"Wow, this place is huge!"
Sisi Shao and her group were riding the sightseeing elevator upstairs.
When they first entered the lobby, everyone had seemed a little stiff and awkward.
From the Sunwave Bluebay lobby, you could look straight up at the transparent glass dome above, and even the waiters and front desk staff here all gave off an air of refinement.
"Of course! Sunwave Bluebay is the only true five-star hotel in all of River City. That rockery you saw in the lobby just now cost around five million yuan to build. Even a single table in the lobby costs thousands or tens of thousands. With that kind of money put into the decor, the hotel's enormous—three high-rises connected by crisscrossing aerial walkways. Only real top-tier members can book the very top platform; regular members can at most use the one below."
In the sightseeing elevator, besides Sisi Shao, Allen Zeng, Owen Ou, Ivy Zhao, Thomas Zhao, and Lydia Liao, there was also a chubby kid in simple athletic wear.
The chubby kid wore thick-rimmed glasses and was specifically sent to escort Sisi Shao and the others upstairs.
When the chubby kid talked about Sunwave Bluebay, he rattled off the details like a tour guide, full of pride, and kept sneaking glances at Sisi Shao and Lydia Liao.
The chubby kid didn’t really get why Vincent Wen would invite these folks from Brightsea, since in the eyes of River City First High students, anyone from Brightsea was basically a bumpkin.
But after seeing Sisi Shao’s looks and figure, he couldn’t help swallowing hard—now it made a bit more sense.
But that was only part of the reason.
"Today's gathering is to welcome Vincent Wen's cousin, Simon Zuo. If you were invited, it's either because you're close with Vincent or you're one of Simon's River City rich-kid friends."
"In other words, you're about to meet a group of people who really call the shots around River City. Just a heads-up—eat, drink, and have fun, but when it's not your turn to talk, keep quiet. No need to get yourselves into trouble."
The chubby kid adjusted his glasses, putting on a serious look.
"So these are River City's second-gens? No worries, I hang out with all the Brightsea second-gens back home—I know when to talk and when to shut up." Allen Zeng chuckled, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.
He was already scheming—if he could make friends with some River City big shots here, he'd have plenty of bragging rights back at school.
Lydia Liao and Ivy Zhao exchanged glances, each seeing the same idea in the other's eyes.
"They're not like your Brightsea second-gens at all. Take Vincent's cousin Simon Zuo—he just got back from studying in the U.S. and is about to start his own company. His circle includes the sons of all kinds of River City bureau chiefs." The chubby kid shook his head, giving Allen Zeng a dismissive look that left Allen a bit embarrassed.
"Seriously?" Sisi Shao was stunned, her expression turning to eager anticipation.
"Of course." The chubby kid nodded confidently.
Soon, the elevator reached the twenty-third floor and stopped.
As the doors opened, the chubby kid reminded them again not to say anything reckless.
After getting off, they walked down a hallway lined with red carpet. At the end, they pushed open a large door and stepped into a spacious hall.
Inside, one side of the hall had a swimming pool, and the far edge was lined with floor-to-ceiling windows. From here, you could see the cityscape outside.
There were also billiards tables, gaming consoles, and computers along the sides of the hall.
Not far away, long tables were already filled with all kinds of desserts and drinks for everyone to enjoy.
"Over here!"
As soon as Sisi Shao and her group entered, Vincent Wen came over with a crowd, smiling: "You made it! Come on, grab some food first. Since you're here, just relax and have fun—don't be shy."
Vincent Wen greeted everyone warmly.
"Vincent's really a great host," Allen Zeng said, plastering on a flattering smile.
"It's nothing. You guys are guests here for the competition at our First High, so think of this as a little welcome party." Vincent Wen laughed heartily.
Owen Ou and the other boys couldn't help glancing over at Claire Sheng and Nina Pei. Claire was the type who looked sweet and doll-like at first glance, while Nina was tall and slender, with fair skin and a strong aura—a total goddess with a bit of a commanding vibe.
Nina Pei even did some modeling gigs on the side for extra cash.
Leon Chen still kept up his aloof act, but after glancing at the newcomers, he lingered a bit longer on Sisi Shao.
Among them, Sisi Shao was definitely the standout—after all, she was First High's school beauty and always drew plenty of attention.
"Vincent, is Simon Zuo here yet?" The chubby kid grinned at Vincent Wen and asked.
"Oh, he went to pick up his car. The Aston Martin he ordered just arrived—he'll be here soon, don't worry." Vincent nodded, sounding casual, but a glint of pride flashed in his eyes as he spoke.
Sisi Shao and the others were stunned—an Aston Martin cost several million yuan.
Lydia Liao and Ivy Zhao silently doubled down on their resolve to network with as many people as possible tonight.
"Let's go grab a seat over there," Vincent Wen said, leading everyone to the long tables.
"What are you looking at? That guy didn't show up." Nina Pei hooked her arm around Claire Sheng, giggling. "But I never thought our little Claire would actually have a crush on someone. What's so great about that kid anyway? He just looks like a regular brat to me."
"Looks-wise, sure, he's got a certain vibe, but he's not exactly someone you'd pine for day and night."
"And as for family background, he's nowhere near Vincent Wen. You know what Minghai is like..." Nina trailed off, only for Claire to roll her eyes: "I'm from Minghai too, you know."
"Yeah, yeah, but our little Claire isn't like those other people. And didn't I hear your dad's about to transfer to River City? Soon you won't even be from Minghai anymore." Nina grinned. "Besides, can you guess why Vincent Wen invited so many people from Minghai tonight?"
"Why?" Claire blinked in surprise.
"To gather intel, obviously." Nina rolled her eyes. "Vincent Wen's been chasing after you for years and you still won't say yes. Now that he feels threatened, he's probably treating that Lin kid as a rival."
"It's not 'that Lin kid,' his name is Evan Lin! And stop talking nonsense. I'm done with you."
Claire blushed, huffed, and turned away. But deep down, when she didn't see Evan Lin show up, she couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.