation.
At that moment, pride radiated from Wu Peng’s face as he replied with satisfaction, “I’m sure you all know her. She’s one of the two most celebrated beauties of Jiangzhou—Miss Qin Xiaomeng, the second daughter of the Qin family.”