Huayu 2021: Isn’t he in the technology field?

Chapter 289 A Young Girl's Thoughts, A Lively Victory Celebration Banquet

Around 3 p.m., the sun in Shenzhen lost its midday heat and brought a warm, languid feeling.

In front of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, several black minivans smoothly glided into the drop-off area.

The car door opened, and a hotel waiter stepped forward to open it. Jiang Qing stepped out first. His well-tailored dark gray suit accentuated his broad shoulders and long legs. The top button of his black shirt was undone, making him look less rigid and more composed.

Chen Duo and Zhou Zhengkai followed closely behind. Just as the three of them stood still, a person rushed out of the revolving door at the hotel entrance.

Hey Jiang! Missed your buddy?

It was still that familiar exaggerated tone.

Yang Wei's tall and thin figure rushed forward like a cannonball. His floral shirt stood out against the hotel's luxurious yet understated background. He opened his arms to give Yang Wei a bear hug.

Jiang Qing swiftly raised her hand and precisely blocked his forehead as he lunged at her, giving him a look of disgust as she looked him up and down.

"Vice President Yang, can't you come up with a more modern welcome ceremony? It's always the same old thing, aren't you tired of it?"

"Tsk, boring!"

Yang Wei reluctantly withdrew his hand, straightened his flashy shirt, and raised his chin.

"Do you know what it means for a classic to last forever? This is what true brotherhood is all about! Besides, I'm now the Vice President of Tencent Video, and I'm personally coming to the door to greet you. Do you understand what that means?"

Jiang Qing raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips.

"I didn't see any prestige, but I did see your smugness getting inflated again. Alright, Vice President Yang, dinner tonight is on you?"

"This isn't because the company is paying, but I'll definitely treat everyone to late-night snacks!"

Yang Wei slapped Jiang Qing on the shoulder, then hooked his arm around his neck and pulled him into the hotel.

"Come on, come on, it's windy outside, don't let it wrinkle Mr. Jiang's suit. Your room has been arranged, a top-floor suite overlooking Shenzhen! I guarantee you'll feel right at home!"

The two bantered with each other familiarly, while Chen Duo and Zhou Zhengkai followed silently behind. Chen Duo was already used to the way these two college roommates got along, while Zhou Zhengkai remained as taciturn as ever.

The hotel lobby is resplendent in gold, with a huge crystal chandelier reflecting soft light and a faint fragrance permeating the air.

Yang Wei joked and cracked jokes along the way, attracting occasional curious glances from those around him.

"Penguin really had nothing to say to you this time, Lao Jiang."

Yang Wei swiped the swipe to open the door to the top-floor suite and made an exaggerated "please" gesture.

"Look at this view, this layout! I picked this out especially for you!"

Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows lies the bustling cityscape of Shenzhen's core area. The room is spacious, luxurious, and elegantly furnished.

Jiang Qing walked to the window, glanced around briefly, and smiled.

"It's really good, thanks, Vice President Yang."

"Hey, don't be so polite with me!"

Yang Wei slumped onto the sofa with a relaxed air, sighed comfortably, and his playful expression faded, replaced by a touch of genuine emotion.

"Old Jiang, to be honest, I really didn't expect this. I was wondering what you were up to at first. Goodness, who would have thought 'The Beginning' would explode like this? It's already at 20 billion views! It's the most popular video on the platform in history! Breaking records is a piece of cake! I'm walking on Tencent now, all thanks to you, Jiang God!"

Jiang Qing also walked to the sofa and sat down, picked up the chilled soda water on the coffee table, unscrewed it, and took a sip.

"The project was good, the team was good, and I was lucky. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time."

"Come on, don't pretend to be humble in front of me!"

Yang Wei sat up straight.

"That acting, that immersion—ask the audience if they're buying it! How many days has 'Jiang Qing's acting' been trending on social media? Even my dad watches TV every day waiting for the next episode. That's the level of influence!"

He paused, his tone becoming more serious.

"Old Jiang, I'm really happy. You've made a brilliant crossover, and I'm making a fortune off you. Mr. Sun's eyes are different now, and Mr. Han has mentioned it a few times. There are several big projects for me to be in charge of."

Jiang Qing looked at the sincerity in his eyes, smiled, and raised her soda.

"Then... I wish Mr. Yang all the best in his career advancement?"

"Absolutely!"

Yang Wei also picked up his bottle, clinked it against Jiang Qing's with a "bang," and took a big gulp.

"We're having a celebration party tonight, and I'll make sure you're the center of attention! You'll be the talk of the town!"

Meanwhile, in a suite on another floor of the hotel.

Zhao Jinmai sat in front of the large vanity mirror, her mood as bright as the sunlight dancing outside the window.

The stylist was carefully tidying up her long, smooth hair, his movements incredibly meticulous.

"MaiMai, try these earrings? The simple diamond lines match your dress tonight perfectly without being too flashy."

Her assistant, Jingjing, handed her over a delicate velvet box.

Zhao Jinmai took it, compared it to herself in the mirror, and the delicate diamond earrings swayed gently beneath her fair earlobes.

She nodded, a smile unconsciously curving her lips.

"Hmm, it looks good, I'll take this one."

She looked at herself in the mirror as her makeup gradually became more refined, wearing the black spaghetti strap dress she had prepared, revealing a touch of sexiness.

It's been several months... Since filming of "The Beginning" wrapped up, although they occasionally chat on WeChat, she and Jiang Qing haven't met in person.

He must be very busy filming "Lighter"!

I wonder if he's lost weight?

What will he wear tonight?
Zhao Jinmai's heart inexplicably quickened, and her fingertips unconsciously rubbed the smooth edge of the dressing table.

The thought of seeing that person at the celebration banquet in a few hours filled her with anticipation, making her restless.

"Wow, MaiMai looks so beautiful tonight! Like a fairy!"

The makeup artist looked at the girl in the mirror and couldn't help but admire her.

Jingjing, who was standing next to her, exchanged a knowing glance with the other team members, and they all smiled with their lips pursed.

Those around Zhao Jinmai had long seen through her little schemes, which she couldn't hide.

The little girl had been a bit absent-minded since the afternoon, glancing at the time every now and then. Now, her eyes were crinkled with excitement, and she couldn't hide her joy.

"Ok?"

Zhao Jinmai couldn't help but ask softly, her voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible urgency.

"Almost done, just the final touch-up."

The makeup artist smiled and reassured her.

"Don't rush, there's still plenty of time. We'll make sure Mai Mai makes her appearance at her most beautiful."

Zhao Jinmai gave an embarrassed "hmm," took a deep breath, and tried to calm herself down, but she couldn't suppress the glint in her eyes.

Time slips away quietly, and the skyline of Shenzhen is dyed with a deep golden-red by the setting sun, which then gradually settles into a deep blue-purple.

The largest banquet hall at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel was already brightly lit and bustling with activity.

Starting around 5 p.m., 300 lucky fans of the drama "The Beginning," selected by Tencent Video, arrived one after another with their exclusive electronic invitations and great excitement.

The huge banquet hall was decorated in a magnificent yet thematic way. At the entrance was a striking three-dimensional model of the No. 45 bus from the TV series "The Beginning". An LED screen playing classic clips from the series occupied one wall, while the other side was set up as a photo area, recreating the police station interrogation room scene and the art installation of the wreckage of the bus after the explosion.

"Wow! This feels so good! I want to take a picture with Officer Zhang's sign!"

"Quick, quick, help me take a 'check-in' photo at the explosion site!"

"Look over there! Life-size standees of Xiao Heyun and Li Shiqing! Ahhh, I want to take a picture with them!"

"Wow, this setup is so thoughtful! Penguin Daddy is awesome!" "Look, ladies! That's Mr. Hou from Noon Sunshine! Mr. Hou is here too!"

"Teacher Liu Yijun! Teacher Huang Jue! Ah! Sister Liu Tao!"

Fans screamed excitedly, took photos, and checked in. Various photos and short videos instantly went viral on Weibo, Douyin, and WeChat Moments. Hashtags such as #OpeningCelebrationBanquet#, #OpeningFansAreSoLucky#, and #EnviousOfTheLuckyWinners# surged in popularity, and countless netizens who couldn't attend turned into envious people in front of their screens.

"The atmosphere here was amazing! Tencent really went all out!"

"Seeing that bus model made my DNA stir! The Canon of Dictionary music automatically started playing in my head!"

"Ahhh, I'm so envious! To be able to see Officer Zhang and Aunt Guo alive!"

"Isn't the main point that we'll be seeing Xiao Heyun and Li Shiqing alive later?! (voice cracks)"

"Please give Jiang Qing and Mai Mai more screen time together during the live stream! Please!"

As 7 p.m. approached, VIP guests began to arrive one after another, each entry causing a stir and cheers from the fan area.

Director Sun Molong, dressed in a well-tailored suit, waved and greeted the crowd on the red carpet with a broad smile, exuding an air of triumph.

Hou Hongliang, the head of Noon Sunshine, entered the venue discreetly and shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with acquaintances.

Liu Yijun remained calm and composed, with a friendly smile.

Huang Jue, dressed in a casual suit, greeted his fans with a cheerful smile.

Liu Dan, known as "Auntie Pot," appeared much more reserved, smiling and nodding at the camera.

When Sun Zhonghuai, head of Tencent Video, and Han Zijie, head of Tencent Pictures, arrived at the scene together, they exuded a powerful aura and were immediately surrounded by media and staff.

The atmosphere in the banquet hall grew increasingly lively, filled with the scents of champagne, flowers, and excitement.

The background music was changed to a more upbeat, celebratory tune, and everyone was caught up in the atmosphere.

The show became a hit, and apart from the rivals, no one will be unhappy.

As the clock struck 6:30, a commotion, noticeably stronger than before, erupted again at the entrance to the banquet hall.

The flashes of light instantly created a silvery-white curtain that almost overshadowed the lights in the hall, and the screams from the fans in the fan area suddenly rose to a crescendo, almost lifting the roof off!
"Ah—!!! Jiang Qing!!!"

"Xiao Heyun!!!"

"Jiang Shen!!! Look this way!!!"

"Vice President Yang is right there too! College roommates reunited at the peak of their friendship! Ahhh!"

……

Amidst countless focused gazes and almost blinding flashes of light, Jiang Qing and Yang Wei walked side by side into the banquet hall.

Jiang Qing wore a crisp dark gray suit with a black shirt underneath, no tie, and the collar was casually open.

He stood tall and walked with composure. Facing the sudden burst of flashing lights and screams, his face remained gentle, with a faint smile on his lips, and his gaze swept steadily across the entire venue.

His composure, honed through countless grand occasions, made him a steadfast pillar of strength even in such a fervent atmosphere.

Yang Wei, standing beside him, wore his signature brightly colored printed shirt, layered under a flashy burgundy velvet suit, creating a stark contrast with Jiang Qing.

With an infectious smile on his face, he waved to the fans as he walked, and even blew them a kiss, which made the screams even louder, just like a star with his own spotlight.

He would occasionally turn his head to talk to Jiang Qing, gesturing wildly, which made Jiang Qing shake her head and laugh.

"President Jiang! Over here!"

"President Jiang, please look this way!"

"Vice President Yang! Look at the camera!"

Media reporters swarmed around them, practically shoving microphones in their faces.

Sun Zhonghuai and Han Zijie exchanged a smile and then went to greet them together.

"President Jiang! We've been waiting for you!"

Sun Zhonghuai extended his hand warmly, his face beaming with undisguised joy.

He is one of the most direct beneficiaries of the huge success of "The Beginning".

The three major platforms are engaged in fierce competition, while Tencent has launched a powerful offensive at the start of the year, securing an early victory!
"Mr. Sun, Mr. Han, thank you for waiting."

Jiang Qing smiled and shook hands with the two of them.

"Oh my, President Jiang is our biggest hero tonight, it's all worth the wait!"

Han Zijie smiled and exchanged pleasantries, then patted Yang Wei on the shoulder.

"Mr. Yang, the reception was handled very well!"

"Thank you for your trust, sir!"

Yang Wei grinned, revealing two rows of big white teeth.

The flashes continued to go off, capturing the images of these key figures standing together tonight.

The cheers from the fans grew louder and louder, with the names "Jiang Qing" and "Xiao Heyun" being shouted repeatedly.

The atmosphere in the banquet hall was instantly pushed to its first climax by Jiang Qing's arrival.

In a relatively quiet corner of the banquet hall, Zhao Jinmai was being interviewed briefly by several familiar media friends.

She wore a black spaghetti strap dress that revealed her beautifully shaped shoulders and neck, her long hair flowing smoothly down her back, and her makeup was exquisite, like a dark rosebud about to bloom.

When the unusually large commotion erupted at the entrance, and when the name "Jiang Qing" was excitedly shouted by countless people, Zhao Jinmai's voice paused subconsciously.

She turned her head almost instantly, her gaze piercing through the throng of people, precisely capturing the figure surrounded by the crowd, chatting and laughing with Sun Zhonghuai and the others.

He was dressed in a dark gray suit, standing tall and composed under the spotlight.

After several months apart, he seemed unchanged, still as calm and reliable as ever. However, the light falling on his profile made his features appear even clearer than I remembered.

He was listening to Yang Wei speak with his head slightly turned to the side, a gentle smile on his face that she knew so well.

My heart skipped a beat without warning, and a surge of heat rushed to my cheeks.

Zhao Jinmai felt her ear tips burning. She subconsciously pursed her lips and tightened her grip on the microphone.

"MaiMai?"

A reporter standing nearby noticed her suddenly stop and called out to her in confusion.

"Ah? Oh!"

Zhao Jinmai suddenly snapped out of her daze, realizing she was still in the middle of an interview. She quickly turned around, her face flushing red with embarrassment at being caught red-handed.

"Sorry, it was a bit noisy just now."

She tried to explain, but her voice was softer than before, and her eyes couldn't help but glance in Jiang Qing's direction.

The reporters surrounding her were all shrewd individuals. They glanced in the direction she had just been looking and immediately understood. They all smiled kindly, with a hint of teasing.

A female reporter joked with a smile.

"I understand, I understand. The main character of the night has arrived. His aura is so strong that we were almost distracted."

Zhao Jinmai's face turned even redder, like a ripe peach.

She lowered her head shyly, her fingers unconsciously twirling a strand of hair hanging in front of her chest.

The anticipation and excitement in my heart reached their peak at this moment.

He arrived, not far from her.

very nice.

(End of this chapter)