Donglai Hotel and Taihe Hotel are the two best hotels in J City, both operating on a membership system.
After researching both hotels, Gu Wanrong chose Donglai Hotel, closest to Jinmao Mall, to reserve a private room. She took a taxi there and first had a membership card processed.
Ordinary cards don’t guarantee private room reservations; Gu Wanrong directly applied for Donglai’s highest tier, the Crystal Card, with a membership fee of 30 million yuan.
The highest tier membership card at Donglai Hotel is the Diamond Card. In addition to benefits at Donglai Hotel, it provides VIP treatment at all businesses under the Donglai Hotel’s parent company, Huasheng Group. It cannot be purchased; it’s typically gifted by the owner, and only five have been issued to date.
A message appeared: “[Huaxia Bank] Bao Fu transferred 300 million yuan to your account ending in 6688. Please check your balance.”
With the Diamond Card in hand, Gu Wanrong reserved a private room and then went shopping at the nearby Jinmao Mall, buying clothes, jewelry, cosmetics, and even bubble tea.
Upon entering the mall, she encountered a Chanel beauty counter. A sales associate, recognizing Gu Wanrong’s pink Chanel backpack, excitedly approached her. Noticing the Bulgari Serpenti necklace and Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra black onyx bracelet, the associate immediately identified her as a high-value customer.
“Hello, Madam. What can I help you find today?” she asked, with a warm smile and gentle tone.
“I’ll look at foundations,” Gu Wanrong replied casually.
The associate guided Gu Wanrong to the foundation area, presenting a luxurious-looking essence foundation priced at 1350 yuan. She described its creamy texture and sophisticated scent.
“Okay,” Gu Wanrong nodded.
“Are you interested in seeing any other products?” the associate asked tentatively, noticing Gu Wanrong’s seeming lack of immediate interest in the foundation.
“Show me some other products,” Gu Wanrong replied.
The associate then showcased a loose powder for setting makeup and a compact powder, ideal for touch-ups.
Gu Wanrong ultimately spent over 6,000 yuan at Chanel, purchasing the essence foundation, loose powder, pressed powder, cream, and facial cleanser. The sales associate also included numerous samples.
Next, Gu Wanrong entered the nearby Guerlain store.
The Guerlain sales associate was equally enthusiastic, recommending various products, including the popular Meteorites powder, Abeille Royale honey, night cream, and moisturizing cream.
“Is that you?” Xu Rong, arm-in-arm with a stylish young woman, encountered Gu Wanrong at Guerlain.
Gu Wanrong acknowledged Xu Rong with a slight nod; she wanted to continue shopping. Xu Rong, seeming unwilling to engage in conversation, simply nodded in return.
Xu Rong’s companion, observing Gu Wanrong’s spending of roughly 7,000 to 8,000 yuan at Guerlain before moving on to La Mer, remarked, “Do you know her? She buys things without even looking at the prices!”
“No,” Xu Rong replied, pulling her companion towards the perfumes. She was clearly jealous, admitting to herself that she felt envious, as those around her had never possessed such wealth, and yet here she was, encountering someone even wealthier on the first day of school.
Unaware of the conversation behind her, Gu Wanrong continued her shopping spree at La Mer.
That evening, at Donglai Hotel.
Wu Aiai and Zhou Siyin arrived by taxi. Gu Wanrong greeted them, linking arms, and led them into the hotel.
“Wow, everyone who dines here must be wearing cocktail dresses and suits,” Wu Aiai exclaimed, awestruck by the lavish lobby, with its opulent crystal chandeliers and a small indoor fountain.
A waiter in a black tailcoat responded with a reserved smile, as if the compliment was directed at him.
“Look, none of us are in cocktail dresses,” Gu Wanrong pointed out. “We’re here for dinner, not a beauty pageant.”
Wu Aiai and Zhou Siyin, unfamiliar with such luxurious settings, gradually relaxed under Gu Wanrong’s playful teasing.
Once seated in their private room, the waiter presented the menu.
“What are your signature dishes?” Gu Wanrong asked, before he could begin his presentation.
“Chang’an Calabash Chicken, Fuyong Linjin, Fushou Quan…” The waiter listed the dishes, pointing them out on the menu.
Gu Wanrong ordered two signature dishes, then handed the menu to Wu Aiai and Zhou Siyin, letting them choose their own meals. Having observed the waiter’s slight condescension towards her friends, Gu Wanrong subtly ensured they received attentive service.
“Tell him your orders when you’re finished; I’ll be in the restroom,” she said, needing to freshen up after her afternoon of shopping.
After a quick touch-up in the restroom, Gu Wanrong decided to relax before rejoining her friends.
Exiting the restroom, she reached a balcony at the end of the corridor, complete with a comfortable single sofa.
As she sat down, enjoying the city lights, she heard approaching footsteps. She stood to leave, but after overhearing a phone conversation, she cautiously sat back down.
A man was already on the balcony when she rose. Her petite frame, partially concealed by the sofa and a nearby planter, was hidden from his initial view.
“Let Guangle Housekeeping be acquired,” the man, Xie Xian, said into his phone.
Guangle Housekeeping?
Hearing this, Gu Wanrong shrank further into the sofa, peeking at Xie Xian.
“Subtly assist An Runliang’s illegitimate children; support their conflict with Sun Yafang’s children in the fight for An Corporation,” Xie Xian continued, seemingly unconcerned about the housekeeping acquisition, focusing instead on the internal strife at An Corporation.
The person on the other end understood his instructions.
Xie Xian sensed someone nearby, subtly shifting his position to observe the balcony without revealing his line of sight. He noticed Gu Wanrong trying to leave.
Gu Wanrong?
Seeing Gu Wanrong attempting to escape, Xie Xian strategically positioned himself, blocking her exit while continuing his call. Gu Wanrong froze, shrinking on the sofa, and anxiously whispering to herself, hoping he wouldn’t notice her.
Xie Xian, amused by her anxious demeanor, let her leave unnoticed. He let her sneak away.
As she hurried away, Xie Xian calmly followed her, observing her changing demeanor. She entered a private room. He followed into the adjacent one.
“Second Brother, why are you so cheerful after a phone call?” Yu Yingying asked, noticing Xie Xian’s high spirits.
“I met someone interesting,” Xie Xian replied, his brow slightly raised. He then shifted the conversation to Yingying’s approved sick leave from military training.
