"Why are you shouting so loud? Is this a place where you can run wild?"
Wu Junjie put on his authoritative air and retorted. With Wang Run-kang and Zhao Liang around, he wasn't afraid of Li Hao-chen. What was there to fear in a three-on-one situation? If he could show he was doing well and maintain a sliver of connection with He Ying-long, he would be greatly rewarded.
Moreover, he was already very unhappy about not getting any benefits last time, especially seeing how much prize money Li Hao-chen and the others had taken. He couldn't stand to see him doing well, and now that there was such an opportunity, why wouldn't he stir up trouble to ease his own mind and curry favor at the same time?
Wu Junjie and the others' about-face and sycophantic behavior escalated the situation. Almost everyone in the conference hall gathered around, all eager to watch the drama. Some even enthusiastically fanned the flames, their intentions most malicious.
"Cough~"
A low yet imposing cough sounded from behind. The onlookers immediately respectfully parted, creating a clear passage.
"Old Huo..."
"Greetings, Old Huo..."
An elder of extraordinary bearing, leaning on a cane, walked slowly. Beside him, a peerlessly beautiful young woman supported him. This person was none other than the head of the Huo family, one of the four major families of Hong Kong and Macau, Huo Ying.
His arrival instantly quieted the once boisterous scene.
"A-Long, what happened?"
Under Huo Ying's gaze, He Ying-long broke out in a cold sweat and said somewhat subserviently, "Uncle Ying, it's nothing, just a small misunderstanding."
"A small misunderstanding?"
What kind of person was Huo Ying? How could He Ying-long's reaction escape his discerning eyes? With a hint of anger, he said calmly, "I'm not so old that I can't see. Speak up, don't make me investigate."
"Slap~"
The young man who had deliberately blocked Li Hao-chen and the others immediately knelt on both knees, slapping himself repeatedly as he moved towards Huo Ying.
With Huo Ying's inquiry, his escape was already doomed. Although he was acting under instruction, he dared not offend the other party even more. He could only bear the consequences himself. Surrendering and playing the victim, though he would endure physical pain, his life would be safe.
"Old Huo, it... it was my fault. I judged people by their appearance and deliberately obstructed some distinguished guests from the mainland. I admit..."
"Ah..."
"Damn it, how could someone like you appear? Take him out and teach him a lesson so he remembers. Hurry, don't offend Old Huo's eyes."
Li Dazhi stepped forward with a kick, adopting a righteous stance. In reality, this was deliberate. Whether the person would be beaten after being taken out was up to him. Besides, this subordinate was working for him, so he had to help him out somehow. Otherwise, if his subordinates felt disheartened, who would dare to work under him in the future?
"Yes, he needs to learn his lesson. Little Zhi, remember to bring him to me tomorrow so I can see if he's learned his lesson, understand?"
"Yes... Yes, Grandpa Huo. I will definitely give you a satisfactory account."
Li Dazhi's mouth twitched. He glanced at the subordinate. This beating was probably unavoidable, and he had to be ruthless.
The youth was taken away, and the onlookers dispersed. Wu Junjie and the other three who had switched sides had also slipped away at some point, leaving only Li Hao-chen and Liu Qinghe standing there.
Even more unexpectedly, Huo Ying bowed slightly to Li Hao-chen in apology, which thoroughly startled Liu Qinghe, who didn't dare to step forward to help. He Ying-long was also the same.
Li Hao-chen, however, didn't feel much. Wasn't apologizing for wrongdoing the right thing to do? At this moment, his anger had slightly subsided.
"Alright, old man. I accept your apology. I came here to do charity and endured this nonsense. I shouldn't have come."
"Pfft... Old... Old man? Hahaha, Grandpa, you're killing me."
Huo Ying looked at his granddaughter, Huo Ziyan, who was laughing heartily, with a dark expression. He reached out and tapped her small head twice, "Have some manners."
"Young friend, it is indeed our fault. We apologize!"
Huo Ying wasn't being perfunctory but was sincerely apologizing. Li Hao-chen was not someone who held grudges pettily and respected elders.
"Actually, it's not your fault. I was a bit overwhelmed earlier, and my words were not appropriate. I apologize."
Li Hao-chen also bowed to Huo Ying and apologized. This matter was not his fault at all. He was just angry at the time. Now that he had calmed down, he would apologize when he should, and there was nothing wrong with that.
"Ziyan, you stay and accompany this young friend. A-Long, help me over. Time is almost up."
Huo Ying looked very seriously at Huo Ziyan and was then helped by He Ying-long into the conference hall.
Huo Ziyan understood her grandfather's intention in asking her to stay. With her presence, no one would dare to trouble Li Hao-chen.
"Mr. Li, this way, please."
Although Huo Ziyan was not the organizer, she was very familiar with the procedures of the charity event. Especially since it was the Huo family's turn to host this year, she had carefully reviewed the plan.
Upon reaching the reporting desk in the southeast corner inside, seeing that Li Hao-chen and his group had successfully registered and received their room cards and the competition rulebook, Huo Ziyan said, "Mr. Li, please go and get something to eat first, but don't leave this conference hall. I need to go over there for a moment. I'll be back to take you around."
"Hao-chen, I'm truly sorry. I didn't expect something like this to happen," Liu Qinghe said with great remorse.
"Director Liu, it's not your fault either. I was impulsive, and it made things difficult for you. But that Wu Junjie is really something. We came from the same team, and yet he's not united at all. I really want to beat him up."
"Alas, after this, I won't be staying inside anymore."
Li Hao-chen was stunned, understanding Liu Qinghe's current predicament. He comforted him, "Director Liu, it's good to retire. You don't lack money now anyway. Why not go traveling and enjoy life when you have time?"
"Yes, it's time to enjoy ourselves."
Not long after, on the main stage, He Ying-long and Huo Ying both gave passionate and rousing speeches. They were all very official speeches, essentially urging all walks of life to generously donate and contribute to public welfare.
After the mobilization, the avatars and numbers of all the participants flashed on the big screen.
Li Hao-chen knew this was for the "pick a partner" segment, where the so-called celebrities would choose a participant. The catch of the chosen participant would be paid for by the selector.
Li Hao-chen disliked this very much, feeling as if he were a commodity to be chosen at will.
Soon, the screen showed a full screen of green, indicating that everyone had been selected. However, Li Hao-chen in the corner was not chosen. This single red dot amidst the green was a bit disheartening, creating an awkward scene.
Huo Ying's expression on the main stage darkened considerably. The invited philanthropists and participants were all consistent. Although there was no rule against multiple selectors choosing one participant, this unwritten rule had never been broken over the years. This occurrence was clearly a slap in the face to the Huo family.
"Grandpa, look!"
Huo Ziyan, filled with indignation, walked over and leaned down to say in a low voice, "At number 1, the Liu family and the Li family have both chosen."
Huo Ying glanced sideways and clenched his fist, but quickly regained his composure.
Below, in the corner, Li Dazhi sneered inwardly. This was his doing, and it was also done under the instruction of his grandfather, Li Ban-cheng. Otherwise, he would not have dared to challenge the Huo family.