The top-floor banquet hall of the Imperial Capital Hotel is generally not open to the public. Even if one wants to enter, they need to switch to another elevator on the 16th floor.
Yet, at this moment, the banquet hall is brimming with numerous high society individuals wearing splendid attire, gathered here for their cocktail party.
This event is attended not only by the country’s elite but also by members of some foreign business families. Since the banquet is co-hosted by the eight major commercial families of the Imperial Capital, any renowned business group or financial family globally would be present.
"I told you I don’t like coming to such places, but you insisted on dragging me here."
In a relatively quiet corner, Bai Yunfei spoke to Lin Beichen, who responded with a bitter face, giving Bai Yunfei an irritated glance.
"I just wanted you to see these hypocritical people. Besides, this kind of banquet is inherently boring. If you hadn’t come, I would’ve been even more bored."
"True, for someone like you who has barely any friends, feeling bored is quite normal."
Lin Beichen flawlessly exhibited the art of speaking the most serious words in the most unserious manner.
Bai Yunfei was momentarily at a loss for words upon hearing Lin Beichen, realizing he had a point that was hard to argue against.
"Since we’re already here, let’s stay for a while. Perhaps something interesting will happen."
The banquet was scheduled for 9:30 PM, and although it was only 9:15 now, most of the guests had already arrived. The only ones missing were the heads of the eight major commercial families, while their heirs were all present.
The time before the official start of the banquet belonged to the younger generation, allowing heirs of various corporations and financial groups to interact and solidify their circles.
People without particularly strong backgrounds sought to use this opportunity to network, while those with strong backgrounds, like Bai Yunfei, found such behavior extremely off-putting.
However, since it was an order from the elders at home, they had little choice but to comply. Bai Yunfei, known for his nonchalant attitude, certainly didn’t put much stock in these events.
Aside from a few people he usually converses with, Bai Yunfei barely acknowledged anyone else.
"Places like this really are quite boring," Bai Yunfei remarked.
Standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows with Lin Beichen, they both held wine glasses, observing the bustling scene below. Due to the high floor, the cars were barely visible, only a continuous string of lights could be seen.
"That’s because you were born at the top. For those below, it’s something to envy," Lin Beichen noted.
Coming from an ordinary family, Lin Beichen deeply understood those feelings.
"You’re right. People below do have the chance to rise, but that opportunity comes from us," Bai Yunfei responded.
As Bai Yunfei spoke, a tall, blond, blue-eyed young man walked over. Just as he was about to approach Bai Yunfei, he was stopped by a bodyguard in a black Zhongshan suit.
"Sorry, our Young Master doesn’t meet with just anyone."
"Here’s my business card. We previously discussed a collaboration with Young Master Bai."
The young man’s every gesture perfectly illustrated the definition of elegance. Noticing something special about him, one of the security personnel nodded and handed the card to Bai Yunfei.
After reading the card, Bai Yunfei nodded to the person next to him.
"I didn’t expect there to be someone worthy of meeting you," Lin Beichen, leaning against the floor-to-ceiling window, remarked with a slight smile.
"He’s from a business family in Atlantis. I think it’s called Brooklyn," Bai Yunfei said.
Hearing the name Brooklyn, Lin Beichen was momentarily taken aback and muttered to himself,
"Talk about a small world."
Bai Yunfei was surprised by Lin Beichen’s words, wondering how this top student from Imperial Capital University was connected to the Brooklyn family. Judging by Lin Beichen’s expression, he seemed quite displeased with the Brooklyn family.
"The people who kidnapped Zhou Ya were from the Brooklyn family," Lin Beichen explained casually, noticing Bai Yunfei’s confusion.
Bai Yunfei almost spat out his wine upon hearing this, and just then, the young man from the Brooklyn family approached.
"Hello, Young Master Bai. Our family previously discussed a collaboration with you. My name is Mike Brooklyn," the young man said, making an effort to appear elegant and gentlemanly, though this conduct made Bai Yunfei feel uneasy, sensing something off about his demeanor.
This Mike Brooklyn was an heir from a branch of the Brooklyn family. Previously, the main heir had been incapacitated by Lin Beichen, leading this branch heir to be groomed as the next successor.
Though this Mike seemed somewhat scheming, compared to the former straightforward and muscular primary heir, he exuded more shrewdness and stability.
This was one reason why the elder members of the Brooklyn family endorsed him.