26: Take your positions, the auction begins.

Lu Fan looked up at the line of four people slowly entering the venue.

One fat, one thin, one fierce, and one amiable.

The four had distinct characteristics.

Lu Fan silently analyzed: The fat one must be Huang Jinrong; the thin one is undoubtedly Du Yuesheng; and the fierce one belongs to Boss of Hooligans.

Among the three, Du Yuesheng and Boss of Hooligans had outstanding presence, their every gesture exuding the oppressive aura of a superior.

In contrast, Huang Jinrong appeared slightly low-key and steady, keeping his talents hidden.

He even seemed a bit distracted.

The only person whose identity was unknown was the amiable old man standing in the C-position.

Lu Fan asked, “Fourth Young Master, who is this old man? His aura firmly suppresses The Three Tycoons.”

Tang Jifeng dropped his playful demeanor and introduced him seriously: “The President of the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce, the Shipping King, Yu Hede.”

When Lu Fan heard about this person's background, he couldn't help but take a few extra glances.

Although he was making a living in Shanghai by operating through the Concession and earning money from the Japanese and Westerners, he didn't have much to do with local merchants.

Besides, as the saying goes, a mighty dragon cannot crush a local snake.

It's good enough that I know who such a major figure is.

Tang Jifeng leaned closer and whispered a reminder: “President Yu is the main initiator of tonight's charity banquet.

Brother Fan, if you want to gain a foothold in Shanghai's Business Community, you must pay your respects to this man's influence.

I'll have Xiao Feng try to arrange a meeting for you another day.”

Lu Fan was somewhat confused when he heard that Xu Lai would be the intermediary to meet Yu Hede.

So he asked, “Does my sister-in-law have such connections?”

“Your sister-in-law was once a famous movie star dominating Shanghai, and although she isn't close with Old Man Yu.

She has a very good relationship with his grandchildren!”

As Tang Jifeng spoke, a hint of pride surfaced on his face.

“You two are chatting so happily, what are you talking about?”

Xu Lai returned after circling the room, bringing two beauties with her, and joined the conversation with a slight smile.

Lu Fan calmly teased: “Fourth Young Master said that if he couldn't marry you in the next life, he would willingly turn into a stone bridge,

to endure five hundred years of wind, five hundred years of sun, and five hundred years of rain.

Only to ask that you might walk across the bridge!”

The beauty to Xu Lai's left covered her mouth and giggled, saying coquettishly, “Oh~~ I didn't expect our Fourth Young Master Tang to be so devoted.

He even brought up the Buddhist classic, 'The Stone Bridge Zen'.

Sister, you truly have good fortune!”

The beauty to Xu Lai's right shot Tang Jifeng a disdainful look, curled her lip, and scoffed, “Psh~~ Five hundred years, him?

If his eyes don't wander for five days, I'll call him the winner.”

While the two beauties were teasing Tang Jifeng, Lu Fan carefully scrutinized them.

Although both were wearing Qipao, they gave off two completely different impressions.

The beauty on the left was slender, with long, straight black hair cascading like a waterfall.

Her light makeup was fresh and unconventional, and the slight upturn of her lips carried a hint of playful amusement.

The beauty on the right was curvaceous, and the Qipao's tailoring perfectly highlighted her magnificent figure.

Her hair was pulled up high, her makeup was heavier, and the movement of her eyes revealed a captivating and charming allure.

Tang Jifeng, who had just been joking around, had no resistance in front of these two beauties.

Especially the one on the right, who completely crushed him with every gesture.

Seeing that he couldn't handle the pressure, Tang Jifeng decisively changed the subject: “Second Miss Tang, Seventh Miss Sheng, let me introduce you.

This is my brother, Lu Fan, who just returned from England.

Brother Fan, the one on the left is Second Miss Tang, Tang Li. The Tang Family's treasured daughter and a beautiful reporter for the 'Shen Bao';

The one on the right is Seventh Miss Sheng, Sheng Aiyi. The founder of Paramount Hall and a celebrated Powerful Woman in Shanghai.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Fan's eyes lit up; these were definitely Shanghai Socialites.

Facing the two top Socialites, he greeted them neither humbly nor arrogantly, but respectfully: “Ladies, I have long admired your reputations. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

As soon as he said this, Tang Jifeng saw that the two beauties were not very interested, and he couldn't shift the blame elsewhere.

He decisively fanned the flames: “Brother, what's wrong today? Are you getting shy in front of the beauties?

Show them the attitude you had that day when you angrily confronted Wang Jingwei and stood firm against Zhu Lichen.”

Lu Fan watched as Tang Jifeng successfully stoked the curiosity of the people around them.

He rolled his eyes and retorted grumpily: “Fourth Young Master, my days are simple and peaceful.

But you keep spreading rumors and making waves! Alas~~~”

As soon as he said this, the three ladies covered their faces and chuckled secretly.

Only Tang Jifeng was left disheveled in the wind: “Brother, what's there to deny? Confronting them is the dream of so many people...”

Lu Fan immediately interrupted: “Enough~~ Enough~~ Enough~~

It's enough to have the dream; why talk about it? What will we discuss later when we're drunk?”

These words made the three ladies drop their socialite airs and laugh until they couldn't stand straight.

It was precisely this scene that caused the surrounding small circles to cast curious glances their way.

What exactly could make the Three Great Beauties of Shanghai chat so happily?

“Gentlemen and ladies, let us welcome the Chamber of Commerce President and The Three Tycoons to the stage with the warmest applause.”

Following the host's introduction, the venue instantly erupted in thunderous applause.

As the applause gradually subsided, the four men were already on stage and ready. The host, precisely controlling the pace, began to speak.

“We now invite the President of the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce to deliver a speech!”

Yu Hede slowly walked onto the stage, and the lights below instantly focused on him.

The Charity Aid Banquet was officially declared open.

After Yu Hede stood still, he smiled, looked around, and said in a steady and powerful voice, “Distinguished guests, good evening!”

His concise and generous opening remarks won warm applause from the audience.

Yu Hede delivered a profoundly serious speech, vehemently condemning the aggressive actions of the Japan.

He detailed the harm and destruction they had inflicted upon innocent people.

His words were passionate yet measured, ensuring everyone present deeply felt his anger and sense of justice.

Yu Hede's speech was like a fire, instantly igniting the emotions of the audience.

People responded enthusiastically, applause thundered, and the atmosphere was exceptionally fervent.

Next, the host began to introduce tonight's charity aid projects and beneficiaries.

This gave everyone a clearer understanding of the purpose and significance of the banquet.

Lu Fan was surprised to hear that the beneficiary tonight was the Shanghai Garrison Headquarters, with funds designated for weapon preparation.

He muttered to himself: It seems Baldy Jiang is determined to wrestle with the Japan in Shanghai.

Such a decision only shows: The Baldy Party Leader has great talent but lacks grand strategy.

The overwhelming tide of history was crashing down, and Lu Fan felt a sense of urgency; his own plans needed to be sped up.

On the other side, Sheng Aiyi took a small sip from her wine glass and spoke thoughtfully.

“Tang Four, the President called for comprehensive aid to resist the Japan.

Do you think the war might spread to Shanghai?”

Tang Jifeng suppressed his smile and responded gravely: “I am a soldier; I only care about fighting the war!”

Sheng Aiyi glared at Tang Jifeng irritably: “Hmph~ You're just a donkey walking in circles.

I don't know how you manage to be the Standing Garrison Commander.”

As they spoke, the host finished the warm-up, everyone took their seats, and the Charity Aid Banquet entered its main event.