CHAPTER 392: CHAPTER 392; THAT’S EXACTLY THE PROBLEM

The head judge was visibly impressed. "That was exceptional, Wei Chen. Truly outstanding work."

"Thank you," he said modestly, bowing before leaving the stage.

Tang Fei leaned toward Twilight. "That one. Make sure we get his contact information. He has star potential."

Twilight nodded, making a note on her tablet.

The auditions continued through the morning. Tang Fei remained engaged, watching carefully, occasionally asking questions of the judges about their evaluation criteria and what they looked for in performers.

During a brief break, several of the judges approached her to chat more informally.

"Mrs. Huo, may I ask what brought you here today?" the head judge inquired politely. "We’re honored, of course, but we don’t often see the company owners at these early audition stages."

Tang Fei smiled warmly. "I wanted to understand this part of the business better. Entertainment is such a crucial sector for the Huo Conglomerate, and I think it’s important to see where it all begins, with raw talent and opportunity."

"That’s a very hands-on approach," another judge observed. "Most executives stay in their offices and just look at the final reports."

"I’m not like most executives," Tang Fei replied with a slight smile.

The judges laughed appreciatively.

"We can see that, Mrs. Huo," the head judge said warmly. "We can definitely see that."

"Hehehe...." They settled back and the auditions continued.

After breakfast concluded, the men moved from the formal dining room to the outdoor gazebo, a spacious, elegantly designed structure nestled in the mansion’s expansive gardens. The morning air was crisp and refreshing, carrying the scent of autumn leaves and the last blooms of the season.

Comfortable seating had been arranged in a circular formation, with low tables positioned for drinks and snacks. The staff had already prepared everything, premium liquor, cigars, tea, and various appetizers for those who preferred lighter fare.

Huo Ting Cheng settled into one of the plush outdoor chairs, stretching his legs out before him. Despite his earlier exhaustion, being surrounded by his closest friends and business associates was oddly relaxing. These were men he trusted, a rare commodity in his world. They were like his brothers.

"So," Xie Yuxuan said, pouring himself a glass of expensive whiskey, "are we going to talk about the elephant in the room, or are we just going to pretend last night didn’t happen?"

Huo Ting Cheng shot him a warning look. "What happens in my family stays in my family." He knew they definitely would know what had transpired.

"Fair enough," Xie Yuxuan raised his hands in a mock surrender. "But you have to admit, it’s not every day that...."

"Drop it," Huo Ting Cheng said firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

Li Junfeng, ever the peacemaker, smoothly changed the subject. "The museum project is really coming together beautifully. Once we get those government approvals sorted out, we should have the grand opening within three months."

"That’s impressive timing," Mo Tianyu commented, lighting a cigar. "Most projects like that take years to complete."

"Money and connections help," Li Junfeng said with a modest smile. "But also, we hired the best people. No cutting corners, no delays due to incompetence."

"That’s the only way to do business," Huo Ting Cheng agreed. "Hire the best, pay them well, and expect excellence. Anything less is a waste of time and resources."

Zo Zho Yu, who had been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up. "Speaking of business, how are things going with the international expansion? I heard there were some complications with the European contracts."

Huo Ting Cheng waved dismissively. "Minor setbacks. Nothing that can’t be resolved with the right negotiations and leverage. Secretary Li is handling most of it."

Secretary Li, who had joined them in the gazebo with his ever-present tablet, nodded. "We should have everything sorted within the week. The European partners are just being cautious, understandable given the current economic climate."

"The global market is volatile right now," Huo Zhen observed, sipping his tea. He preferred tea to alcohol, especially in the morning. "Smart investors are being conservative."

"Which is exactly when aggressive investors make their fortunes," Xie Yuxuan countered with a grin. "When everyone else is scared, that’s when you strike."

"Spoken like someone who enjoys risk," Li Junfeng laughed.

"Life is a risk itself," Xie Yuxuan shot back. "Playing it safe is just another way of losing slowly."

The conversation flowed easily from there, business strategies, market predictions, political developments, and personal anecdotes. The hours passed without anyone really noticing, the sun climbing higher in the sky and then beginning its slow descent.

Around noon, lunch was served in the gazebo, an elaborate spread of dishes prepared by the mansion’s skilled kitchen staff. Nanny Yun personally oversaw the service, making sure everything was perfect.

"Nanny Yun, you’ve outdone yourself," Mo Tianyu said appreciatively, sampling a particularly delicious braised pork dish.

"It’s my pleasure," she replied with a warm smile. "It’s not often we have so many distinguished guests. I wanted to make sure everything was special."

"Everything is perfect," Huo Ting Cheng assured her. "Thank you."

She bowed slightly and retreated, leaving the men to their meal and conversation.

As they ate, the discussion turned more personal, families, relationships, and the challenges of balancing work and personal life.

"So, Ting Cheng," Li Junfeng said carefully, "this honeymoon you’re planning... is this about reconnecting with Tang Fei, or is this about something else?"

"Let’s say I’m rediscovering things, just like any other relationship should," Huo Ting Cheng responded, meeting their curious gazes. "Sometimes, it’s best to have those moments for fun and enhancing intimacy. Keep things fresh."

"What kind of rediscovering are we talking about here?" Mo Tianyu asked with an amused grin. "Don’t you two already sleep in the same bed and do the same thing every night?"

"Hehe... That’s exactly the problem," Huo Ting Cheng said with a knowing smile. "If you don’t want your woman to get bored with you, you need to spice things up a little bit. Surprise her, you know. Keep her guessing. Keep her on the toes..."