Qin He's expression turned cold. Zhang Caiyu clearly knew some rules of the competition, meaning her information was definitely well-sourced.
This was clearly an attempt to provoke her, knowing that Di Shishi had been taken away by the police.
"My assistant will be fine. But since you've seen the trending searches, you must have also noticed that the argument between Miss Fang and me made it onto the hot search today, right?"
Qin He looked at Zhang Caiyu with a smile, her clear eyes seeming to see through everything.
Zhang Caiyu's heart skipped a beat. She had handled this matter discreetly, even going through several friends to help her buy the trending topic.
Qin He definitely couldn't possibly know—
"Yes, I saw it, Miss Qin. You shouldn't take it to heart. Those people online are just spouting nonsense. But it's good that you clarified it in the end," Zhang Caiyu said with a smile.
Qin He nodded. "Buying this trending topic must have been a deliberate act. It should be easy to investigate. Not many people were present today, so the target can probably be narrowed down to Villa Number Four."
Qin He looked at Zhang Caiyu with a half-smile.
"This person who bought the trending topic is truly reckless. I've already contacted some professionals to investigate who it was. Once I find out, I absolutely won't let them get away with it."
Zhang Caiyu's heart trembled.
Even though it had gone through several intermediaries, seeing Qin He's determined expression made her feel uneasy.
She couldn't fathom the extent of power wielded by affluent families and her smile became a little strained.
"Miss Qin, if you find out who it is, don't forget to tell me. I'll help you deal with them."
Qin He sneered and continued walking forward with Li Ai.
Zhang Caiyu deliberately lagged a step behind. This time, she absolutely didn't want to walk with Qin He.
There was something enigmatic about this woman. She usually appeared detached from worldly affairs, yet Zhang Caiyu always felt that Qin He's eyes seemed to understand everything.
It took a full ten minutes to walk from the villas where they were staying to the North Shore. It was almost seven o'clock when Qin He arrived near the venue.
Her timing was perfect.
On the northern edge of the pink beach stood a white villa.
The villa was decorated with a large expanse of glass, through which the brightly lit interior could be seen, illuminating the beach for tens of meters around.
Qin He entered with Li Ai.
The contestants who had arrived earlier were already chatting amongst themselves.
Qin He scanned the surroundings. The first floor of the villa had been transformed into a banquet hall.
As soon as Qin He entered the banquet hall, she attracted the attention of many people.
The contestants knew there would be exposure, so their evening gowns were exquisite, but none could compare to Qin He's.
Someone whispered, "She's truly a daughter of a wealthy family. Now I understand what 'outshining everyone' means."
"With Qin He's entrance, our dresses seem lackluster."
"She's beautiful too."
A girl whispered, "I think Qin He is a good person. I just usually don't dare to talk to her, otherwise, Fang Ruonan would start being sarcastic again."
"Fang Ruonan? Fang Ruonan's reputation online is ruined now."
Amidst the murmurs, Qin He entered with Li Ai, wearing a polite and professional smile.
After entering, Qin He greeted a few people. Then, Li Ai's gaze fell upon a long table. Qin He looked over; the table was covered with a white lace tablecloth, laden with exquisite pastries, and drinks adorned with fresh flowers.
Li Ai's eyes were fixed on the pastries.
Qin He smiled, "If you want to eat, go ahead and have some."
"But Miss Qin, didn't you say that eating too much at such an occasion would make people laugh?"
"I also said that only boring people would laugh," Qin He whispered. Seeing Li Ai still hesitant, she smiled, "Why don't I join you? I'm hungry too."
Qin He and Li Ai stood by the table and had some snacks.
Before long, they heard program staff members ascend the stage.
Qin He held a glass of champagne and watched. After the staff delivered some official remarks, they got to the main point.
"We have also invited four representatives from our investors to today's banquet. Please give them a round of applause."
As the four investors appeared, Qin He spotted Qian Zimo and immediately took a few steps forward.
"And the last one is Mr. Gu Qichen, the President of Gu Group!" the host announced with a smile.
A stir went through the audience, and all eyes turned to the stage.
"What's going on? Didn't they say the representative from Gu Group was Yu Jing? Why is Gu Qichen here in person?"
"Oh my god, I saw Gu Qichen once on a financial program before. He's even more handsome in person—"
Amidst the buzz, Qin He stood still, frowning as she looked at Gu Qichen.
He had just been injured, why was he attending a banquet?!
After the introductions, the investors descended from the stage.
The contestants were all here for future career development, and domestically, these sponsoring investors were clearly the best choices.
Soon, people started gathering around. Gu Qichen had few people with him, and many cast furtive glances, but no one dared to approach him directly.
In the crowd, Fang Ruonan's gaze was fixed on Gu Qichen.
She was instantly captivated.
The man stood there with a cool aura.
Even without expression, he made everyone around him appear as a mere backdrop.
This was exactly the kind of man she liked the most!
Fang Ruonan encouraged herself. Although Gu Group was currently flourishing, she had heard there were internal issues recently.
Gu Qichen must have been too preoccupied to manage affairs, which is why he came here.
Fang Ruonan brought two glasses of champagne and walked towards Gu Qichen with a smile.
"Mr. Gu, hello."
Gu Qichen's gaze had been fixed on Qin He. Hearing someone speak, he coldly turned his eyes to the person who approached.
Upon seeing it was Fang Ruonan, a hint of disgust flashed in his eyes.
"Is there something?"
Fang Ruonan's smile faltered slightly. But the closer she got, the more infatuated she became with Gu Qichen. "I am the eldest daughter of the Fang Group, my name is Fang Ruonan."
Gu Qichen's expression remained unchanged. "I know."
Fang Ruonan's heart pounded faster.
"Actually, I came to find you, Mr. Gu, because Gu Group is a sponsor for this competition. I believe Gu Group is intending to enter the perfume market, right?"
Fang Ruonan smiled shyly. "Actually, my lifelong dream has been to create the best perfume in the world. Although my family runs a real estate business, I still want to find a company to help me fulfill my dream."
With that, she handed him her glass of wine, looking at him expectantly.
Wasn't this hint obvious enough?
Gu Qichen's lips curved upwards for a moment. That fleeting smile mesmerized Fang Ruonan.
"What does Miss Fang's pursuit of her dream have to do with me?"
"I... I want to join Gu Group. If Gu Group intends to operate its own perfume brand, I can be the Brand Director," Fang Ruonan said anxiously.
Was Gu Qichen not understanding?
As the eldest daughter of the Fang Group, becoming a Brand Director at Gu Group should not be a problem!