Chapter 453: Business Banquet
A week later, the Bead chain e-commerce platform exploded in Kensbury City. Its celebrity spokesperson, aggressive marketing, and user-friendly features propelled it to phenomenal success, particularly among office workers. Within a mere week, the user base skyrocketed from under 20,000 to 2 million, stunning the business community.
Witnessing these statistics, Hannah couldn't help but admire Tan's capabilities. She had assigned him the project and was delighted with the outcome, confirming her initial assessment of his talent.
Rose entered Hannah's office. "Ms. Hannah," she said, "you're attending tonight's business banquet, right? I checked with the president's secretary; Mr. Cooper won't be going if you are."
"Right," Hannah nodded. "He's getting on in years; he should spend more time with my mother."
Rose offered a small smile. She recalled previously perceiving the Cooper family as aloof and arrogant, especially during Roger Cooper's tenure at the company. Working for Hannah, however, had revealed a different, more approachable side to the family.
"You don't need to come with me tonight," Hannah continued. "I'll take Tan; I want to introduce him to some key businessmen."
"Are you ditching me?" Rose asked, a serious tone in her voice.
Hannah was taken aback; she hadn't anticipated Rose's reaction. "I just didn't want to burden you," Hannah explained honestly. "You'd be spending most of the evening looking after me, and that's unnecessary. You mean a great deal to me, and no one can replace you."
Reassured, Rose replied, "Okay, Ms. Hannah."
"Did you book my formal dress?"
"Yes. It's waiting for you."
"Okay," Hannah glanced at the time. "Tell Tan to meet me downstairs in half an hour."
"Okay."
Rose departed.
After reviewing some documents, Hannah went downstairs with Jimmy at the appointed time. Tan was waiting at the gate. "Ms. Hannah," he greeted her.
"Let's go," Hannah said. "We're attending a business banquet tonight. First, we'll pick up our outfits."
"Okay."
Tan followed her to the car.
They arrived at an international shopping mall. Hannah tried on her booked dress, and she also had the staff select a suit for Tan.
Dressed and ready, they stood at the French window.
"You look stunning," Tan complimented.
"You too," Hannah replied.
Tan's attractiveness wasn't immediately apparent, but he possessed a quiet dignity. A gentlemanly air, combined with his confidence, earned him a seven out of ten in Hannah's estimation.
"Is this suit a gift?" Tan teased.
"So you thought I'd make you pay?" she retorted playfully.
"No, I just sensed your generosity."
"It's a reward for your hard work."
"Thank you."
Hannah nodded slightly. "Wait a minute; I'm going to do my makeup."
"Okay."
Tan sat on the nearby sofa while Hannah went into the dressing room. The rooms were connected. Tan casually glanced at Hannah before resuming his reading of a magazine, appearing composed and relaxed.
At 6 PM, they arrived at the banquet hall. It was relatively empty, being early. Hannah scanned the room; her intended contact hadn't arrived yet. She led Tan to the dessert area. "Let's grab something to eat."
"Okay." Tan selected some desserts and began eating.
Watching Hannah enjoy the sweets, Tan chuckled. "Ms. Hannah, I've never seen a pretty lady eat dessert like that. No fear of gaining weight?"
"Health is paramount," Hannah replied, discreetly omitting her pregnancy plans.
Tan smiled again, admiring her honesty and straightforward nature, in addition to her abilities.
As they ate, a woman's voice interrupted.
"Hannah,"
Hannah didn't need to turn around; it was Susan. She knew Susan enjoyed such events.
"You've eaten a lot of sweets," Susan remarked, surprised by the desserts on Hannah's plate. "Aren't you worried about expanding your waistline?"
"That's why I chose a looser dress."
"Clever," Susan sniffed.
Seeing Susan's revealing attire, Hannah frowned. "You're wearing so little; what if you catch a cold?"
"I won't. I'm as strong as an ox!"
"Take care of yourself," Hannah reminded her.
"Stop saying that," Susan retorted impatiently. "Henry's here; I'm going."
Hannah watched Susan go, lips compressed.
Tan noticed Susan. "Is she the Susan everyone talks about?"
"Is she famous?" Hannah asked.
"I've heard her personality is... distinctive."
"She's weird," Hannah stated bluntly.
Tan smiled in agreement.
"Sometimes I envy her carefree nature," Hannah mused, "but sometimes I wish she were more shrewd. Oh well." She wiped her mouth. "Finished?"
"Finished."
"Let's go. The big man's arrived." Hannah took a deep breath.
Tan smoothed his suit. They approached Bill Jones, a leading figure in international e-commerce. He was negotiating the international e-commerce project with the Sawyer Group and was in Northfield for a site visit of the Bead platform.
Hannah greeted him. "Hello, Mr. Jones. I'm Hannah Wells from the Cooper Group."
Bill frowned slightly, appearing unfamiliar with her. His assistant whispered an introduction.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Wells," Bill said, his tone eager. "I'm delighted to meet you."
"The pleasure's all mine."
They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.
Hannah then said, "I understand you're looking to establish an international e-commerce platform here in Northfield."
"Are you interested?"
"Precisely."
"Oh?" Bill smiled. "But I've heard the Sawyer Group is very active on this project, and we've reached a tentative agreement."
"If you were satisfied with the Sawyer Group, I doubt you'd be here," Hannah countered with unwavering confidence.