My Virtual Girlfriend-Chapter 360

After greeting everyone, Chen Yan stepped over to Meng Xue’s side, picked up her glass, and then poured himself a glass of red wine.

He lifted his glass and said with a smile to the people present, "Friends, I’m very happy to meet all of you today. Director Qin has some matters for me."

"I’ll go over and chat with them for a bit, and in a while, I’ll come back to keep you all company."

"After all, we’re all young people, and we should communicate more."

As he spoke, he drained the red wine in his glass, then said, "My apologies, everyone. I’m sorry, everyone."

Everyone present knew that Chen Yan was making an excuse to relieve the awkwardness from a moment ago.

So, seeing Chen Yan give them a way out, they suddenly didn’t feel so uncomfortable anymore.

The elite second-generation who had taken the lead earlier was the first to pour himself a drink and then rallied, "Brother Chen Yan is too polite. This drink is also in honor of Brother Chen Yan."

Saying this, he gestured to the elite second-generations around the table, and soon everyone poured themselves a drink and downed it in one go.

And just like that, the awkwardness was resolved.

The Director Qin who had entered earlier nodded discreetly, while Meng Xue stood beside Chen Yan, looking up at him with shining eyes...

...

After finishing the drink, Chen Yan followed Director Qin away.

After the two of them left, the atmosphere immediately relaxed, and the vigor of the venue was restored.

Had Chen Yan left directly, maybe people there would have felt not just awkwardness, but also envy and could even have held this embarrassment against Chen Yan.

But with Chen Yan having defused the situation so generously, there was nothing but praise for him at the moment.

The most enthusiastic elite from earlier was praising Chen Yan non-stop at the table, "Today I’ve truly witnessed Brother Chen Yan’s charm!"

"No wonder he’s able to make his business so big!"

"Look at that personal charm, that magnanimity!"

"But, I can’t believe my dad and the others have actually coaxed him into the main banquet. That’s quite amazing! I remember that banquet crowd, aren’t the youngest of them over 50?"

"Can Brother Chen Yan really fit in with them?"

Saying so, he shook his head, looking somewhat sympathetic towards Chen Yan.

Meng Xue rolled her eyes beside him: Easy to say, but if you could go, you’d probably want to stay there all night long and not even move your butt from the seat, right...

That was a group of top billionaires with a combined wealth of hundreds of billions and who had been operating in Qindong for decades!

Meanwhile, Chen Yan, upon arriving at the main banquet, had also begun to understand the weight of this gathering.

Everyone present was a billionaire of the same caliber as He Ruifeng and Chen Yan.

Moreover, there were representatives from various industries, including transportation, energy, minerals, and electronics.

This was the top billionaire circle of the Qindong Peninsula.

Even... considering the economic impact of the Qindong Peninsula on Qindong Province as a whole, it could be said to be the top circle in the entire province.

Every individual present was a personage who had been influential for many years.

Consequently, Chen Yan was almost at the bottom in this group.

Compared to the earlier hall where he had sat at the head table,

At this banquet, he was merely seated at the end, and according to the seating order, he was one of the few with the lowest status there.

However, the head of the table was still occupied by He Ruifeng.

This billionaire, who had been pressuring everyone, had a net worth that had reached 30 billion this year on the wealth ranking, making him the richest man on the Qindong Peninsula.

Moreover, with his extensive industry and seniority, every move he made was closely watched by all the billionaires.

Chen Yan looked at He Ruifeng with envy. I will eventually sit in that position too!

Chen Yan had indeed arrived a bit late, but with Director Qin’s explanation, everyone expressed their understanding and took turns introducing themselves to Chen Yan.

During the meal, aside from eating, people were also exchanging information about their own cities and industries, sharing what they had.

Even some discussed their upcoming plans and the support they wanted to garner.

These topics, which should have counted as business secrets, could be openly discussed within this small circle.

Chen Yan began to understand the weight and trust the Peninsula Club held in people’s hearts.

Soon, the conversation turned to Chen Yan.

After another billionaire casually chatted for a bit, He Ruifeng’s gaze fell on Chen Yan, and he said, "Brother Chen Yan, this is your first time attending our banquet, but you should already have a good understanding of it."

"To put it simply, it’s about sharing what we have and pooling resources."

Pausing, he continued,

"So, if you have any ideas, you can freely put them forward."

"Whether it’s resources or connections you want, if anyone here has them, they will proactively offer help."

"Of course, the specifics of the exchange will need to be negotiated privately."

Finishing, he stretched out his hand and asked, "So, Brother Chen Yan, do you have any future development plans? Any resources you want?"

Actually, even before He Ruifeng’s explanation, Chen Yan had already roughly grasped the purpose of the Peninsula Club.

Therefore, he had already thought about the resources he wanted.

This resource happened to be what he was lacking and was also important for his next stage of development.

Thinking this, he looked around at everyone seated and said, "Everyone, indeed, there’s a resource I want. I hope to receive your help."

Upon hearing Chen Yan’s words, everyone’s gaze naturally fell on him.

They were all quite interested in Chen Yan, the new member.

Especially because Chen Yan held resources in emerging industries which were greatly attractive to these billionaires who were entrenched in traditional industries and wanted to open up new frontiers.

This was the reason the two billionaires had together recommended Chen Yan for membership, and why He Ruifeng called them crafty old foxes.

So, seeing that Chen Yan wanted resources, they were curious about what he needed.

Was it resources in the transportation industry?

Was it resources related to the media?

Or was it resources related to game publishing?

And what could Chen Yan offer in return?

While everyone was curious,

Chen Yan cleared his throat and said, "I would like resources related to charity, if anyone has any."

The reason he wanted charity resources was actually after much deliberation.

His companies were doing quite well, but they were still in the development phase.

If he rashly ventured into other industries, Chen Yan would lack both energy and manpower.

And compared to working hard in other industries to make money, it truly wouldn’t be better than helping Boss Qiao Qiao develop in the charity sector.

Charity was an industry that only required spending money, and if done well, Chen Yan could make ten or even dozens of billions in a year.

What could earn money faster than the system?

Chen Yan’s Charity Organization had already been set up, and now it was just lacking personnel and project operations. So Chen Yan thought, why not use this banquet to gain some charity-related resources, such as manpower or projects that could be funded.

But what Chen Yan hadn’t expected was that the entire banquet hall quieted down upon hearing his words.

Everyone couldn’t help but exchange glances.

After all, using such a precious opportunity for charity was something they hadn’t encountered in years.

So for a moment, they were unsure whether Chen Yan was truly compassionate or just a hypocrite...

He Ruifeng, the man leading the event, sensed the mood of the attendees and coughed before asking, "President Chen, what do you need resources for in the field of charity?"

Chen Yan looked at him and spoke frankly, "Well, to do charity, of course. Many of you might not be aware that I’ve already registered a charity foundation, but right now, we’re short of staff and sponsored projects."

"Compared to my seniors here, my success has largely been a matter of luck. So, I hope to give back to society and help those in need while also accruing some good karma for myself."

"However, right now, it’s just an empty shell. So, I am looking to get some help from you all to see if you could introduce me to some professional talents."

Upon hearing Chen Yan’s words, the attendees again exchanged glances.

He Ruifeng scanned the crowd and sighed softly to himself before continuing to guide the conversation, "Then, does your charity foundation need our donations?"

Chen Yan quickly shook his head, "Of course not. This is a personal charity organization of mine. It won’t even fundraise publicly. Only my own companies and myself will make donations."

Hearing this, He Ruifeng once again swept his gaze across everyone present. Although he didn’t speak, the meaning in his eyes was clear: I’ve asked all the questions you’re worried about, feel free to talk.

Indeed, once He Ruifeng clarified the situation, those present began to show enthusiasm.

One person said they knew the head of a certain charity association and could introduce them to Chen Yan. Another mentioned they knew some welfare organizations and could help Chen Yan connect with them, like funding the construction of Hope Schools.

Someone even claimed to be the honorary chairman of a charity association and could pull Chen Yan into membership, which would facilitate charity activities or keep him in the loop about charity projects.

Overall, the gains were considerable.

Chen Yan took note of all these offers, planning to meet these wealthy individuals later for a detailed discussion.

The meeting went on slowly, and during it, Chen Yan excused himself to the restroom but snuck out to join the second-generation rich kids in the adjacent hall for a few drinks as another means to network.

These contacts were resources.

They could aid Chen Yan’s development and might be useful for something unpredictably important.

Since they were actively seeking to get closer, Chen Yan wouldn’t deliberately shut them out.

After all, business is about amassing more resources to make money more sustainably.

Thus, in a harmonious atmosphere, the Peninsula Club event concluded successfully.

But because he had been running back and forth, Chen Yan also drank a bit too much. Even though he now had a constitution that could rival outstanding athletes, he still felt his head spin and found himself unable to stand steadily.

As the banquet ended, He Ruifeng, who rarely did so, approached Chen Yan and patted his shoulder, saying, "If you’re not feeling well, you can stay at my place for the night."

Chen Yan smiled and waved his hand, "No need, Uncle He, I’ll just head home."

He Ruifeng didn’t insist but rather said, "Then I’ll have someone send you."

This time Chen Yan nodded and thanked him.

Exiting the main banquet hall, the young heirs from the adjacent hall were also dispersing. Seeing the two emerge, they came forward to greet them.

He Ruifeng, in front of these younger individuals, was quite amiable, smiling and chatting about family matters, inquiring about their business progress, showcasing the style of Qindong Peninsula’s richest man and the affability of a family elder.

While they chatted, Qin Ming and He Ruixue also approached Chen Yan.

He Ruixue supported Chen Yan and whispered, "Are you alright, Chen Yan?"

Chen Yan shook his head, "I’m fine."

Qin Ming pondered for a moment and spoke up, "I seem to remember that Brother Chen’s driver has left... so let me take you home?"

Chen Yan replied, "It’s alright. Uncle He said someone will send me."

Hearing Chen Yan say this, He Mengxue’s eyes lit up slightly and she interjected, "Then don’t bother others. I’ll take you."

Upon hearing He Mengxue’s offer, Chen Yan instantly sobered up a bit.

He hadn’t forgotten what this woman in front of him could be plotting.

Such a dangerous woman offering to take him home? If something really happened between them!

How would he handle that!

Therefore, he repeatedly waved his hands, "No need, no need. I feel like I’ve sobered up now."

Seeing Chen Yan’s panicked expression, He Mengxue immediately laughed, patted his shoulder, and said, "Don’t worry. I won’t do anything to you."

Chen Yan looked at Qin Ming in a plea for help.

Qin Ming indeed proved to be a loyal subordinate, stepping in front of Chen Yan and saying, "Sis! I’ll take Chen—ah!"

He didn’t get to finish his sentence before He Mengxue kicked him right in the groin.

Instantly, Qin Ming’s legs twisted together, his face turned beet red as he clutched his lower body, slowly collapsing to the floor.

While lying there, he pointed at He Mengxue with eyes filled with rage, "Sis, sis, you..."

He Mengxue didn’t even bother to respond, looping an arm around Chen Yan’s shoulder, and said cheerily, "Alright, now that I’m the only one who can take you, shall we go?"

Chen Yan: ...

Such a dangerous woman offering to take him home? If something really happened between them!

How would he handle that!

Therefore, he repeatedly waved his hands, "No need, no need. I feel like I’ve sobered up now."

Seeing Chen Yan’s panicked expression, He Mengxue immediately laughed, patted his shoulder, and said, "Don’t worry. I won’t do anything to you."

Chen Yan looked at Qin Ming in a plea for help.

Qin Ming indeed proved to be a loyal subordinate, stepping in front of Chen Yan and saying, "Sis! I’ll take Chen—ah!"

He didn’t get to finish his sentence before He Mengxue kicked him right in the groin.

Instantly, Qin Ming’s legs twisted together, his face turned beet red as he clutched his lower body, slowly collapsing to the floor.

While lying there, he pointed at He Mengxue with eyes filled with rage, "Sis, sis, you..."

He Mengxue didn’t even bother to respond, looping an arm around Chen Yan’s shoulder, and said cheerily, "Alright, now that I’m the only one who can take you, shall we go?"

Chen Yan: ...