After signing in, a dedicated person would lead Mr. Gu and his entourage to the VIP lounge.
Having someone to guide them allowed Xia Qingtian to breathe a quiet sigh of relief.
Even if the initial part wasn't smooth, she believed things would get better later on.
Most of the people in the VIP conference room were business elites and various experts from the Z City central business district.
The attendees, who were initially chatting amongst themselves, came over to greet Mr. Gu upon his arrival.
Xia Qingtian didn't recognize many of them, but fortunately, Mr. Gu did, so she didn't need to offer too much assistance.
"I never expected Mr. Gu to attend this business conference. I thought you weren't interested in new energy," said the speaker, smiling. He was one of the directors of the Z City Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Hua of Huaguang Technology. In his early forties, dressed in a light-colored suit, his gaze swept over Xia Qingtian, his eyes revealing undisguised appraisal. "As expected of an entertainment company; even an assistant is so beautiful."
"If you have the opportunity, introduce some talent to our company," Mr. Hua chuckled. "Especially someone as beautiful and capable as this!"
His loaded words prompted chuckles from many.
"Gu's Entertainment is an entertainment company, not a talent agency," Mr. Gu, disliking Mr. Hua's gaze on Xia Qingtian, retorted directly. "I've heard about Huaguang Technology having frequent harassment incidents. When someone posted about it online before, I thought it was a joke. Seeing Mr. Hua now... I understand."
Mr. Gu's words immediately silenced those who were listening, and Mr. Hua's expression turned quite unpleasant.
"Mr. Hua, a reporter from 'The Light of Technology' would like to conduct a brief interview with you." Mr. Hua's assistant promptly came to his rescue, escorting him away from the crowd.
Mr. Hua left with a stern face, not forgetting to glare at Mr. Gu and Xia Qingtian before departing.
It was just an entertainment company; even if he reached his peak, he would still be considered among the unseemly lower classes.
Hmph!
Mr. Hua's departure served as a reminder to others, and no one dared to make impolite remarks or tease Xia Qingtian, the young assistant. At most, they engaged in polite conversation.
Sensing Mr. Gu's protection, Xia Qingtian looked at the side of his face.
She had to admit that among the distinguished middle-aged entrepreneurs in the room, Mr. Gu stood out as a leader in both appearance and demeanor.
Noticing Xia Qingtian's gaze, Mr. Gu looked back. The moment their eyes met, Xia Qingtian felt her cheeks flush and quickly turned her head away.
Seeing this, Mr. Gu withdrew his gaze and continued to discuss matters related to the conference with others.
"I assume everyone gathered here today is primarily concerned with SA-101," someone remarked. "It's rumored that the country intends to collaborate with SH on the research and development of this new energy."
"SH? SH has been quite prominent these past two years. Initially, it was rumored to be an independently developed small workshop, with the person in charge holding several valuable patents. But in just over two years, they've inexplicably become a formidable force in the industry."
"Yes, and most importantly, the person in charge of SH has never made an appearance. This time, we only heard that Gu's Entertainment has invested in SH's new project. I wonder how they got connected."
"How else but by offering women..." someone muttered, glancing at Xia Qingtian.
Although people wouldn't say anything confrontational in front of Mr. Gu, the sudden appearance of such a young and beautiful woman in the business world inevitably made some think of transactional relationships.
"Heh, as expected of an entertainment company..." everyone chuckled, their eyes showing a hint of disdain.
Although Mr. Gu's net worth was no lower than anyone else present, the entertainment industry always brought to mind the unsavory undercurrents and unspoken rules. Things that had always been considered the domain of the lower classes could never truly be refined.
However, they also knew that Mr. Gu was a descendant of the established Gu family, so amidst their disdain, they maintained a degree of respect.
The remaining bit of their attention was focused on the power struggles within the Gu family.
Watching from the sidelines, they anticipated the drama.
Especially since another person named Gu was arriving today, and concerning the succession to the Gu family patriarch position, this individual had a higher chance.
As they were thinking this, Gu Yaoqing entered with his assistant.
"Mr. Gu, long time no see." Seeing him, everyone stepped forward to greet him.
"Long time no see," Gu Yaoqing replied with a smile, his tone humble. "I'm not very knowledgeable about new energy. I hope all seniors will guide and instruct me."
Everyone laughed and chatted with Gu Yaoqing about various topics.
Meanwhile, the group around Mr. Gu became noticeably sparse.
Seeing everyone flocking to Gu Yaoqing, Xia Qingtian let out a "Tsk."
These people were blind. How could Gu Yaoqing compare to Mr. Gu?
Others might not know, but she certainly did.
The mysterious SH research they spoke of was also an industry under Mr. Gu's purview.
They were ignoring the true, prominent figure and instead fawning over a lesser individual.
What a disgrace!
Mr. Gu seemed accustomed to such scenes and remained unfazed. Noticing Xia Qingtian's inability to hide her thoughts, Mr. Gu's lips curved into a faint smile.
"What's so funny?" Xia Qingtian pouted, noticing Mr. Gu's smile. "They're all fawning over Gu Yaoqing."
"They're not fawning over Gu Yaoqing, but the power of the Gu family," Mr. Gu observed keenly.
Everything Gu Yaoqing had now was still dependent on the Gu family, but his Gu's Entertainment and other businesses were all built by him single-handedly.
The superiority or inferiority was clear.
Seeing that Mr. Gu didn't care, Xia Qingtian felt like an intrusive bystander and became annoyed.
Just then, someone else arrived, someone Xia Qingtian knew.
"President Xia, long time no see." Everyone greeted Xia Honglang with smiles.
Xia Honglang had a good reputation in the Z City financial circles. Everyone knew him to be kind, honest, and discerning, and he had established a firm footing in the Z City business community.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries with everyone, Xia Honglang spotted Mr. Gu and Xia Qingtian beside him.
His eyelids twitched slightly. Xia Honglang then approached Mr. Gu and greeted him, "Mr. Gu, it's been a while. My daughter has caused you trouble."
"Not at all. Your esteemed daughter is intelligent and capable. It is my honor to have such an excellent employee," Mr. Gu's attitude towards Xia Honglang was completely different. "I am honored to work with your daughter."
"It would be good if you were truly honored," Xia Qingtian couldn't help but mutter.
Mr. Gu heard Xia Qingtian's murmured words, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Qingtian, you..." Mr. Gu had heard it, so how could Xia Honglang not? He was about to frown and reprimand her when Xia Qingtian interrupted.
"President Xia, I am Mr. Gu's assistant, Xia Qingtian. Please give me your guidance." With that, Xia Qingtian handed over the business card that Assistant Lin had prepared for her earlier.
There were many opportunities to exchange business cards today, and she was prepared.
Seeing that Xia Qingtian showed no intention of acknowledging him, Xia Honglang could only sigh quietly and, as if going through a formality, handed over his business card. "Please give me your guidance."
His own daughter, what else could he do but dote on her!