Chapter 58: Charity Gala
The night breeze was gentle, and Chang'an Street was a sea of lights and traffic. The different styles of the towering buildings on either side shone brilliantly under the spotlights. At this time, Beijing, stripped of its daytime grandeur as the imperial capital, displayed its enchanting and dazzling nightscape.
Murong Feng drove into the Beijing Hotel, where the parking lot was already filled with luxury cars. Countless reporters and security guards in dark sunglasses gathered at the entrance. The reporters were busy capturing photos of arriving celebrities, while the security guards diligently and courteously checked whether the guests were invited to the gala.
Murong Feng shook his head and smiled, impressed by the scale of the event.
The charity gala was held in the Golden Hall of the Beijing Hotel, a venue rich in Chinese palace-style architecture. The nearly 2,000-square-meter hall, with its golden splendor, luxurious decor, and intricate carvings, had historically hosted significant state and foreign affairs events. In the new century, the renovated Golden Hall became a favored location for large banquets, international conferences, performances, and fashion shows, renowned for its classical and noble ambiance.
As Murong Feng stepped through the hotel door and turned into the corridor leading to the banquet hall, a barrage of flashing lights nearly blinded him.
The wide hallway was also carpeted in red, with a massive signature board bearing logos at the end. A well-known domestic actress, dressed in a glamorous evening gown, stood by the board, pen in hand, posing with a smile for the photographers.
Murong Feng, already handsome and charming, wore a light blue Zegna suit with a Loewe blue-and-white silk tie for the evening as the guest of honor. This attire highlighted his noble and elegant temperament, making him stand out. As he entered, reporters initially mistook him for another celebrity. Upon recognizing him, they erupted in excitement, and he could vaguely hear a reporter shout, "It's Murong Feng! Quick..."
A swarm of reporters rushed towards him, even abandoning the actress at the signature board. Flashing lights flickered incessantly, and numerous microphones were thrust towards him.
"Mr. Murong Feng, is the TOM Group co-hosting this charity gala because of your personal support for charitable causes?"
"Mr. Murong, will you participate in tonight's charity auction?"
"Mr. Murong, as a newly minted magnate, will you engage in more charity events in the future?"...
A flurry of questions were thrown at Murong Feng, highlighting his status as a representative figure of the new wealthy class. His role as a media company owner and his mysterious, low-key demeanor made this a rare opportunity for reporters to swarm and question him.
Murong Feng, who usually avoided the media, was happy to address questions about charity.
He stopped and smiled, saying, "I believe charity is a sentiment of gratitude and a sense of responsibility. I hope that by engaging in charity, I can help more vulnerable groups after achieving success in my career. I will certainly participate more in charitable activities in the future."
Doris had been waiting at the hall's entrance for Murong Feng's arrival. Seeing him trapped by reporters at the red carpet entrance, she hurried over to intervene, "Friends from the media, sorry, the interview ends here. Our organizers will provide an official press release later. Please make way now, thank you!"
She pulled Murong Feng away from the crowd and whispered as they walked, "Boss, you're late. The owner of Top Essence Beijing who owns the luxury goods exhibition and Director Liu of the Poverty Alleviation Fund are already here. Several Chinese managers of the international brands who donated items for tonight's auction are also present. Shall I introduce you to them?"
Murong Feng, noticing Doris's glamorous evening attire, smiled, "Doris, you look beautiful tonight! It seems you've organized quite an event."
Doris, thrilled with the compliment and the successful event she had meticulously planned, smiled widely. Her smoky eye makeup made her eyes nearly squint from the joy. She hugged Murong Feng's arm, pressing her ample chest against him, and said, "Wow, Boss, you rarely compliment my looks! Thank you!"
She leaned in and kissed his cheek before continuing to walk with him, still clinging to his arm. "I'll introduce you to Mr. Lutz from Montblanc, Robert, the China manager for Kiton, and Mr. Wiedeking from Porsche China. They are all major advertising clients of ours..."
Startled by her behavior, Murong Feng recalled Ouyang Lanruo's description of Doris's openness. He felt a headache at the thought of dealing with these international clients and their English. He quickly pulled his arm free and said seriously, "Doris, I've thought about it. Tonight, you can fully represent the company. I won't meet these clients!...I have some matters to attend to..."
He glanced around casually, then suddenly spotted someone, and froze.
Doris was shocked, "Mr. Murong, these are important people. You should meet them personally..."
Murong Feng raised his hand to stop her, decisively saying, "You go. As the vice president of TOM Beijing, you can more than fully represent the company. That's it."
He turned away from Doris and walked towards the table where he had spotted the person.
Doris, frustrated, muttered, "Again, I've never seen a boss like you!" She frowned, worrying about how to handle the distinguished guests.
Murong Feng approached the person sitting elegantly in the chair, exuding a noble temperament and a graceful figure. Hesitating for a moment, he sat down in the adjacent seat and smiled, "Janney, long time no see!"
The woman's delicate body trembled at his voice. Turning her head, her clear eyes lit up upon seeing Murong Feng, their brightness like stars, causing his heart to tremble. The transcendent beauty of Tang Qing left him momentarily speechless.
Tang Qing's face slowly blossomed into a familiar, radiant smile, though her lips held a hint of grievance. "Murong, hello! It's been a long time."
Murong Feng, looking at her slightly thinner face, didn't know what to say.
This was their first meeting since he had abruptly left Hangzhou.
Back in Beijing, Murong Feng had called to apologize and invite her to dinner, but she declined, citing work. After two or three attempts, Murong Feng realized she was genuinely upset or, more likely, heartbroken. Tang Qing also seldom appeared at the fencing club.
Murong Feng then understood that their previous close relationship of frequent meetings, chats, and dinners were orchestrated by Tang Qing. He felt a sense of melancholy.
His early departure from Hangzhou wasn't because Ye Zi truly had an urgent matter. Rather, he felt a vague unease from Tang Qing's meticulous efforts, such as checking flight schedules and leaving her work aside to pick him up. Their relationship seemed to be slipping uncontrollably toward a certain direction, and he felt his resistance waning.
So, he left early to let everyone cool down and hoped that once they were back in Beijing and Ye Zi returned, their relationship would naturally revert to being good friends.
What he didn't expect was that his intention was easily understood by Tang Qing, who was so perceptive and astute.
Initially, she merely appreciated and enjoyed being close to Murong Feng. She naturally interacted with both him and Ye Zi, considering herself an older sister and a good friend to them.
However, after their trip to Hong Kong and several encounters in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, the ambiguous temptations in the hotel room, and especially the dinner at "Wutong" restaurant before Murong Feng's return to Beijing, she realized she had begun to develop feelings for him.
Yet, the incident in Hangzhou made her feel heartbroken... Since that was the case, she decided to cut back and avoid him.
After some introspection, she resolved to let go of the feelings that had unknowingly formed and gradually grown. Since Murong Feng already had Ye Zi and had clearly shown his intention to avoid her, there was no need to make things awkward.
"Janney, I didn't expect to see you here today!" Murong Feng racked his brains but could only come up with this greeting. However, the joy in his eyes revealed his true feelings. Seeing Tang Qing was indeed a pleasant surprise for him.
Tang Qing maintained her usual elegant smile, her tone slightly reserved, perhaps due to self-restraint, "Such a significant charity event, of course, our company, Mercedes-Benz, has to support it. We even donated an SLK sports car for the auction tonight."
Murong Feng was surprised and opened his mouth. He had only heard briefly from Doris that several luxury brands had donated many valuable items, but he hadn't expected Mercedes-Benz to be among them.
Just as he was about to speak, a handsome middle-aged man approached, stunned to see Murong Feng sitting next to Tang Qing and chatting with her. Tang Qing noticed him and stood up, introducing him to Murong Feng, "Murong, let me introduce you. This is our company's CEO for China, Mr. Cao Yun. Mr. Cao, this is Mr. Murong Feng, the Executive Director of TOM Beijing and the initiator of this charity gala."
Murong Feng quickly stood up, shaking hands with Cao Yun and smiling, "Mr. Cao, welcome! Thank you so much for your generous donation and support. Your kindness will genuinely help those women and children in need."
Cao Yun, aware that this young man who had recently made a name for himself was the newly minted multimillionaire Murong Feng, smiled warmly and engaged in polite conversation. A glance at the name cards on the table revealed that Murong Feng had unknowingly taken Cao Yun's seat.
After a few pleasantries, Murong Feng felt frustrated that Cao Yun's arrival had interrupted his conversation with Tang Qing. The initial joy of seeing her faded, and he was reminded of the subtle, ambiguous feelings between them. While he was with Ye Zi, he knew he shouldn't entangle with Tang Qing any further.
However, emotions and logic often diverge. Tang Qing had helped him countless times, and their mutual understanding brought warmth and natural comfort to their interactions. Tang Qing's radiant smile was deeply etched in his mind.
Repeatedly resisting Tang Qing's irresistible charm only deepened his impression of her.
Only through separation could he truly realize the indescribable attraction.
Suddenly feeling a rare impulse, Murong Feng said to Tang Qing, "Janney, do you have time after the banquet? I'd like to have a drink with you." Both Cao Yun and Tang Qing were surprised, and Cao Yun's eyes flashed with caution, while Tang Qing was pleasantly surprised. Murong Feng had never asked her out for drinks at night.
She almost agreed but then remembered Ye Zi, the kind and beautiful girl deeply loved by Murong Feng. Sighing deeply in her heart, Tang Qing smiled gracefully, "Sorry, Murong Feng. It'll be very late after the banquet, and I need to go home early."
Cao Yun secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Murong Feng didn't want to give up so easily. They had a deep friendship, and it shouldn't end without a proper conversation, especially since their relationship was more than just friends.
"Janney..." he began, but Tang Qing quickly interrupted with a smile, "Murong, the banquet is about to start. Aren't you supposed to give the first speech?" Not wanting to hear more, she feared she might be swayed.
Murong Feng explained, "I left it to the company to handle. I'm here mainly to participate in the auction and contribute."
Realizing Tang Qing didn't want to talk tonight, he sighed inwardly. Since they had already met, he would find another opportunity in this city. With Cao Yun present, it wasn't appropriate to continue talking. He smiled helplessly, exchanged a few polite words, and left.
Feeling Tang Qing's gaze on his back, Murong Feng's emotions churned.
"Mr. Murong! I said we'd meet again!" a cheerful voice called from the side.
Murong Feng turned his head to see Xiao Qiang's delicate smile. Dressed in a black chiffon evening gown that highlighted her tall and curvy figure, she looked entirely different from her professional journalist image in the afternoon.
Murong Feng, still dealing with his emotions, didn't want to socialize with her. He forced a polite smile, "Hello, Miss Xiao Qiang." Nodding slightly, he added, "Enjoy the evening, excuse me," and turned to leave.
Xiao Qiang felt indignant, having seen him chatting warmly with the beautiful director from Mercedes-Benz, only to receive a cold shoulder herself. Despite Tang Qing's undeniable beauty, she thought she wasn't lacking either. Feeling irritated, she returned to her seat. She wasn't attending the banquet as a journalist but as the daughter of the collector Xiao Dehai, and she was seated with many wealthy individuals. Seeing her annoyance, a woman at the table reassured her, "Qiang Qiang, that Murong Feng has just come into some money. Don't worry, I'll vent your anger during the auction."
Murong Feng's immediate concern was where to sit.
He didn't want to sit at the front, where constant socializing would be inevitable. The thought of conversing with foreigners through Doris's translation made him feel like he might explode. However, the banquet was invitation-only, and every seat had a name card. Murong Feng walked around several tables but found no empty seats.
"Murong Feng, you're doing well now huh!" A voice suddenly called out as someone jumped up and grabbed his shoulder with a smile.
Murong Feng looked at him and grinned, "Lu Ye, I heard you were filming in Fujian. What brings you here tonight?" Lu Ye laughed, "How could I miss a charity event initiated by you, Murong? I flew in this afternoon and will fly back tomorrow morning. How's that for brotherhood?"
Murong Feng chuckled and gave him a playful punch, "Yeah, you're a good brother."
Looking down, he saw familiar faces, including Wu Wenzhang, his wife Ma Lili, and Wang Dan, who played Mimi among others. Murong Feng wasted no time calling over a pretty TOM staff member, asking her to add a chair to the table.
In the grand Golden Hall filled with hundreds of social elites, entrepreneurs, high-level executives, and celebrities, the only ones he could genuinely call friends, apart from Tang Qing, were these guys.
Naturally, Murong Feng chose to sit with them.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone