In the dazzling nightscape of the Royal City,
the Canglan Grand Hotel stood like a lustrous pearl.
A river of luxury cars flowed toward the hotel's entrance, their mirror-smooth bodies gleaming under the lights.
These cars were more than just vehicles;
they were symbols of status and power, each one a testament to its owner's extraordinary influence.
As one of the most exclusive hotels in the Royal City,
the Canglan Grand Hotel offered both luxury accommodations and grand banquet halls, complete with impeccable service.
Its rooftop was even cleverly designed with a helipad.
Here, a simple meal started at four figures,
while the more elaborate gourmet dishes were so expensive you couldn't walk out the gilded doors for less than five.
Despite the steep prices, the Canglan Grand Hotel still drew countless celebrities and aristocrats.
Tonight,
the entire venue had been booked for a grand business gathering.
Over fifty percent of the most distinguished figures in the Great Jing Empire's high society had gathered here to witness the momentous event.
As a two-tone Maybach slowly pulled up, it drew everyone's attention.
The car was particularly dazzling under the lights.
The door opened smoothly, and a young woman with an extraordinary air stepped out.
She wore a sleek, elegantly tailored gown, looking like a graceful princess stepping out of a fairy tale.
Her gown was form-fitting without being restrictive, perfectly outlining her magnificent figure.
In high heels, she appeared even taller and more statuesque, each step taken with graceful composure.
Her beautiful hair fell loosely over her shoulders, flowing like a black waterfall.
Carrying a designer handbag, she waved with a faint smile at the reporters held back by security on either side of the red carpet.
Then, she walked into the hotel.
This was Gu Shuling, Chu He's ex-wife.
Tonight, as usual, she was expected to be the center of attention at this business gathering.
Earlier that day, after signing the divorce papers with Chu He, Gu Shuling had taken a deep breath of free air, feeling as if a massive weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
She had returned home and carefully selected an exquisitely crafted, expensive gown for the evening's banquet.
The wealthy rarely conducted business in an office. Instead, they sealed one spectacular deal after another over drinks, amidst laughter and casual conversation.
Gu Shuling's competitors were also in attendance, their objective just as clear as hers.
To compete for the materials supply contract for the ten-billion-plus tower being funded by the real estate magnate!
However, Gu Shuling paid them no mind, for she was well aware of her own strength and influence in the field.
As she entered the hotel, she saw that many prominent figures from various circles had already gathered.
She steeled herself for the inevitable networking and socializing.
On her way over, Gu Shuling had seen online that the news of her divorce from Chu He had already caused a huge stir.
She knew that she and Chu He were high-profile figures, and their every move would attract immense attention and speculation.
Tonight, many people from high society would likely approach her to ask about the divorce,
and some wealthy men might even try to pursue her.
But when Gu Shuling actually stepped into the banquet hall, she found the situation rather odd.
Not a single person came up to socialize with her, nor did any of the wealthy men she expected show any obvious interest.
This left her confused and puzzled, unable to understand what was going on.
But Gu Shuling was proud. Even if no one approached her, she wouldn't stoop to shamelessly currying favor with others.
She was confident in her own abilities and charm.
「...」
As night fell and stars dotted the sky, the banquet hall glowed with brilliant lights, filled with the elite.
A middle-aged man in an expensive suit, the real estate magnate President Yang, walked slowly to the stage.
One hand was elegantly tucked into the pocket of his trousers, while the other held a glass of crystal-clear champagne,
the liquid shimmering with an alluring luster under the lights.
The man's gaze swept over every guest present before finally landing on Gu Shuling.
The corner of his mouth curved into a meaningful smile.
"Good evening, esteemed guests. Most of you here should be familiar with me, so I'll skip the self-introduction.
Tonight, we have gathered to witness a historic moment."
President Yang's voice was deep and magnetic.
He took a small sip of his champagne and continued, "I have a ten-billion-plus tower project in the works, as I'm sure all of you are aware.
An investment of this scale is unprecedented in the years since Blue Star's bizarre invasion.
And today, I have the honor of personally breaking that record."
The moment he finished speaking, the room erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.
Just then, President Yang's tone shifted. "As for the procurement of construction materials for this project, I have decided to partner with the Jinjing Group."
An uproar instantly swept through the crowd.
The smile on Gu Shuling's face froze. She felt as if her heart had been struck by a sledgehammer, a dull ache spreading through her entire body.
She subconsciously clenched her fists, her nails digging so deeply into her palms that she felt no pain at all.
'What is happening?'
A pot-bellied man walked onto the stage and shook President Yang's hand enthusiastically.
His face was wreathed in smiles, his eyes glinting with triumph.
Watching this scene, Gu Shuling's sense of loss intensified.
She had been certain that, with her capabilities and business acumen, this ten-billion project was hers for the taking.
But reality had dealt her a cruel blow.
Finally, after several long hours, the high-society gathering came to an end.
Gu Shuling took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.
She hurried forward and caught up with President Yang, who was about to leave.
"President Yang, please wait a moment."
Gu Shuling was direct. "I've always been your partner. Why did you choose the Jinjing Group this time?"
President Yang stopped and turned to look at her.
The earlier warmth and courtesy in his eyes were gone, replaced by a cold detachment.
"President Gu, in business, there are no permanent enemies, and no permanent friends."
President Yang said flatly, "I just felt I should give some other companies a chance. Besides, you're rolling in money now, you don't need this one project from me, do you?"
"President Yang, I've fought my way through this industry for so many years. You don't need to fob me off with excuses."
Rage seethed within Gu Shuling as she asked, "Please, just tell me the truth. Was there something I did wrong?"
President Yang was silent for a moment, then slowly began to speak. "Fine, I'll tell you the truth.
The fact is, I lost faith in you and your company a long time ago.
Your management style, your decision-making, even your personal character—it all disappointed me.
So, I decided not to work with you anymore."
Gu Shuling was stunned. She felt as if her entire world had collapsed in an instant.
She couldn't accept this reality, nor could she understand why President Yang was so disappointed in her. "Why?"