CHAPTER 340: CHAPTER 177: I WAS CLEARLY HERE FIRST

Minghua was a mid-sized banquet hall, and it felt particularly spacious with only ten tables set up.

The hotel had spared no effort in decorating the hall lavishly, complete with a separate stage boasting an extravagant lighting and sound system.

Han Lie arrived relatively early. Just as he reached the hall entrance, he was intercepted by the catering manager.

This man was here to curry favor.

Previously, Han Lie had only specified a general price range and booked ten tables without formally selecting the dishes. Thus, the manager needed to consult him for specific requests.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with the manager, Han Lie pushed Liang Wu forward.

"You handle it."

Liang Wu’s head throbbed. I don’t understand any of this, and now I have to handle it? How am I supposed to do that?!

With less than thirty minutes before the banquet was scheduled to begin, she had no choice but to bite the bullet.

Zhang Tian accompanied Liang Wu, listening for a moment before quickly losing interest. Glancing around absently, she spotted Wang Tianqing and other student council leaders gathered around Han Lie, deep in conversation.

Without a second thought, she headed over.

Leaders from all student council departments were present today. Han Lie wouldn’t dream of treating only the Arts Department to an exclusive meal.

After all, this was a five-star hotel, not some casual get-together at a roadside stall. How could he not invite the leaders to join in the fun?~~~

Therefore, not only did Wang Tianqing show up, but Xi Luting also made a dazzling appearance.

This girl, despite professing indifference, had clearly put immense effort into her attire, exuding a strong, almost aggressive aura with her fashion choices.

She wore an expensive Chanel coat that cost as much as a domestic car, high-waisted, wide-legged cropped pants, and a pair of cream-colored high-heeled mid-calf boots.

A quick glance was enough to make one exclaim—damn, her legs looked to be at least 1.4 meters long!

Bring Guo Xiaosi over, and he’d probably just reach her waistband...

She wore a wide-collared blouse on top. Because she was an A, it looked particularly A. Get it?

Han Lie chuckled inwardly. Looks like the Holy Warrior is here to scare everyone today... See? Wang Tianqing and the other girls are all keeping their distance; no one dares to get too close.

Even Han Lie could only look her straight in the eye—it was simply outrageous.

However, she was a major asset to Han Lie, so he had to humor her.

"Well, well, Minister Xi, quite the grand entrance today... Say, are those writers under you any good?"

"Huh?!" Xi Luting was baffled. What on earth is he talking about?

Han Lie sighed dramatically. "If they’re not up to snuff, I’ll personally write a press release that’ll make you outshine everyone! Just look around—who here would dare share the spotlight with you? Your intimidating presence is simply off the charts..."

PUFFT! Flattered, Xi Luting bloomed like a flower, her beauty suddenly radiant and breathtaking.

Nearby, Secretary-General Wang Xiaotian, Deputy Secretary-General Chen Dao, and Vice Chairman Liu Yutong were all struck dumb.

Forgive the poor lads; any normal man would be captivated by such a smile.

Wang Xiaotian and Chen Dao had no ulterior motives; they were momentarily dazed, and that was that.

Liu Yutong, however, felt a mix of sourness, anger, and utter bafflement. What is wrong with her? When I complimented her just moments ago, why did she roll her eyes at me?! Liu Yutong couldn’t comprehend it. He genuinely felt his own compliments were more sincere and eloquent. Just listen to mine: ’You look absolutely stunning today! Like moonlight spilling into the Annierville Valley beneath the night sky...’ Overflowing with literary flair, and it even had a hook! If she’d asked where Annierville Valley was, he could have vividly described his family’s chalet in a Swiss valley—a true holiday paradise. Eloquence? Check. Wealth? Check. So, what was the problem?!

The newly appointed young man felt incredibly wronged. He silently observed the exchange between Han Lie and Xi Luting, determined to redeem himself. It wasn’t that he wanted to compete with Han Lie; he simply believed he wasn’t any less capable. The Arts Department is yours, fine, I’ll concede that. Surely, dozens of beauties are enough for you to pursue, right? So, for the ones remaining—like Wang Tianqing, Xi Luting, Tan Xuan, Fang Feifei, Jia—it wouldn’t be too much for me to try and woo one of them, would it?

As a newcomer who had joined the student council on a whim, Liu Yutong, with his family background and connections, was ambitious from the moment he was appointed, already eyeing the beauties within the council.

Still, he wasn’t completely reckless; he decided to steer clear of Han Lie for now.

I refuse to believe that with my abilities, I can’t charm even one!

Xi Luting, thoroughly soothed by Han Lie’s uniquely refreshing flattery, felt a wave of comfort wash over her, and her mood instantly brightened.

The radiant Queen Luting gestured with her chin towards Liang Wu and asked directly, "Every time you sweet-talk me like this, it means you’ve done something mischievous... So, what’s the deal with her?"

"Her? She’s the personal assistant I’ve just appointed."

Han Lie didn’t try to hide it, stating the truth plainly.

Xi Luting’s expression immediately soured. "Personal assistant?! Such an important role... Why can’t I do it?!"

Her reason for being upset was rather unique, so Han Lie knew exactly how to address it.

"You have a more important task."

"Really? What is it?"

Meeting her gaze, which was a mixture of distrust and faint anticipation, the crafty Han Lie began his spiel.

"You, on the other hand, need to start seriously studying management and cost accounting.

Striking it rich in the financial markets doesn’t require a large workforce; a team of ten to twenty people is more than enough to manage tens of billions.

Private equity investment, however, is a different beast. It requires a massive team.

Pan Ge definitely won’t want to get involved in my business ventures. When the time comes, I’ll need a reliable chief steward, and that person can only be you!

You have less than a year and a half. The task is immense. Think you can handle it?"

"Are you underestimating me? Of course, I can handle it!"

Xi Luting’s fighting spirit surged as she clenched her fist and swung it fiercely.