Chapter 147 Chapter 146-Two Big Shots in the Teahouse（1st update, Cheer me with Power Stones!）
Standing at the entrance of the main hall, John casually took in the scene.
Several tables had been set up in the hall, laden with dainty pastries.
Some of the pastries were still steaming hot, freshly made by professional pastry chefs on-site.
In addition to this, numerous servers in uniform were holding trays of champagne flutes, filled with fine wine.
The hall was abuzz with chatter, groups of people gathered, holding their champagne flutes, and conversing over clinking glasses.
Just by their attire, it was clear these guests were not ordinary.
The younger ones were handsome and beautiful, naturally exuding an air of nobility.
The slightly older ones carried an aura that spoke of high standing.
Seeing Nicholas personally usher two youngsters into the crowd, many eyes were drawn in surprise.
They were curious about who these young people were that could warrant personal attention from the third-in-command of the Taylor Group.
As their gaze landed on John and Emma, to their astonishment, they realized they had never seen these two before.
Nobody knew exactly who they were.
It was Emma's first time in such a setting.
Understandably, she was somewhat bewildered and could only follow closely behind John, clutching his arm for a sense of security.
John, on the other hand, remained perfectly composed.
Although he'd never attended such high-end gatherings before, his current prowess and mindset enabled him to interact calmly with any high-ranking individual.
They made their way through the massive hall, with Nicholas leading John and Emma further into the mansion.
As they walked, Nicholas explained, "This mansion is the usual residence of our Chairman and his wife. As you may know, Graceful Waters Manor is a property of our Taylor Group. We, the elder members, generally live here."
"The Chairman has always been sentimental. He never forgot the bonds we shared when we first started this journey. After achieving success, he specifically built the Graceful Waters Manor community and reserved a villa for each of us elders."
"After the party, if Mr. Foster has the time, he could visit my humble abode..." Nicholas suggested, to which John responded with a polite nod and a smile.
Despite not understanding why Nicholas displayed such affability, John was sure that this invitation would eventually reveal the answers.
Under Nicholas' guidance, they crossed the hall to arrive at the backyard.
To John's surprise, the real charm lay in this backyard of the mansion-like villa.
Elegant small buildings were scattered aesthetically around a large swimming pool, where servants were setting up for the banquet.
It was clear that this was the actual venue for the evening's feast.
They continued walking and soon arrived at an elegant, quaint little building.
"This is the teahouse, where the Chairman often entertains esteemed guests. Currently, he is inside, having tea with our city's mayor. The Chairman had instructed that should you arrive, you should be led here directly," explained Nicholas.
After saying this, Nicholas knocked on the teahouse door.
A steady, authoritative voice responded from inside, "The door's not locked, come right in..."
Nicholas opened the door and stepped aside, indicating John to enter.
It was evident that this place held significant status, as even Nicholas wouldn't step in casually on any ordinary day.
John raised an eyebrow and stepped in without hesitation, with Emma trailing behind. However, Nicholas halted her with a hand.
A bit unsure, Emma looked at John.
John also stopped and looked back, only to see Nicholas offering an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry," he began, "The Chairman has some important matters to discuss privately with Mr. Foster. Miss, why don't you join me for a bite to eat? There's an entertainment area specifically designed for ladies in the mansion. You could explore that."
At this, John's gaze sharpened.
What kind of important matter warranted such secrecy?
It was Emma, however, who read the situation and quickly replied, "In that case, Johnny, you go ahead. I want to see how these wealthy ladies spend their leisure time. Opportunities like these are rare."
Although she often seemed naive, she was far from ignorant of the world's ways.
After all, she was a strong girl who had been delivering food to support her family since college.
As soon as Nicholas made his statement, she understood that the Chairman of the Taylor Group had a very important matter to discuss with John.
Emma decisively took the heat off John. John affectionately tousled Emma's hair and said in a light tone, "Alright, you go with Nicholas first. Don't stray too far, I'll come find you once I'm done here." Emma obediently nodded her head.
Before John could say anything to Nicholas, Nicholas patted his chest confidently and promised, "Rest assured, our villa has top-notch security. We'll keep your girlfriend safe." Only then did John stride into the teahouse.
As John's figure completely disappeared into the shadow of the teahouse, Nicholas carefully closed the door behind him, heaving a sigh of relief.
He didn't understand why he felt this suffocating feeling whenever he faced John.
Although the young man didn't have an overwhelming presence, he was not on the same level as the other powerful people Nicholas encountered in his daily life.
Yet, whenever he faced John, he'd experience this sensation.
It was like standing alone in the wilderness, suddenly coming face to face with a lone predator.
"Miss, please follow me," Nicholas, regaining his composure, resumed his pleasant smile.
...
As John stepped into the teahouse and the door closed behind him, his surroundings gradually darkened.
The only source of light was from the room not far ahead of him.
He could still hear the soft laughter and conversation of two men inside.
Without hesitation, John headed straight for the inner room.
Upon entering, he was met with an elegantly classical space.
In the center of the room was a tea table with all manner of tea utensils; judging by their texture, they were definitely not items one could buy off the shelf.
On either side of the table sat two middle-aged men of about the same age.
One of them was a face John knew quite well, not from real-life encounters, but because he'd seen this man on numerous TV channels.
This was the city's mayor, Daniel Roberts, the highest-ranking official in the city.
The other man was unfamiliar.
His square face, sharp eyes, and upright posture were striking.
Even though he was in his forties, he showed no signs of weight gain, indicating he maintained a regular fitness routine.
Despite not having seen him before, it was evident from his casual chat with Mayor Daniel Roberts who he was.
This was Benjamin, the Chairman of the Taylor Group.
As John confidently entered the room, the conversation between the two men came to a halt, and they turned their attention to John.
Benjamin, with sparkling eyes and a friendly smile, said, "So you're John. I've heard much about you. You're indeed a rising star."
John nodded slightly and replied humbly, "You're too kind. I'm too young to live up to such grand titles."
"Hahaha," Benjamin laughed heartily, his tone amicable.
"I heard that you're a capable and resourceful young man, able to achieve astonishing feats single-handedly. But I didn't expect such modesty in real life. It's quite a pleasant surprise."
John's face remained expressionless, but he was taken aback internally.
When had he ever shocked the world?
Before John could voice his confusion, Benjamin turned to Mayor Daniel Roberts and introduced him, "Mayor, let me introduce you to the top player in the recent game, Godslayer, known as 'Galewind'. Surprising, isn't it? The globally recognized top player of Godslayer is right here in our city."
From the moment John stepped into the teahouse, Mayor Daniel Roberts had been eyeing him curiously.
Upon hearing Benjamin's introduction, Daniel burst into hearty laughter, self-satisfactorily stating, "Of course! We've always been known for our talented individuals. The emergence of a young talent like John is no surprise to me."
The two middle-aged men indulged in their joy, becoming more cheerful with each word.
Meanwhile, John was left utterly puzzled.
What was going on?
Wasn't he invited to a birthday party?
Why were they discussing unrelated matters?
At that point, Benjamin stood up and personally guided John to the tea table.
"Come, there's no need to be formal here. The Mayor and I are not monsters. Just consider us your seniors."
John sat down in bewilderment.
To his surprise, Benjamin personally brewed a cup of tea and handed it to him.
"Try this. It's freshly harvested pre-rain Longjing tea from this year. I'm not sure if you're accustomed to it."
John accepted the cup of tea.
The verdant tea leaves twirled gently in the water, emitting an enticing aroma.
Taking a sip, the refreshing taste lingered in his mouth.
Noticing John's growing confusion, Benjamin chuckled and explained, "Don't be surprised. This cup of tea is my way of thanking you for saving my daughter's life. My daughter is my entire world, and it's only right for me to personally brew a tea for her savior."
John responded with a slight smile, "Chairman Benjamin, you're too kind. I merely lent a helping hand. I think anyone else in that situation wouldn't have hesitated."
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