116 Unwilling to Respond

Seated at the main table were all the boss's close friends: Ding Songqing, president of the Provincial Chamber of Commerce and chairman of Shuangqing Group; Chen Guangzhi, general manager of Hanguang Group; Guan Yonggang, general manager of Taihe Group; Lu Yahong, general manager of Yahong Investment; and Wang Xiaoxian, general manager of Yiyun Auction House. In addition, there was also Fan Shichang and Jiang Juchang. Zhou Xiaobai briefly introduced these important guests.

“Are Xiao Yao’s family members not seated at the main table?” Sang Qingye asked hesitantly, a trace of unease in her heart.

“Our boss’s two elders each have their own guests to accompany and aren’t seated at the main table,” Zhou Xiaobai replied with a bright smile.

Sang Qingye inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief. “The people at the main table are either major tycoons or high-ranking officials. I’m just a small-time streamer; it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to sit there, right?”

Gu Weiwei quickly interjected, persuading her, “Why wouldn’t it be appropriate? I think it’s perfectly fitting. Your live broadcast today was voluntary promotion and a great help. Big tycoon Xiao will definitely want to show his gratitude.”

“Exactly, Weiwei’s right. You’ve done a huge favor today. With Xiao’s sincerity in thanking you, it would be rude if you didn’t accept,” He Jiayi agreed, both hoping to see the relationship between Sang Qingye and Xiao Yao deepen.

“You’re an important guest of Boss Xiao today. Being invited to the main table is a sign of respect. If you refuse, Boss Xiao will surely take it to heart,” Zhao Weidong sided firmly with Xiao Yao.

“Qingye, what’s there to hesitate about? Come with me quickly. There’s a seat reserved for you at the main table, and the boss is waiting,” Zhou Xiaobai urged.

If Xiao Yao’s parents had been at the main table, Sang Qingye definitely would not have gone. With that major obstacle removed and all her friends encouraging her, she found herself less resistant to going.

“Don’t hesitate, come with me now,” Zhou Xiaobai, sensing her hesitation, didn’t give her time to think and directly grabbed her hand, pulling her up.

Watching Sang Qingye walk away, Gu Weiwei and the others wore expressions of envy.

Being pulled along by Zhou Xiaobai, Sang Qingye passively approached the main table.

Zhou Xiaobai’s boldness pleased Xiao Yao, whose smile radiated genuine happiness.

He had been eager for Sang Qingye to join him at the main table and chat. For the opening of his new store, she was the only guest he truly wished to invite. Though the other attendees were prominent figures, none mattered to him as much as Sang Qingye. He would never neglect her in favor of these less significant guests.

He hadn’t invited her personally because he feared she might refuse. Though outgoing, Sang Qingye was rational and proud; if she knew who was seated at the main table, she might not want to come.

Xiao Yao was not the type to persist if rejected; he would accept it quietly.

Having Zhou Xiaobai extend the invitation removed those concerns, and seeing Sang Qingye arrive lifted his spirits.

Xiao Yao stood and pulled out the empty chair next to him. “Qingye, you’ve worked hard today. Come, sit here.”

Now that she was here, Sang Qingye no longer hesitated. Especially with so many eyes upon her, her professionalism took over. She spoke with poise: “I only did a small, insignificant thing, no need to say you’re too kind.”

She stepped closer but did not immediately sit. Instead, she addressed Xiao Yao, “These are all honored guests today, and I’m just a humble girl. I’m young and inexperienced and don’t know any of you here. I’ll need you to introduce me.”

Then she greeted the assembled guests herself: “Hello everyone, I’m Sang Qingye.”

The guests, all seasoned and shrewd veterans, understood immediately. Seeing such a stunningly pure beauty, none doubted her sincerity. They all smiled warmly, their gazes kind and genuine.

Xiao Yao proceeded to introduce each person to Sang Qingye.

After the introductions and once Sang Qingye sat down, Xiao Yao said, “Qingye graduated in broadcasting and hosting. Since graduating, she hasn’t found the right job, but talented people never go unnoticed. Her outdoor travel and food live streams are excellent, and she’s quite popular online. Our Xunweizhai’s online popularity is thanks to Qingye’s free promotion. Today, we invited her to express our gratitude.”

“You’re too kind, Boss Xiao. I only helped a little bit. You make such a formal fuss over me, and I’m embarrassed,” Sang Qingye said warmly, moved by his public acknowledgment in front of such distinguished guests.

“Miss Sang has such excellent temperament and a broadcasting degree. It would be a pity if she only worked as an online streamer. Our Shuangqing Group is currently recruiting a spokesperson but hasn’t found the right candidate yet. I think Miss Sang’s image and demeanor fit perfectly. Would you be interested in trying?” Ding Songqing was the first to extend an invitation.

The others inwardly scoffed at how quickly the shrewd old fox seized the opportunity—everyone else had been a step too slow.

Given Xiao Yao’s status and temperament, there was no need for such a detailed introduction, especially highlighting her broadcasting background. The hint was clear to all.

While they pondered what kind of role would suit Sang Qingye’s expertise, none expected Ding Songqing, the eldest yet quickest to react, to beat them to it.

“I know little about Shuangqing Group, and I’m afraid the spokesperson role isn’t suitable for me. Thank you for your kindness,” Sang Qingye declined without hesitation.

Though inexperienced in finance, she was aware of Shuangqing Group’s prominence. She knew how rare an opportunity like this was, but she had resolved firmly not to advance her relationship with Xiao Yao beyond the current state. Maintaining the status quo was enough for her, so she refused decisively.

She understood Xiao Yao’s intentions but dared not respond, knowing her own limits.