In truth, compared to the other three female stars, this Fang Qiong seemed purer.
However, coming to such an occasion, her intentions were understandable.
As the eldest son of the Li family, Li Gan possessed extraordinary resources and influence in the entertainment industry. If he took a fancy to her, a third or fourth-tier newcomer who had only recently debuted, and was willing to promote her, becoming famous wouldn't be difficult.
It was only upon arriving here that she realized Li Gan had invited them to liven up the atmosphere and entertain the guests.
Of course, such matters were about consent. Li Gan wouldn't force them to do anything. At Li Gan's birthday party, whether they could connect with important figures, make influential acquaintances, or find opportunities, depended on themselves.
When Chen Fan and the others entered, and Li Gan made introductions, she was actually more drawn to Du Fumin.
In terms of looks and demeanor, Du Fumin was an excellent choice.
Moreover, the name of the Du family was known to everyone in the capital. Even minor stars like them were aware that the Du family was currently a top-tier influential clan.
Alas, she didn't have the standing to compete with established stars like Hua Xiaolin and Zi.
Settling for the next best option, Chen Fan's identity as a branch manager of Longteng was barely acceptable.
But Chen Fan's attitude was undoubtedly indifferent, and she felt a pang of bitterness, so she sat down quietly and stopped talking.
On the other side, Yu Zhen was in high spirits, interacting enthusiastically with Lin Zi and Huang Yiyi. Lin Zi, flirting with him, picked up the remote and started selecting songs to sing.
Du Fumin, however, remained calm and composed. After exchanging a few words with Hua Xia, he suddenly said to Chen Fan, "Ah Zhuo, why are you sitting so far away? Come over here, it's easier to talk."
Chen Fan waved his hand and said, "I'll just sit here."
Du Fumin pushed Hua Xia aside and sat down next to Chen Fan, saying, "Li Gan really put in effort. We're too familiar with him. As for you, if you're not having fun, wouldn't he feel bad?"
Chen Fan chuckled, "Isn't it good now? I think it's quite good."
Seeing Du Fumin's demeanor, Hua Xia giggled, picked up her wine glass, and said, "Oh, Mr. Chen, is it? I'll toast you. I heard you're the general manager of Longteng's Beijing branch. You have to take care of me, a little lady!"
Chen Fan raised his glass to clink hers but then set it down, saying, "Longteng's Beijing branch doesn't have much business, so I'm afraid I can't take care of you, Miss Hua."
"Can't you invest and create some business?"
Hua Xia winked and said, "I don't ask for much. Just be the female lead. Hehe, once Longteng invests in a movie or TV show, it's sure to be a hit before it even airs, right?"
Chen Fan smiled, "Longteng doesn't have such investment plans at the moment."
"Then how can we get one?" Hua Xia leaned closer enthusiastically, her perfume wafting, and said.
Chen Fan's brow furrowed slightly. He shifted his position and said, "There won't be any for the time being."
"Hahaha!"
Du Fumin laughed, "Ah Zhuo, you really are clueless about romance. Come, let's drink. As for movie investments, playing around with it isn't impossible, but it's really not that interesting."
"Alas, Young Master Du, you treat it as playing around, but you're our benefactor, someone we can only dream of."
Hua Xia, seeing Chen Fan's lack of cooperation, felt a bit annoyed, but she didn't show it, acting coquettishly towards Du Fumin.
Du Fumin chuckled, "If I were you, Miss Hua, and you could charm Ah Zhuo, he would be the real benefactor. We're working on a project together. Ah Zhuo doesn't even bat an eye. Do you know how much he's investing?"
"How much?" Hua Xia asked.
"One billion."
Du Fumin said with a smile.
Hua Xia was stunned, and her slight displeasure vanished.
Fang Qiong, standing nearby, also gasped.
She had initially thought Chen Fan, despite being a manager at Longteng, was just an employee. Who would have thought he controlled such immense funds?
To them, his value might not be inferior to these young masters.
Although Chen Fan seemed to be rejecting their advances, if they could truly connect with him, wouldn't it be even more valuable?
Chen Fan smiled, not wanting to continue the topic. He suddenly stood up and said, "I'm going for a walk."
Such occasions at KTV were utterly boring to him. It would be better to see if there was anything else in the Nine-Five Clubhouse.
Yu Zhen was belting out songs, sounding rather like a wailing ghost, which was also quite noisy.
He also wanted to see who else was attending Li Gan's birthday party. Perhaps there might be other unexpected gains.
"I'll go with you."
Du Fumin said.
"No need, I'm just getting some fresh air. Fumin, you play here."
Chen Fan said.
Du Fumin shook his head and insisted. Fang Qiong stood up and said, "Mr. Chen, I'll accompany you!"
Chen Fan looked at Fang Qiong with a hint of surprise. He didn't refuse and nodded.
Du Fumin gave an ambiguous smile and said, "Ah Zhuo, you said you wanted to go for a walk. So, it's with a beauty. You go ahead. Call me if anything comes up."
Chen Fan shook his head and left the private room.
After Chen Fan's figure disappeared through the doorway, a hint of sarcasm flickered in Du Fumin's eyes, and he took out his phone to send a message.
"Young Master Du, this Mr. Chen seems quite arrogant?"
Hua Xia said, linking her arm through Du Fumin's. "He's just a branch manager in Beijing, but he can mobilize a billion dollars?"
"That's because you don't know his background. Forget a billion, fifty billion wouldn't trouble him."
Du Fumin pulled his arm away and said, "You go sing. I'm going to pick up a friend."
Hua Xia's expression stiffened slightly.
Among the women, she had the longest tenure, so she was the first to be chosen as Du Fumin's companion.
But now, Fang Qiong had gone out with Chen Fan, and the other two were having a blast with Yu Zhen, while she herself could feel Du Fumin's indifference towards her; he didn't take her seriously at all.
She forced a smile and said, "Then, Du Hao, you must come back quickly. I'm waiting for you."
Du Fumin didn't commit. He exchanged a greeting with Yu Zhen and also walked out.
"Mr. Chen?"
A young man in a suit, one of Li Gan's subordinates, saw Chen Fan and the two of them come out. His eyes showed a hint of envy. "Are you going upstairs? I'll lead you there."
Chen Fan was once again speechless and said, "No need, I'm just taking a stroll."
"Then I'll lead the way for you. This area has KTV rooms, and there are other entertainment facilities ahead."
The subordinate seemed surprised. He glanced discreetly at Fang Qiong, thinking the newcomer starlet was quite attractive, and mused that Chen Fan had good taste.
Chen Fan didn't refuse and let the man lead the way.
After turning a corner, the area became much quieter.
"This is a billiard room. Mr. Chen, are you interested?"
The man opened a door and introduced.
Inside, the lighting was bright, and there were two high-end, luxurious billiard tables.
Chen Fan shook his head and looked ahead at a lounge area. No one was there, so he said, "I'll sit there for a while. You can go attend to your business."
"Certainly, Mr. Chen. It will be lunchtime soon, I'll come to call you then!"
Chen Fan went to the lounge area and sat down. He looked to the side, and his gaze passed through the glass wall; the scenery was quite pleasant.
"Mr. Chen, you don't like that kind of atmosphere?"
Fang Qiong carefully chose her words and asked with a smile.
"It's pointless," Chen Fan replied casually.
Fang Qiong mustered her courage and said, "Actually, I don't like these things either, but there's no choice. Young Master Li approached our company, and I'm just a newcomer. I don't have the right to refuse."
Chen Fan glanced at the woman and smiled.
She said this to try and bridge the gap. In the entertainment industry, without a certain background, how could one be a pure ingénue?
Chen Fan remained noncommittal.
Fang Qiong, however, was unwilling to give up so easily and said, "Before, I thought the entertainment industry was glamorous. If I could become a big star and make a lot of money, my life would surely be free and easy."
"After entering the industry, I realized this circle is nowhere near as good as I imagined!"