Chapter 127: The Media Frenzy
Xia Ruoxi stared in confusion at the chairman of the Emperor Hotel, who had just been perfectly composed but now wore an expression of stunned disbelief.
“Chairman Zhou, any more questions?” Xia Ruoxi blinked her beautiful eyes and asked the shocked chairman.
The chairman snapped back to reality, swallowed hard, and then, unable to believe what he was hearing, asked for confirmation, “President Xia, will all the people on this list really be coming?”
“Almost all of them will,” Xia Ruoxi replied, not understanding why he was asking such a question.
“Really?” He was still unconvinced and sought further confirmation.
“Yes, really,” Xia Ruoxi patiently affirmed.
“Si—” Only after multiple confirmations did Chairman Zhou of Emperor Hotel finally draw in a sharp breath.
Unaware of the immense pressure this guest list placed on him, Xia Ruoxi politely inquired, “What’s wrong, Chairman Zhou? That expression of yours—?”
“I’m just scared! Alright, I admit that in the past, Emperor Hotel has hosted many distinguished guests, but compared to the people on your list, those previous visitors are incomparable. If even one of these people were to dine or stay with us, it would be considered a great honor. I never expected we’d have to accommodate so many such high-profile VIPs at once. The pressure is overwhelming. I’m deeply worried that if our service is lacking, Emperor Hotel’s reputation might be ruined!” Chairman Zhou explained helplessly, blaming the overwhelming stature of these guests for exceeding his usual social circle.
“So what’s your plan? If you don’t want to accept them, I can switch to another hotel immediately,” Xia Ruoxi said firmly, seeing the fear on Zhou’s face.
“President Xia, no, no! I was just expressing my feelings earlier. Rest assured, I stake my reputation on this—we will do everything within the hotel’s capacity to provide excellent service and cooperate fully with FutureTech. We’ll ensure every guest leaves with a positive impression!” Chairman Zhou hurriedly vowed, fully aware that while the risks were great, the rewards could elevate Emperor Hotel to a new level if they could successfully serve these guests.
Xia Ruoxi’s earlier remark had been a gentle warning to apply some pressure, but seeing Zhou make such a solemn pledge, she quickly assured him, “Chairman Zhou, you’re being too formal. Everyone just needs to do their best. Also, please keep the guest list strictly confidential. If any guests check in ahead of time, I expect you to prevent any media from disturbing them. Can you manage that?”
“President Xia, don’t worry. We understand completely and will handle it well,” the hotel owner immediately promised, as this condition was not difficult to meet.
After finalizing some details about the reception and signing an agreement, Xia Ruoxi left the Emperor Hotel satisfied. She no longer needed to concern herself with the subsequent arrangements, as FutureTech’s planning and marketing departments would take over those tasks.
Once Xia Ruoxi departed, Chairman Zhou immediately convened a meeting with the company’s senior executives to announce the collaboration with FutureTech. He only mentioned that the guests were of extremely high caliber—world-class, behind-the-scenes bosses—but refrained from naming anyone. The executives were stunned upon hearing this and realized what a tremendous opportunity this was for Emperor Hotel.
Seeing that the leadership understood the gravity of the situation, Zhou merely instructed them to ensure flawless service, attend to every detail, and cooperate fully with FutureTech to leave a lasting good impression on every guest.
In the days leading up to the event, FutureTech’s staff worked tirelessly at the Emperor Hotel, preparing the venue. With the March 1st conference fast approaching, they were racing against the clock.
Meanwhile, the invitation letters sent out by Xia Ruoxi’s team had reached the heads of major families, financial conglomerates, and corporate groups on the list. They were mobilizing their people to attend the grand event in Zhanhai City, Huaxia Nation. Some had even arrived early to inspect the market and explore investment opportunities.
As the date neared, the media remained unaware of FutureTech’s forthcoming event, thanks to Xia Ruoxi’s strict confidentiality measures. That changed on February 28th, when a steady stream of wealthy global figures, renowned financial groups, and corporate leaders landed at Zhanhai City Airport. The media sensed something unusual but could not discern the purpose of their visit.
Only a few sharp-eyed reporters discovered that this crowd had previously appeared in Yanjing City over issues involving agency rights. Coupled with the knowledge that Lin Feng and Xia Ruoxi had recently returned from Yanjing to Zhanhai, speculation quickly spread that these guests were there for FutureTech.
This startling theory circulated wildly within media circles, convincing many journalists of its truth. Soon, numerous prominent reporters from across the nation converged on Zhanhai, eager to cover the grand event firsthand.
At FutureTech’s headquarters, the situation escalated; nearly a hundred reporters now swarmed the entrance, with numbers steadily rising. The security team struggled to hold back the crowd, desperate to gain access for interviews.
Ouyang Qian, the head of the Publicity Department, arrived upon hearing the commotion. A striking woman in her thirties, married and highly capable, she had managed the department with great efficiency, earning the satisfaction of both Lin Feng and Xia Ruoxi.
Though unclear why the media had gathered, Ouyang Qian was familiar with many reporters, some of whom were personal friends. After conversing with them, she realized they had come specifically for Lin Feng and Xia Ruoxi, seeking exclusive information.
Despite her efforts to persuade the reporters to disperse, their numbers only grew. With no other options, she reported the situation to Xia Ruoxi, who then appeared alongside her at the company’s entrance.
Xia Ruoxi’s arrival only intensified the frenzy. Several reporters broke through security to approach her directly, thrusting microphones forward. “President Xia, may I ask if the recent arrival of several international top bosses in Zhanhai City is related to FutureTech?”
Other security personnel and Ouyang Qian frowned at the aggressive questioning, and Ouyang even considered stepping forward to intervene, but Xia Ruoxi gently stopped her.
Having kept the company’s plans secret until now, Xia Ruoxi felt ready to reveal the truth. She had intended to coordinate with Ouyang Qian to invite select major media outlets to the event on March 1st, but before she could, the reporters had already besieged the company doors.
“I will answer only one question. Yes, FutureTech will hold a conference on March 1st at the Emperor Hotel’s main hall in Zhanhai City. The event concerns FutureTech’s overseas computer product agency rights and the signing ceremony. If you’re interested in attending, you may register with Manager Ouyang. Spaces are limited!” Xia Ruoxi said, then turned and walked away without taking any further questions.
The reporters dared not pursue her but swarmed around Ouyang Qian. They had heard about the limited media slots and knew that early registration was essential. Caught off guard by Xia Ruoxi’s sudden announcement, Ouyang Qian found herself trapped by the eager press.
With over a hundred reporters present, representing more than thirty media outlets, she had no choice but to agree to their participation en masse to get them to leave satisfied.
Originally, only about forty media slots were planned, so this generous gesture nearly exhausted all available seats. Other media, unable to attend due to distance, also demanded access, crowding FutureTech’s entrance and requesting to meet with the publicity department.
Ouyang Qian was overwhelmed. The venue’s capacity was limited, and she dared not leave the office door unattended, fearing unauthorized reporters might slip inside and cause trouble. She even turned off her phone, which had been ringing incessantly since Xia Ruoxi’s announcement.
Thanks to the fervent coverage by these energized journalists, FutureTech’s overseas agency rights signing event became widely known throughout Huaxia and even internationally. People across the country envied Zhanhai and Yanjing Cities for hosting such a prestigious company.
The public was aware that FutureTech had launched into foreign markets, requiring numerous assembly factories and staff. Though unaware that Lin Feng planned to locate the assembly plants in Yanjing, many awaited the company’s notice, hoping for employment opportunities.
Previously, Lin Feng had contracted several assembly plants, offering very high wages due to heavy orders and overtime work. Many workers earned over ten thousand yuan monthly, inspiring hope among outsiders who longed to join such factories and earn a good living.
In Yanjing City, Premier Zhu learned of Lin Feng’s latest moves from the news. Angrily standing, he reached for the phone to call Lin Feng but paused mid-dial. Muttering to himself, “That brat didn’t even invite me to this big event. Fine, if you won’t invite me, I’ll make a surprise visit and see what excuses you have then!”
Recalling Lin Feng’s embarrassed expression when he unexpectedly appeared before him that day, Premier Zhu couldn’t help but chuckle quietly.