"What I mean is, these words will hold true for a lifetime," Colin Grant said. "Whenever and wherever you need me, I’ll come to your side."
Lily Bai smiled faintly.
After Colin left, Lily Bai tiptoed back into the courtyard, planning to sneak inside.
But after only a few steps, her backside was pricked again.
Lily Bai yelped in pain, begging for mercy: "Lord Holy Spirit, have mercy! I’m innocent..."
......
The All-Trades Expo began under the spotlight of public attention.
As the name suggests, the All-Trades Expo is a summit for one hundred industries.
It’s the highest-level conference in the industry, hosted by Cabinet members and co-organized by the Secretariat.
Lily Bai, carrying her laptop and dressed smartly in a business suit, walked into the National Conference Hall.
After taking her seat, Lily Bai glanced around—she was surrounded by veterans of the film and television industry.
CEOs of the biggest entertainment companies, the most famous directors, influential screenwriters, and national-level veteran actors—everyone was here.
Lily Bai immediately spotted Leonard Fane and his wife.
Because they were seated directly in front of her.
Everyone in her row and nearby seats belonged to the Fane Group’s network.
Sensing her gaze, Leonard Fane suddenly turned around and looked at her.
This solemn occasion was not the place to stir up trouble.
Lily Bai calmly looked away and opened her laptop to review the materials.
"President Bai." To her surprise, Leonard Fane actually initiated conversation.
Lily Bai nodded politely, "President Fane, hello."
"I didn’t expect to see you at the All-Trades Expo, President Bai. You really are a rising star," Leonard Fane said with a faint smile.
"You flatter me," Lily Bai replied.
"President Fane, who is this?" The elderly man beside Leonard Fane asked.
"Mr. Chen probably doesn’t go online much," Leonard Fane said. "President Bai is from White Entertainment and has made Antarctic Studios a huge success. She’s really popular lately!"
Mr. Chen looked her over, frowned, and asked, "Who’s chairing today’s meeting?"
"Secretary Geng is chairing," Leonard Fane replied.
"Young people these days are getting less and less reliable. They’ll let anyone into the All-Trades Expo!"
"Mr. Chen..." Leonard Fane patted his shoulder and shook his head, signaling him to stop.
"All those so-called internet celebrities and streamers—I really can’t stand them! What a mess!" Mr. Chen continued.
Lily Bai glanced at him but said nothing.
Although she was neither an internet celebrity nor a streamer, she was just... too pretty for her own good.
After a while, a young man approached and whispered to Lily Bai, "President Bai, I’m from the Secretariat. Secretary Geng asked you to come with me for a moment."
Lily Bai nodded and followed him.
He led Lily Bai to a place that looked like a VIP reception lounge, with thick carpet, valuable calligraphy and paintings on the walls, and luxurious, comfortable seating.
But Secretary Geng was nowhere to be seen.
"Where is he?" Lily Bai asked.
"He’ll be here soon, please wait a moment," the staffer said. "I have other duties, so I’ll leave you now."
"Go ahead, go ahead!" Lily Bai said quickly.
After he left, sure enough, Secretary Geng came in after a while.
He was holding some documents, and when he saw her, he smiled slightly and casually closed the door behind him.
Lily Bai asked, "Secretary Geng, is there something you wanted to discuss with me?"
Secretary Geng looked genuinely puzzled. "Wasn’t it you who wanted to see me?"