Chapter 84: High Profile, High Profile

The trivial turmoil from Qin Zhigang's side was like a pebble cast into the ocean—vanishing without a ripple, utterly ignored by Qin Feng. His full attention remained fixed on building his Empire's Cornerstone Project.

Yet, when the tree wishes for stillness, the wind refuses to cease. As Qin Feng Pharmaceuticals' performance continued its explosive growth, and Yaofeng Capital demonstrated thunderous tactics and unfathomable backing in its acquisition of the Xuan Family, Qin Feng's name could no longer remain low-key. He was like the brightest star in the night sky—impossible to overlook.

Invitations from financial magazines and high-end interview programs rained down like snowflakes, piling up on his Assistant's desk. Online discussions about his rags-to-riches story (as the public perceived it), youthful handsomeness, and vast wealth remained at fever pitch, even spawning spontaneous fan clubs. Some so-called elite circles went to great lengths to establish contact, sending invitations to galas and charity banquets.

Inside the CEO's office, the Assistant was reporting these recent "sweet troubles" to Qin Feng.

"Boss Qin, this is the invitation for the cover feature in Fortune People Weekly—they want you as their Business Person of the Year; this is the keynote speech invitation for the Global Economic Forum; and these are banquet invitations from several top local business associations and the Huanyu Charity Foundation…" The Assistant listed them one by one, tone tinged with cautious inquiry.

Qin Feng leaned back in his chair, fingers lightly tapping the desk, his gaze deep. He had originally favored low-key growth, quietly amassing fortune. But after the Qin Zhigang incident and the Xuan Family turmoil, he realized excessive low-profile could invite unwanted scrutiny and trouble. Like a lion hidden in the grass—capable of delivering a fatal strike, yet still harassed by foolish hyenas unaware of their fate.

It was time to show his fangs, to draw his boundaries.

Since low-key was no longer possible, he might as well go high-profile! High-profile enough to make everyone clearly see the gap between them, high-profile enough to make those with ill intent tremble in fear!

"Tell Fortune People the cover feature is accepted, but all questions and final drafts must be reviewed by us. The forum speech is accepted—the theme will be… 'Future Technology and Industrial Transformation.'" Qin Feng made his decision, voice calm yet carrying undeniable authority. "As for those banquets and galas…"

A subtle, meaningful smile curved his lips: "Pick the one with the highest prestige and the most elite attendees. Respond on behalf of myself and Qin Feng Pharmaceuticals—we will attend punctually."

The Assistant's spirit lifted instantly; he jotted it down: "Yes, Boss Qin! I'll arrange it right away!"

The news spread quickly, causing a major stir within relevant circles. This mysterious young tycoon was finally making his formal debut at the highest social gatherings!

Suddenly, countless eyes turned toward the upcoming annual banquet hosted by the city's oldest and most influential institution—the Huanyu Charity Foundation.

On the night of the banquet, the Shangri-La Hotel's ballroom glittered with stars, crowded with elites. Political and business titans, cultural beauties, entertainment superstars… nearly half the upper echelon of the city was gathered. The air hummed with the unique scent of luxury perfumes, cigars, and wealth intertwined.

Guests in silk and jewels clinked glasses, yet many eyes unconsciously drifted toward the entrance—curious, assessing, even faintly reverent—waiting for the arrival of the legendary figure.

At precisely seven p. m., a faint commotion stirred at the ballroom entrance.

Instantly, everyone involuntarily held their breath.

Qin Feng appeared.

He came alone, without a female companion. Dressed in a dark blue suit that appeared simple but was, in fact, custom-tailored by a top Italian master craftsman, its perfect cut accentuated his tall, slender frame. He wore no tie; the top button of his shirt was casually undone, exuding an effortless, unconventional poise and confidence.

His face was strikingly handsome, impossibly young—but the calmness and sharpness in his deep eyes made one completely forget his age. Merely standing there, he naturally radiated an invisible aura of authority, as if he came with a built-in spotlight, instantly becoming the absolute center of attention.

More striking still was the man half a step behind him—not a regular assistant or bodyguard, but Lei Zhan, tall as a pine, eyes sharp as an eagle. He too wore a tailored suit, yet the aura of blood-soaked discipline could not be fully concealed—like a war god guarding beside a deity, silently proclaiming Qin Feng's extraordinary status.

"That's Qin Feng…" "Even younger than in the photos!" "Such a powerful presence… That man behind him—looks anything but ordinary…" "I heard the Xuan Family fell because of just one word from him…"

Whispered conversations spread through the crowd; complex gazes—awe, envy, jealousy, curiosity—all settled on Qin Feng.

The chairman of the Huanyu Charity Foundation, the banquet's host, an elderly man of great prestige, immediately stepped forward with a beaming smile: "Mr. Qin! Your presence truly makes this evening shine!"

Qin Feng smiled slightly, shook the chairman's hand—his demeanor proper, neither arrogant nor overly warm, perfectly balanced: "Chairman, you're too kind. Being invited to such a meaningful charitable event is my honor."

His voice was not loud, yet it carried clearly to every ear nearby, imbued with an inexplicable magnetism.

After brief pleasantries, Qin Feng, accompanied by the chairman, entered the hall. Wherever he passed, people instinctively parted, offering respectful glances. Many tried to approach, hand out business cards—but Lei Zhan, with a single glance or subtle motion, quietly blocked them all. Only a handful of truly heavyweight figures earned brief moments of conversation with Qin Feng.

Qin Feng handled each exchange with ease, revealing profound insight into the business landscape while casually hinting at his deep interest and investment in cutting-edge technology, especially biotech. Several magnates watched him with brightening eyes, raising their estimation of him further.

He needed no ostentatious display of wealth—his mere presence, and the information he subtly revealed, was the highest form of proclamation!

He was telling everyone: I, Qin Feng, have arrived. This circle will have my place—and it will be the very top.

Throughout the banquet, Qin Feng was unquestionably the absolute core. Though he did not stay long—after fulfilling necessary social obligations and donating a sum so vast it stunned the entire room—he departed early.

But the impact he created had only just begun to ferment.

The next day, every major media outlet's front page was dominated by Qin Feng.

"Mysterious Tycoon Qin Feng Makes First Public Appearance, Overpowers the Entire Room!" "Head of Qin Feng Pharmaceuticals Appears at Charity Banquet, Donates Tens of Millions!" "Young, Handsome, Wealthier Than a Nation: The Rise of a New Business Leader!" "Unveiling the Man Behind Qin Feng: Suspected Former Military Heavyweight as Personal Bodyguard!"

Online, the discussion exploded.

"Aaaah! Qin Feng is so hot! This is the real domineering CEO!" "Rich, handsome, and generous—I'm in love!" "See how even XX magnate treats him with such respect? That's true power!" "That bodyguard of his? Definitely not ordinary—his background is unfathomable!"

This high-profile debut successfully elevated Qin Feng's personal and corporate image to a new height. The veil of mystery had been partially lifted—but what emerged was only the tip of a more terrifying iceberg.

He declared, in his own way: I am no longer hiding. I will stand atop this tide, as a king.

Back in his car returning to headquarters, Qin Feng watched the scenery blur past the window, his expression calm.

High-profile was merely a tactic.

Now, it was time to let the world see the true strength behind his high-profile display.

The results of the Cornerstone Project were ready to gradually emerge before the world.