Chapter 391: Chapter 353: Must Interfere
The winery hasn’t officially started production yet, but it has already begun external promotions. The end of this month coincides with the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, which is Aus City’s traditional Little New Year, and Gu Qili together with A.V., organized a wine tasting event.
She stays at the vineyard every day, occasionally taking time to go back and have meals with Mu Qinian, which upsets a certain man who finds the taste of being alone in an empty house unbearable.
To comfort him, Gu Qili stayed in the Jingshan residence after dinner. Since Qiu Lan was here, she felt embarrassed to not come home at night. After all, Qiu Lan was not aware that they had once been married. In her eyes, they hadn’t even registered their marriage yet; while Qiu Lan wasn’t conservative, Gu Qili didn’t want to leave a bad impression on her.
Mu Shuoqian knew that making the winery successful was her dream, so while he was maintaining a cold face, he also didn’t forget to care about her arrangements: "How are the preparations going?"
After washing her face and applying night cream, Gu Qili climbed into bed next to the man who was working on his tablet: "The preparations are almost done. The main purpose of this wine tasting is to use the media to promote the brand, as well as to promote wine culture and tap into market demand. Initially, I don’t want to do it on a large scale, it’s best to target a specific audience, like, the red wine I produce will be aimed at a particular customer group. After slowly building it up, we can then expand the business."
"You’re starting to have more of a head for business now," Mu Shuoqian put down the computer, pulled her into his arms, "You know, I don’t want you to be so tired."
"I know, I know," Gu Qili gave him a peck, "but you also know, this is dad’s and my dream."
～
Three days later, the wine tasting event was held as scheduled.
The event invited social elites, red wine trade companies, and private clubs, besides tasting wines from around the world, there was also an abundant luncheon arranged, after which the guests could tour the vineyard and wine-making workshop.
The primary goal of this activity was to make a splash in society’s awareness, and many people came to Qixi Vineyard attracted by its reputation of reopening.
Early in the morning, the entrance of the vineyard was filled with cars, everyone entered with tasting tickets that had been distributed in advance.
Gu Qili did not expect to see the Gao Family father and daughter; they somehow got their hands on tasting tickets and came to join the buzz, but Gu Qili felt their intention wasn’t really to taste wine, but rather to take the opportunity to probe into the truth.
When Gu Dezhong was alive, Feihe Winery was their strongest competitor, and now Feihe, standing alone, was obviously feeling threatened; even a skinny camel was bigger than a horse after all.
"Miss Gu, hello, do you remember me?" Gao Hanshan greeted with a smile, reaching out his hand, "I was an old friend of your father."
Gu Qili politely nodded her head as if she didn’t see his extended hand, "Mr. Gao, hello."
She would not forget that at her father’s last moments, none of these so-called "old friends" appeared to help. She had begged all of them, but they all avoided her like the plague. Such "friends" were better off avoided.
Gao Hanshan’s hand hung awkwardly in mid-air, and somewhat embarrassedly, he drew it back; Gao Ruobing, standing beside him and full of arrogance, said: "Your vineyard is not very famous, huh! No matter how glorious Qixi was in the past, now it’s just a pile of junk. However, you have some ability, finding so many people to support the scene; I suppose they’re paid actors? And those two reporters were also paid to come, right?"
Indeed, there were many people at today’s wine tasting, but not many with real status, mostly just those looking for a cheap thrill.
Gu Qili did not care about the status level of the attendees; her main aim was to make a name for the vineyard so that when the wine comes on the market next year, it could achieve good sales.
"Miss Gao, if you feel that this place does not match your standards, you can leave right now; this temple is too small for a big Buddha like you," Gu Qili said unkindly, showing them the door.
Gao Ruobing’s face could not hang on, but the more experienced Gao Hanshan gently tugged at her: "Bingbing, let’s go in."
The Gao Family father and daughter hadn’t walked far when suddenly, roaring engine sounds came from outside; everyone at the entrance turned to look, seeing six black sports cars parked in succession at the vineyard’s entrance, all identical Ferraris.
The six male drivers, as if by prior agreement, wore fitted black suits, black sunglasses.
The car doors opened one by one, and six men who looked like they walked out of a poster captured everyone’s eyes with their every move.
Gu Qili watched as the several men, looking like they belonged to the mafia, gathered together. She was so stunned that her eyes widened, unable to look away for a long time. What was this, a group coming to back her up?
The Gao Family was about to enter when, upon seeing this spectacle, they immediately stopped in their tracks.
After standing stunned for a while, Gu Qili hurriedly went out to greet them, and when she saw Mu Shuoqian approaching, there was an unmistakable joy on her face: "How come you’re here?"
"Wine tasting," came his brief and stylish reply.
"Qiqi sister, is there enough wine prepared for today? We plan on drinking to our heart’s content," Leng Shaoqing stepped forward and suddenly whispered, "I wonder if there are any beauties?"
Gu Qili laughed: "are you here to taste wine or to find women?"
"Both."
Gu Qili, feeling resigned, finished greeting them and then proceeded to greet Bai Chengxi, Luo Yanqing, Nan Zhan, and Zhuo Yanbei who were next in line.
These men did not shy away at all, allowing themselves to be photographed and even striking various cool poses. It was less like attending a wine tasting event and more like they had come for Fashion Week.
The arrival of these men immediately brought dazzling brilliance to the vineyard, proving to be a stroke of luck for those who came for the wine tasting.
When Nan Zhan approached, Gao Ruobing softly called out, "Nan Zhan."
Nan Zhan glanced at her and nodded, as if he were acknowledging someone no more significant than a complete stranger.
Gao Ruobing felt somewhat awkward, as if she had been coolly rebuffed. The Nan Family took the prospect of marriage between them very seriously and had already started discussing matrimonial arrangements with the Gao Family in private. Yet Nan Zhan, as a party involved, always remained indifferent, never even having shared a meal alone with her.
She couldn’t grasp what Nan Zhan’s feelings for her were, but she knew full well how much she liked this man—with his coldness, rigour, reserve, and first-rate family background, he met all her criteria for a spouse.
Gao Ruobing did not expect Nan Zhan to brush her off so directly, continuing to talk with Zhuo Yanbei and walking away.
Upset, she bit her lip and clenched her fists secretly. Was she really so lacking that he couldn’t spare her another glance?
"Bingbing, let’s go inside." Gao Hanshan had long become accustomed to Nan Zhan’s attitude— even when meeting a senior like him, Nan Zhan would only nod his head without stopping in his steps.
"Dad, just look at how he’s behaving. Do they, the Nan Family, have any sincerity in this marriage alliance at all?"
"Alright, alright, there are a lot of people around today, perhaps he just doesn’t want to draw too much attention to himself. Just bear with it."
"Now you’re telling me to bear with it, but what about after we’re married? I can’t keep doing this. He ignores me, and their Nan Family will surely not take me seriously either." Gao Ruobing stamped her foot and quickly took a few steps to follow after him.
"Nan Zhan." Gao Ruobing called out to him.
Nan Zhan and Zhuo Yanbei both turned their heads. Zhuo Yanbei’s indifferent gaze slid over her face as he said in a low voice, "I’ll go over there."
"Okay."
After Zhuo Yanbei left, Gao Ruobing took two steps forward to close the distance between them, catching the faint scent of his cologne, her voice now less shrill than before.
"Why did you leave without saying anything? You should at least have said goodbye, right?"
"I believe I have already greeted you." His tone was as detached as water, betraying no hint of emotion. He wasn’t nearsighted, yet he liked wearing glasses, which made him appear gentle to others, but Gao Ruobing knew this was only an illusion. On the courtroom stand, Nan Zhan exuded an aura that was succinctly described with four words: ’daunting and unapproachable.’
"Just with a nod?" Gao Ruobing puffed up her cheeks angrily, "Aren’t I supposed to be your fiancée? Is this how you treat me when you see me?"
Nan Zhan’s expression seemed to suggest that he had heard something laughable, with a trace of mockery at the corners of his mouth: "Miss Gao, I don’t recall when I acquired a fiancée."
"You... Lady Nan has already met with my father, and the betrothal gifts are about to be given." Gao Ruobing couldn’t believe that he was unaware.
"Is Miss Gao intending to marry my mother?" Nan Zhan narrowed his eyes, and upon seeing Gao Ruobing’s frustrated expression, he said coldly, "Then you should be greeting my mother instead."
"Nan Zhan." Seeing him turn to leave, Gao Ruobing fumed with frustration, stomping her foot. How could he do this to her? It was outrageous.
Gu Qili was bustling around, suddenly having to prepare new tableware and wines due to the unexpected increase in guests.
The wines selected for tasting were carefully chosen by her, Ah V, and several masters of the vineyard, including some renowned labels. The accompanying meals, from the steak paired with red wine to the seafood complementing white wine, were exquisitely prepared with dedication by chefs personally invited from restaurants.
Before the wine event began, Gu Qili, as the person in charge of the vineyard, gave a brief speech on behalf of the Qixi Vineyard.
She was dressed in a black dress today, elegantly mature with a pair of high heels featuring butterfly bows, adding a touch of cuteness to her gracefulness.
Mu Shuoqian sat in his seat, savoring the red wine while listening to her articulate speech. His little Qiqi had grown up.