After receiving confirmation, Huang Sheng finally felt the weight lift from his heart.
He exhaled deeply, the tension inside him ebbing like a receding tide.
At this moment his expression relaxed and even carried a hint of smugness.
He even felt a touch of reflected glory, as though praise for Jiang Cheng were praise for him.
That was easy to understand: Jiang Cheng was his partner.
They would rise together or fall together.
Right then he felt incredibly lucky to be working with Jiang Cheng.
Who would've thought his blind stumble would let him cooperate with the grandson of a true titan?
It felt exactly like winning the lottery.
With Jiang Cheng's background, even if Xu Jiayin was furious, he wouldn't dare make a move.
Even if someone tried to trip up their project, they still had Chamber-of-Commerce chairman Jiang Chenghong backing them.
Besides, Jiang Cheng's current status made his seat at the center of the table unquestionable.
After all, he was Jiang Chenghong's grandson, the future helmsman of Mingsheng Group; sitting in the spotlight was only natural.
By now the crowd had begun to gather around Jiang Cheng.
"Young Master Jiang, let me toast to your brilliant future!"
"Young Master Jiang, may I ask for your guidance in days to come."
"Young Master Jiang…"
Seeing no room to approach him, some guests shifted over to Huang Sheng.
"Boss Huang, congratulations—Hetai's project is in the bag."
"Boss Huang, a toast—let's find a chance to cooperate."
"Boss Huang…"
Jiang Cheng knew exactly what they were thinking, but he didn't mind.
He merely smiled faintly and accepted their goodwill with open ease.
Still standing where he was, Xu Zhi felt his cheeks burn.
Watching the attitude of every big shot present, Xu Zhi secretly cried foul.
He realized the power behind Mingsheng Group must exceed his imagination.
Otherwise why had the silent Wang Shi and Yang Guo of Garden Land suddenly struck up conversation with Jiang Cheng again?
Even Garden Land's CEO kept insisting on introducing his daughter to Jiang Cheng.
Wang Shi smiled at Wang Lin: "Did you just add Chief Jiang on WeChat? Come on, hand me your phone; I'll help you add each other again. You youngsters can hang out."
At her father's words Wang Lin flushed crimson with embarrassment.
The first time Wang Shi had introduced her, she'd known it was only to lighten the mood, but now he was singling her out again—he clearly meant it.
All her earlier pride had evaporated.
Her delicate face was taut with nerves as she stared at Jiang Cheng, hoping for any sign of interest.
Meeting his indifferent gaze, disappointment surged through her, along with a stubborn refusal to concede defeat.
She quickly pulled her phone from the bag behind her chair and passed it to her father.
Seeing Wang Shi market his daughter so eagerly, Garden Land's boss Yang Guokai couldn't hold back.
With a faint, almost hidden smile he turned to Jiang Cheng: "Chief Jiang, I have daughters—two of them, about your age and very pretty. How about an introduction?"
Yang tapped open his photo album, ready to display their pictures.
Wang Shi cut in, half-teasing: "Old Yang, your daughters aren't exactly age-appropriate."
"I have three daughters," Yang retorted. "My youngest is still studying in Pretty Country."
Wang Shi gave a sour chuckle: "Funny, you never mentioned her."
"You don't have a son, so why would I? We big shots only talk shop. But when a good match appears, of course I'll introduce them—they're excellent, just never had the chance."
Everyone laughed, the atmosphere instantly lighter.
Wang Shi shook his head helplessly: "You sly fox, keeping them hidden…"
As the two bantered, other tycoons pressed forward, phones in hand.
"Chief Jiang, we have daughters—beautiful ones!"
"Look at mine—family photo. Three daughters."
"Isn't your youngest still in high school?"
"So what? She's of age; I don't mind her dating."
Jiang Cheng regarded them in exasperation.
While moguls often married younger beauties to balance the gene pool, he held out no hope here.
Watching everyone tout their daughters, Richest Man Wang couldn't hide his envy.
"Pity I only have a son," he sighed.
Beside him Wang Congcong felt a chill—condemned for his gender, he rolled his eyes.
The once-staid room buzzed with schemes to arrange meetings between Jiang Cheng and the various heiresses.
Xu Jiayin shot Xu Zhi a look, signaling him to sit down quickly.
As Xu Zhi tried to slide into his seat, Jiang Cheng spoke up.
After politely declining the matchmaking, Jiang Cheng turned to Xu Zhi and asked evenly: "You've been standing. Do you object to my sitting next to your father? Would you like the chair instead?"
Hearing Jiang Cheng address him directly, Xu Zhi's cheeks burned again.
He knew Jiang Cheng was about to make trouble.
He shot a silent plea toward his father.
Xu Jiayin, already composed, stepped in.
From steelworker to head of the nation's largest real-estate empire, he knew how to swallow pride.
He beamed: "Chief Jiang, the seat isn't for the likes of him. Who else today deserves the center spot but you? Don't you all agree?"
The other magnates cursed him inwardly yet chorused: "Yes, yes…"
Daheng Group was riding high; offending Xu Jiayin, award-magnet of the year, was unwise.
Besides, siding with him flattered Jiang Cheng—why not?