C8 Dream Lover

He scanned the room before his gaze settled back on Meng Junjie. "Haven't you noticed the Dream Lover necklace gracing Shuran's neck? The cost of your suit could easily cover a hundred of those."

All eyes, following Lin Hao's lead, turned to Meng Shuran—or more precisely, to the necklace adorning her neck.

Lin Hao's words cast a hush over the crowd, leaving only the strains of piano music to fill the silence.

Then, the room erupted into a buzz of excitement.

"Am I hearing things? Or seeing things? Is she actually wearing a Dream Lover?"

"Oh my goodness! That's really a Dream Lover! There are only ten in the whole world! It's every woman's dream!"

The women present were thrilled, and not just the women—most of the men were equally stunned. Few had not heard of the Dream Lover, and for those who knew what it was, the impact was profound.

In that moment, Meng Shuran became the center of attention, basking in the envious stares that fed her feminine pride.

Meanwhile, Meng Shuran found herself distracted by Lin Hao, who seemed different tonight.

"You're just bluffing! What Dream Lover? How could your family afford a Dream Lover? You're probably just flaunting a fake!" Meng Junjie glared at the necklace around Meng Shuran's neck, despite recognizing its authenticity, he was determined to dismiss it as a counterfeit.

Lin Hao smirked. "Believe it or not, it's none of your business how much money we have."

"Lin Hao." Soong Yan approached and called out his name, shooting him a cautionary glance.

With a smile, she turned to Meng Junjie. "Junjie, Lin Hao is younger than you and lacks a filter. Why stoop to his level? By the way, where are your parents? I didn't see them here today."

She attempted to divert the conversation, offering an out for everyone, but with anger smoldering inside him, Meng Junjie was not about to let Lin Hao off the hook so easily.

"My parents are overseas discussing a partnership. They're certainly not as free and easy as you, with nothing to do all day and a devoted son-in-law at your beck and call. You don't even need a nanny!"

Soong Yan blushed with embarrassment at his words. Just then, a weathered voice cut through the air, "What's all this commotion about?"

"Grandma!" Meng Junjie's face brightened as he turned to see Old Madam Meng being helped over. He hurried to her side.

Old Madam Meng gave her favorite grandson a warm, wrinkled smile. However, her smile faded by half when her gaze shifted to Lin Hao standing next to Meng Shuran. Lin Hao was well aware of Old Madam Meng's disapproval of him, but it didn't bother him in the least.

"Now that we're all here, please take your seats," Old Madam Meng instructed the gathering. With that, she guided Meng Junjie toward the head table.

Once everyone was seated, Old Madam Meng offered some lukewarm words of encouragement for the family's continued efforts before declaring the banquet open.

Lin Hao surveyed the spread of delectable dishes before him. With a hearty appetite, he dove into his meal, oblivious to the astonished and disdainful looks from his tablemates. Meng Shuran and Soong Yan shot him disapproving glances, but Lin Hao ignored them, eating comfortably in his own way. Besides, his table manners weren't terrible; he was just a fast eater.

Worrying too much about others' opinions during a meal would only lead to indigestion, he reasoned.

Back at the head table, Old Madam Meng spoke up once more, "Just before we started, I received reliable news that Tianyue Media has appointed a new CEO. He's a young man, about Jie's age, and he'll officially take the helm tomorrow."

Her announcement sent a ripple of surprise through the attendees. A sudden change in CEO at Tianyue Media? There hadn't been any whispers of such a move—it was truly unexpected.

But everyone knew this was a golden opportunity! For some time, the Meng family had owned several small media and advertising firms, all eager to partner with Tianyue Media. With Tianyue Media's formidable strength, striking a deal with them could significantly elevate the Meng family's status—it wasn't an exaggeration to say it would take them to the next level!

In the past, the Meng family had made numerous attempts to collaborate with Tianyue Media, only to be met with relentless rejection. Given that Tianyue Media was supported by the prestigious Lin family, it was hardly surprising that they would snub the lesser-known Mengs.

But with Tianyue Media's recent change in leadership to a younger CEO, a glimmer of hope emerged. The Mengs wouldn't dream of letting such an opportunity slip by. Successful or not, they were determined to try.

Lin Hao, in the midst of a meal, perked up at the mention of Tianyue Media. A playful glint appeared in his eyes. Old Madam Meng certainly had her ear to the ground.

Observing the reactions around her, Old Madam Meng's smile remained unwavering. She spoke up, "Well, what do you think? Who's keen on meeting Tianyue Media's new CEO? Whoever secures a partnership with Tianyue Media will be hailed as a hero in the Meng family, and I'll make sure they're handsomely rewarded!"

"I'll go!"

"Grandma, count me in!"

"Let me handle it—I'm the best at sealing deals!"

Meng Shuran was tempted to vie for the opportunity, but considering her lower standing within the Meng family, she ultimately held her tongue.

As the family members voiced their eagerness, Old Madam Meng nodded in approval. Her gaze finally rested on Meng Junjie, seated beside her, his face alight with anticipation.

Patting his hand, she entrusted him with the task, "Jie, I'm counting on you to handle this. Don't disappoint me."

"Grandma, rest assured, I'll secure that partnership!" Meng Junjie said, thumping his chest with a look of unwavering assurance.

Lin Hao set his chopsticks down and casually wiped his mouth with a napkin. His gaze fell on Meng Junjie, who was busy ingratiating himself with Old Madam Meng, and a chuckle escaped him.

He really thinks he can seal the deal on this partnership? Where does he get the confidence? He's clueless that he's already managed to rub the new CEO of Tianyue Media the wrong way. And yet, he's still keen on discussing a collaboration with them, Lin Hao mused with a smirk.

Once the party wrapped up, Lin Hao offered Meng Shuran and Soong Yan a ride home. Throughout the drive, Meng Shuran gave Lin Hao the cold shoulder, her thoughts consumed by Old Madam Meng's earlier remarks on the potential Tianyue Media collaboration.