Wu Big Mouth and the others immediately recognized Han Yaren, and each greeted him with respect.
After some pleasantries, Han Yaren, the host of the banquet, left to attend to other matters, while Ren Zhong took a few classmates and Ju Qingmeng to find a terrace to sit on.
Ren Zhong first introduced both sides to each other, making them acquainted.
Wu Big Mouth raised a glass filled with fruit wine and first offered a congratulation to Ren Zhong.
Ren Zhong accepted the toast without hesitation and drank it all at once.
After putting down the glass, a waiter came forward again, as was customary, to ask if everyone had a female or male companion.
Among those in the small stock trading group, besides Li Ruoling, everyone ordered food.
The waiter took their orders and respectfully withdrew.
Wu Big Mouth smacked his lips and said, "Speaking of which, these high-class citizens really know how to enjoy life. The quality of companions here isn't low, and outside they would charge at least several tens of thousands for a night. Though I've made some money following Ren bro in trading stocks, I really hesitate to spend it like this normally."
"It is extravagant indeed," Ren Zhong nodded, then looked down at the natural fruit wine being poured by the waiter into his glass.
This glass of fruit wine is worth thousands of points.
Besides being sweet and delicious, the added ingredients in the fruit wine also slightly help Professionals increase their biological electric carrying power.
Only at this level can one truly understand the meaning of the saying, "lavish banquets behind rich gates."
He still clearly remembers, just a few months ago, how meticulously he calculated every expense to put together a set of modified Second Level Exoskeleton Armor.
Who could have imagined that now even a single glass of wine would cost him so much?
After a moment, four women and two men arrived.
Women were dressed in elegant formal wear, not too revealing, with a demeanor that was charming yet not overly vulgar.
Some were petite and cute, others tall and curvy, each shining in their own way, exuding captivating grace.
The two men also had excellent appearances and temperaments: one looked like a young heartthrob, and the other was handsome and striking.
After these six "companions" arrived, they didn't speak much, but just stood by their respective "masters" with practiced ease, helping refill wine, handing clothes, or fanning them gently as per the "master's" request, mimicking the feeling of a natural breeze.
But Wu Big Mouth and the others weren't in a rush, continuing to chat with Ren Zhong.
"High society" has its rules. Everybody here is someone of status, and there's no need to lose one's poise over momentary desires.
Ren Zhong's eyes swept discreetly over these companions who weren't slaves but seemed like them.
He was observing these people.
Had he not known their backgrounds in advance, he would have thought they were descendants of prominent families at first glance.
Their demeanor was poised and appropriate, their micro-expressions and body language controlled just right, evidently having undergone professional training.
This reminded Ren Zhong of someone.
Ah, General Yang.
Ren Zhong mused inwardly that they had turned these people into machines for pleasing others.
Feeling somewhat unnatural, he stood up with Ju Qingmeng, saying, "There are other friends I need to attend to. You guys enjoy yourselves first, we'll catch up later."
Li Ruoling, dressed ceremoniously, then stood up urgently and said, "Ren bro, I... I didn't call for a companion. I know you brought a female companion today, but I can be one too!"
As she spoke, Li Ruoling deliberately puffed out her chest.
She was wearing a golden, low-cut gown today.
With her movement, a large expanse of her beauty was on full display.
Ren Zhong stiffened all over.
Ju Qingmeng, however, answered for Ren Zhong.
She smiled and said, "Miss Li, you're too polite, but today Ren Zhong already said it's just me. Besides, he doesn't like gold, he prefers red."
Li Ruoling was taken aback.
Ren Zhong bowed slightly again and gracefully left with Ju Qingmeng.
Watching them leave, Li Ruoling bit her silver teeth and sat down, looking quite dejected.
Her lips trembled as if she wanted to speak some defiant words, but ultimately swallowed them.
In her heart, she thought.
Put on airs, thinking I don't recognize you, huh, the belle of Chongyi County, Ju?
You used to have a reputation for aloofness, but now it seems you're no different.
What are you so proud of? You're just early to the game!
One and a half hours later, the first Deputy Governor of Yangsheng City, Ma Shengfu, arrived. Under the camera of Yangsheng City's local TV station, he gave Ren Zhong a few words of encouragement.
Afterward, the reporters dispersed, and Ren Zhong first chatted casually with Ma Shengfu.
Upon learning the Governor's name, Ren Zhong had a thought, and upon further inquiry, it was indeed so.
This Ma Shengfu turned out to be Old Ma's cousin.
The Ma Family truly is extensive and prosperous.