Chapter 496 S. D. Incorporated Launch Party (One)
Imperial Hotel, Zen City
Jacob welcomed the guests at the event hall entrance and had a quick chat with them before he greeted the others.
On the red carpet, Jacob spotted the CEO of the Shang Empire, Jeremy Shang.
"Welcome, President Shang." he greeted.
"Good evening, Mr. Davies."
The two men shook hands; Jacob noticed the older couple posing for the cameras. It was rare for the business reporters to see this couple attending such gatherings together in the passing years.
"I'm glad your father made it," said Jacob, glancing at the couple entering the venue.
"Indeed. Lately, Dad is more likely to spend time with his grandkids than attending social events."
Upon Jeremy phrasing that, a pang in Jacob's heart has awakened.
For some reason, he retired early to enjoy his life with his grandkids. But now, his grandchildren were lying in the incubator with medical machines connected to their tiny bodies. Jacob wanted to break down in tears.
However, today is not the time to show his vulnerable side. His grandchildren needed him, so he must stay strong for them and his precious daughter.
Jacob snapped himself and straightened his back as he smiled at Jeremy. "Please, excuse me, President Shang. Let me greet your parents."
"Of course, Mr. Davies."
"Kristian will escort you to your table."
"Thank you." Jeremy Shang nodded his head and then followed Kristian.
"This way, President Shang."
Kristian brought Jeremy and his beautiful wife toward the table near the stage as a major investor in the company.
Jacob had an enormous smile at the door as he waited for the Shang older couple to get near him.
"Harry Shang and Nina Li... It's nice to see you both well."
"Congratulations, Jacob." Harry extends his hand to shake hands with Jacob.
"Thank you. Congratulations to us indeed!"
Jacob and Harry continue chatting while Nina excuses herself to greet some people she is close to in the business world.
The video recordings were taken at a separate location, giving them an idea that the couple was not together. But the entire video showed how they were affectionate with each other.
After playing the video, Sheena continued her speech and proceeded to the next part of the event.
Those present inside the event hall and the ones outside were perplexed and disappointed. In their minds, they started to believe that the news about Vincent's death was just propaganda to garner attention for the company as they were preparing to launch a new project that will introduce two months from now, and that was by January of the year 2027.
"Is this a joke? Am I just coming here for nothing?"
Outside the hotel, one reporter expressed his disappointment.
"So what's with the news my boss has received? Someone emailed him that Vincent Shen died after a group of assassins attacked him and his bodyguards."
"Our company received one too!"
"Same here. It looks like we are all just tricked?"
"I don't know. It seemed reliable news to me."
"Why do we fall into that shit? Look! We are the first to know about this type of scheme. Hundreds of us gathered only to witness a company launching!"
The reporters outside complained and regretted coming.
"Good evening, everyone! I hope you were all doing well tonight. I know everyone was hungry and exhausted... Mr. Jacob Davies and Mr. Frederick Shen wanted to thank everyone for joining us tonight. To show their appreciation of your presence. Please, enjoy these little treats they prepared for everyone."
The man who spoke at the hotel's entrance gestured his hand toward the two giant trucks parked nearby.
"Please, make two lines in each truck for a smooth distribution of the food packs."
The reporters were delighted to hear this. They followed willingly and started falling in line. After they got their share, they checked out the pack to find a food box with a sumptuous meal, a bottle of mineral water, and a can of beer.
"Thank you!"
The reporters appreciate the two fathers' gestures. As they enjoyed their meal, the launching party inside the hotel continued.
"As it mentioned a while back, we will only accept ten questions."
In the next half hour, Sheena answered the questions. Although the reporters were disappointed that they could not throw the question, they prepared for tonight's event. They had to be respectful and let the party finish peacefully.
"Thank you, everyone. Before we proceed to the next part of the event, dinner...." Sheena made it sound like a joke, causing everyone to smile and chuckle. "I will answer one more question."
Sheena looked around and picked someone on the left side of the event hall.
"Yes, please?"
The guest reporter, wearing a black suit, stood up and walked toward the microphone placed on the side below the stage.
"Good evening, Director Keller. My name is Dion from London Entertainment. Without beating around the bush, could you tell us the truth regarding the news spreading that your brother, President Vincent Shen, had died in an assassination?"