Chapter 79: Not Afraid, Young Master’s Got Money and Can Do What He Wants!

Seeing Boss Pang dash downstairs so frantically, the big bosses instantly understood: the legendary new owner must have arrived! They craned their necks eagerly to see if the new boss was truly as shockingly young as the rumors claimed.

“Young Master Tang, welcome!” The hired greeters had been strictly instructed by Boss Pang: disrespect whoever else you like, but when Young Master Tang arrives, treat him with absolute reverence! Spotting Tang Chen, they immediately bent at the waist in deep bows.

Tang Chen responded with a satisfied “mhmm,” holding Yang Mi’s hand as they stepped onto the red carpet. Casually, he added, “Young Master is pleased. After the ceremony, each of you find Boss Pang for twenty thousand yuan!”

“Thank you, Young Master Tang!” The greeters bowed again respectfully. They’d heard Young Master Tang was generous, and sure enough, the rumors were true.

“Young Master Tang, Miss Yang, you’re here.” Boss Pang hurried over to Tang Chen, greeting both with a smile.

Tang Chen grunted in acknowledgment and instructed, “Old Pang, I’ve got friends coming soon, bringing a whole group. Tell the security and your people to keep their eyes peeled.”

“Your friends are our distinguished guests, Young Master Tang. Rest assured, it will be handled perfectly.” For Boss Pang, Young Master Tang’s words demanded just one response: absolute obedience. Had Tang Chen ordered him to throw out all these bosses then and there, Boss Pang would have complied instantly.

Tang Chen walked with Yang Mi, Boss Pang trailing behind. He asked, “Old Pang, didn’t you say you invited some celebrities to liven things up? Where are they? Why aren’t they here yet?”

Leading the way, Boss Pang explained, “Young Master Tang, I already called to rush them. Most are already here. You know how troublesome these stars can be when they head out.”

Tang Chen frowned, displeased. “Daring to make Young Master wait for them? Once they arrive, Young Master will remind them just whose turf this is.”

Boss Pang dared not argue. He personally opened the door. Inside, the big bosses immediately swarmed forward to greet Tang Chen, most offering flattering words and bootlicking compliments.

Tang Chen, uncomfortable with this kind of scene, gave offhand replies. Thankfully, Boss Pang stepped in, fielding many questions. Eventually, Boss Pang ushered Tang Chen to the central table. The other big bosses also took their seats.

Boss Pang had already signaled the journalists to enter and stand around the perimeter. He planned for them to photograph Young Master Tang’s speech, aiming to make Junyue famous again in the city, even nationally.

Yang Mi, also unfamiliar with such grandeur, seemed a bit flustered. Tang Chen took her hand, signaling her not to be nervous.

A few minutes later, Third Master Chen arrived. He first paid his respects to Tang Chen, reporting that his men were stationed outside. Tang Chen, displeased, ordered all his men be brought inside for the meal. Now, most guests were accounted for.

Boss Pang took the stage to speak. He cleared his throat. “I welcome all our journalist friends and colleagues to Junyue for our fifth-anniversary celebration. On behalf of Junyue, I express my sincere gratitude for your presence.” He bowed deeply.

The audience applauded warmly, giving Boss Pang proper face.

Boss Pang smiled and continued, “You all know by now, Junyue is no longer my hotel. Months ago, my owner, Young Master Tang, bought Junyue for fifty billion yuan. Let us now welcome him to the stage!”

Clap clap clap!

Third Master Chen led a thunderous round of applause, and everyone else quickly followed suit. They had all heard the story, and witnessing this young man possessing such staggering wealth in person made the trip worth it.

Yang Mi giggled, whispering to Tang Chen, “Tang Chen, Boss Pang wants you to go up and speak.”

Tang Chen winced inwardly. He hadn’t expected Boss Pang to put him on the spot like this. He had no idea how to give a speech! Damn it, this is going to embarrass Young Master!

But everyone was clearly waiting. Backing out now would look weak. Resigned, Tang Chen straightened his jacket and walked up. Passing Boss Pang, he muttered low enough for only him to hear, “Old Pang, you bastard, daring to jerk me around like this? Just you wait until later.”

Boss Pang almost stumbled. He desperately wanted to plead ‘misunderstanding’ – the Young Master clearly believed this was deliberate humiliation! Oh no… I’m definitely in for a rough time later.

Tang Chen stood at the microphone. He coughed, looked squarely at the crowd, and began, “Old Pang threw Young Master up here with zero warning. As you can see, Young Master is young, inexperienced; speeches aren’t really my thing. Let’s just cut to the chase. Today marks Junyue’s fifth anniversary. Young Master declares: for the next month starting NOW, eating at Junyue is completely FREE! Don’t ask Young Master why. Young Master is wealthy. No explanation needed.”

Whoosh!

Tang Chen’s announcement left everyone stunned. They’d seen generous bosses, but never this extravagant! It was practically throwing money away for applause!

“What? Not happy with Young Master’s decision? Jesus…” Tang Chen thought, irritated by the silence instead of cheers, “…what kind of reaction is this? Shouldn’t you be jumping for joy? Why you all staring like idiots?”

Clap clap clap!

Boss Pang frantically led the applause again. The other big bosses snapped back to reality and clapped fiercely, anxious not to offend the mega-tycoon by appearing insufficiently enthusiastic.

“Alright, speech over. Eat up, drink up.” Tang Chen grinned, his vanity massively satisfied. As he turned to return to his seat, Boss Pang rushed to intercept him. “Young Master Tang, there’s still the press interview!”

“Interview? Interview me?” Tang Chen frowned, confused. “Young Master isn’t some celebrity. Why interview me?”

Boss Pang offered a strained smile, leaning closer to whisper, “Young Master, it was arranged beforehand. For the hotel’s publicity. Please, just cooperate a little.”

Tang Chen grunted “Oh,” pushed him aside, and addressed the reporters, “Fine, interview away. But make it quick. Young Master is hungry.”

“Oh, of course, of course,” a female journalist quickly asked, “Mr. Tang, you just announced free meals at Junyue for the next month. Is this truly happening?”

Tang Chen scowled. “Address Young Master properly as ‘Young Master Tang’! Otherwise, Young Master refuses to answer.”

The reporter nearly choked. She’d seen arrogant behavior, but this took the cake! But for the scoop, she pushed on: “Young Master Tang, why did you make this decision? Aren’t you afraid of losing money?”

Tang Chen swaggered, rubbing his nose. “Not afraid. Young Master said it before. Young Master got money. Young Master does what he wants.” His tone was defiant.

The reporter was speechless. An impossible interview subject! Her prepared questions were useless. What now?

Glancing at the other whispering journalists dismissively, Tang Chen said loudly, “You reporters are so annoying! First, you say you want it. Then, when Young Master obliges, you just stand there silent. Boring! Young Master’s done here.” With that, he strode back to his seat.

Manager Pang seemed ready to collapse. Was Young Master Tang really that arrogant? Didn’t he know you never piss off journalists in any industry?

A scholar’s tongue, a journalist’s pen – either could ruin you with words alone! But then again… Young Master Tang had always acted superior. Him being disrespectful to journalists? Well, that fit.

“Heh heh… Young Master Tang seems… a bit off mood today,” Boss Pang smoothly interjected. “That said… enjoy the food and drinks! We’ll move straight to today’s headline act! Our Young Master Tang invited numerous stars to perform for this celebration. Please welcome Zhou Jiejie and Fei Qing to sing ‘Blue and White Porcelain’!”

Boss Pang had agonized over this celebration, booking popular Taiwanese singers for the show.

For the rest of the time, both the big bosses and the journalists were thoroughly entertained by one dazzling act after another, heaping praise on Junyue’s arrangements.

Later, Boss Pang cautiously approached Tang Chen. “Young Master Tang, how… how was today’s ceremony?”

Tang Chen glanced at Yang Mi beside him, giggling happily at a comedy skit. “It was fine,” he replied. “But one thing: Old Pang, the invite list had ten celebrities. Why only nine here?”

Boss Pang forced a smile. “I called the last one again just now. Their agent claimed there’s traffic hold-up, asked us to wait a bit longer.”

“Wait for his damn mother!” Tang Chen exploded angrily. “Daring to keep Young Master and all these guests waiting? Young Master really wonders just how much of a star you invited that they are!”