American Comics: BOSS Invasion

“Let's all do a quick self-introduction. I'll start. I'm Li Xiaoya. Xiao Jiao and I were college classmates, living under the same roof for four years. We're incredibly close. This is my husband, Sicheng.”

Xiaoya smiled and quickly introduced herself and her husband, then turned her gaze towards Qi Shan.

“This is my fiancé, Qi Shan!” Gu Xiaojiao affectionately took Qi Shan's arm, as if declaring her sovereignty, and her eyes carried a hint of provocation.

“Hello, Mr. Qi. I often hear Xiaojiao mention you, but this is our first time meeting. We're all around the same age, and it can be quite lonely working hard in Shanghai. It would be great to get together when we have time. By the way, you can just call me Xiaoya!”

As she spoke, Li Xiaoya extended her hand.

Qi Shan politely shook her hand, a slight smile on his face, but he didn't say anything.

Then, he shook hands with the refined man opposite him. The two exchanged glances but didn't have much conversation.

It was clear that the man opposite him was a professional, accustomed to similar situations, and socializing was almost instinctive for him.

Even when facing strangers, the smile on his face was very sincere. Although there was little emotion in his eyes, and even a hint of disdain, he didn't show it.

Gu Xiaojiao was overjoyed. She was extremely satisfied with Qi Shan's performance.

Her last boyfriend was snatched away by the bitch in front of her. Although her appearance today was mainly to get back at her.

She was still very wary of the woman in front of her.

Li Xiaoya chuckled inwardly. She thought Gu Xiaojiao was putting on airs and pretending to be something she wasn't.

This woman has the vision and the means, otherwise, she wouldn't have landed such a good man.

When she talked with Gu Xiaojiao during the day, she felt that the other party was acting pretentiously, so she couldn't wait to finalize the dinner, setting up a stage to see how Gu Xiaojiao would perform tonight.

Sicheng, however, was a little puzzled.

From the moment Qi Shan sat down, he had been observing him discreetly. From the small details in his body language, from the natural and composed expression on his face, it seemed that he was used to this kind of environment.

He even carried a sense of superiority, as if he genuinely looked down on this clichéd social dinner.

But Gu Xiaojiao showed some panic.

She was panicking inside, not knowing where to put her hands and feet, but on the surface, she pretended to be calm, which only exposed her inner unease. This is usually how people from other classes behave when attending banquets.

Simply put, Gu Xiaojiao is poor.

A poor person and a rich person shouldn't be together. If they've been dating for a long time, then they should be familiar with each other's lives.

If they've been dating for a short time, then why the title of 'fiancé'?

So, something felt off here.

But since he had already promised his wife that he would earn her enough face tonight, then he had to play this supporting role to the end.

The two sides became slightly familiar with each other and unfolded their napkins to prepare for the meal.

Sicheng smiled and said, “Mr. Qi looks talented and has an extraordinary demeanor. May I ask what industry you are in?”

Qi Shan said lightly, “I opened a small company.”

“So, you started from scratch!”

Xiaoya immediately chimed in: “I heard Xiaojiao say that it seems to be in the real estate business, and it's quite big!”

Qi Shan had a youthful face, looking only twenty-five or six years old.

Gu Xiaojiao was in her early thirties, but her natural beauty and careful maintenance made her look two years younger than Qi Shan. The two sitting together really gave a sense of a golden couple.

Putting them in a picture frame would make a nice background on the wall.

In the end, the two still didn't believe that Qi Shan would have such great abilities.

On the surface, they were praising him, but secretly they were trying to find out Qi Shan's true identity.

According to the two's thinking, it was almost impossible to create such a large business at such a young age. It was nothing more than relying on a rich dad.

Once the label of 'rich second generation' was attached, the level would immediately drop.

Gu Xiaojiao said: “Our Qi Shan hardly cares about anything now. The business is already up and running, and the people below can handle all the procedures.

So, recently, he has been spending time with me. As for his company, I haven't been there, but I heard that it's very famous in the south. More than 50% of the buildings in Guangzhou and Shenzhen are developed by Aoran Group.

Moreover, Aoran Group is involved in many businesses, spanning aerospace, steel manufacturing, power generation, thermal ships, and even minerals such as coal mines.

Real estate is just one of the projects. Qi Shan, as the chairman, hasn't paid attention to the real estate business for many years!”

Sicheng was slightly surprised: “Aoran Group, I see. No wonder I thought Mr. Qi looked familiar. I remember some time ago.

During the Aoran Group's annual meeting at the head office, Mr. Qi once gave a speech on stage. I also attended the annual party as a representative of the cooperating party. At that time, I saw Mr. Qi from afar and thought that Mr. Qi was young and promising, and I admired him very much.

I thought we wouldn't have any intersection, but I didn't expect that our Xiaoya would be best friends with your wife. This is really too coincidental!”

Sicheng's indifferent expression changed instantly. Although he couldn't hear too many changes in his tone, the subtle changes in his wording were definitely felt by the other three.

Gu Xiaojiao was slightly stunned at first, and then she proudly pursed her lips.

Xiaoya's eyelids twitched, the smile on her face stiffened, and she pinched her husband imperceptibly, signaling to her husband through gritted teeth.

What are you doing? Didn't you say that you would support me tonight?

Qi Shan didn't have too many thoughts.

In the Marvel main universe, the identity of the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. almost controls global law enforcement power, suppressing the endless stream of superheroes and supervillains around the world to the point where they can hardly breathe.

Qi Shan has encountered too much flattery and ingratiation.

So much that he himself can't count it. Almost every time he discusses cooperation with other forces, or holds internal parties, there will be speculators who want to gain Qi Shan's favor.

America is originally a society of human relationships, and the importance of social interaction is far greater than in China, so the number of political speculators is definitely not small.

Qi Shan has even passed the annoyance stage and has reached the point of numbness.

What others say has completely failed to affect Qi Shan's mood.

Sicheng winked, signaling Xiaoya not to make trouble.

“I see that Mr. Qi is not very old, may I ask how old you are this year?”

As soon as the topic was broached, Xiaoya immediately understood the underlying meaning: "I heard that Aoran Group was established 18 years ago. Initially, it expanded from a logistics company, gradually entering other industries and constantly opening branch offices. Eventually, it integrated into a behemoth. Mr. Qi, you..."

The unspoken implication was clear: you look too young. Your face suggests you're only in your mid-twenties. Aoran Group has been established for 18 years. Did you start a company and do business at the age of seven? That's almost impossible.

Therefore, Aoran Group must have your parents' involvement behind it, or perhaps the assistance of other elders. Although you can be considered a successful person, you can't escape the label of a 'rich second generation'.

Gu Xiaojiao said with a hint of pride, "Doesn't he look like it, right? Our Qi Shan has a naturally youthful face and has taken good care of himself over the years. Don't let his appearance fool you; he's not even 30 yet. He's actually 34, and he'll be 35 after the New Year!"

A look of reminiscence appeared on Qi Shan's face: "18 years already? I didn't expect so many years to have passed in a flash!

When I was in junior high school, a fire at home turned me into an orphan. The compensation from the insurance company was indeed substantial, but what's the use when your family is gone?

I languished at my relatives' house for three months. Later, I gritted my teeth, took all my savings, and went south to Shenzhen.

Initially, I started working at a small freight depot at a bus station. After figuring out the business intricacies, establishing a foothold, I gradually expanded the business.

The experiences in between are hard to describe in a few words!"

Qi Shan shook his head and raised the wine glass in his hand.

"Let's not talk about the past! Where are you making a fortune, Sicheng?"

Sicheng and his wife immediately raised their glasses.

But before he could speak, Gu Xiaojiao slapped Qi Shan.

"How can you directly call Mr. Wang by his name? We don't even know who's older between you two!"

As she said this, she appeared to be complaining about Qi Shan, but her smug eyes kept glancing at Li Xiaoya.

The meaning was: Your husband has so many wrinkles on his face, who knows how old he is. Don't think you're all that just because you married a rich man. You're still not high-class enough, not even worthy of shining my husband's shoes. What are you showing off for!

Li Xiaoya understood instantly, and she was about to explode with anger, but she still had to maintain a smile on her face.

Sicheng laughed and said, "What are you saying, Ms. Gu? Isn't it normal for Mr. Qi to call me by my name? Given Mr. Qi's status in the business world, no matter how old I am, I'm still a junior. Mr. Qi is the real business senior."

Gu Xiaojiao smiled and said, "Mr. Wang is too modest. By the way, I only heard Xiaoya mention it once, and I wasn't comfortable asking too much. What industry is Mr. Wang in?"

Sicheng said, "I work in investment banking and come into contact with many business people. Every day, I'm welcoming and sending off people, so I have some understanding of the business world.

However, the market has been very sluggish recently. Major banks are scrambling for cash flow, and investment banks are also somewhat half-dead. Meeting Mr. Qi tonight is my good fortune.

Mr. Qi, if you have time, I'd like to invite you for a meal separately, or have you visit my investment bank for a look.

Although we haven't been established for too long, we're all professionals. Many are overseas returnees, investment banking elites, even two Wall Street wolves.

If you have idle funds, you can put them here for a few months, and I guarantee you satisfactory returns!"

Sicheng smiled and pointed to his wife and Gu Xiaojiao. "Based on their friendship as besties, I can definitely guarantee the safety of your funds here!"

Qi Shan nodded with a smile: "That's no problem. I'll have the investment department take a look over there later. If the project is suitable, it's not impossible to cooperate.

As for myself, I may not have time recently."

Qi Shan grabbed Gu Xiaojiao's hand, and the two looked at each other with loving eyes.

"I feel that our relationship has reached a point, and our ages are right. I've been emotionally empty for so many years, and it's time to find a home. I'm thinking of taking Xiaojiao to the Aegean Sea soon to finalize the wedding."

Li Xiaoya's eyes turned red with envy, and she exclaimed, "The Aegean Sea! How romantic! Mr. Qi really has good taste. Honey, when will we go to the Aegean Sea too!"

Sicheng nodded and smiled.

Gu Xiaojiao's eyes turned red, and she looked at Qi Shan with her big, watery eyes, too moved to speak.

Having talked to this point, both sides understood each other's situation, and there was no point in continuing to put on a strong front.

Since they knew they couldn't overwhelm the other party, and the other party was a genuine member of the same social class, they immediately changed their attitude, turning suppression into friendship. This is the law of survival for elites.

Whether it's Eastern or Western society, personal connections are unavoidable, especially in high society. Sometimes, connections are more important than anything else. A familiar face can be more effective than a professional team or even two months of business negotiations.

The competition between the two women was just a part of female nature. When they really couldn't suppress the other party, their relationship could actually deepen a bit.

With the conversation opened up, the atmosphere at the dinner table gradually became lively.

The two women began to reminisce about various embarrassing moments from their school days, revealing one familiar classmate after another, discussing their recent situations, either praising, envying, or mocking them.

Their moods were all very beautiful.

Qi Shan didn't say much; Sicheng was basically the one talking. It was clear that his investment bank really needed an injection of funds.

Even successful people inevitably encounter setbacks in business.

Not lacking small money, but lacking big money, is a unique worry for elites.

Money is just a number to him. Aoran Group's vast expansion is inseparable from the hard work of the transmigrator Chu Ao.

But it has nothing to do with Qi Shan. It's more enjoyable to spend other people's money.

Moreover, throwing a little money over there doesn't require using the group's funds at all. The amount in Qi Shan's personal account is enough to handle this small matter.

Furthermore, Sicheng does have some skills in the investment industry. Although Qi Shan doesn't know much, he has learned some inside information about the financial industry over the years, and the other party didn't hide anything, but honestly pointed it out.

Since his attitude is good, then give him a little help.

In the plot, Gu Xiaojiao doesn't even have a friend besides her colleague Sister Yang, which is quite miserable.

Therefore, at the end of the dinner, Qi Shan threw down a check for 2 million yuan. The enthusiasm of Sicheng and his wife rose to another level, and they even ran to the gate to see him off, waving goodbye vigorously.

A check thrown out, and the attitude changes 180 degrees, giving both face and substance!

How simple!