Cao Kefei asking Li Yundong to accompany her to the banquet was entirely premeditated. In her eyes, Li Yundong was not only supremely skilled, possessing uncanny, ghostly martial arts, but his looks and demeanor were also exceptionally outstanding. If he ventured into the entertainment industry, he would undoubtedly become an overnight sensation.

Since she herself ran a film and television company, signing him on after getting him into the industry would be akin to stumbling upon a massive treasure trove—no different at all!

"Those girls will go wild for him!" Cao Kefei harbored no doubts about her judgment, thinking smugly.

After preparing outfits for both Li Yundong and Su Chan, Cao Kefei brought the two to the banquet's destination.

To Li Yundong's great surprise, the reception Cao Kefei had brought him to turned out to be at the Shengyuan Grand Hotel—again!

"Why here again?" Li Yundong couldn't help but let out a wry smile.

Cao Kefei returned a wry smile as well. "The production team chose the venue; what could I do?"

"The production team?" Li Yundong startled, asking in confusion.

Cao Kefei parked the car at the entrance, handed the keys to the valet, and led Li Yundong and Su Chan into the hotel.

The moment these three entered, they instantly drew the attention of everyone around. Speculation ran rampant: who was this young man surrounded by two beautiful women, one older and one younger?

Li Yundong glanced around, his expression peculiar. "Why do I feel like they're looking at me like I'm some sort of invading Japanese devil?"

Cao Kefei stifled a laugh. "Last time, you made their restroom look like a demolition crew had been through it; why wouldn't they be wary of you?"

Li Yundong offered a sheepish grin. "That was just an accident."

Su Chan was wearing a bias-cut, rose-red pleated gown Cao Kefei had chosen for her, making her look grand, captivating, and exquisitely graceful. This was her second time at a star-rated hotel; though her eyes still held curiosity, the apprehension and youthful awkwardness from the first visit were gone. She clung closely to Li Yundong's side, her every step a sway, every gesture an exhibition of nascent, peerless allure.

Though Cao Kefei herself was a rare beauty, she felt she lacked the unique purity and delicate charm that belonged only to youth. When purity and charm, innocence and seduction, coexist in one woman, she would surely be a devastating, world-enchanting siren!

"If only Su Chan could enter the entertainment world too..." Cao Kefei sighed inwardly. "Otherwise, she would undoubtedly become a globally famous superstar!"

It was a pity because Cao Kefei knew clearly it was impossible. Although she hadn't known Li Yundong long, she sensed that beneath his easygoing exterior, he was a man with deep foundations and firm principles, someone utterly devoted to Su Chan. He would never allow her to be sucked into the murky depths of the film industry.

It would be fine if only Li Yundong entered the circle; relying on his talent and Cao Kefei's connections, he would surely rise eventually. But if Su Chan entered, it would invite covetous eyes from all directions.

Which man wouldn't want to claim Su Chan for himself?

A flurry of thoughts crossed Cao Kefei's mind. She patted Li Yundong's shoulder and pointed toward a large banquet hall on the west side of the lobby. "Hey, it's over there."

Li Yundong immediately spotted a sign posted at the entrance of the grand hall: The Grand Premiere Ceremony for the Production Team of 'Sword Rain Jianghu'.

"Don't tell me you're investing in this one?" Li Yundong asked with a smile.

Cao Kefei laughed. "Do I have that kind of money? These days, a TV series can't be made for less than eight figures. If I had that kind of money, would I be chased by creditors so relentlessly?"

Li Yundong asked, perplexed. "Then what is this?"

Cao Kefei smiled slyly. "I'm one of the producers; the actual production company is someone else. Oh, right, when we go in, I'll just tell them you two are friends from the media..."

Li Yundong gasped. "You can't be serious—that's blatantly lying!"

Cao Kefei nudged his arm playfully. "Don't be silly. There are red envelopes for the media!"

Without giving Li Yundong a chance to object further, she led him and Su Chan toward the entrance.

Standing by the door was a middle-aged man with a buzz cut, about forty years old. Upon seeing Cao Kefei, he burst into a hearty laugh. "Yo, CEO Cao, you're early today!"

Cao Kefei was wearing a floor-length black evening gown, cut low at the V-neck, adorned with a glittering string of gemstone necklaces that set off her noble, elegant, and captivating presence.

Cao Kefei smiled. "CEO Wang personally greeting guests? That's a rare sight!"

The middle-aged man, referred to as CEO Wang, looked at Li Yundong and Su Chan, smiling. "Who are these handsome young man and beautiful lady? Are they perhaps new talent from your company? They look quite exceptional!"

Cao Kefei covered her mouth with a laugh. "How could I be so fortunate as to sign such high-caliber newcomers? These are friends from the media."

CEO Wang instantly understood. He immediately pulled out two red envelopes, stuffing one into Li Yundong's hand and the other into Su Chan's, smiling. "Ah, media friends! My apologies, please come in!"

Because Cao Kefei had warned him beforehand, Li Yundong already had a feeling about the situation. He calmly accepted the red envelope. Su Chan, however, blinked, slightly confused, staring at the envelope as if unsure of its significance.

Sensing trouble, Li Yundong quickly coughed to cover the moment, taking the red envelope for Su Chan as well. He smiled at CEO Wang. "Apologies, she's a new intern and still learning the ropes."

CEO Wang laughed heartily and waved his hand. "No worries, no worries! Please, come inside!"

After watching the three disappear into the hall, he turned around with a look of suspicion, muttering to himself: Which media outlet do these reporters belong to? Their looks and bearing are so striking; how have I never met them before?

Yet, CEO Wang had absolutely no idea that Cao Kefei had simply fabricated their identities on the spot!

The three entered the banquet hall. Cao Kefei smiled, praising him. "Not bad, quick thinking! You have potential!"

Li Yundong looked somewhat relieved. "Weren't you worried he'd ask for our press credentials?"

Cao Kefei chuckled. "I still have some face in this industry; they won't ask. Hey, you two grab some food here for a bit. I need to go say hello to a few acquaintances."

With that, she waved toward several smartly dressed individuals nearby, then offered Li Yundong and Su Chan an apologetic smile before walking over.

Li Yundong surveyed the hall. It was opulent and dazzling. The floor beneath their feet was polished deep-black marble, gleaming under the light of enormous, magnificent golden chandeliers that almost blinded the eye.

There were about a hundred people in the hall. A banner hung above the stage area at the front, reading: Warm Wishes for the Complete Success of the 'Sword Rain Jianghu' Launch Ceremony. Behind the banner was a large poster for Sword Rain Jianghu.

In the hall below the stage were men and women dressed in fine attire, while waiters carrying trays of drinks weaved through the crowd.

Having previous experience at such events, Li Yundong naturally requested a glass of soda water from a passing server, sipping it while observing his surroundings.

Su Chan, meanwhile, kept her gaze fixed on the array of exotic fruits and delicacies arranged on the long central dining tables, looking quite ready to gorge herself.

Li Yundong noticed Su Chan stirring restlessly. He quickly pulled her closer, playfully scolding, "Don't tell me you're planning to stack another tower like last time?"

Su Chan pouted. "Can't I just have a little bit?"

Li Yundong laughed. "When have you ever just had a little bit? I think you could eat this entire table yourself!"

Su Chan's eyes lit up. "Can I eat this whole table?"

Li Yundong rubbed his temples in resignation. "I give up. Absolutely not!"

Su Chan immediately looked at him with pitiful eyes. "So I can only look but not eat? Aren't I going to die of craving?"

Li Yundong mock-scolded, "Look at you, so lacking in ambition. All this food up here isn't for eating. Haven't you had enough embarrassment from last time?"

Su Chan huffed. "If it’s not for eating, why put it there? Hmph!"

Li Yundong leaned in conspiratorially, chuckling mysteriously. "Just hold on a little longer. I’ll treat you to something good when we get back!" With that, he produced the two red envelopes, rubbed them together, and laughed wickedly, "We're rich now!"

Su Chan’s eyes brightened. She grabbed Li Yundong’s arm and shook it vigorously. "Open them, open them quickly!"

Since Li Yundong had gone spectacularly bankrupt, their lives had steadily worsened, and money was always tight. The sudden sight of money made the little girl beam.

Just as Li Yundong was about to open the envelopes, a man’s voice, dripping with false pleasantry, cut in from behind him: "Well, isn't this the legendary master that Tan Xue was talking about?"

Li Yundong turned to see a young, handsome man standing with a fashionable, beautiful woman, both sizing him up from head to toe.

"Who are you?" Li Yundong asked, confused.

The young, handsome man was wearing an all-white suit, standing nearly six feet one inch tall—almost half a head taller than Li Yundong. Yet, despite his imposing height and distinguished air, as he stood before Li Yundong, he somehow felt a step lower, as if compelled to look up at the younger man who was actually shorter than him.

The handsome man had previously listened to Tan Xue gossip about the terrifying fight she witnessed between Li Yundong and Lin Youfa in the restroom. He had always dismissed it, thinking: everyone in the circle knew Tan Xue was a notorious gossip! If even ten percent of what she said was true, it would be a lot!

"Tan Xue!" The handsome man sized Li Yundong up, an immediate, instinctual revulsion and sense of rivalry welling up, leading him to instinctively try to belittle and look down on Li Yundong. He turned back and gestured toward Tan Xue. "Is this the one you meant?"

Tan Xue and Li Yundong had a slight history of unpleasantness. She used to believe Li Yundong was just a kept pretty boy of Cao Kefei's, only good at posturing and showing off—a complete poser. But after witnessing Li Yundong’s terrifying skill firsthand, she realized he wasn't a poser; he was an actual martial arts master posing as one!

Although Tan Xue felt a degree of awkwardness seeing Li Yundong suddenly, her previous descriptions of him in private were filled with awe and admiration.

Standing near Tan Xue were Zhang Guozheng and another young man with a buzz cut, wearing a red Tang suit.

Tan Xue was dressed in an alluring, sexy qipao. She greeted Li Yundong somewhat unnaturally. Despite their previous conflicts, Li Yundong still politely nodded back.

When Zhang Guozheng saw Li Yundong, his eyes were filled with terror, as if facing a great demon. He kept his gaze averted, not daring to greet Li Yundong.

However, the young man in the red Tang suit standing near Tan Xue stepped forward, his eyes sharp and glittering as he scrutinized Li Yundong. He then cupped his hands in a salute. "I am Shi Neng, a lay disciple of Northern Shaolin, a successor of the Iron Sand Palm. I hear your Kung Fu is quite good. May I ask what school or style of martial arts you practice?"

Li Yundong noticed that although this young man was short, only about five feet seven inches, his temples were high and full, and his arms were exceptionally thick. The veins visible on his forearms showed a thickness comparable to a small finger, and his hands were covered in thick calluses—clear evidence of Iron Sand Palm training.

The handsome man standing next to Li Yundong laughed. "Shi Neng, didn't you just say you wanted to compare skills with him? Your chance has come!"

Shi Neng’s eyes flashed with intense light. He fixed his gaze on Li Yundong. "We martial artists can’t help but itch for a spar when we meet a strong opponent. My friend, how about a small friendly exchange?"

【Ti: Dear reader, the current chapter has reached the final page of this book】