Chapter 372: The actresses, eager to invite Jiang Jing to the grand ceremony.

Pony Ma's voice sounded somewhat helpless: "Chairman Jiang, you don't know, ever since your 'phantom world' went online, the data for our company's games..."

"Sigh, it's practically a cliff-like drop."

"We are losing players so severely that my operations team is almost crying from anxiety."

Listening to this, Jiang Jing just smiled slightly and didn't take the bait.

He certainly knew this would be the result, but this was simply market competition, and he wouldn't feel guilty about it.

Seeing that Jiang Jing wouldn't take the bait, Pony Ma knew he couldn't gain any advantage on this topic, so he took the opportunity to reveal his true purpose.

He cleared his throat, his tone becoming more enthusiastic: "Chairman Jiang, it's like this, our Tencent Video is planning to hold an annual ceremony next week, which is sort of a small gathering for the entertainment industry, and quite a few stars will be coming."

"I was wondering, would you be interested in coming over to hang out? Just consider it a way to relax and help us boost the event's profile."

Jiang Jing knew exactly what was going on.

Boosting the profile? To put it bluntly, he just wanted to leech off his popularity and traffic.

Now, the focus of the entire internet was on him and the 'phantom world.' As long as he made an appearance at the 'Starlight Awards,' the attention on this event would immediately increase by several magnitudes.

However, Jiang Jing didn't mind.

It wouldn't cost him anything to show his face.

On the contrary, Tencent's grand event would surely be packed with stars. Maybe he could meet some 'old acquaintances,' or... make some new friends?

Thinking of this, Jiang Jing readily agreed: "Sure, since Pony Ma is personally inviting me, I have to give you this face. I've been quite busy lately, so going to relax a bit sounds nice."

Pony Ma didn't expect Jiang Jing to agree so readily and was instantly overjoyed, saying repeatedly: "That's great! Thank you so much, Chairman Jiang! You're a real one! I owe you a favor for this!"

Pony Ma wouldn't start acting high and mighty just because Jiang Jing was polite.

He knew very well that no matter the reason for Jiang Jing's quick agreement, he had to acknowledge the favor.

Everyone was a smart person...

"You're too polite, Pony Ma. We're all on the same side. Don't forget, I'm also a shareholder of Tencent," Jiang Jing said with a smile.

"Right, right, right! Look at me, I was so happy I got confused! Family, we're family!" Pony Ma was in a great mood. After a few more pleasantries, he hung up the phone, feeling satisfied.

As soon as the call ended, Pony Ma took immediate action.

He directly ordered his subordinates to post a bombshell announcement on Tencent Group's official platform:

[Breaking Official Announcement! Founder of Xingchen Technology, the youngest Academician in the Dragon Kingdom, @Jiang Jing, has confirmed attendance at next week's 'Starlight Awards' ceremony! Stay tuned!]

This news was like a drop of water falling into a pot of boiling oil, causing an instant explosion.

Those capitalists and corporate executives who had been struggling to find a way to contact Jiang Jing suddenly saw hope.

Calls and messages flooded toward Pony Ma and his team like a tide.

"President Ma! We'll cover the sponsorship for the Starlight Awards! We only ask for a chance to meet and chat with Mr. Jiang Jing!"

"Pony Ma, we've been working together for so many years. You must help your brother arrange a seat near Chairman Jiang this time!"

"As long as I can talk to Mr. Jiang Jing, I'll agree to any conditions!"

Just as Jiang Jing had predicted, Pony Ma could gain quite a few benefits by riding on his coattails.

And the actresses in the entertainment industry were even more completely ecstatic.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

If they could leave a deep impression on Jiang Jing at such an occasion, even if it was just becoming a familiar face, it could mean a turning point in their destiny.

From then on, leaping over the dragon gate to sit in the position of 'capitalist's wife' was not impossible!

Consequently, the number of actresses using various connections to reach out to Pony Ma in hopes of getting an invitation to the 'Starlight Awards'—especially for the inner venue and front-row seats—surged.

Facing these requests, Pony Ma handled them with extra caution.

For those executives wanting to discuss cooperation, he could still weigh things based on interest exchanges.

But towards these actresses, his attitude was even more polite.

Who knew if one of these actresses might become Jiang Jing's bedmate in the future?

He didn't want to offend anyone unintentionally.

As long as their status was high enough and their image was okay, he basically gave everyone who wanted to attend a chance.

He also knew Jiang Jing's preferences—he liked beautiful women. Men understand men best.

So he knew exactly how to handle it.

For a while, the entire entertainment industry and the capital circle were surging with undercurrents because of an event Jiang Jing was about to attend.

Everyone was raring to go, preparing to show off their skills at the upcoming 'Starlight Awards.'

...

At Liu Yifei's home.

"Xixi! My little ancestor, why are you still so calm!"

Looking at her daughter, who was wearing loose loungewear, bare-faced, and holding a book, Liu Xiaoli paced around anxiously.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Jiang Jing will be there! You need to hurry up and think about what gown to wear and what hairstyle to get. You must outshine the others and leave the deepest impression on him!"

Disturbed by her mother, Liu Yifei couldn't read anymore. She helplessly put the book down and sighed: "Mom, it's just an event. Just attending normally is fine, there's no need to be so deliberate..."

"What do you mean no need!" Liu Xiaoli raised her voice. "Look at Weibo, those actresses are all raring to go, wishing they could pull out all their best tricks!"

"Yang Mi and Leng Ba will definitely go too. Compared to them, what is your advantage? Isn't it this calm temperament?"

"But being calm doesn't mean not dressing up! Hurry up, get up! Mom has booked top stylists and many gown brands. We must decide on your outfit today!"

Unable to resist her overly enthusiastic mother, Liu Yifei had to put down her book and was pulled up.

Although she felt her mother was a bit exaggerated, deep down, she did feel a bit of anticipation—something she hadn't even realized herself—about meeting the legendary Jiang Jing, who combined good looks, talent, and power in one person.

She might not value money and status that much, but her appreciation and curiosity for truly excellent and outstanding people were real.

And Jiang Jing undoubtedly fit all her imaginations of excellence perfectly.

On the other side, at Tian Xinwei's apartment.

Looking at the official poster for the 'Starlight Awards' on her phone screen, Tian Xinwei hesitated for a long time.

Finally, she figured it out; she also had to work hard!

Happiness is something you have to strive for yourself!

Thus, she contacted Pony Ma's assistant through an intermediary and expressed her desire to attend as well.

To her surprise, the other party agreed very readily, and the tone was even quite polite, directly stating that they would send her a formal invitation and arrange a good seat.

"That's... it? They agreed?" Tian Xinwei was a bit dazed. She had originally thought she would need to pay some price, or at least spend some effort talking.

She didn't know that Pony Ma's side was surprisingly friendly towards any actress who had some fame and decent looks.

After all, sending a few more beauties over could never be a bad thing. Who knew which one might catch Jiang Jing's eye?