CHAPTER 532: CHAPTER 451: CONGRATULATIONS FROM ALL DIRECTIONS

The few people who have arrived are all extremely wealthy, with assets far exceeding a billion.

Their fortunes are calculated in tens of billions, and the companies or groups they control are all publicly listed mega-corporations worth hundreds of billions. Even Director Pan of the Development Zone Bureau, who wields significant power, holds a prestigious position controlling regional operations.

The four of them stepped forward to greet them. Although Jian Xu is the chairman of the Cangqiong Group, his status in Jiangbei City doesn’t compare to these people. He feared these figures might not favor them, so he hadn’t invited them. Unexpectedly, they showed up uninvited.

"It seems Xiao Chen has built good connections around here!"

They all believed these people attended on account of Jian Chen, and were very pleased.

The deeper Jian Chen’s connections at the Northern Base, the easier future plans would unfold.

"It’s truly an honor to have all of you esteemed guests here!"

Jian Xu stepped forward, full of courtesy.

But these few people didn’t seem to care about him, merely nodding slightly, then turned their gaze toward the Bai Gang couple.

"Director Bai, Chairman Wang, congratulations on having such a wonderful daughter!"

The group warmly greeted Bai Gang and Fang Meilian, their faces gentle.

Bai Gang was flattered, and Fang Meilian was puzzled. Since when had they become so friendly with these Northern Base magnates?

But everyone here was experienced in official and business circles, so Bai Gang and Fang Meilian wore broad smiles, welcoming them inside with laughter and chat. Meanwhile, Jian Xu and his wife were ignored.

"Husband, what’s going on?"

Jian Chen’s mother, Liu Min, wore an angry expression yet was unable to vent her frustration; this wasn’t the first time this had happened. The earlier groups that arrived were the same.

"I have no idea!"

Jian Xu’s face was dark. As the chairman of a Fortune 500 company, except for acting subservient within the Divine Punishment Organization, he had never been so lightly regarded by others.

But after all, this was the Northern Base, not overseas. Even if he were a force to be reckoned with elsewhere, here he could only bide his time.

"Perhaps the Bai Family already knew them beforehand!"

Jian Xu thought long and hard, and this was the only explanation he could come up with.

"Hmph, if it weren’t for Xiao Chen’s liking that girl, we wouldn’t bother spending time with Bai Gang’s family!"

Liu Min scoffed. Ever since they founded the Cangqiong Group and, by chance, received significant support from Divine Punishment, her perspective had become extraordinary. Even though Bai Gang was a city vice mayor, he might not catch their attention.

With half an hour left until four o’clock, Bai Gang and his wife were back in the hall outside. Just then, a voice sounded from the reception area.

"Chairman Zhang Xu of the Xuri Group has arrived."

Everyone could hear the undisguisable astonishment in the receptionist’s voice.

"What?"

The couples of Bai Gang and Jian Xu were both stunned, their expressions filled with incredible surprise.

They were more than familiar with who Zhang Xu was.

The chairman of Xuri Group, with a strong backing and extensive connections throughout Jiangbei City, Zhang Xu dominated the Northern Base, unmatched. Not even a city mayor could compare to him in influence.

He had countless capable people under him, commanding the underground forces of Jiangbei City. Why would such a figure travel a thousand miles from the Northern Base just for a junior’s engagement party?

They thought the receptionist must have made a mistake. But when they looked up, they saw a man wearing a mink coat, followed by a group of imposing men in black, striding over. With such an aura, who else could it be but Zhang Xu?

"Chair...Chairman Zhang!"

The Jian Xu couple dared not disrespect him. In Jiangbei City, the power and assets Zhang Xu held were almost on par with those of the Cangqiong Group.

Bai Gang was also astonished, feeling flattered and quickly went forward to greet him.

Even in Jiangnan City, he had heard of this mighty figure from Jiangbei City.

"No need for formality, Director Bai. Your daughter’s engagement, of course, I should come to join in the fun!"

Zhang Xu smiled warmly, difficult to associate him with that Jiangbei City underground overlord.

Bai Gang’s heart surged with pride, silently wondering when he gained such prestige. Just as he was about to speak, the receptionist’s voice came again.

"Chairman Hong Tianxiong from Heishui City and Hongyun Group has arrived!"

"Chairman Wang Haifu from East Sea City and Wangyang Group has arrived!"

"Chairman Chu Xiangdong from Jinling City and Eastern Group has arrived!"

Bai Gang, Fang Meilian, and the Jian Xu couple stood frozen on the spot, even Jian Chen, who had just come to the outer hall, was petrified, wondering if he had misheard.

Bai Gang wished he could slap himself a few times on the spot to see if this was real, but when the three groups appeared in front of them, he was completely dumbfounded.

Chu Xiangdong strode confidently, his bald head adding to his fierce presence.

Hong Tianxiong, with his multicolored hair, carried a dignified air, emanating the authority of a big boss.

Wang Haifu, newly appointed just over a month ago, was also in high spirits, followed by a group of men in black suits, joking and chatting with Chu Xiangdong and Hong Tianxiong.

Bai Gang, Fang Meilian, Jian Xu, Liu Min, and Jian Chen stood agape.

From all corners of the country, such renowned top-tier tycoons, gathering here, of all places?

Hong Tianxiong, Chu Xiangdong, Wang Haifu, Zhang Xu!

These four represented the pinnacle of the underworld in each city.

They each commanded a region, had extensive networks, abundant resources, and immense power.

Compared to these four figures, the previously arriving celebrities were utterly overshadowed, not even worth comparing.

Bai Gang truly couldn’t make sense of it, nor could Jian Xu and Jian Chen understand how a junior’s engagement party could attract these four big shots?

These individuals were here through the connections of Lei Ye and others, coming to pay their respects to Ye Qingfeng.

Those who didn’t know would be oblivious to how influential Ye Qingfeng became after the battle at West Lake.

Combined with the explosive popularity of Spiritual Energy Water.

The bigwigs of Jiangnan and Jiangbei were eager to curry favor with Ye Qingfeng, unsurprisingly.

Even though they were shocked, they dared not show disrespect, knowing that these four likely had blood on their hands. They wouldn’t dare to offend them. Even the Cangqiong Group, without the support of Divine Punishment, wouldn’t dare to confront such formidable figures.

"Uncle Chu!"

Jian Chen had a good relationship with Chu Yinghui, so he was most familiar with Chu Xiangdong, and hurriedly stepped forward to call out, showing his connection with Chu Xiangdong.

Chu Xiangdong glanced at him but did not respond, further ignoring the enthusiastic Jian Xu couple, directly moving towards Bai Gang and Fang Meilian.

"Director Bai, Mr. Fang, we came without invitation, please don’t take offense!"

Hong Tianxiong, Zhang Xu, and Wang Haifu also followed, leaving the Jian family of three completely disregarded, treated as if they were invisible.

Bai Gang and Fang Meilian couldn’t conceal their shock and trepidation, looking humbled.

When did they ever have such status, to make Huaxia’s top-tier moguls come to the banquet on their own initiative?

Bai Gang dealt with the situation, his face beaming with a smile, feeling like he had never been so glorious and proud in his life.