Five minutes later, Kelly dried her hair, applied light makeup, and changed into a black dress with a low neckline and high slit. She returned to the dining room in high heels.
Her appearance changed the atmosphere of the whole room, turning a casual family gathering into a formal social occasion.
A few people entered the dining room, and the dinner guests were already present.
There were also two children in the family, one five years old and the other three, both sitting politely at the dining table, occasionally glancing at the unfamiliar guest, Zhou Qingfeng.
"This is Mr. Beck Hughes, a partner at Miami's top law firm. You met him during the day, so no further introduction is needed."
"This is my father-in-law, Jeff Connally, who was once a partner at a major law firm and later founded 'Pioneer Holdings', a company with a market value exceeding ten billion US dollars and extensive connections."
"This is Mr. Douglas, the chairman of the Florida Lottery Commission..."
"This is Lady Michelle from the State Treasury..."
The guests were all over sixty, with gray hair, but still spirited.
Zhou Qingfeng sat down at the dining table, got acquainted with the elderly guests one by one, nodding in greeting. He had a feeling—the Johnson family was the typical "not quite the best but better than most".
They had lawyers, politicians, and bank executives, with assets likely worth twenty to thirty million US dollars, a wealthy family by national standards.
But when Zhou Qingfeng heard the surname 'Connally', he was stunned, his gaze sweeping between Jennifer and Kelly, finally landing on Jeff Connally.
"So... you're all family?"
Laughter erupted around the table.
Old Beck explained from the side, "Jennifer and Kelly are half-sisters. Jeff Connally is their father and Nar's father-in-law."
Jeff Connally was over sixty but well-maintained, looking only forty or fifty, and he raised his glass to Zhou Qingfeng with a smile.
Zhou Qingfeng realized he might have guessed wrong. He looked to Old Beck at the end of the table and asked, "No matter which bank I choose, Kelly will always appear before me?"
Old Beck laughed again, "Victor, you're very sharp. To be precise, unless you explicitly specify, Kelly has the highest chance of appearing before you.
She is a senior operations officer at JP Morgan and holds positions at several other banks as well.
You asked Jennifer for help, Jennifer contacted her father. Her father then found me. When JP Morgan was investigating you, he recommended his eldest daughter to provide services for you."
At the dining table, Kelly did not sit with her husband, Nar. On her left were two young children, and on her right was Zhou Qingfeng.
The two children sat obediently, their eyes occasionally darting to the unfamiliar family guest.
Kelly herself remained calm, her actions seeming awkward yet natural—even with her husband, father, and sister sitting opposite her.
Everyone at the table might not see it but could guess what was happening. Yet, they didn't mind, rather smiling, as if it were supposed to be this way.
As the father, Jeff Connally merely smiled, while Jennifer, as the sister, seemed slightly embarrassed but said nothing.
"Why?" Zhou Qingfeng looked at his hand being held, puzzled, and softly asked, "You seem overly flattering without hiding it..."
As the husband, Nar took a deep breath and explained, "Victor, you could see this as a deal, but certainly not simple flattery.
When the mega prize was announced, Kelly told me she had a way to know who the winner was. She hoped to use this opportunity for herself and her family to achieve a leap in status.
Kelly and I have been married for many years, with a close relationship. We are tolerant of each other and have no secrets. I support her decision, even if... some costs must be paid."
Actually, when Mr. Beck provided your information, I was relieved—perhaps you're young and inexperienced, but a young man with a clean background and no vices is the best choice.
This is far better than an old, pot-bellied, red-nosed drunk or drug addict. For both me and Kelly, it's the best."
Choice?
"For money?" Zhou Qingfeng was somewhat enlightened.
Nar shook his head firmly, "No, not just for money. To be frank, it's for that admission ticket to the top-tier elite brought by tens of billions of US dollars."
Zhou Qingfeng was silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the dining table.
He knew he was no longer an ordinary teenager but a piece of "fat meat" coveted by many.
What was happening in front of him made this transformation directly tangible. Nar's family was trying to use him to open the door to the top-tier elite.
But the question is... Jeff Connally, as the father-in-law, is already a super-wealthy billionaire; why seek him out?
The 'old father' explained easily, "I don't have tens of billions of cash, even with significant bank loans.
If I had it, I could easily push the company's market value to over ten billion US dollars. My status in the financial circle would rise significantly."
Old Beck further explained in a serious tone, "Victor, when you receive fifteen billion US dollars, you'll be a prey being hunted.
Of course, you can choose to transfer the huge funds, but trust me, no matter where your money is, no matter where you are, you're always the prey.
You surely need companions.
Kelly may not be the best, but she asks for little, just hoping to use her family's helps to assist you while gaining some uplift."
Zhou Qingfeng felt a tightness in his hand as Kelly held his palm, slipping under her black dress, her plump thigh skin warm and snug against his palm.
She leaned in slightly, whispering in his ear, "Victor, you can be my master. I can teach you many things.
As long as you stay in the United States, as long as you invest in the United States, you'll surely use my and my family's abilities and connections, especially in Florida.
Our family is already wealthy, not greedy for your fifteen billion.
What we want is power, and you and I can spend a few years to get to know each other well, and I am willing to show you my sincerity."
Zhou Qingfeng understood—this was an unconventional version of "one person attains enlightenment, the chicken and dog ascend to heaven," a proactive, glamorous, straightforward, unabashed 'unconventional marriage alliance.'
Even though Kelly was already a wife, it didn't hinder this.
The 'old father' Jeff Connally spoke up, "Victor, have you considered how to spend your fifteen billion US dollars? For instance, acquiring some assets.
We can all help, provide the best advice, without charging consulting fees."
At this moment, Zhou Qingfeng was not sitting in a mansion's dining room but on a throne, surrounded by subjects eager to benefit from him.
His hand involuntarily squeezed Kelly's thigh, and he smiled, "I have indeed thought about it, planning to invest in the biomedical industry."
Everyone was slightly stunned, obviously not expecting him to mention this field—this investment direction is currently hot but also a deep pit.
They thought the kid ought to first buy a few mansions and luxury cars, date a few beauties, but he really was considering investment and entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship usually leads to squandering.
"Victor, how much do you plan to invest?" Old Beck asked first, not opposing but asking the amount.
"One hundred million... US dollars first." Zhou Qingfeng initially wanted to say "bet everything," but considering the occasion, refrained a bit.
"Any specific investment intentions?" Kelly asked.
"There's a company called 'Apocalypse Creatures' in White Beach Town, and I want to acquire it," Zhou Qingfeng answered.
Jennifer immediately opposed, "Victor, that company is on the verge of bankruptcy, don't get fooled."
The table went quiet, everyone wanted to advise but hesitated to speak.
They felt directly opposing Zhou Qingfeng, an eighteen-year-old boy, would only trigger his rebellious psychology.
Instead, the 'old father' Jeff Connally laughed a few times, "I don't mind if Victor acquires 'Apocalypse Creatures.'
Because I hold fifteen percent of that company's shares, bought it two years ago and lost half, currently looking for someone to take over, willing to sell at a low price."
Zhou Qingfeng thought, "Perfect timing."
But Kelly glared at her father, "No, 'Apocalypse Creatures' has no value left, not worth buying."
Everyone present was surprised, secretly thinking, "Kelly, why would you take the kid's side so quickly?"