C9 Exchange Cups and Cups

Several board members raised their hands simultaneously, exchanging glances. After a moment of hesitation, they slowly followed suit. With three abstentions, Xia Xiaowu secured more than two-thirds of the votes, unexpectedly and smoothly becoming the chairwoman. She knew that without Guu Nuofei's support, the others likely wouldn't have voted for her.

As their eyes met, Xia Xiaowu found herself deep in thought. At that moment, everyone stood up to congratulate her. "Congratulations, Miss Xia." "Congratulations, congratulations." "Like father, like daughter. Congratulations, Miss Xia."

Under the circumstances, Jiang Songlin had no choice but to awkwardly stand up, a faint, somewhat stiff smile on his face. Through this spectacle, Xia Xiaowu saw some people more clearly, but Guu Nuofei remained an enigma.

"Xiaowu, I've arranged a dinner at the North City Hotel to celebrate your election as chairwoman. Everyone is invited to join," Jiang Songlin announced. An old fox, Jiang Songlin knew how to play the game. Although Guu Nuofei had turned the tables today, Jiang was still a founding member of Xiabo Company with Xia Tianbo. No one present would deny him this courtesy.

"Mr. Jiang, I suspect this dinner isn't really for me, is it?" Xia Xiaowu remarked with a cold smile, though she maintained her polite demeanor.

"Come on now, no matter who gets elected, this meal is happening. It's rare for us all to get together, and it's a tradition your father set," Jiang Songlin said with a smile that seemed insincere. However, since he mentioned Xiaowu's father, she felt awkward refusing.

Besides, everyone here had just voted for her. If she didn't go, it would give people something to talk about, making her seem petty and not as gracious as her father. More importantly, Guu Nuofei, who stood quietly to the side, suddenly seemed like a stranger, indifferent and distant.

Xiaowu still didn't understand why he chose to help her...

At the North City Hotel, the group hurried into a private room. It was the first time Xiaowu found herself surrounded and celebrated like this, yet she felt no comfort. She was all too familiar with their insincere faces and felt a pang of regret on behalf of her father.

Only Guu Nuofei stood out. He was the first to suggest Xiaowu for the chairman position, yet he seemed the most independent, not trying to curry favor with anyone, just calmly standing among the crowd.

As everyone took their seats, Xiaowu was ushered to the head of the table. The food and drinks had been prepared in advance, and as soon as they sat down, the toasting began, glasses clinking all around.

Xia Xiaowu knew she couldn't escape this predicament. After a few drinks, she realized that if she continued, not only would she fail to uncover Guu Nuofei's intentions, but she might also put herself in danger. Yet, watching Guu Nuofei calmly sipping his wine, she felt a sense of unwillingness.

So, she picked up her glass and slowly walked over to him.

"Mr. Guu, isn't it boring drinking alone?" Xia Xiaowu asked, elegantly holding her wine glass with a slight smile that revealed charming dimples.

"I'm used to it," Guu Nuofei replied, his tone as light as a breeze.

"You're quite the investment expert, Mr. Guu. I bet there are plenty of people lining up for your advice," she probed, her eyes searching for any hint of emotion in his expression, but finding none.

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