178: Chapter 178 The Party Begins

The next day, accompanied by officials related to The Peninsula's culture and tourism, Lin Wanrou took a car to visit several key sub-projects of this cooperative venture.

The black business van drove smoothly through the streets, surrounded by security personnel from The Peninsula front and back; the specifications were not low.

The street scenery outside the window receded rapidly, from modern skyscrapers to quaint Korean-style courtyards, fully displaying the unique charm of The Peninsula.

The first stop was the Guangming Childrens Mental Illness Cooperative Research Center.

As soon as the car came to a steady stop, Lin Wanrou saw a huge poster on the promotional wall to the left of the center's main gate that was particularly eye-catching.

On the poster, Choi Sulli was wearing a simple white shirt, her long hair falling to her shoulders, a gentle smile on her face, and her eyes clear and bright.

Below it were the words "Charity Ambassador Choi Sulli," and next to it was the research center's mission slogan.

Lin Wanrou stopped in her tracks, her gaze falling on the poster, and a gratified smile unconsciously tugged at the corners of her mouth.

This girl—the more she looked at her, the more she liked her.

She had already learned about Choi Sulli's situation. From the little girl who needed protection back then to the one who could now stand on her own, the traces of growth were clearly visible, and it was inseparable from her own son.

This also made her feel quite emotional.

From a mother's perspective, with Liu Zijun leaving that dangerous world and enjoying ordinary days, she felt it was very good.

Seeing this, the accompanying Peninsula official quickly introduced, "Vice Minister Lin, Miss Choi Sulli is the charity ambassador for this research center."

She has not only donated a huge sum of money but also frequently takes time to visit the sick children. The children all like her very much."

Lin Wanrou turned to look at the official, her eyes filled with pride she couldn't hide.

"Is that so?"

"This child has a kind heart. I know a bit about her too; she has always been very compassionate."

I am happy for her that she can contribute to the children's public welfare cause of both countries."

She didn't deliberately mention her relationship with Choi Sulli, yet her words revealed complete approval of this future daughter-in-law.

Sure enough, this official from The Peninsula's Blue House took it to heart, and then thought back to the suggestions from the China side.

This Choi Sulli, or rather the boyfriend behind her, was indeed not simple.

Afterward, led by the research center staff, Lin Wanrou visited the diagnostic rooms, rehabilitation areas, and activity rooms of the research center.

Watching the children playing and receiving treatment in the bright and spacious rooms, her eyes were full of tenderness.

As she left the research center, Lin Wanrou said sincerely, "This kind of cooperation is very meaningful. I hope more children can benefit."

Over the next most of the day, Lin Wanrou visited sub-projects such as the cultural exchange exhibition hall and the youth art training base one after another.

Everywhere they went, they listened carefully to the introductions and offered their own insights from time to time. Her professional attitude and approachable aura won the respect of The Peninsula's officials.

After all, it is a major power.

In the evening, three hours before the banquet began, Liu Zijun had already arrived early at the Shilla Hotel with Choi Sulli, Im Yoona, Krystal Jung, and the others.

After going through multiple security checks, they finally entered the waiting room.

As a top luxury hotel in The Peninsula, the Shilla Hotel was decorated exceptionally grandly tonight, with a red carpet laid outside the banquet hall.

Bright flowers were placed on both sides, and reporters stood ready with cameras. Many staff members shuttled between them, busily making final preparations.

Choi Sulli grabbed Liu Zijun's arm and said with a smile, "Joon oppa, I'm actually a little nervous."

Tonight, she was wearing a light purple stage dress, her long hair curled exquisitely, and her face adorned with delicate makeup, looking both sweet and beautiful.

Although she had experienced countless stage performances, this occasion was special as it involved official cooperation between the two countries. The Peninsula officials had already instructed that there must be no mistakes.

Liu Zijun patted the back of her hand and comforted her in a gentle tone, "Don't be nervous. Just treat it like a normal rehearsal."

You guys are so excellent; you will definitely perform well."

He turned to look at Krystal Jung nearby and said, "Krystal, you too. Relax and treat it as a normal performance."

Krystal Jung was also dressed up beautifully. Hearing this, she nodded and took a deep breath, saying, "Don't worry, I'll do my best."

The backstage waiting room was already bustling with people. Many famous Peninsula artists had arrived, gathered in small groups chatting.

Looking around, it was a sea of stage makeup. The long legs of the female artists were particularly eye-catching. With handsome men and beautiful women gathered together, it was like a top-tier entertainment industry gala.

Because the artists who could come here were all the top-tier ones in The Peninsula.

Liu Zijun leaned against the doorframe outside the waiting room, his gaze casually sweeping over the crowd with a faint smile on his lips.

It had to be said that the physical appearance of Peninsula artists was indeed outstanding, especially the female artists—not only were their visuals high, but their body management was also extreme.

Just then, a lively figure suddenly approached him, swaying back and forth and blocking his view.

"Joon oppa, what are you looking at so intently?"

Park Ji-yeon was wearing a short red stage outfit that revealed her slender waist and long legs. With a mischievous smile on her face, she deliberately walked back and forth in front of him, afraid he wouldn't see her.

Liu Zijun was amused by her and reached out to ruffle her hair.

"Looking at long legs, what else?"

Park Ji-yeon immediately stopped, hands on her hips, and proudly puffed out her chest.

"What about me? What about me?"

"My legs are very long too. They aren't worse than theirs, right?"

Liu Zijun followed her words, looked her up and down, and then said, "Not bad at all. Our Ji-yeon's legs are the longest and most beautiful."

This made Park Ji-yeon laugh until her eyes curved into crescents.

Park Hyomin, seeing this from not far away, shook her head helplessly. This girl really used every trick in the book to get Liu Zijun's attention.

Lee Ji-hyun also walked up to him, showing a deep cleavage, which made Liu Zijun smile slightly.

This scene was spotted by Jessica Jung as she came out, and her expression changed slightly.

This dog man!

Since returning from Hong Kong Island, he hadn't looked for her even once.

And now he was here flirting with other women.

Most of the other artists backstage would politely bow when they saw Liu Zijun.

After the previous series of events, Liu Zijun's identity was no longer a secret. The halo of being the boss of JS Investment gave him a significant position in the entertainment industry, and no one dared to neglect him.

Not long after, the banquet officially began.

The Peninsula's Minister related to culture and tourism gave the opening speech, emphasizing the significance of this China-Peninsula culture and tourism cooperation project.

Then, Lin Wanrou, the head of the China Delegation, was invited to the stage to speak.

Lin Wanrou was dressed in a proper dark green skirt suit, her temperament elegant and poised.

Her speech was concise and powerful, expressing expectations for the cooperation while affirming the value of cultural exchange between the two countries, winning warm applause from the audience.

After the speeches, the artistic performances officially kicked off.

First to appear were several Peninsula traditional art performance groups, mainly showcasing the traditional cultural charm of The Peninsula.

The first K-POP group to take the stage turned out to be T-ara.

As the familiar melody played, the six members—Park Soyeon, Lee Ji-hyun, Jeon Bo-ram, Ham Eun-jung, Park Hyomin, and Park Ji-yeon—walked onto the stage full of energy in matching stage outfits.

Their performance was passionate and uninhibited, their dance moves perfectly synchronized. Years of stage experience allowed them to handle the stage with ease, and the audience below waved their arms to the rhythm, with applause rising one after another.

After T-ara's performance, it was a very popular boy group.

Next, the host announced the name of the next performer.

"Next, let's welcome f(x) with a round of applause!"