Young Master Zhang’s second uncle was the general manager of Wuyou Media, the key figure of the Zhang Group in the MCN industry, and a big shot in the Hang City’s internet celebrity circle.
Zhou Wang had heard a few things about their Zhang Group from Young Master Zhang when he was drunk.
Old Sir Zhang built their foundation by mining in the Northeast, and the six brothers and sisters of his father’s generation were responsible for expanding their reach, growing the business nationwide. Most of their success was in the entertainment industry, and aside from the internet, they also owned a large company in the legitimate entertainment circle, managed by Young Master Zhang’s third uncle.
As for Zhang Zhiyuan himself, he was the son of the eldest sister, and his father married into the family, so he took his mother’s surname.
Due to some internal family conflicts, Young Master Zhang chose to leave for Yunan Province, intending to start anew in a remote area and establish his own success.
There was a bit of helplessness involved in all this...
"Of course, when we’re not talking about business, our family relationship is still very good. When my second uncle was young, it was just the time when gangster movies were popular, and he even wanted to go to Hong Kong to hang out with Brother Hao. He almost got his legs broken by grandpa..."
"So he might have a bit of a rebellious streak, but when you really get to know him, don’t mind it. My second uncle is actually a nice person..."
Since Zhou Wang’s visit to Hang City would inevitably involve dealing with Young Master Zhang’s second uncle, he remembered what Zhang Zhiyuan had once said.
From this uniquely styled pick-up situation, Zhang Zhiyuan’s assessment of his second uncle seemed spot-on...
"Hello, Mr. Zhou, I’m Xiao Biao, Mr. Zhang’s assistant. Initially, Mr. Zhang wanted to personally come to meet you, but with Wuyou Night the day after tomorrow, he has numerous things that require his direct coordination. He asked me to convey his apology and will be welcoming you at the company headquarters tomorrow..."
Among the group of suited men, the leader was a sturdy man, but his speech was clear and well-organized.
At that moment, the group surrounded Zhou Wang as they walked toward the parking lot. Beautiful women were on either side, with a group of black-clad bodyguards behind them, exuding a high level of prestige and turning many heads...
After the initial awkwardness passed, Zhou Wang’s mindset became much more at ease. He put on his sunglasses, changed his stride, and walked with a swagger that could’ve been anyone’s.
"No problem, he’s the elder and also the head of the company, so it stands to reason that I wouldn’t expect him to meet me personally. Please convey my thanks to him; there was no need for such grand reception..."
Zhou Wang nodded, responding to what Xiao Biao said.
Soon, the entourage arrived at the parking lot, where a line of black Mercedes cars were parked nearby. At the front was a Mercedes S500L, followed by E-class Mercedes cars, five vehicles in total.
While not overly expensive, the arrangement looked impressive.
Xiao Biao and another suited aide personally opened the car doors for the three, with Xu Wenqian naturally taking the front passenger seat, leaving the back for Zhou Wang and Jiang Qingkui.
The lineup of Mercedes slowly started up, leaving Hang City’s Xiaoshan Airport and heading along the airport highway toward downtown Hang City.
Zhou Wang was surprised when he found an ashtray, a pack of Liqun cigarettes, and a metal lighter already placed on the folded headrest in the back seat.
"Thoughtful, thank you."
Zhou Wang smiled, this level of detail was unbeatable. After all, for someone with a smoking habit, the first thing to do upon leaving the airport was naturally to light a cigarette...
"Mr. Zhou, as long as you’re satisfied... Actually, it was Miss Jiang who reminded me."
Xiao Biao embarrassingly smiled, not claiming credit.
Zhou Wang was surprised at Jiang Qingkui, who only smiled without speaking, and he felt like giving her a kiss as a reward...
Seemingly sensing that Zhou Wang’s gaze was somewhat dangerous, Jiang Qingkui didn’t dare to sit still any longer. She quickly picked up the lighter, drew a cigarette from the cigarette case, and lit it for Zhou Wang.
Zhou Wang glanced at the cigarette case, noting it was Liqun’s "Cloud Lounge." He didn’t quite understand, but occasionally changing tastes was not bad...
After lighting a cigarette, Zhou Wang didn’t look at Jiang Qingkui again, instead lowering the car window and looking at the impressive greenery under the blazing sun, along with the layered shadows of skyscrapers in the distance. He couldn’t help but sigh,
"Ah, Hang City..."
Although, in a former ranking, Ming City was also listed as a new tier-one city like Hang City in the country.
However, even though Ming City was his hometown, Zhou Wang had to admit that the gap between Ming City and Hang City was still significant. For instance, in terms of GDP, Hang City’s GDP had surpassed 2 trillion in 2023, while Ming City’s was only 700 billion.
That was the stark difference.
Looking at the prosperity that seemed ready to swallow him, Zhou Wang couldn’t help but feel a sense of slight agitation.
...
On the road, Zhou Wang first gave Zhang Zhiyuan a call after receiving the personal hospitality from his second uncle, which was only proper.
As he put down the phone, he glanced at over a dozen unread WeChat messages and couldn’t help but frown. Upon opening them, they were all from Cheng Yiyi, as expected.
"Zhou Wang, do you have time tonight? My meeting ends at 5:30 PM..."
"Sneak peek.jpg"
"I’m staying overnight in Hang City. Want to have dinner together?"
"Zhou Wang, how many times have I asked you out? How can you be so excessive!"
"Goddess’s wrath.gif"
"You even did that to me today..."
"I’m going to tell Liu Zixi and Xie Yuying that you... you’re not being responsible!"
"..."
Looking at the string of messages from Cheng Yiyi, Zhou Wang couldn’t help but feel exasperated.
However, the more emotional she got, the less Zhou Wang wanted to engage with her... He felt that no matter how he responded, there was a risk of it being taken out of context and posted online.