Special Expert of Beauty CEO

Chapter 242: Chapter 242: Enemies on a Narrow Road

When Murong Fei uttered the names ”Fan Zongtian” and ”Fan Guocheng,” reverence filled her gaze.

It was apparent that Murong Fei had nothing but praise for the conduct of these two high-ranking officials; otherwise, her eyes wouldn’t have become so solemn when she mentioned them.

”Minister Fan Guocheng...”

Qin Tian pondered the name, his brows smoothing out instantly, ”Wait, Minister Fan Guocheng...Elder Fan? Isn’t that Fan Bing’s grandfather?!”

”What’s wrong? Didn’t expect such a big shot to return to Zhonghai City for a banquet?”

Seeing Qin Tian’s contemplative expression, Murong Fei thought he was astonished and explained, ”That’s why I say this is a high-end banquet, not just anyone can attend. Don’t look at Minister Fan being retired, but he has great influence in the political arena, a person of high prestige and integrity. He has disciples and former subordinates all over. Of course, his son, Mayor Fan Zongtian, now holds significant power too.”

”Right. Look how much you admire them,” Qin Tian snorted.

Murong Fei said, ”In today’s officialdom, there aren’t many people I truly admire, and Minister Fan and Mayor Fan are two of them. They are honest and upright officials who have done many good things for the people.”

Seeing Murong Fei’s serious face, Qin Tian could only nod helplessly, ”I get it, there aren’t many people that impress you. Elder Fan and Mayor Fan are indeed lucky.”

Murong Fei smiled faintly, ”Let’s go in first.”

From the outside, Tianhai Villa looked no different from an ordinary villa, but it wasn’t until Qin Tian and Murong Fei entered with their invitation that Qin Tian realized this place was something else entirely.

The entire villa was like an ancient royal garden, simple in its design but not lacking in grandeur, with the pavilions and towers leading to a main building—a three-story wooden structure.

As Qin Tian walked inside, he was reminded of the place where Elder Fan resided in Zhonghai City, which seemed to share a similar architectural style with Tianhai Villa.

With that thought, Qin Tian suddenly understood that the main character of tonight’s banquet was probably Elder Fan. Thus, from the arrangements and location to the selection of guests, the organizers had put in a lot of effort, almost tailoring everything to Elder Fan’s preferences.

If Murong Fei appeared at a banquet in the Eastern District, she would undoubtedly be the center of attention.

However, at tonight’s Tianhai banquet, Murong Fei’s arrival with Qin Tian drew scarcely any notice.

The guests here were either dignitaries or high-ranking officials who not only had seen plenty of beautiful women, but also weren’t the type to be unable to take their eyes off any beauty. So, when Murong Fei entered the banquet hall, only a few people took note of them.

The hall on the ground floor of the wooden building was spacious, with an area in the middle reminiscent of a dance floor, and ten dining tables were set up around it.

Murong Fei noticed that each table had name cards, and everyone had to register upon arrival. So based on the registered names, everyone’s seating was essentially predetermined.

Ten tables, each arranged according to the status of the guests.

The most exquisite circular table nearest the chairman’s stage was clearly destined for big shots like Minister Fan Guocheng and Mayor Fan Zongtian.

From the chairman’s stage downward, Murong Fei and Qin Tian followed the progression until they finally found their names next to each other at the very last of the ten tables.

”The last table... wow, that’s really looking down on people.”

Seeing his name, Qin Tian felt his eyes roll in annoyance.

Murong Fei replied without good humour, ”What does it matter? Being invited to this banquet is an honor in itself. Why care about the seating arrangement? It’s all the same wherever you sit. Anyway, later I need to talk to Mayor Zhang Yuehua about the next government project of Murong Group.”

The Mayor Zhang Yuehua mentioned by Murong Fei was the newly appointed mayor of Zhonghai City. As he had only taken office recently, Murong Fei had only met him once before. The new mayor had not yet taken a stance on the government project that Murong Group had secured a while back, so Murong Fei was somewhat worried.

With a new monarch comes new ministers, and if Murong Group didn’t foster a good relationship with Mayor Zhang Yuehua, it would not be surprising if competitors snatched the project they had secured.

Qin Tian’s gaze swept over the tables again, ”Wow, Zhonghai City’s Mayor Zhang Yuehua is at the second table!”

Murong Fei nodded, ”Exactly, I told you that everyone attending tonight’s banquet is influential. Besides Minister Fan Guocheng and Mayor Fan Zongtian at the first table, there are also some retired national-level elders. So it’s not an insult for Mayor Zhang Yuehua to be placed at the second table—it fits his status, and that’s the best he can get.”

Curious, Qin Tian asked, ”How do you plan to strike up a conversation with Mayor Zhang Yuehua later?”

This question indeed stumped Murong Fei.

With a troubled expression, she replied, ”I’m really not sure. Mayor Zhang Yuehua is said to have been transferred from Beijing, a low-profile person who has never met me. Whether he will discuss Murong Group’s project with me is uncertain. But no matter what, for the benefit of Murong Group, I must give it a try.”

Qin Tian gave her an encouraging look, ”Good, I’ll do my best to help you.”

”You?”

Upon hearing this, Murong Fei was taken aback and laughed lightly, ”Never mind, what help could you offer me? I should be thankful if you don’t cause any trouble. Qin Tian, remember, if you cause any tonight, I absolutely can’t protect you, so you must keep a low profile, got it?”

”Got it...” Qin Tian responded with exasperation, ”Isn’t it a bit too early to conclude whether or not I can help you?”

Murong Fei simply smiled and did not respond, continuing towards the front.

By this time, music had begun playing in the dance area. Servers were walking around with various pastries and red wine, which the guests were free to take.

”Wow, this red wine is from France, vintage 1982!” Qin Tian took a sip of the wine and was instantly taken aback. What excellent wine!

The pastries were just as good!

With delicious food and wine, Qin Tian immediately lost all other concerns. He was only accompanying Murong Fei as an accessory anyway—there was no fun in being a supporting character, so it might as well be an opportunity to eat his fill.

”That way you’re eating... could you not do it here? If you want to eat, I can buy you some later. Eating like this here, others will see and think that...”

Seeing Qin Tian’s inelegant way of eating and drinking, Murong Fei furrowed her brow. She hadn’t finished speaking when she heard a familiar voice nearby.

”Oh, Feifei, you actually brought your potential future boyfriend, look at that way of eating... Are you sure he isn’t a construction worker?”

The speaker was Zhang Xinyu, dressed in a revealing, low-cut white gown, holding the arm of Wang Zifu and looking haughtily at Murong Fei.