Chapter 328: The Life of a Landlord!
Networking and Politics
Compared to the biting cold of the winter outside, the inside of the villa felt like the height of summer.
A banquet is an excellent place to make connections with all kinds of people, and Luke naturally didn't let the opportunity pass. As the host, he greeted people from various circles, his demeanor witty, humorous, and full of charisma, utterly unlike a seventeen-year-old boy.
No one dared to put on airs in front of Luke; if anything, they were the more excited party.
Putting aside the shady background of the Hongmen, ShowMe and Tesla alone were enough to make them swallow their pride and offer the highest courtesies. The young man before them was only seventeen yet possessed a net worth of billions. It was easy to imagine what a behemoth he would become in ten years.
Vastness always inspires awe, and this is especially true for people.
With the seamless cooperation between the host and the guests, the atmosphere of the banquet was extremely spirited.
Luke seized the chance to deepen his relationships with Metropolis councilmen, politicians from both parties, and some local officials, even establishing a few verbal agreements that bent the legal rules. These were all indispensable parts of the process.
The relationship between government and business is intertwined, both domestically and internationally. Often, you simply don't see it because you haven't reached that level yet.
After greeting the social elites, Luke delivered a brief, customary speech, followed by the dance portion of the evening.
Guests heartily enjoyed the food and wine and indulged in romantic dance encounters with beautiful ladies.
Since Luke didn't bring a date, he naturally became the focus of the girls' attention.
To be honest, he wasn't particularly interested in the Hollywood actresses and supermodels. After interacting with them, he found that once the glow of the screen was removed, they were no different from ordinary girls: freckles, round arms, sloping shoulders, poor skin... they had all the usual flaws. Some were horrifying without makeup, and some even wore heavy, slightly aphrodisiac-laced perfumes.
Luke particularly disliked strong perfumes.
For the sake of appearances, he forced a smile and danced a slow, social dance with Mrs. Moan, the wife of a councilman who was also a Hollywood actress.
After the dance, Luke found an opportunity to retreat to the balcony to get some fresh air.
"That despicable woman, trying to grope me."
Luke cursed angrily. The memory of Mrs. Moan's movements during the dance sent a chill down his spine. It was no wonder there were rumors that Councilman Moan's rise to power was paved by Mrs. Moan's social conquest—the two were indeed a "perfect match."
A Familiar Face
"Mr. Shaw, as the host of the banquet, how can you abandon your guests and seek solitude here?"
A slightly flirtatious voice came from behind. Luke turned around, and his eyes lit up when he saw the girl.
"Miss Trump, it's been half a year, and you've become even more beautiful."
Ivanka, wearing a white tube-top gown that showcased her considerable assets, smiled faintly.
"I thought you had forgotten about me."
"How could I? You were the first beautiful woman I met when I came to Metropolis. Come to think of it, I still owe you an interview."
"I've quit the newspaper. My job now is modeling."
Saying this, Ivanka put her hands on her hips and struck a model's pose. "What do you think? How is my look?"
Luke gave a thumbs-up.
"Perfect!"
"So perfect it makes me want to get rid of your boyfriend."
The girl rolled her eyes. "I don't have a boyfriend!"
"That's wonderful news."
Luke bowed slightly and extended a passionate invitation. "Beautiful princess, may I have this dance?"
"Of course!"
Ivanka extended her right hand and entered the ballroom with Luke.
On a nearby sofa, Wang Hu, mingling with a few girls, whispered,
"The boss is amazing. He's already hooked one."
Wu Yue, resting his head and peering at the dance floor, couldn't hide his envy after seeing Ivanka's figure. "Who is that girl? She's unbelievably stacked."
Wang Hu sighed, "It's been years, and the boss's taste hasn't changed one bit."
Wu Yue glanced at the twin sisters on his sofa and scoffed,
"I wish you would change, you fool!"
The Grand Finale
After one dance, the two went from casual acquaintances to close, intimate friends.
Ivanka stood beside Luke, her arm looped through his, unconsciously taking on the role of hostess. This move made many ambitious girls grit their teeth and curse her as a "vixen."
Luke didn't bother to explain. Having Ivanka by his side allowed him to deflect many unnecessary hassles.
The two circulated through the banquet, enjoying fine wine and networking with elite talents from various fields.
Good times always pass quickly. Before they knew it, it was ten o'clock at night.
The banquet was drawing to a close. Guests left the villa with their respective male or female companions. After seeing them off, Luke turned to Ivanka.
"Wait for me upstairs. I have a special gift for you."
Ivanka, her cheeks slightly flushed, leaned in and whispered in his ear,
"Perfect. I have a gift for you too."
Her warm breath against his ear made Luke's heart skip a beat.
Ivanka chuckled, turned, and walked up to the second floor, her curvaceous figure lingering in his mind.
Wu Yue crept over. "Boss, that woman has feelings for you."
Luke took a sip of cool water to suppress his heat, responding calmly,
"What kind of feelings? Tell me."
Wu Yue said point-blank, "She wants to be the mistress of this villa!"
"Do you think she has what it takes?"
"Of course not."
"So?"
"So?"
Wu Yue blinked, slightly confused. "So what?"
Luke looked at him with a cold smile. "So why are you still here? Are you waiting for me to take a page from Liu Xuande's book and share a bed with you?"
Wu Yue shivered abruptly, turned, and bolted.
"Boss, you enjoy yourself. I won't disturb you."
"That blockhead. His eyes are in his butt. Not a shred of sense."
After sending off the last wave of guests, Luke loosened his collar and eagerly headed to the third-floor bedroom. He pushed open the door. The first thing he saw was the tube-top dress lying flat on the bed. The sound of running water came from the bathroom, and two pieces of lace underwear were scattered on the floor, strikingly noticeable.
"I like that—straight to the point."
Luke discarded his tie, stripped off his suit, and strode into the bathroom.
A yelp was heard from the room, immediately replaced by soft gasps. The sounds continued, fading slowly only after a long time. The butler, passing by, rubbed his aching back and commented meaningfully,
"Young people."
"They have no idea about the importance of moderation."
A wonderful night quietly passed.
The next morning, when the clock struck nine, Ivanka groggily opened her eyes. The person next to her was gone. Only the rumpled sheets recorded everything that had happened the previous night.
Just then, a knock came from the living room.
"Miss, breakfast is ready. May I come in?"
"Yes."
Ivanka replied casually, leaning lazily against the bed. She felt like she needed another full day of sleep.
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