Chapter 161: All Men Gather (1)_1
The venue for this banquet was the five-star Lido Hotel, an establishment dedicated to government departments, boasting first-class facilities, services, cuisine, and bodyguards. Coupled with cooperation from the police department, the hotel was as secure as a fortified wall.
Shangguan You was among the earliest to arrive. Typically, the first batch of attendees consisted of high-ranking officials from various government sectors. The second batch included well-known wealthy families from Beijing, followed by mid-level officials from the city. They arrived in waves, with the most senior figures usually making their appearance last.
Two rows of hostesses stood at the entrance. Behind them were rows of bodyguards, diligently stationed at every corner of the hotel to ensure the safety of all attendees.
As soon as they entered, the hostesses politely led Shangguan You and Shangguan Qing inside, escorting them to a spot in a corner. The two exchanged glances but didn’t seem displeased with their seating arrangement.
"Brother Qing, it’s still early. Why don’t we look around? It’s my first time here," Shangguan You said, taking Shangguan Qing’s arm and pulling him out of the banquet hall.
Observing the waiters in white uniforms and the bodyguards in black, Shangguan You didn’t relax; instead, she became even more vigilant. Are these hotel security personnel or police officers? Their uniforms are identical. If someone were to sneak a bomb in, who would know? How could it be detected? Recalling the bloody scene she had witnessed the previous night, Shangguan You felt a chill. The bomb isn’t in the banquet hall, but on the dance floor.
"Brother Qing, let’s go take a look at the dance floor. It’s my first time at such a banquet, so let’s check it out in advance," she suggested.
"Silly girl, it’s all the same. What’s so strange about it?" Shangguan Qing said. He was about to ruffle Shangguan You’s hair when he noticed her elaborate, wavy hairstyle and stopped himself. His silly girl was the most beautiful tonight; he couldn’t ruin her hair.
"Please, Brother Qing? Let’s go take a look," Shangguan You urged, pulling Shangguan Qing as they slowly made their way to the dance floor upstairs. Since the banquet hadn’t started yet, the dance floor was virtually empty except for waiters. Rows of fine liquor and various pastries were already set out.
No sooner had they arrived than two waiters walked out, carrying replaced light bulbs. Shangguan You’s eyes grew cold as she watched the two men pass in front of her.