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"Heh heh—So, what do you think, Shawn? How do you like my look? Check this out, besides this 'War God Outfit,' I spent a few hundred bucks on my hair. Took me two whole hours to get it just right! Handsome, right? Cool, huh?" Alex Easton said as he struck a few poses in front of Shawn Young.
"Stylish! Awesome! You're oozing coolness—no wonder you're our Big Bro! Heh heh—" Shawn Young replied with a mischievous grin.
"Come on, Shawn, you've got all those beauties now, don't just tease your bro! Can't you give me some honest feedback?! I really put some effort into this look. I heard there'll be lots of gorgeous rich ladies at the business gala tonight, so I'm planning to unleash my masculine charm and snag one! Then my life will be sweet, and I won't have to be jealous of you all the time!" Alex Easton said, getting a bit worked up.
"Oh! Haha—so Big Bro wants to stir up his springtime feelings again! Alright, at tonight's gala, aside from my ladies, if you spot any other beauties you like, just let me know. I'll help you score one! Heh heh—" Shawn Young laughed weirdly. He really had the means to pull it off now; after all, he was basically a 'hidden tycoon' with plenty of skills, not to mention help from Minnie Wang and the others. Helping Alex Easton land a girl was no big deal!
"Wahaha—brothers know me best! You really get what I need! It's settled then. Damn, last time that woman messed with me—this time I'm gonna bag myself a rich little lady, damn it!" Alex Easton said through gritted teeth.
"Yeah, yeah—don't worry! Who needs that kind of woman anyway? Big Bro, you'll definitely find someone way better!" Shawn Young knew Alex Easton was still hung up over his last heartbreak, so he quickly comforted him.
"Hope so! Sigh—seriously, Shawn, I'm honestly not that confident. You know me, Alex Easton, I'm not some rich kid, just an ordinary guy from a regular family. I can't really hope for an upper-class beauty, but getting a rich sugar mama is at least somewhat possible!" Alex Easton said, a bit nervous and helpless.
"Pfft, what's there to be afraid of? It's all about making things happen! I came from a normal background too, and I'm not scared, so why should you be? Don't ever let yourself fall into despair, Big Bro. Relax, I've got your back!" Shawn Young encouraged him.
"Uh—you're right! Barefoot guys shouldn't be afraid of those wearing shoes! I'm going all in!" Alex Easton glanced at Shawn Young's outfit, which was all bargain stall stuff, way more casual than his own, yet Shawn was so confident. That fired him up, lifting his spirits.
Shawn Young took out his phone and called Minnie Wang, asking her to send a driver to pick up himself and Alex Easton. The two waited at the campus gate, chatting for about ten minutes, until a silver BMW sedan pulled up, stopping not far from them on the road.
"Whoa—damn! This car is totally badass! Freaking awesome—" Alex Easton exclaimed, eyes wide as he saw the BMW stop on the road.
Just then, the BMW's door opened and a middle-aged driver in uniform stepped out. He walked up to Shawn Young, bowed respectfully, and said, "Mr. Young, Miss Wang asked me to pick you and your friend up. Please get in!"
"Oh, okay, thank you!" Shawn Young replied coolly, then dragged the stunned Alex Easton toward the BMW and got in. The middle-aged driver took the wheel, started the engine, and sped off down the road toward the Phoenix Grand Hotel.
Although Alex Easton couldn't afford a car, he was a genuine car enthusiast. As soon as he got into the BMW, he excitedly squeezed the seats and checked out all the features, constantly making "tsk tsk" sounds of admiration.
"Heh heh—Big Bro, you like this car, huh?" Shawn Young teased with a laugh.
"Heh heh—of course! This BMW is Tom Cruise's ride in Mission: Impossible 4—not only does it look awesome, it's loaded with cool features. In short—it's a total showstopper! Damn, anyone who drives this must have some serious connections!" Alex Easton said, full of admiration.
"Oh! Oh! Is that so? Well, you'll get to meet the owner of this awesome BMW soon! Heh heh—" Shawn Young said with a laugh.
Alex Easton sighed, "Sigh—Shawn, you know, we're heading to this fancy banquet in nothing but bargain stall clothes. Now that we're about to mingle with real rich folks, I'm super nervous. You feel that way too, right?" He was starting to get anxious again.
But Shawn Young just shook his head and smiled, "Heh heh—I don't feel nervous at all. Those rich people are just people; they're not going to eat us! Besides, the fact that we're bold enough to show up in bargain stall clothes makes us stand out—shows our personality! Heh heh—"
"Uh—well, that's one way to comfort myself!" Alex Easton said helplessly.
As they spoke, the car drove into the bustling Xijiang Road in Nanning City's commercial center. Ahead stood a towering skyscraper, dozens of stories high, glittering and majestic, occupying the most prime spot in the city center. This was none other than the city's oldest five-star hotel—the Phoenix Grand Hotel!
The car pulled up to the elegant and grand entrance of the Phoenix Grand Hotel. It was already 8 p.m., and the entrance was buzzing with activity. Both sides of the doorway were decorated with hot air balloons, each dangling long banners covered in slogans. Right above the main entrance was a striking banner that read: "Love Soars, Caring for the Poor in Northwest China! Nanning City Business Charity Gala."
Important figures from Nanning City's businesses and industry were gathering, greeting acquaintances and heading inside with their invitations to the spacious main hall on the first floor of the Phoenix Grand Hotel. Once the car stopped, the driver got out and respectfully opened the door for Shawn Young and Alex Easton, saying, "Gentlemen, please."
"Oh, oh! Thank you!" Shawn Young replied politely, then pulled the nervous and overwhelmed Alex Easton out of the car.
As soon as they got out, they looked around the crowd. Suddenly, a few elegant figures appeared nearby, accompanied by a waft of pleasant fragrance. Shawn Young and Alex Easton turned their heads, eyes lighting up instantly—right in front of them stood three stunning beauties!