Gao Jianfei and Chen Xian chatted with Feilong's mother for a while longer before going downstairs with Feilong's wife.
As they descended the stairs, Chen Xian finally couldn't hold back any longer. She blurted out, "Jianfei, sister-in-law, I... I feel that Wenjun doesn't seem like... a gentleman."
"Huh?" Gao Jianfei and Feilong's wife both froze.
None of them expected Chen Xian to suddenly blurt out such a sentence out of the blue.
It's a bit nonsensical.
"Xiaoxian, don't talk nonsense." Gao Jianfei said with a hint of criticism, "You only just met Wenjun, and you've barely exchanged five sentences with him. How can you say he's not a gentleman?"
Feilong's wife was a rather meticulous woman. She didn't blame Chen Xian for anything. Instead, she affectionately took Chen Xian's hand and said softly, "Xiao Xian, tell your sister-in-law, why did you say that?"
Chen Xian frowned and said, "I don't know how to describe it. Maybe I'm being too sensitive, but just now, I saw Wenjun looking at you with such a lecherous gaze. It really was a lecherous gaze. Sister-in-law, you know, I... I've worked as a hostess before, I've been with many men..." After Chen Xian finished speaking, she quickly glanced at Gao Jianfei, as if afraid that Gao Jianfei would be unhappy if he heard her mention working as a hostess.
At this moment, Gao Jianfei and Feilong's wife exchanged a glance, both feeling somewhat speechless.
"Xiaoxian, this... we can't be too hasty in judgment. Maybe it's because your wife is too charming, so Wenjun... sigh, I don't know how to say it." Gao Jianfei was somewhat speechless. "Originally, I really wanted to befriend Wenjun, but since Xiaoxian brought up this situation, I'll observe him more closely." For some reason, hearing Chen Xian say that Tang Wenjun was leering at his sister-in-law made Gao Jianfei subconsciously a little unhappy. He respected his sister-in-law very much. In Gao Jianfei's heart, his sister-in-law's importance was definitely greater than that of his brother Feilong!
"Alright, Xiaoxian, I'll keep an eye on Wenjun from now on. Let's not talk about this now, let's go downstairs and help Feilong with his work," Feilong's wife smiled. "It's almost time, the guests should be arriving one after another, let's go downstairs."
After saying that, the three of them left the villa and went to the open-air garden. Sure enough, some guests had already entered from the villa's main gate.
Feilong was greeting several well-dressed middle-aged men when he saw Feilong's wife come out of the villa. He quickly waved and said, "Wife, come and greet the guests for me."
Feilong's wife responded, then pulled Chen Xian and said, "Xiao Xian, you go over there too and help greet the guests."
Gao Jianfei nodded to Chen Xian, "Xiao Xian, you go with your sister-in-law."
Feilong's wife truly didn't treat Chen Xian like an outsider. She had Chen Xian greet several wealthy ladies, while she and Feilong themselves greeted and entertained some prominent businessmen from the flower market.
"Honey, I told you, Jianfei is definitely not an ordinary person. Look at him today, is he still the same as when you first met him?" After greeting a few guests, Feilong's wife pulled Feilong aside and whispered.
A thoughtful expression flickered in Feilong's eyes. "Indeed, judging from his clothes, his demeanor, and his overall presence, he really seems like a completely different person. Could it be... that I was really mistaken this time?"
"Honey, you've definitely lost!" Feilong's wife said confidently. "Didn't I tell you last time that Jianfei seems to have some connection with Secretary Meng? I called Secretary Meng yesterday and invited him to Mother's birthday banquet today. I told Secretary Meng that Jianfei would also be there. I have a feeling that Secretary Meng will definitely give Jianfei face and come to Mother's birthday banquet!"
"Secretary Meng?" Feilong chuckled and touched his nose. "Wife, really? I admit I misjudged Jianfei, but you don't have to be so dramatic, do you? Secretary Meng has never been very supportive of my business, as you know. He has close ties with the CEOs of several other large companies in Huashi and has been secretly sabotaging me. How could he possibly give Jianfei face and come to my mother's birthday banquet?"
"Enough said, honey, just wait and see!" Feilong's wife smiled confidently, then went over to greet a bald man.
Gao Jianfei helped move the stools and then brought some cold dishes to the table. At this moment, Tang Wenjun came over carrying Xiao Tang.
"Brother," Xiao Tang called out obediently to Gao Jianfei.
"Heh, good girl." Gao Jianfei gently pinched Xiao Tang's nose. "You're so big now, why are you still letting your brother Tang carry you? Come down quickly."
"No! Brother Tang gave me chocolate and told me stories. I like Brother Tang." Xiao Tang hugged Tang Wenjun's neck with both hands and refused to get down.
"Heh, I really like Xiaotang." Tang Wenjun smiled politely, then said to Gao Jianfei, "Jianfei, I heard you're not from G Province. Where is your hometown?"
When Tang Wenjun finished asking the question, the muscles around his eyes twitched almost imperceptibly.
"Me?" Gao Jianfei hesitated for a moment. Originally, he wanted to befriend Tang Wenjun, so answering Tang Wenjun's question seriously wouldn't have mattered. After all, they were good friends. However, hearing Chen Xian say that Tang Wenjun had been leering at his sister-in-law made Gao Jianfei feel slightly disgusted. So he just casually replied, "Oh, Wenjun, I'm just from a small place. My hometown is really just an obscure little county town. You probably wouldn't even know it if I told you. Anyway, I've settled in Huashi now. I don't plan to go back to my hometown. I don't have any relatives there."
"Oh... I see." Tang Wenjun nodded. "So, Jianfei, what are you doing at the flower market? Working a regular job? Running your own business? Or... working for Brother Feilong?"
Just as Gao Jianfei was about to answer, he glanced at the entrance of the villa and saw a group of people rushing in!
Gao Jianfei knew all of these people.
Mayor Feng He of Huashi City.
Vice Mayor Zou Yaobang.
Secretary Meng of the Huashi Municipal Party Committee.
Xu Jianping, Minister of Culture and Publicity of G Province.
Long Ke, Chairman of the Provincial Painting Association.
And Wu Keyou, the great painter from China, who was accepted as a disciple by Gao Jianfei yesterday.
A group of people went directly into the villa area, their eyes searching around.
"Ugh? They're not here to see me, are they?" Gao Jianfei immediately gave a wry smile to himself.
"What, Jianfei, do you know those people?" Tang Wenjun frowned and asked, "The mayor and deputy mayor of Huashi, as well as the municipal party secretary, these top figures in Huashi's officialdom, have all come!" At this moment, Tang Wenjun's pupils contracted slightly, and he murmured, "Brother Feilong's influence is really quite significant."
At the same time, a sense of unease welled up in Tang Wenjun's heart... "Something has changed! Why is even the leadership of the Huashi Municipal Party Committee coming to Feilong's mother's birthday banquet? I investigated Feilong's network of relationships and found that his relationship with the Huashi leadership is not very harmonious. What's going on?"
Gao Jianfei did not answer Tang Wenjun's question, but simply shook his head slightly, thinking to himself that he would probably have to go over to socialize again later.
Meanwhile, Feilong and his wife were also stunned when they saw the leadership team of the Huashi Municipal Party Committee!
The two were momentarily stunned. Feilong quickly turned to his wife and asked, "What... we didn't send invitations to Mayor Feng and the others, so... why did they come?"
No wonder Feilong wasn't alarmed. He was originally from the underworld, but later became a businessman who had cleaned up his act. Although his business was quite successful, the municipal leaders of Huashi City had never been fond of Feilong!
There's a saying that if someone gets involved in something shady for even a day, their reputation for the rest of their life will never be good!
Feilong had even heard a rumor that once, Mayor Feng convened a meeting with some private entrepreneurs from the flower market. Feilong was not invited to attend, and Mayor Feng casually remarked, "Businessmen should avoid shady dealings. Take Long Yifei, for example. I think everyone knows how he made his fortune. Of course, now that he has reformed and completely cleaned up his act, our flower market 'government' strongly supports and encourages him."
In other words, Mayor Feng and others actually looked down on Feilong.
But what are they doing here today?
"Honey, I don't know either. I just called Secretary Meng yesterday." Feilong's wife was also confused.
Of course, they were confused, but Feilong and his wife didn't dare to be negligent and quickly walked over.
"Mayor Feng! Mayor Zou! Secretary Meng! Your presence is an honor to our humble abode!" Feilong said with extreme courtesy and hospitality.
If they could have the opportunity to win over these people, it would be a tremendous boost to Feilong's business!
"Oh, Mr. Long, today is your mother's 70th birthday. We only found out yesterday from Old Meng's mention of it. Please don't blame us for coming uninvited, Mr. Long!" Mayor Feng said with a smile. "Speaking of which, Mr. Long, as a well-known entrepreneur in our Flower City, has solved the employment problems of many college students and unemployed people in our Flower City. Every year, you pay taxes, donate money, and participate in various charitable activities and public welfare undertakings. Our municipal leadership team has noticed all of this. Today, we came here specifically to congratulate Madam Long on her 70th birthday!"
These words left Feilong and his wife utterly shocked and flattered!
Just then, Wu Keyou, with his sharp eyes, spotted Gao Jianfei and immediately called out, "Teacher, over there!" He then ignored Feilong and walked directly towards Gao Jianfei.
Secretary Meng and Mayor Feng casually said to Feilong, "Mr. Long, you go about your business. There are many guests today. You and Mrs. Long go and greet them. Don't worry about us."
As they spoke, the group walked directly toward Gao Jianfei.
"Ha! Teacher Gao, I didn't expect to run into you here! It's a pleasure to meet you!" Mayor Feng walked up to Gao Jianfei and shook hands with him very warmly. "Teacher Gao, last night, our municipal party committee leadership held an emergency meeting. We wanted to ask you to set up a calligraphy and painting training class and an art gallery in the flower market. What do you think, Teacher Gao?"
"Uh?" Tang Wenjun's throat muscles twitched involuntarily. "Teacher Gao?"
Feilong and his wife stood there dumbfounded, watching as the many leaders of the flower market warmly greeted Gao Jianfei.
"What...what's going on?" Feilong was extremely puzzled.
Chapter 156 Madam, don't be afraid!
Chapter 156 Madam, don't be afraid!
The leaders of the flower market, as well as some leaders from the G province provincial party committee, including the renowned painter Wu Keyu, were all surrounding Gao Jianfei, chatting with him in a very cordial and unpretentious manner. They also took the opportunity to discuss art exhibitions, training courses, and galleries.
Logically speaking, it's utterly incomprehensible that these officials would fawn over an artist in such a way. Artists deserve respect from their superiors, but certainly not to be fawned over. Yet, this is Gao Jianfei, a brilliant and talented painter from China… who is given such a title?
In fact, Gao Jianfei's name had already been reprinted on major websites and newspapers early this morning. Even some major television stations had conveyed their desire to interview Gao Jianfei through the Huashi "government".
A genius painter who holds absolute dominance over the art world of China! A once-in-a-century artistic genius!
Gao Jianfei was born with such a halo.
It can be said that he has become a famous figure in the flower market, enjoying unparalleled popularity! Such a person naturally receives high attention from the flower market "government", and even from the G province "government".
Gao Jianfei spoke with these leaders humbly and with ease, occasionally letting out a hearty laugh.
Tang Wenjun, holding Xiaotang, listened intently for a while and noticed that Gao Jianfei occasionally used professional terminology to discuss painting with the leaders. Tang Wenjun was a little confused and didn't understand. He stopped listening and walked to the side with Xiaotang to start thinking about the problem.
"Now, the municipal leaders of Huashi have all arrived at Feilong's house. Should we continue with the operation that Brother Hu Zi and I discussed? If we involve these officials from Huashi, this matter could escalate!"
"Wait... This is Feilong's residence. These leaders are Feilong's guests. If something happens to Feilong's residence, all the responsibility will be placed on Feilong! Those who made this move were just mercenaries and assassins. Even if we investigate afterwards, we won't be able to find Brother Beard or me! Yes, proceed according to the original plan!"
Immediately, Tang Wenjun took out his phone and quickly typed a text message: "Brother Beard, no problem, proceed according to the original plan."
After sending the text message, Tang Wenjun affectionately hugged Xiao Tang and strolled around the villa area, making the little one very happy.
By 6 p.m., all the guests invited by Feilong had arrived. Everyone took their seats.
The dozen or so tables inside the villa were all full.
Most of those attending Feilong's mother's banquet were businesspeople from the flower market, along with some leaders and cadres from local tax, finance, power, and industry and commerce bureaus. Also present were elite employees from Feilong Company, and a small number of Feilong's relatives. Everyone sat together, enjoying a lively and festive atmosphere.
Feilong's mother was also invited to take a seat.
Of course, the most important group of people at the table were the leaders of the flower market and G province, Feilong's wife and Feilong, and Feilong's mother, who were celebrating her birthday today, all personally accompanying them.
Unsurprisingly, Gao Jianfei and Chen Xian were also invited to this table.
As for Feilong's good brother Tang Bao, his identity was rather special, so it was inconvenient for him to sit at the same table as the leaders. Feilong apologized to Tang Bao and asked him to sit at another table.
Soon, the kitchen began serving the dishes. This time, in order to make the birthday banquet a success, Feilong specially went to some big hotels in the flower market and hired more than a dozen chefs and dozens of hotel waiters. Therefore, the abundance of the dishes and the speed of serving the dishes will definitely not be slower than any hotel.
As the dishes were served, Feilong raised his glass and stood up, his face beaming with joy. "Today, I, Long Yifei, would like to thank all my dear friends and family for coming. On behalf of my mother, I would like to propose a toast to everyone!" With that, Feilong downed the glass of baijiu in one gulp. "Please, everyone, help yourselves!"
What made Feilong very happy today was twofold. Firstly, many friends had graced him with their presence to celebrate his mother's birthday. Secondly, the entire leadership team of Huashi City, whom he had always wanted to curry favor with but had never had the chance to, had all come to his mother's birthday banquet. This was an immense honor for Feilong!
Of course, Feilong wasn't a fool; he now clearly understood that these leaders' presence wasn't out of respect for him. Rather…
Gao Jianfei!
"It seems I was completely wrong!" Feilong thought to himself. "Jianfei... I really misjudged you!"
Although he was shocked and confused, Feilong still smiled humbly and said to Gao Jianfei, "Jianfei, I'm assigning you a task today. You must take good care of Mayor Feng and the others for me."
Feilong's wife quickly gave Gao Jianfei a wink. "Jianfei, take good care of the guests."
Gao Jianfei laughed and said, "Brother Feilong, sister-in-law, I will."
So Gao Jianfei took the initiative to pour wine and began urging the leaders to drink. Today, he also made an exception and let Chen Xian toast the leaders.
In short, through the skillful maneuvering of Gao Jianfei and Chen Xian, the leaders were completely subdued, and laughter filled the air.
Feilong was overjoyed, thinking to himself, "It seems there's a real chance to curry favor with these leaders!" He also began to value Gao Jianfei even more.
After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere was very harmonious and lively. Feilong went to each table to offer a toast, while some guests came over to wish Feilong's mother a happy birthday with tea instead of alcohol.
Around 7:30 p.m., a flower-decorated minivan pulled up outside Feilong Villa.
This van is the vehicle used by the famous pastry shop in the flower market.
Feilong saw the van and clapped his hands with a smile. "Alright, the birthday cake is here! In a bit, everyone will sing 'Happy Birthday' to my mom, wishing her good health, boundless happiness, and longevity! Haha!"
Everyone laughed and agreed.