Tycoon: From Rags to Riches

Chapter 120: Chapter 117: Conscious Sinking

Gu Heng and Su Lei exchanged pleasantries for a moment, while Wang Junjin stood to the side with a constant smile, not joining their conversation.

"Chairman Gu, this is my sister, Wang Wan Ning."

Seeing that Gu Heng and Su Lei had nearly finished their greetings, Wang Yan turned and gestured to the beautiful young woman beside Su Lei. "She’s the same age as you," he introduced, "a freshman in the directing department at the Zhonghai Drama Academy."

’Wang Yan’s sister, and she shares the same surname, Wang.’

This information completely confirmed Gu Heng’s earlier suspicion.

As this thought crossed Gu Heng’s mind, his gaze fell upon Wang Wan Ning.

She had long, ash-brown hair that seemed to be haloed in a faint gold under the sunlight. The mid-lengths and ends must have been meticulously styled with a curling iron before she left home. It draped lightly over her shoulders, looking both natural and beautiful.

Her eyes were bright and expressive, framed by thick, long lashes. She had a high, straight nose and full, rounded lips the color of pale pink cherry blossoms, as delicate as petals. Her skin was fair and smooth, with a soft glow.

She was wearing a light, pure-white, long-sleeved top paired with dark jeans. The seemingly simple outfit did an excellent job of showing off her incredible figure.

Although she was slightly shorter than Jiang Ruan, her proportions were perfect.

’That incredible waist-to-hip ratio... It’s hard to imagine what a sight her slender waist, hidden beneath that pure-white top, must be.’

Right now, she was gazing at Gu Heng with a radiant smile, her eyes seemingly fixed on him.

"Chairman Gu, it’s a pleasure to meet you."

"I’m Wang Wan Ning. Please, call me Wan Ning."

After Wang Yan finished the introduction, the girl extended her right hand toward Gu Heng.

Her fingers were long and fair, seeming to emit a soft, pearlescent glow.

"I’m Gu Heng."

Gu Heng extended his hand and shook hers.

Their fingertips brushed for just a moment before they parted, a gesture of pure gentlemanly conduct.

’Wang Wan Ning really is beautiful. She’s younger than Jiang Ruan and Luo Xiwen.’

’Compared to Xu Mo, she has more elegance.’

’With some girls, you can tell just by looking at them that they were sculpted by money.’

’Even if Wang Wan Ning is just Wang Junjin’s illegitimate daughter, the educational and social resources she’s enjoyed since birth are enough to put her ahead of 99% of ordinary girls in the world.’

But as beautiful as Wang Wan Ning was, Gu Heng was no longer the naive country boy from a few months ago. He wouldn’t find himself captivated by a beautiful woman, unable to look away.

Gu Heng’s exchange with Wang Wan Ning was much briefer than his conversation with Su Lei.

Afterward, at Wang Junjin’s invitation, everyone took their seats.

Gu Heng sat in the seat of the guest of honor, opposite Wang Junjin.

’He didn’t know if the Wang father and son had arranged it on purpose, but Wang Wan Ning was seated to his right, and Jiang Ruan to his left.’

At that moment, sitting at the round table, Jiang Ruan felt extremely out of place.

This feeling was even more intense than at the massive banquet the day before.

’It feels like I’m sitting here, but I might as well be invisible.’

The sudden appearance of Wang Wan Ning, in particular, sparked a profound sense of alarm within her.

’Last night, my professional aspirations were shattered at that pool party.’

’Now, I’m completely lost about my future. As much as I hate to admit it, I have to: I’ve subconsciously started to rely on Gu Heng. I’m even starting to get used to this high-society lifestyle.’

’I haven’t opened the yellow food delivery app I used to use so often in a long time. At the mountaintop villa in Beichun, there’s always a private chef on call 24/7, ready to cook any dish I desire.’

’And I haven’t opened the orange shopping app I used to browse all the time, either. My walk-in closet is filled with so many clothes, shoes, and bags from every luxury brand and in every style that I couldn’t possibly wear them all, even if I changed outfits every day.’

’On top of that, there are the high-end, luxury skincare products. No matter how quickly I use them up, they’re instantly restocked, as if the supply is endless.’

’Million-dollar cars, multi-million-dollar mansions, business class flights, exclusive airport lounges, five-star luxury hotels, private chauffeurs, Michelin-starred restaurants, top-tier banquets...’

’These were material comforts completely outside of my social class, yet under Gu Heng’s influence, I’ve slowly grown accustomed to them.’

’The way Gu Heng got me was despicable, and I’ll always despise him for it.’

’But I also have to admit, he’s never treated me poorly.’

’Like the banquet yesterday, or this lunch today... Gu Heng could have easily left me at the hotel. There was no need to bring me along, but he still didn’t abandon me.’

’Even if I’m just an invisible person here, the Wang Clan have to show me basic respect for Gu Heng’s sake. They won’t dare to slight me.’

If one had to describe Jiang Ruan’s current state in a single phrase, it would be this: a conscious descent.

She could feel herself sinking, bit by bit, into Gu Heng’s world. No matter how much she struggled or tried to break free, she couldn’t escape the continuous descent.

Perhaps sensing Jiang Ruan’s gaze, Wang Wan Ning turned her head to look at Jiang Ruan.

Their gazes met mid-air. Wang Wan Ning broke into a smile, one that held no hint of aggression or sharp edges—it seemed utterly friendly.

Jiang Ruan faltered for a second before returning the smile.

Once everyone was seated, the restaurant staff quickly began bringing out a series of dishes, along with steaming, fragrant tea.

Gu Heng glanced at the spread. It was a selection of classic Cantonese dishes, all of them radiating an intense *wok hei*.

"Chairman Gu, this morning I heard from Wang Yan that you all drank quite a bit last night."

"So for this meal today, let’s substitute tea for wine and take it a bit easy."

Wang Junjin said with a smile, "This restaurant specializes in Cantonese cuisine. In my opinion, the flavor is very authentic. Chairman Gu, please give it a try."

As the guest of honor, it was up to Gu Heng to be the first to start eating.

Facing the expectant gazes of Wang Junjin and the others, Gu Heng picked up the serving chopsticks and first reached for the exquisitely plated roast goose.

After placing a piece on his plate, Gu Heng picked it up with his own chopsticks and tasted it.

"How is it?"

Wang Junjin asked.

"Excellent!"

Gu Heng gave Wang Junjin a thumbs-up. Wiping the corner of his mouth with a napkin, he continued, "Roast goose is a classic Cantonese dish. To achieve this quality, with skin as crisp as glass and meat that’s tender and juicy, requires perfect mastery over both the air-drying time and the cooking temperature."

"Traditional Cantonese cuisine emphasizes the ’five textures’ and ’six flavors.’ This roast goose perfectly embodies the ’crisp’ texture and the ’umami’ flavor.

If I’m not mistaken, the chef who prepared this must have coated the skin in a maltose solution, air-dried it for an extended period, and then roasted it over an open lychee-wood fire to let that fruity, smoky aroma slowly permeate the meat."

Gu Heng spoke at a calm, measured pace. The demeanor he projected could be summed up in one word: professional.

Listening to Gu Heng’s answer, Wang Junjin’s eyes grew brighter and brighter.

And Wang Wan Ning, sitting beside Gu Heng, watched him speak so eloquently with a calm expression, her beautiful eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Chairman Gu, you’re a true connoisseur!"

After Gu Heng finished his commentary, Wang Junjin couldn’t help but clap lightly. "I was planning on showing off a bit for you, Chairman Gu, but it seems my limited knowledge is nothing compared to yours. I was trying to teach an expert his trade!"

"Chairman Gu, you can tell all that from just one taste?"

Wang Yan was dumbfounded. "My dad and I have eaten here so many times, but if you asked me to critique it now, I couldn’t say anything coherent. You’re just too amazing!"

"That’s really impressive."

Wang Wan Ning, sitting beside Gu Heng, added her own quiet praise.

Her voice was a bit playful, clear and pleasant to the ear.

"It just so happens my businesses have some involvement in the restaurant industry, so I do have some cursory knowledge of food. But I can’t be called an expert. It’s all just theoretical knowledge. If you asked me to cook myself, I’d be completely lost."

Gu Heng raised his cup and took a sip. It was a mellow, rich Pu’er tea.

"Oh?"

"I had no idea Chairman Gu had dealings in the restaurant industry as well."

"So young, yet so knowledgeable, Chairman Gu."

Wang Junjin was a little surprised. He offered a couple of smiling compliments but didn’t press for details, showing a great sense of propriety.

"Wan Ning, look at Chairman Gu."

"He’s the same age as you, but he can already chat and laugh so easily with your father and brother."

Su Lei spoke up at the perfect moment, instructing Wang Wan Ning, "In the future, you should learn from Chairman Gu and talk with him more. Chairman Gu is your role model."

"Chairman Gu, in that case, can I add you on WhatsApp later?"

Hearing this, Wang Wan Ning turned to look at Gu Heng, her beautiful eyes filled with anticipation.

"Of course."

In such a setting, Gu Heng had no reason to refuse.

"Leilei, in my opinion, Wan Ning shouldn’t go to school for the next couple of days."

"Have Wang Yan take her around to spend more time with Chairman Gu."

"They’re all peers. Let her see what a truly outstanding young man is, so she won’t be dazzled by some pretty boys at school in the future."

Wang Junjin spoke, his tone leaving no room for argument. Then, his tone shifted as he gently asked Gu Heng, "Chairman Gu, would you mind?"

"Chairman Wang, you’re flattering me."

"I wouldn’t call myself an outstanding young man. Your daughter is equally exceptional."

Gu Heng replied humbly, "We can exchange ideas and learn from each other."

"Good!"

"Then it’s settled!"

Wang Junjin looked very happy.

Gu Heng turned his head, his gaze sweeping over Wang Wan Ning.

As it happened, Wang Wan Ning was also secretly looking at Gu Heng. Their eyes met, and Wang Wan Ning immediately gave Gu Heng a sweet smile, appearing very poised and graceful.

When Wang Junjin and Su Lei saw this, the smiles on their faces grew even wider.

Only Wang Yan feigned reluctance, muttering under his breath, "With Wan Ning along, how can Chairman Gu and I go wild? It’s so inconvenient..."

"Then just try to restrain yourself a little!"

Wang Junjin glared at Wang Yan. "Or if you see it’s getting late, can’t you just have your sister leave early?"

"Fine, fine."

After speaking, Wang Yan deliberately gave Wang Wan Ning a disgusted look, and she, in turn, made a face at him. They looked just like real siblings.

The group substituted tea for wine, and as they toasted each other, the atmosphere at the round table remained very pleasant...

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