novelraw Chapter 620: Meng Chuan and Mellon
Chapter 620: Meng Chuan and Mellon
Chapter 620: Meng Chuan and MellonIn the east VIP lounge:
"Mr. Meng Chuan's secretary just messaged that they're on their way and will arrive shortly. I've arranged for someone to greet them downstairs."
"Stellar Investments has been making waves recently, preparing nearly $2 billion in 'ammunition' specifically for domestic new energy and hard tech sectors. This young master Meng is currently the hottest ticket in town - even securing a meal with him is nearly impossible."
"My son attended the same university as Meng Chuan. He said this young master was already a campus legend during his Columbia days."
You Chengye sat upright in the host seat, chatting amiably with Qin Dechang and others. The weariness on his face seemed slightly alleviated by the relaxed atmosphere.
Just then, Tian Chengye's young assistant hurried in with uncharacteristically flustered steps. The lively conversation in the lounge immediately quieted upon seeing his expression.
Tian Chengye's brow twitched imperceptibly. "What is it, Xiao Li?"
Assistant Li quickly approached, struggling to steady his breathing as he reported urgently: "Chairman Tian, Miss's boyfriend... Tang Song has arrived! And he came with Fan Wenzeng, Chairman of Smile Capital!"
"What?" You Chengye's eyebrows shot up, his face full of surprise. But he quickly composed himself. Tang Song was Jinxiu Commerce's CTO and someone Fan Wenzeng had personally recommended - their joint appearance wasn't particularly strange.
But Fan Wenzeng coming in person... This was a courtesy he absolutely had to acknowledge personally.Seeing his assistant still standing there, Tian Chengye said directly: "Anything else? Say it all at once."
Assistant Li swallowed hard, his voice cracking slightly: "And... Miss's boyfriend Tang Song is the Executive Director of Lan Feng International Hotel. I just verified - Tang Song currently holds 80% absolute controlling shares! It's the same person."
At these words, Tian Chengye's body stiffened abruptly. With a "clink," his teacup hit the table heavily.
"What?! That's... impossible?"
The other guests exchanged glances, and the entire VIP lounge fell silent.
Assistant Li quickly explained: "Lan Feng International Hotel underwent a major equity change four months ago."
Actually, back in May, You Chengye had ordered an investigation on Tang Song. But at that time, his profile was "clean" - just a newly established e-commerce live streaming company called Songmei Apparel.
Then came the series of negative news about Zhongcheng Group and the suffocating crisis with Huineng Electronics. Overwhelmed, You Chengye naturally stopped paying attention to what he considered a "promising but still developing" young man.
His eyes flickered intensely as countless thoughts raced through his mind. His unconventional daughter definitely knew - and had deliberately hidden this from him.
His heart swirled with inexplicable joy, worry and frustration. But regardless of how Tang Song achieved all this in just half a year, there was no time now for deeper investigation.
The urgent priority was handling this rapidly escalating situation!
His previous assessment of Tang Song was as an "exceptional ordinary person." That's why he'd invited Lin Jingming and Meng Chuan - to introduce them to his daughter.
But now, Tang Song's demonstrated capabilities far exceeded his imagination, with personal assets possibly rivaling their family's! He couldn't possibly maintain the same attitude. ℞ãƝǒ𝔟ÈŜ
This created... complications regarding Meng Chuan. Though never stated explicitly, their prior interactions - showing his daughter's photos, personally inviting him to this private birthday banquet - carried clear implications that both understood.
What kind of person was Meng Chuan? The epitome of innate arrogance and conceit, a true chosen one. Coupled with his immense family background, his presence would inevitably become a challenge and provocation to Tang Song.
...
The brilliantly lit banquet hall buzzed with laughter and chatter.
Near the center, at a flower arrangement station surrounded by champagne roses and white balloon flowers, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
"...I heard from Jingjing that you're from Suzhou, Auntie," Tang Song said deftly trimming a flower stem while conversing with Chen Man. "I've always felt Suzhou is a city full of spiritual energy, especially its gardens - the open elegance of the Humble Administrator's Garden, the ingenious design of the Lion Grove..."
Xiao Jing stared fixedly at Tang Song's hands, her expression shy and daydreamy.
"Auntie, these earrings - if I'm not mistaken - employ the Qing Dynasty Suzhou craftsmanship's 'Ruyi Double Rings' carving technique? The lines flow smoothly, symbolizing auspicious perfection... They complement your cheongsam perfectly."
Tang Song's movements flowed like clouds and water, exuding aesthetically pleasing grace. From human geography to jewelry craftsmanship to aesthetic coordination, he displayed extraordinary knowledge and cultured sophistication.
While Chen Man beamed with delight at the compliments, her heart was profoundly shocked and filled with emotion. She never imagined her daughter's boyfriend would be this outstanding - beyond simple "excellence." It was... almost dreamlike.
Amid this joyful atmosphere, the east VIP lounge door clicked open.
Tian Chengye and others entered in succession. Guests along the way stood to greet them.
"Dad!" Xiao Jing straightened up and called out sweetly.
Tang Song turned toward the approaching Tian Chengye, maintaining perfectly measured expression. When their eyes met, You Chengye's steps paused almost imperceptibly.
His heart surged with tidal waves of shock. This Tang Song before him was completely different from the confident young man he'd met before. In his eyes, Tian Chengye saw no hint of smugness or showmanship - only unfathomable calm.
There was none of the ostentation bred by wealth or arrogance cultivated by power. Instead, there was a deeper, more fundamental ease stemming from absolute control.
At nearly fifty, he'd met many extraordinary figures. But this was the first time he'd seen such "top-tier magnate" aura in someone so young.
"Uncle Tian, long time no see," Tang Song initiated.
Tian Chengye exhaled lightly, his face breaking into warm, enthusiastic smiles as he quickened his pace. "Haha, Tang Song, oh Tang Song! You've truly hidden your capabilities! Lan Feng International Hotel? Tsk tsk, today has been truly eye-opening!"
The corners of Tang Song's lips lifted slightly, his demeanor humble yet dignified: "You flatter me, Uncle Tian. I simply hadn't found the right opportunity to visit you and Auntie before - my apologies."
"Haha, I've been quite busy myself lately." Tian Chengye's eyes flashed shrewdly as he took Tang Song's arm, turning to face the others: "Old Qin, President Wang, come, let me properly introduce you! This is our Jingjing's boyfriend, Tang Song!"
Qin Dechang and others looked at the young man before them, their eyes filled with complex, indescribable shock. They'd already learned Tang Song's identity in the VIP lounge.
As a veteran of Yancheng's business world, Qin Dechang understood better than anyone what Lan Feng International Hotel represented. Taking controlling shares from Yunxi Real Estate required far more than just capital.
Looking between the impeccable young man and Xiao Jing beside him, Qin Dechang felt a pang of envious jealousy. What a pity... what a pity! Why couldn't his daughter Qin Hua have such luck!
Tang Song politely nodded greetings while taking Xiao Jing's hand and drawing her to his side.
"Today is Jingjing's birthday. Thank you all for coming. If there's any inadequacy in the hotel's hospitality, please let me know directly."
Xiao Jing bit her lip, her eyes sparkling as she added sweetly: "Or you can tell me!"
Lord Tang Song was being so good to her! By pulling her over, he was both making their relationship official and empowering her while showing respect to elders. She couldn't help stealing a glance toward Shangguan Qiuyas and Xu Qing's direction, secretly delighted.
This feeling of being the official girlfriend was absolutely wonderful! When visiting Lord Tang Song's home later, she'd have to perform exceptionally well too!
After extended pleasantries, Tian Chengye led his old friends toward Fan Wenzeng and Lin Jingming - also honored guests tonight.
In fact, apart from lifelong friend Qin Dechang, the four other specially invited guests all had various connections to Huineng Electronics - some were early minor shareholders, others important partners in the industrial chain.
He'd gathered them to create a platform for informal business discussions with Lin Jingming and the soon-to-arrive Meng Chuan, hoping for a turnaround.
As everyone enthusiastically discussed future market prospects for new energy vehicle charging stations around Lin Jingming, young Assistant Li came hurrying over again.
"Chairman Tian! Mr. Meng has arrived at the hotel and is heading this way. Accompanying Mr. Meng is... an unfamiliar foreigner!"
Tian Chengye's heart skipped - the critical moment had come. Taking a deep breath, he suppressed all emotions. Regardless, Meng Chuan and Stellar Investments behind him were absolutely beyond offending - they represented one of Huineng Electronics' hopes for revival.
He glanced again toward Tang Song's direction, his feelings indescribably complex.
Lin Jingming, standing opposite, keenly sensed the shifting atmosphere. Surprised, he asked: "Chairman Tian, who is this Mr. Meng?"
From the others' expressions, he deduced this person must be extraordinarily significant.
"Meng Chuan of Stellar Investments," Tian Chengye's voice lowered slightly. "Coincidentally, Stellar is preparing major moves into domestic new energy, so we've had... frequent contact recently. I took the liberty of inviting him."
Lin Jingming froze. "The family office under Singapore's Stellar Group?"
"Yes."
Lin Jingming's expression instantly changed, his eyes behind gold-rimmed glasses flickering with contemplation. As someone in the new energy sector with Suchong Power, he naturally knew of this recently prominent Singaporean family office.
"Then I'll join you all. I've long heard of Director Meng and wanted to meet him."
With that, he followed You Chengye's group toward the banquet hall entrance.
After less than two minutes' wait, the doors swung open quietly.
Two figures engaged in low conversation entered side by side.
On the left was a man in his late twenties, wearing a dark gray pinstriped suit, his brown hair styled naturally voluminous. With a faint upward curl at his lips, his refined handsomeness radiated effortless nobility and confidence.
Beside him was a blond, blue-eyed Caucasian man around thirty, with sharp, deep features and an impeccably tailored British-style double-breasted suit. His every movement exuded elegant arrogance.
Tian Chengye's group was already a focal point. Now with these two extraordinarily distinguished gentlemen - one a foreigner - entering, all eyes turned toward them involuntarily. The noise of conversation and laughter instinctively quieted.
"Haha, Meng Chuan! Welcome, welcome! We've been waiting for you!"
Tian Chengye stepped forward enthusiastically, extending his hand.
Meng Chuan shook it. "My apologies, Chairman Tian. Last-minute matters delayed us."
"No trouble at all! Your presence alone honors us!"
The group soon reached the banquet hall center. After brief acknowledgments to approaching well-wishers, Meng Chuan turned to introduce his companion:
"This is my friend, Conrad Mellon. We just finished a transcontinental conference call. Hearing I was attending a birthday party, he found it interesting and joined me. I hope this intrusion isn't improper?"
"Mellon?" Someone gasped involuntarily.
The surname itself carried extraordinary weight. Combined with Meng Chuan's formal introduction and his status, some hearts pounded violently.
Observing the crowd's reaction, Meng Chuan's lips curved slightly as he continued unhurriedly: "Conrad is VP of Private Wealth Management at Bank of New York Mellon - Stellar Investments' most important strategic partner. He flew from New York specifically to assist with my upcoming fund investments."
Only then did Conrad Mellon react, shrugging casually. His azure eyes held the characteristic Wall Street elite's blend of amusement and arrogance. "You can just treat me as his personal ATM."
At the words "Bank of New York Mellon" and previous conjectures, the surroundings grew even quieter, gazes turning fervent.
Tian Chengye's pupils constricted sharply, his heartbeat accelerating uncontrollably. As a successful industrialist and independent investor active for over a decade, he naturally knew - was intimately familiar with - the legendary Mellon family.
From Meng Chuan's introduction, this Conrad Mellon must be a Mellon family member - truly one of America's top financial dynasties controlling industrial and financial lifelines, equally prestigious as the Rockefellers, DuPonts, and Kate families!