Chapter 534: The Torch Foundation!
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Once Lao Ma, Xiao Ma, Lao Wang, and the rest entered the venue, chaos ensued in the media area. Phones were quickly whipped out as everyone scrambled to update their editors and bosses. The presence of these prominent figures was already surprising enough, but nobody could have anticipated the grand finale!
Meanwhile, Zhou Chao stood nervously beside that individual. He felt a bit tense because this person was usually only seen on TV. He never expected to meet him in person under such circumstances.
“Why are you standing so far away, kid? Am I that scary?
“No, not scary at all. It’s just... I’m excited, yes, very excited,” Zhou Chao struggled to describe his feelings. His usual composure had been thrown out the window.
“That’s not like you. I’ve heard from Xiao Lao that you’re quite clever. Why are
you acting dumb now?”
“Well, I’m just excited. I’ve only ever seen you on TV before. Meeting you in person today is a bit nerve-wracking,” Zhou Chao explained, finally calming his emotions.
Sensing Zhou Chao’s change, the person nodded in satisfaction. Just as he was about to discuss foundation matters with Zhou Chao, a clear voice interrupted them. “Uncle Li, what are you doing here?”
Jiang Li approached them with brisk steps. This scene left the nearby people stunned, especially Lao Ma and Xiao Ma, whose expressions changed several times. They whispered to Lao Wang, “What’s Zhou Chao’s background? He seems like the Monkey King, capable of anything!”
Unexpectedly, Wang Jianlin remained silent, not fully understanding the situation. Only Si Cong and the other second-generation heirs wore expressions of nonchalance.
“Hey, Xiao Jiang Li, what are you doing here?” Li Lao was also surprised to see the Jiang family’s little girl here.
Li Lao wasn’t aware of Zhou Chao’s connection with Jiang Li. He had come across Zhou Chao’s name a few times due to his notable contributions, which had drawn their attention. Moreover, Xiao Lao frequently praised Zhou Chao’s abilities and hard work, which made a lasting impression on Li Lao.
“Hehe, Uncle Li, this is my husband,” Jiang Li said happily, linking her arm with Zhou Chao’s.
Hearing this, Li Lao’s gaze softened a bit, losing its initial severity.
“Alright, little girl. Your husband is quite impressive.” UppTodated from nô/v/e/lb(i)n.c(o)/m
“Of course, if he wasn’t excellent, I wouldn’t have chosen him!” Jiang Li said proudly.
Hearing this, Zhou Chao and Li Lao both chuckled involuntarily.
“Alright, little girl, I need to discuss some serious matters with this young man. You know I’m busy all day.”
Jiang Li nodded and got up to leave.
Zhou Chao, as the president of Dragonfly Group and the founder of the foundation, naturally took the lead, after all, he was the host of today’s event. Walking right behind him was Li Lao, and as soon as the two stepped onto the stage, the media below were astonished.
“Why is that young man walking in front? Even Li Lao is walking behind him. Could it be that the young man is the boss of Dragonfly Group?” exclaimed the middle-aged reporter from Xinlang, holding his camera in disbelief.
“Who knows? It seems like Dragonfly Group is quite a treasure trove. You never know until you see it. It’s quite surprising,” remarked the journalist from the state media, eyeing the situation and contemplating how to approach it for an interview, unsure if it would be successful.
Meanwhile, the following individuals also made their way onto the stage one after another. Following Zhou Chao and Li Lao were Ling Chen, and then came Lao Wang, Lao Zhang, Lao Qin, and finally, Xiao Ma, each taking their positions. After everyone was in place, the emcee arranged for the ceremonial ladies to deliver the golden scissors to each person’s hand.
Zhou Chao and Ling Chen stood on either side of Li Lao. After all, how could such a prestigious event allow outsiders to gain an advantage? Lao Wang and Lao Zhang stood nearby, while Xiao Ma was positioned at the far end on either side. However, they all wore cheerful smiles, surprised that they had managed to join in the excitement.
As the sound of eighteen ceremonial cannons rang out, everyone cut the red silk in front of them.
Watching this lively scene, Zhou Chao multitasked in his mind and called out to the system, “System, check-in!”
“Check-in successful. Congratulations to the host for receiving a mysterious gift package!”
“A mysterious gift package? What could it be?” Zhou Chao muttered involuntarily.
“Kid, what are you staring at? You’re done cutting the ribbon but still hesitate to pass the scissors to others.”
Upon hearing Li Lao’s words, Zhou Chao snapped back to attention, realizing that the ceremonial lady was standing right in front of him, with Lao Wang and the others watching.
“Sorry, got a bit carried away there,” Zhou Chao apologized, feeling a surge of excitement. The others didn’t dwell on the matter, understanding that Zhou Chao was young and naturally excited. Even they were quite thrilled at the moment.
“Li Lao, let’s cut the ribbon together!” Zhou Chao looked at Li Lao expectantly. Li Lao chuckled and glanced at Zhou Chao. “You’re quite cunning, kid. Since everyone is here, what’s the harm in fulfilling this request?” Zhou Chao and Li Lao stood on either side of the plaque, each holding a piece of red cloth. They exchanged a glance and gently pulled the cloth in their hands. As the red cloth fell from the plaque, the characters of “Torch Foundation- appeared before everyone.
“The Torch Foundation!”
Li Lao chuckled as he looked at the five characters on the plaque. “Well done, ■Torch.’ Let the torch be passed on, and may you all remember your original intentions.” Li Lao happily patted Zhou Chao on the shoulder.
“Li Lao, rest assured. Just watch my performance!
Li Lao nodded and then looked at Lao Ma, Xiao Ma, Lao Wang, and the others. Instantly, they felt a sense of pressure and lowered their heads, preparing for a scolding. However, after a while of silence, they looked up to see Li Lao already walking away, with Zhou Chao following closely behind.
“Lao Wang, I envy you so much right now!” Lao Ma looked at Wang Jianlin beside him, feeling somewhat melancholic.
“Hahaha, you know, some things are just fate,” Wang Jianlin laughed heartily and stepped down from the stage. Seeing this, the others followed suit. After all, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was over, and there was no need to linger on stage.
At this moment, Ling Chen had also arranged the remaining tasks and approached Lao Wang and the others, saying, “Everyone, the boss has already arranged lunch. Let’s head straight to the dedicated venue.”
“Let’s go.” Everyone got up and headed out upon hearing this.