Li Tianming made a decision.
The celebration banquet could wait.
Even if he wanted to eat, he wouldn't be able to stomach anything.
After a good night's sleep, he woke up the next morning and headed to the Zhao Chamber of Commerce ceremony with Qin Siyang.
Zhao Longfei had left early to set up the venue and help receive the distinguished guests.
[Blue Star Era, May 4, 2010]
[Western Calendar, Tuesday]
[Lunar Calendar, Gengyin Year, Third Month, Twenty-First Day – Auspicious for transactions and openings, inauspicious for travel]
Inside the car, Qin Siyang glanced at the dark circles under Li Tianming's eyes and asked, "Old Li, don't tell me you were too jealous to sleep all night?"
Li Tianming rubbed his eyes, "Jealous of what? I was just too exhausted. Normal physiological sleep deprivation."
"Tsk, another day I'll have my business associates find you some herbal medicine for sleep. Don't worry, with me as vice president, that's no problem at all."
"Shut up."
Qin Siyang smiled slightly and didn't argue.
Instead, he looked down to check if his suit was properly fitted.
The Zhao family had been preparing to establish the Zhao Chamber of Commerce for years.
Although Tengfei Construction Company appeared to specialize in building infrastructure within safe zones, in reality, it had also been quietly searching for a suitable business hall.
Even though the Zhao family hadn't initially planned to announce the establishment of the Zhao Chamber of Commerce in the 9th District, they had already secured an appropriate business hall in this crucial safe zone.
The Zhao Chamber of Commerce's hall was located in the commercial center of the 9th District.
As soon as Qin Siyang's private car approached the intersection, he could see the grand and imposing business hall from afar.
A towering building with marble-like exterior walls coated in a special material, exuding a dignified glow.
A lofty arched porch, a massive half-transparent glass window hinting at the lavish interior decor.
A long staircase adorned with various expensive flowers and elegant lighting decorations.
At the entrance stood a pair of massive Pixiu statues, radiating a commanding presence.
Pixiu symbolizes wealth accumulation.
If they had been placed at the entrance from the start, others would have long suspected that the Zhao family was planning to form a Chamber of Commerce.
So Qin Siyang speculated that these two Pixiu statues were brought in later.
Looking down, he confirmed his suspicion, there were still drag marks left from when they were transported.
The entire architectural design was a fusion of Eastern and Western styles, meticulously crafted.
When the car stopped at the entrance, Qin Siyang saw Zhao Sifang and Gu Yunpeng standing at the top of the stairs, warmly welcoming guests with smiles.
Zhao Longfei stood slightly behind them, deliberately avoiding the limelight to let the two rising stars enjoy their moment.
It was clear that Zhao Sifang and Gu Yunpeng, like Zhao Longfei, had arrived early to prepare for the ceremony.
Yet they hadn't informed Qin Siyang that he needed to arrive early.
Qin Siyang understood.
Their families had deep backgrounds, growing up in circles where they socialized with scholars and elites.
Unlike him, a commoner through and through.
Even if he came early to receive guests, he wouldn't have much to talk about with them.
It would just be awkward.
After leading Li Tianming and the others into the venue, Qin Siyang greeted Little Zhao before heading inside.
Old Li patted Qin Siyang on the shoulder, "Little Qin, don't take it to heart that they didn't tell you to come early."
"Backgrounds are different, some situations just don't allow for equal interactions. But with the way you're progressing, soon enough, they'll have no choice but to look up to you."
Qin Siyang smiled.
Li Tianming might act tough on the outside, but he still had his back.
Seeing Qin Siyang arrive, Zhao Longfei walked over.
"Little Qin, some things are beyond individual control. I hope you understand."
Qin Siyang chuckled, "Old Li, it's already unbelievable that I became vice president of this Chamber of Commerce. I really don't mind the other stuff."
"Principal Zhao, don't worry either. We're on the same team. I know better than to disrupt the Chamber of Commerce ceremony."
Li Tianming adjusted Qin Siyang's collar and turned to Zhao Longfei, "See? I told you, Qin Siyang might not always act proper in private, but when it comes to serious matters, he never messes up."
Zhao Longfei nodded, "This kid—I knew he was sharp the first time I met him!"
At that moment, Gu Weirong walked over.
"Old Zhao, what are you doing here? It's almost time. You need to go on stage and announce the start of the ceremony. Oh, Little Qin, you're here too! Perfect, I was just about to send someone to find you."
"Hurry up, let's go. Sifang and Yunpeng are already waiting."
"Alright, let's go."
"Mm."
Qin Siyang followed Zhao Longfei and Gu Weirong onto the main stage inside the grand hall.
Then he stood at the very edge of the board members' lineup.
Zhao Longfei frowned, "Little Qin, why are you standing at the edge? You should be standing next to Yunpeng, flanking Sifang."
Qin Siyang grinned, "It's fine. I'll keep a low profile."
"At this point, you're still talking about keeping a low profile?"
"Yep."
Zhao Longfei gave him a puzzled look but didn't push further.
'Do whatever you want.'
Once Qin Siyang settled into position, he leaned forward slightly, peeking ahead.
He glanced at Gu Yunpeng, who had the striking good looks of a movie star.
Then he looked at Zhao Sifang standing beside him.
Zhao Sifang, tall and burly, radiated rugged masculinity, making him look like a bloodthirsty caveman in comparison.
Qin Siyang sighed internally.
On an occasion like this, they were bound to take group photos.
He needed to stay far away from Gu Yunpeng.
Standing next to Zhao Longfei, with his scarred head, would make him look much more handsome by contrast.
If he couldn't outshine the legendary warriors Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, at least he could outshine Liu Bei, right?
But just then, Zhao Sifang enthusiastically waved him over.
"Brother Qin! You're the vice president. You should stand next to me!"
Qin Siyang froze for a moment, then clenched his teeth.
'You really are something, Little Zhao!'
The crowd below all turned their attention to him.
Qin Siyang, the newly appointed vice president of the Zhao Chamber of Commerce, had already piqued many people's curiosity.
"So that's Qin Siyang?"
"He's a rather refined-looking young man."
"For him to become vice president, he must be quite exceptional."
Listening to the murmurs from the audience, Qin Siyang forced out a stiff smile.
"…Alright."
With no other choice, he moved next to Zhao Sifang.
The moment he stepped over, all the murmurs about him being "refined-looking" vanished.
The best compliment he got now was: "Looks energetic."
Qin Siyang's face darkened.
From a distance, the three leaders of the Zhao Chamber of Commerce now stood in a row:
A rare, breathtakingly handsome man.
A giant ape.
A monkey.
Gu Yunpeng stepped forward and announced, "The founding ceremony of the Zhao Chamber of Commerce is about to begin."
"I am Gu Yunpeng, vice president of the Zhao Chamber of Commerce and today's host."
The audience erupted in applause.
Regardless of whether they were here to support, spectate, or cause trouble, no one would risk offending a member of the Gu family for no reason.
"First, let's welcome the board director of the Zhao Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Gu Weirong, to deliver the opening speech!"
As Gu Weirong, the Gu family's second-in-command, stepped up to speak, the applause grew even more enthusiastic.
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