Xia Xueqing had also felt unfamiliar with such an occasion and was hesitant to go with her sister, but seeing that Song Qiao had agreed, she also consented to accompany them.
The next evening, Xia Yuqing, her husband, and her younger sister Xia Xueqing, all dressed up, arrived at the venue where the banquet was being held.
"Song Qiao, this is a chance for our Tianhong to step into the public eye. We must seize it."
Before entering, Xia Yuqing was visibly nervous, her right hand occasionally tugging at the hem of her dress. Her husband's temperament was always impulsive. She was truly afraid that if some fool came to harass her, Song Qiao would lose his temper and hit someone on the spot.
"Don't worry, my dear. Everything is under control."
Song Qiao smiled confidently and gently patted Xia Yuqing's shoulder, indicating that he had everything figured out.
Upon entering the banquet hall, Song Qiao deliberately did not walk behind his wife. Instead, he quietly slipped away to a corner. He had seen such scenes countless times – people eating, drinking, exchanging business cards, and getting acquainted. However, for his wife, this was a significant challenge. To help Xia Yuqing adapt to this environment quickly, Song Qiao naturally wouldn't hover around her all the time.
"Director Song, long time no see. Your business has been growing by leaps and bounds lately."
As he sat in the corner, daydreaming, Mr. Sun from Jialefu Supermarket walked briskly towards him, followed by several department store owners. They were all major distributors of Xiangpiaopiao and naturally had to greet Song Qiao on such an occasion, as Song Qiao's products now brought them substantial profits.
Song Qiao smiled slightly and, after greeting the bosses, began to drink wine on his own. He had already been introduced to the big shots conversing in the center by Guo Jun and saw no need to go over and offer pleasantries now. As for the smaller bosses and companies, he didn't need to make a move; they would naturally come to him and initiate conversations.
Xia Yuqing's performance was completely different from Song Qiao's. After a brief period of awkwardness, she began to promote her advertising company to various bosses, hoping to secure more cooperation deals.
"Meng Jiao, is that you?"
As Xia Yuqing finished her conversations and turned around, she saw a gorgeously dressed blonde woman in front of her. The woman was her former classmate who had become a popular star in China two years prior after participating in a talent show. It was said that many male classmates had become her devoted fans.
Meng Jiao clearly paused for a moment, a flicker of surprise flashing across her face. After a long pause, she asked with some uncertainty, "Are you Xia Yuqing?"
"That's right. It's been so many years, and you're still as beautiful as ever."
Seeing her old classmate in such a setting, Xia Yuqing couldn't help but feel a surge of joy. Her current advertising company desperately needed famous celebrities. If Meng Jiao agreed to cooperate, it would lead to a qualitative leap for the entire company.
"Yuqing, do you need anything else? I have some other matters to attend to."
Meng Jiao clearly had no interest in chatting with Xia Yuqing and, after a perfunctory greeting, started to leave. When they were in school, Xia Yuqing had always overshadowed her, especially in appearance. Because of Xia Yuqing's presence, her reputation as the class beauty had never fully materialized.
"Hey, Meng Jiao, of course, I do," Xia Yuqing replied. She never expected her former classmate to harbor such resentment towards her, believing instead that Meng Jiao was genuinely busy.
"Here's my business card. I'm currently running an advertising company, and we're looking to invite celebrities, especially stars like you, Meng Jiao, to film commercials. If you're willing to cooperate with us, our compensation will definitely be no less than that of major companies."
As she spoke, Xia Yuqing handed her business card to Meng Jiao.
Meng Jiao looked at Xia Yuqing again with a look of astonishment, a hint of disdain appearing in her expression. She then said indifferently, "Cooperation? Sure, come with me for a moment." She smirked, a trace of mockery in her eyes.
"That's wonderful."
Xia Yuqing hadn't expected her to agree so readily and followed Meng Jiao without hesitation.
Upon reaching the most crowded central area of the banquet hall, Meng Jiao suddenly turned and said, "Do you have the contract with you? Let me see it."
"Yes, yes," Xia Yuqing replied, quickly taking out the prepared contract from her bag. "Meng Jiao, please take a look first. If there's anything you're not satisfied with, we can discuss it further."
However, to her surprise, Meng Jiao's expression changed drastically after taking the contract.
"Xia Yuqing, you're being too presumptuous. Your little-known company actually wants to invite me to film commercials? Take a look at your own capabilities."
As she spoke, she directly threw the contract onto the floor. Because they were in the core area, and Meng Jiao was already a focal point in such a setting, her outburst immediately drew the attention of many onlookers. Xia Yuqing was stunned in place by Meng Jiao's actions.
*She clearly agreed just now, why did her expression change in the blink of an eye? She's clearly playing a trick on me, making the bosses present laugh at me.*
By now, many bosses were pointing fingers at her. In such an important event, Meng Jiao's actions were clearly intended to destroy her nascent company. She couldn't understand why her former classmate would do this. If she didn't want to agree, she could have refused earlier.
"Meng Jiao, you... you agreed just now..." Xia Yuqing's voice was tinged with tears.
"Hmph, I was just teasing you. I didn't expect you to be so self-important, forcing me to say it to your face." Meng Jiao snorted coldly, her face filled with disdain as she mocked Xia Yuqing.
"Then I advise you to shut your mouth right now."
As soon as she finished speaking, a voice devoid of emotion came from behind the crowd. It was Song Qiao, who had rushed over from the corner. Seeing his wife publicly humiliated, he was furious.
Upon hearing the voice, everyone turned their heads in curiosity, and a path was cleared for Song Qiao. Most of the onlookers were minor bosses on the periphery, and few recognized Song Qiao.
"Meng Jiao, is it? I suggest you apologize to my wife immediately and pick up the contract. As for whether you cooperate or not, that's your freedom."
"Of course, I'd advise you to cooperate."
Song Qiao walked quickly to Xia Yuqing's side and, with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, looked at Meng Jiao and said calmly.