Chapter 225 - The Table of Powerhouses

"Oh, my parents are in the Hollywood." Song Xuantin smoothly answered every question thrown to her by these group of big shots. If someone had asked her in the past if she had ever been at the same table with the highest big shots of the entertainment and modeling industry, she would definitely give an eye roll and a resounding 'don't ask for the impossible!'. But now, that miracle was happening in front of her. 

All these big shots gathered like bees to honey.

"I see, that's interesting. Since your family is in this industry, do you possibly have plans to enter the entertainment world as well? You are beautiful, even in the modeling industry, you would surely go red," one of the 'big shots' followed up after hearing her answer.

"Yes, I am planning to. I am actually taking up classes for acting and directing at this moment."

"Directing? You are still young. Directing is for the retired actors or some professionals who specialize on it. For your age, I think starting with modeling and acting would definitely be a good start," a big owner of a certain agency sincerely advised. 

Song Xuantin took a sip of her drink as her throat was parched dry from answering all the questions.

Earlier, these predators were clearly eyeing Xiong Zhi, wanting to make an acquaintance of her. But when Xiong Zhi introduced her as her best friend with the highly suggestive words: "My best friend is planning to enter the industry. I am giving full support to her." All the attention instantly poured on her and they bombarded her with various questions. 

She understood that these powerhouses were being this accommodating to her simply because they saw her as a bridge they can use to form relations with the prestigious Young Miss of the Xiong family slash official heir of the Xiong Empire. 

Of course, Song Xuantin also knew that this was exactly what Xiong Zhi wanted to see. To take this opportunity and use them for her own purposes. Xiong Zhi was not a conscienceless vampire. The parties would naturally be using each other, making for a win-win situation which would satisfy everyone. Having been exposed to this kinds of things since a very young age, Song Xuatin smoothly interacted with them with grace.

Then, she sympathetically glanced at Xiong Gaiyu who was also in the same predicament as her.

"Miss Gaiyu is quite talented. I trust Young Miss Zhi's decision to pick you as the face of her company." One of the investors speak to Xiong Gaiyu.

Xiong Zhi introduced Xiong Gaiyu as, in her exact words: "...the future face of my company". The company that these powerhouses automatically thought Xiong Zhi was talking about was the Xiong Empire. 

They were shocked and thrilled, looking at Xiong Gaiyu. This girl would actually be the face of one of the biggest empires that reign over Asia and have extended its influence all over the world? Everyone in these tables were powerhouses leading in the entertainment and modeling industries, no one was a fool. They all knew that Xiong Gaiyu would be of a very high worth in the future. It would be very beneficial if they were able to form connections with her now.

Xiong Zhi watched this liveliness with a satisfied smile. A lot of people were now surrounding them and enthusiastically joining the discussion. 

Exactly as she wanted it to be.

"Excuse me, may I join everyone?" An energetic voice rang amidst the merriment. They turned to look at the source of the voice.

A tall and handsome man with blonde hair and deep blue eyes twinkling with good humor stood with a smile. 

The big shots, being in the same industry, naturally recognized him in an instant.

"Mr. William! How nice of you to be here." One of the big shots willingly stood up and offered his seat. He clearly wanted to curry favor with the man of foreign features.

"Is it okay to take your seat?" William asked politely in English.

Then, he glanced at the three stunning ladies who sat at the table in the very center of attention.

"Would it be fine with the ladies?" William suavely asked, his blue eyes staring at Xiong Zhi. With the experience and talent he had in business and social events, he could somehow discern who the ring leader here was. 

Unexpectedly, he could not recognize who the lady was. It was not surprising, as the news of the successor of the Xiong Empire have not travelled all the way to the Western countries yet. Even if it did, he would likely not pay much attention since the main Xiong family rarely reached their hands to the entertainment industry.

Xiong Zhi glanced first at the greedy man who instantly paled in comparison to the foreign man, then directed a faintly curious look at the latter. She also did not recognize this blonde man. Still, judging from the fact that Xiong De, the greedy man who stood with a stiff face behind the blonde man, had actually escorted him actively, she knew that he was definitely an important figure.

'Important figure invited by Xiong De, equals big fish for catching.'

So, she kindly returned the smile.

"Of course, it would be our honor," Xiong Zhi replied in the same fluent language.

Song Xuantin leaned nearer to Xiong Zhi and whispered to her.

"That's William Grand." Then she leaned back and gave a hidden thumbs up to Xiong Zhi. 

Xiong Zhi took that as 'this man is a certified big fish, congratulations on your big harvest'.

Her smile turned more sincere.

"I-I am surprised that you all gathered here..." Xiong De calmed himself and spoke to the gentlemen and ladies in the cl.u.s.ter of tables around Xiong Zhi. 

He had no choice but to face and welcome her against his will.

"Young Miss Zhi, what a great honor to have you here. Wuyu'er would be truly happy once she see you." Since he did not have a choice, then he needed to return all the favor to his daughter's advantage. He would make it appear to the public that the Young Miss of the main family had a very close relationship with his daughter. With this, he would not lose out and would profit from it instead.

He fortified his acting by introducing the figurehead he invited with much care to Xiong Zhi.

"Young Miss Zhi, I believe you have not met Sir William Grand. Mr. William, this is the heiress of the Xiong family. Our veritable Young Miss Xiong Zhi." Even though he felt bitter at becoming the bridge for Xiong Zhi and this figurehead to possibly develop relations, he comforted himself that he would be rewarded as well, as he, Xiong De, could be treated with favor for this introduction, hopefully further strengthening his acquaintance with the heir of the Grand Company, and also gain good will from Xiong Zhi.

Besides, he thought that Xiong Zhi would not gain so much from this. She did not handle any entertainment agencies herself, nor did he receive news that she would be entering the industry. With this, Xiong De's smile got bigger.

Xiong Zhi accepted this 'good will'.

"Pleased to meet you, Sir William," Xiong Zhi gently said with a smile as she reached out her hand for a handshake.

Unexpectedly, William held on to it, bowed, and kissed the back of her hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet such a lovely lady as you," the blonde haired man looked up at Xiong Zhi with his twinkling blue eyes.

William Grand had another nickname in the high society. It was the well-known Casanova. He was not only skilled on both acting and business. He was even more skilled in seducing women as well.

Unfortunately for him, the owner of the hand he was holding right now was someone who did not like other's touch, except from her only man.

Xiong Zhi quickly took her hand with a cold face. She took the napkin from the table and wiped her hand that William had kissed right in front of his face. She then gently threw it at the side. 

This series of actions was done elegantly and fluidly. 

"..."

However, no matter how elegant it was, it was still meant to offend the other person.

The atmosphere at the table instantly turned tense.

Xiong De quickly hid his smile. Even if Xiong Zhi was the heiress of the Xiong Empire, she had just debuted yesterday. The man in front of her might not be influential in Asia, but in the West, he was crowned as a king.

Xiong De liked how things were going. But since he was surnamed Xiong, he needed to pacify things and act neutral.

He opened his mouth and was about to apologize to William when Xiong Zhi spoke out first.

"Sorry about that. I just don't like any dampness on my hand. The sticky feeling makes me jittery," Xiong Zhi said with a face softened with apology, her eyes appeared watery and sincere. She really sounded apologetic. Well, she was telling the truth.

"..." 

William was struck speechless for two seconds. Then he recovered. His blue eyes were still playful but also formed curiosity and interest in them.

He laughed it off good-naturedly. "I should apologize instead. I made you uncomfortable. We are really open in the West. This habit of mine is at fault, I actually brought it here."

With her sincere apology, coupled with his extreme open-mindedness, he was not offended at all. He just found it refreshing that someone would actually be so brave to do that in front of him. Well, the Xiong family was a legendary family in Asia. They held a lot of authority and power in the region and had considerable influence around the world. So, this woman have the rightful guts to be this fearless.

Not to mention, men should be more tolerant towards beautiful women of great capability.

William took his seat graciously.

Xiong De closed his mouth. This was not what he expected. What happened to the word 'FIGHT' that he thought would follow?