"Well, Ms. Li, what a coincidence! Fancy seeing you here," the first person to come over was a middle-aged man wearing glasses, close to fifty, and quite thin.
"Mr. Han, what a surprise," Isabella Li responded, looking genuinely surprised.
Han Deli, age 47, was the CEO and major shareholder of Longcheng Innovation Group, a company in the electronics components industry. Twice married, he had a son and a daughter, and his business was thriving. As soon as Ethan spotted him, he mentally recalled Han Deli's details.
Introductions weren't needed — he already knew Han.
There was no business connection between Isabella and Han, given the vast difference between the cosmetics and electronic parts industries. But wealthy people's networks didn't necessarily form around business. They met at events, whether business gatherings, someone's milestone birthday party, or through mutual friends.
People with wealth valued connections, understanding the maxim that every friend is a path, and every enemy, a wall.
Although Isabella was private and didn't socialize much, she knew how to cultivate key relationships. Her youth, beauty, and powerful family background made her stand out in any crowd. Often, prominent figures would seek her out to make connections.
After some pleasantries with Han, he naturally took notice of the young man dining with her.
"Is this your brother?" Han asked with a smile.
He knew of Tyler Li, the "Young Master Li," as he was commonly called. But the Li family was extensive, with many third-generation members, so Han wasn't certain if Ethan was her brother or perhaps a cousin.
Given Ethan's youth, Han didn't think he could be a business partner.
"No, this is my boyfriend, Ethan Wu," Isabella replied, motioning to Ethan with her hand. "Dear, this is Mr. Han from Longcheng Innovation."
Ethan stood up, and before he could extend his hand, Han had already reached out.
They shook hands and exchanged a polite "Pleasure to meet you."
Han's face showed mild surprise, but internally, he was shocked.
Everyone knew that at 27, Isabella Li had never shown an interest in men, and her "fake boyfriend" routine had already become something of a joke in the Sea City business circle.
The common understanding was that Isabella only claimed to have boyfriends to fend off her family's marriage arrangements, using them as shields.
How did everyone know? Because Isabella had never brought any "boyfriends" to places like this for a casual meal. She only presented them at specific events as props, and at formal gatherings, everyone assumed any man by her side was a subordinate.
There was never any intimacy.
If Isabella wasn't introducing her companion as her boyfriend, people assumed he was a flunky.
Those previous "boyfriends" always deferred to her, even down to pouring her tea.
Everyone knew it was all pretend.
But this time…
Isabella had just called Ethan "dear"!
And today, she seemed genuinely at ease and in good spirits. Known for her strong-willed and authoritative nature, Isabella rarely smiled, but now, she had a natural smile on her face.
Could this mean… that this time, it was real?
"Mr. Wu, a pleasure, a real pleasure. Haha, you're quite the striking young man, truly a great match for Ms. Li! Ms. Li certainly has great taste!" Han laughed heartily, his mind racing as he complimented both Ethan and Isabella.
"Thank you, Mr. Han. You're too kind," Ethan replied with a slight smile, glancing at Isabella.
"Haha," Han laughed, then asked, "Might I ask where you're working, Mr. Wu?"
"Just graduated and helping out at Ice's company," Ethan replied.
It might have sounded unimpressive — a fresh graduate without his own career, working at his girlfriend's company. Yet…
Isabella Li wasn't just anybody.
Would someone as remarkable as her have an average man for a boyfriend?
When Ethan mentioned his recent graduation so naturally, Han's first thought was—he must be from an elite family!
Isabella would never date an ordinary person.
With her personality, talents, education, and family background, any man who could catch her eye wouldn't be ordinary!
"Sir, all the guests have arrived. Shall we…" An assistant standing behind Han whispered.
"Haha, pardon me for interrupting your meal," Han quickly adjusted his tone, "Ms. Li, may your business prosper. My clients have arrived, so I'll be on my way."
"Best of luck with your business," Isabella replied.
Han quickly walked off but, even from a distance, turned back to sneak another look at Ethan before going upstairs, still wondering about Ethan's background.
"Han Deli is a good man, enjoys building connections, and serves as an official in the Sea City Chamber of Commerce…" Isabella said to Ethan once Han had left, giving him a brief introduction.
They had come here today precisely to let people get to know Ethan. If they were truly a couple, it would be natural for her to tell him who had come over to greet them. So Isabella explained.
Ethan took a moment to shift his glass and rearrange his utensils slightly, waiting until she finished before saying, "I know him better than you do."
Isabella froze for a moment, then smiled nonchalantly. "Alright, you are the intelligence broker, after all."
Eight or nine minutes later, the second person came over to greet them.
"Ms. Li, it's been a while!" This time it was a tall, slender man in his forties, accompanied by a beautiful female companion who was clearly not his wife.
Wang Gu, the general manager of Zhenguang Industries and a major shareholder, was the son of the company's chairman. He was set to inherit the business entirely. Divorced, he had a son and multiple mistresses, currently maintaining relationships with three of them.
"Mr. Wu, a pleasure…" Wang was almost unable to hide his shock when he learned that Ethan was Isabella's boyfriend.
Over the next half-hour, two more major business figures from Sea City came by to say hello. They were Zhou Ru, the CEO of Wehong Electronics, and Qian Fugui, the head of Lusen Real Estate. Their reactions were almost identical.
It was worth noting that not everyone who dined at Old Taste Pavilion was a high-profile businessperson.
But those who didn't meet the status requirements wouldn't know Isabella personally. They might recognize her but wouldn't dare come over to greet her.
As a result, those who did come to exchange pleasantries were all influential figures.
Once all the dishes had arrived, Ethan and Isabella began eating and continued to chat in low voices.
Privately, Isabella rarely appeared at public venues. She was known for her low profile and only went out when absolutely necessary. So seeing her here left people intrigued, prompting them to come over to greet her.
Even with this, only a few people dropped by during their meal.
But news traveled fast.
Within a few days, the entire Sea City business community would likely hear that the illustrious Ms. Li, the head of Radiant Style and the eldest daughter of the Li family, was finally dating!
"Well, well, isn't it Ms. Li? Fancy meeting you here," came a voice, this time from a woman.
Her tone, however, was anything but polite, carrying an air of thinly veiled sarcasm.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]