Free Web NovelChapter 346: Chapter 346: The Banquet
"Jiang Cheng, what will it take for you to leave?"
Jiang Cheng, who was in the middle of transitioning from Confucius’ quotes to the Diamond Sutra, blinked innocently.
"I’ve said it, once I’m done, I’ll stop."
There was a quiet pause in the hallway for a few seconds, then Jiang Cheng started again.
"In the Diamond Sutra—"
"Stop!"
The people in the hallway couldn’t take it anymore; who in their right mind would use seven languages to lecture on the Diamond Sutra in the middle of the night?
Yes, seven languages.
After finishing in English, Jiang Cheng switched to another language to ensure comprehensibility for people from other countries.
With a loud voice and accompanied by drumming and erhu playing in the background.
The mournful music, coupled with Jiang Cheng’s emotionally charged lecture, could indeed drive people crazy.
"Jiang Cheng, the hotel says there’s no need to clean, they’ll handle it themselves. Is that acceptable?"
The other party compromised, openly telling Jiang Cheng that no one on her floor would be disturbed while sleeping.
Thinking this would be enough, but Jiang Cheng, who had just about fallen asleep, stubbornly refused to agree.
"No way, you don’t know, our ancient Hua Xia saying goes....."
"Jiang Cheng, what on earth do you want to do!!!"
One of them interrupted Jiang Cheng’s "ancient saying" through gritted teeth.
Jiang Cheng glanced slightly regretfully at the speaker, shrugged, and said, "I told you, I have to help finish the work, it’s my promise."
"Of course, if someone is willing to help, that’s another thing."
Jiang Cheng looked at the people standing in the hallway, as if asking, are you in or out?
Not giving them much time to think, when Jiang Cheng didn’t hear back, she started singing, and the vacuum cleaner roared back to life.
The buzzing plus the sound resembling a cat being stepped on, caused several to compromise.
They sent people to help Jiang Cheng with the work.
"Thank you so much, you can clean the other floors, I’ll wait for you here. Once you’re done, I’ll go back."
"You really are good people, I wish you all go to heaven after you die."
The group: If allowed...they really wanted to kill Jiang Cheng!
Regardless, the others did go to other floors, whether they really cleaned or not, Jiang Cheng didn’t care.
The main purpose was to cause a ruckus, no one should have a peaceful night.
After two in the morning, the cleaning crew gradually returned, and Jiang Cheng finally stopped her "enchanting" singing, waved to the crowd.
"If you need any help, be sure to call me, I’m always eager to assist."
Jiang Cheng left with two people, going back to sleep again.
The group in the hallway, however, was so frustrated by Jiang Cheng that they couldn’t sleep.
When they couldn’t sleep, they thought about causing some trouble.
Though they lost again and again, it didn’t stop them from wanting to win once.
The group buzzed for an unknown amount of time, and when they dispersed, it was already five in the morning.
Jiang Cheng had no idea about their plan, and even if she did, she wouldn’t care.
Even if she didn’t start any trouble, they wouldn’t let her off easily.
Since that was the case, then let the games begin.
At seven-thirty in the morning, Hua Xia’s people appeared punctually in the downstairs restaurant.
During breakfast, there were no mishaps, and Jiang Cheng and the others ate peacefully.
After breakfast, the mishaps came.
"Jiang Cheng, there’s a welcome banquet tonight, please attend in proper attire, it’s basic courtesy, and I believe the Hua Xia side will certainly comply, right?"
"Of course! There’s an old Hua Xia proverb that says ’When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ Wouldn’t dream of violating that."
"Precisely, after all, Hua Xia is the place that values etiquette the most."
The other side gave them high praise, as Jiang Cheng nonchalantly wiped her mouth with a napkin before setting it down.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please, stop with the usual clumsy prodding, we’ll be there."
Jiang Cheng’s words made the few present look like clowns.
But once they heard Hua Xia was attending, they got excited again.
The person next to Jiang Cheng said in Hua Xia language, "Isn’t this a blatant trap?"
"Indeed it is, let’s just go along for the fun of it."
Jiang Cheng and the group finished eating, stood up, and left.
To attend the banquet, they needed to prepare formal attire, and the girls needed to style their hair, put on jewelry, and apply makeup.
Not heavy makeup, but showing the necessary respect for the occasion.
It’s not about wearing slippers and tank tops and feeling powerful inside.
Sometimes, wearing appropriate clothing for the right occasion shows one’s cultivation.
From ancient times to now, they have respected this cultivation as a grand nation.
Jiang Cheng and company left the hotel, first to rent clothing, then to find a local styling shop.
Clothing rental went smoothly, without any difficulties.
Until they entered the styling shop.
In any styling shop within the hotel’s vicinity, they refused to serve Hua Xia people.
Of course, they didn’t say it outright, only mentioned being short-staffed and unable to spare the effort.
After five shops gave the same response, Jiang Cheng and her group understood.
Standing on the street, feeling lost, a black seven-seater business car pulled up beside them.
The window rolled down, revealing the face of the H team’s control group.
"Isn’t this Hua Xia’s Jiang Cheng? Is there some trouble here?"
"Need any help? We’re just so eager to assist."
"Oh, and don’t be late for tonight’s welcome banquet!"
The H team’s car window went up, but their arrogant laughter was still audible.
For the first time, Hua Xia’s side showed anger, much to the delight of the others.
Watching the car drive away, Jiang Cheng and her group immediately changed their angry expressions.
"How was my acting just now?"
"Great, better than mine."
"I almost bit through my cheek!"
"Okay, let’s head back to the hotel in a despondent mood, the final act!"
Jiang Cheng finished speaking, and everyone quickly adjusted their expressions.
Upon their return to the hotel, several groups were waiting to enjoy their expressions.
"Jiang Cheng, are you all okay?"
"How’s the preparation for the banquet going?"
"Why haven’t we seen any changes in you?"
...
For the first time, Jiang Cheng found herself at a loss for words in front of everyone, glaring at them: "You really are only capable of these childish, despicable tactics!"
"What are you saying? We don’t understand."
"Right, all I know is that any tactic that works is fair game."
"True enough, winning is winning."
...
Jiang Cheng furrowed her brows and faced them coldly, saying nothing as she walked away.
The people behind, deflated like frost-beaten eggplants, followed Jiang Cheng.
In the lobby behind, laughter erupted.
The banquet took place as usual.
Everyone boarded their cars and left because tonight’s event wasn’t just a banquet; there was also an auction.
The Hua Xia group was the last to emerge.
They wore hats, kept their heads down, and each wore a long trench coat, getting dejectedly into the car waiting for them.
They arrived quietly at the banquet venue.
Inside, glasses clinked, music played softly, suits were worn, black and white contrasted.
This was clearly a black and white party (only black and white attire allowed).
But not a single person informed the Hua Xia side.
