My Virtual Girlfriend-Chapter 358: Two Banquets....

Upon hearing what the billionaire had to say, He Ruifeng looked at him with a touch of surprise.

The small circle that He Ruifeng and the others spoke of was the upper echelon of wealthy elites on Qin Island.

Qin Island is an economic powerhouse within the country, contributing to one-third of Qindong Province’s economy.

However, it may be because there were more opportunities during its development, or perhaps because the people of the city are more united, but unlike other cities, no particularly strong financial groups or companies emerged.

The largest is the He family’s Wutong Group, with He Ruifeng being the wealthiest. But compared with other top financial groups and billionaires in the country, it’s not quite on the same level.

Therefore, to enhance the competitiveness of the entire Qin Island elite circle, He Ruifeng organized a small association ten years ago, inviting familiar Qin Island billionaires to join, so they could share resources and support each other.

As a result, after many years of development driven by unity, their power has grown very strong.

But because of this, it’s incredibly difficult for someone to join this circle.

After all, one must first be well-acquainted with them, and secondly possess acknowledged strength to be accepted by the group.

Moreover, since this circle has monopolized the Qin Island economy, class stratification has solidified, and no new billionaires have emerged who could join in recent years.

Thus, hearing this person speak in such a manner made He Ruifeng somewhat curious.

Had there been any rising young talents in Qin Island lately that he was unaware of?

With this thought, he couldn’t help but ask, "Oh? Lao Xu, let’s hear it. Who has caught your discerning eye?"

The two billionaires were clearly in league, exchanging glances before Lao Xu smiled and said, "You know him. Chen Yan, Xiao Chen, the young CEO."

Upon hearing Lao Xu’s words, He Ruifeng’s face clearly showed astonishment, and he couldn’t help but ask, "He’s fit to join our circle?"

After finishing, He Ruifeng was immediately reminded of Chen Yan’s recent "achievements."

Given that his daughter had been swept away by Chen Yan, He Ruifeng had been paying close attention to Chen Yan’s activities.

Like the hundred-billion movie project, the acquisition of Fenghua Building and Twin Towers Hotel, the act of firing a series of managers on the spot, and then recruiting a new batch to fill their positions.

Although Qin Ming’s performance in all this had been very impressive, surprising everyone since he was usually seen as a playful, unserious entourage member, it actually served to highlight Chen Yan’s keen eye for talent even more.

Before Qin Ming undertook this endeavor, He Ruifeng, among others, just saw him as somewhat clever.

But Chen Yan was able to recognize his abilities and entrusted him with significant responsibilities, placing undeniable trust in him.

That bold and ingenious approach was something He Ruifeng deeply admired.

Whenever he looked over the intelligence reports that were collected, he nodded slightly, giving Chen Yan a high evaluation.

However, perhaps because he was too close to the matter, He Ruifeng, who was always keeping an eye on Chen Yan, had forgotten that with various mergers and acquisitions, Chen Yan had already risen to become one of the top billionaires on Qin Island.

Even by just account assets, he had amassed a fortune of several billion. Furthermore, with Qin Island now eagerly developing its film and television industry, and his company leading the way through the Sunrise Project, plus holding landmark assets such as Fenghua Building and Twin Towers Hotel, he certainly qualified to join their circle.

For a moment, He Ruifeng was almost in a daze.

He remembered the first time he met Chen Yan; he was just a young man with a net worth barely over a billion that Qin Ming had brought along to a gathering. Now, in the blink of an eye, he was eligible to join his circle.

Time... is always so unpredictable...

With the reminder from the two billionaires, He Ruifeng also remembered this overlooked talent under his nose, and he nodded, saying, "Alright. I will consult with the other members of our association. If two-thirds agree, I will extend an invitation to Chen Yan."

The two billionaires exchanged a glance and then nodded their heads with smiles.

He Ruifeng, seeing their expressions, sipped his tea and inwardly cursed: Two old foxes...

...

At this moment, Chen Yan was still unaware that he had caught the attention of the old-guard top billionaires of Qin Island.

He was methodically advancing his plans.

Busy with official duties and following the instructions given by his system on which stocks to trade.

In the past few days, the funds in Chen Yan’s stock account had been snowballing. He estimated that in over half a month, he could liquidate that five billion.

Chen Yan had already begun pondering which stock to recommend to the young lady author for her to buy.

And so he was kept busy all afternoon.

When it was nearly time to close up shop, someone knocked "bang bang bang" on Chen Yan’s office door.

Lifting his head from the computer, Chen Yan called out, "Come in."

Moments later, a young office lady walked in.

After she entered, she approached Chen Yan’s desk reverently and said, "CEO Chen. You have an invitation."

"An invitation?"

Chen Yan was a bit surprised.

The office lady nodded with an odd look on her face, then walked over and handed over the invitation.

Chen Yan took it, examining it for a moment.

It was a gilt invitation card, slightly heavy to the touch, clearly made of real gold.

No wonder the office lady had such a peculiar expression.

Chen Yan opened the invitation and discovered it was sent by He Ruifeng, inviting him to a private banquet.

There weren’t many details, very simple, but Chen Yan felt something was amiss.

He nodded to the office lady and then thought for a moment and said, "Please summon Qin Ming to come up, thank you."

The office lady obediently nodded, then left the office.

In a short while, Qin Ming, impeccably dressed, arrived at Chen Yan’s office.

Compared to his days under the He family where he had to feign folly and madness, he now looked more solemn.

Possibly because he had started to handle affairs on his own, his latent dragon-like aura was beginning to show, giving off an impression of someone born to command.

However, in front of Chen Yan, he still played the role of the loyal subordinate, so when he entered the office and closed the door behind him, he reverted to his careless and smiling disposition, "Brother Chen, you called for me?"

Chen Yan gestured for him to come over and handed him the invitation, "Have you seen this before? What is it?" freeweɓnøvel.com

Taking the invitation, Qin Ming paused in surprise, a flash of astonishment crossing his eyes. He opened it carefully and after examining it, he looked up at Chen Yan and said, "Brother Chen, this is the Qin Island Association."

"Qin Island Association?" Chen Yan leaned back in his chair, looking at him.

Qin Ming quickly nodded, then explained the prestige and resources of the Qin Island Association to Chen Yan.

After hearing Qin Ming’s description, Chen Yan got a general understanding of the Qin Island Association.

Essentially, it was a small circle favored by the older generation of billionaires.

Such business associations are found all over the country, exchanging resources and aiding each other to avoid falling out of their social class.

The most famous ones like Taishan Association and Lakefront Association were of that kind.

Chen Yan wasn’t too concerned with them, much like the rich second-generation gathering he attended before. He always believed in his strength and system; these are what make him unique and are key to his own development. As for assistance from these billionaires, it was just an extra.

He’d attend and see if he was interested enough to participate; if not, he wouldn’t bother.

After all... Lao He, your daughter is in my hands.

Contemplating the invitation date, "Strategy behind the screen," Chen Yan noted that it was scheduled for tomorrow night, giving him one day to prepare...

In the evening, after returning home, Chen Yan called Lu Man and Yu Qiao Qiao separately, chatting and sharing his feelings of longing.

Yu Qiao Qiao was still as sweet and adorable as ever, softly suggesting that if Chen Yan missed her, he could come stay at her place and she would prepare delicious food for him.

And Lu Man... that goofball, perhaps too affected by Chen Yan’s previous 24-hour charm, waved her hands dismissively when Chen Yan declared his longing, "I don’t miss you, your butt hurts when you think of me."

Chen Yan:....

This woman!

...

At the same time, Qin Ming and He Mengxue’s doors were being knocked on.

When they opened their doors, a person in black stood outside, holding a golden infusion invitation.

That invitation, while seemingly a notch below Chen Yan’s, was nevertheless luxurious and impressive.

Seeing these two invitations, Qin Ming was surprised, while He Mengxue showed a lack of interest.

After receiving it, she casually glanced at it and said, "Alright, I know. Go tell my dad I’ll be there on time."

"Yes, Miss," the man in black bowed and then left.

Leaning against the door, He Mengxue pondered with the invitation in hand, then suddenly lit up with an idea, picked up her phone, and dialed Chen Yan’s number.

...

At Chen Yan’s place, he answered the call.

He Mengxue’s alluring voice came through from the other end, "Chen Yan~ Have you got time tomorrow evening?"

Chen Yan, who was reviewing a game plan, replied bluntly upon hearing her question, "I’m not free."

He Mengxue was taken aback but didn’t mind; she believed that with constant perseverance, she could eventually win Chen Yan over!

So she played coy again, "I was hoping you could accompany me to a banquet."

——————

After receiving it (the invitation), she glanced at it disinterestedly and said, "Alright, I know. Go tell my dad I’ll be there on time."

"Yes, Miss," the man in black bowed and then left.

Leaning against the door, He Mengxue pondered with the invitation in hand, then suddenly lit up with an idea, picked up her phone, and dialed Chen Yan’s number.

...

At Chen Yan’s place, he answered the call.

He Mengxue’s seductive voice sounded from the other end, "Chen Yan~ Have you got time tomorrow evening?"

Chen Yan, who was scrutinizing a game plan, replied bluntly to her question, "I’m not free."

He Mengxue was taken aback for a moment, but she was not deterred, convinced that with relentlessness, she could eventually crack this tough nut that is Chen Yan!

Therefore, she playfully said, "I wanted you to keep me company at a banquet."