[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-mercenary-s-war":3,"chapter-mercenary-s-war-mercenary-s-war-chapter-1184":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Mercenary’s War",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1613974,2077,"Chapter 1184 - 1184 One Thousand One Hundred Sixty-Seven Cocktail Party","mercenary-s-war-chapter-1184",1184,"\u003Cp>1184: Chapter One Thousand One Hundred Sixty-Seven: Cocktail Party 1184: Chapter One Thousand One Hundred Sixty-Seven: Cocktail Party Gao Yang didn’t want to conquer anyone, but he indeed wanted to create an era of his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arriving at the villa entrance with Morgan, the initiator of the soiree, who was also the owner of the villa, was welcoming guests at the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing Morgan, the male host reached out his hand from a distance and smiled at Morgan, “Morgan, my friend, welcome.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After shaking hands with the male host, Morgan immediately proceeded to shake hands with the woman standing beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the male host extended his hand to Gao Yang and smiled, “You must be Gao Yang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan has mentioned you many times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Welcome to my humble abode.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Morgan smiled and said, “Let me introduce you, Gao, this is Mr.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecil Jonny whom I’ve mentioned to you before, and this is Mrs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jonny.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan had never mentioned Cecil to Gao Yang before, but Gao Yang immediately beamed with a smile and said, “I’ve heard so much about you, Mr.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jonny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I am delighted tobe here at this party.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank you for inviting me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cecil laughed heartily and exclaimed loudly, “You’re too kind, Mr.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged woman standing next to Cecil smiled widely and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After brief greetings, they entered a spacious reception hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Already, groups of two or three people stood around; in total, perhaps some twenty-odd persons, with most engaged in conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan raised his hand to snap his fingers; as an attendant carrying a tray with drinks approached them, Morgan took two glasses of wine, handed one to Gao Yang, and whispered, “Why didn’t you bring Yelena with you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang took the wine glass and whispered back, “Yelena doesn’t like these types of events, so I didn’t bring her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan shrugged and remarked, “I see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That might cause you some trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang asked in a serious tone, “What kind of trouble?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan chuckled and explained, “You’ll understand soon enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this kind of environment, do you really think it’ll be short on beauties?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Buddy, you look young and wealthy, quite unlike an old timer like me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’ll be very popular, so you’ll need to learn how to decline gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A polite smile will suffice; at least don’t go around randomly handing out your phone number.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing his words with a smile, Morgan then whispered, “Stand here with me, I’ll introduce you to a few people first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang hurriedly said, “Wait, Morgan, how should I introduce myself?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I mean, if someone asks me what I do, how should I introduce my profession?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a low voice, Morgan replied, “At the first meeting, no one will ask you too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If necessary, I’ll introduce you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if you plan to introduce yourself, hmm, just remember to mention you manage mineral resources in Africa and operate two private military corporations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But don’t share that with just anyone; you need to maintain a certain air of mystery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listen, not everyone here is entitled to know what you do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang said softly, “Shouldn’t I mention the names or detailed work addresses or anything like that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan shook his head, “Not necessary, not now at least.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When it’s time for in-depth interaction, it won’t be here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be frank, your financial and physical strength doesn’t stand out much here, so there’s no need to be too explicit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Morgan paving the way for him, getting his face known for now, it wasn’t time for him to really interact with these bigwigs yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, keeping the air of mystery or, in other words, hiding his cleverness was necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he really became someone influential, it wouldn’t be too late to reveal his true capabilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan looked around and whispered, “The most important person hasn’t arrived yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a newcomer to this social circle, you need to arrive early, so I can introduce you to more people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listen, don’t be understated, nor too conspicuous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just maintain the same attitude with everyone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Morgan could finish, Gao Yang saw a middle-aged man in his forties approaching them, so he whispered, “Someone’s coming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan stopped talking, and as the approaching middle-aged man reached them, he smiled and said, “Mr.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reeves, I’m truly pleased to see you here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hope I’m not interrupting your conversation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged man appeared very humble, and although Morgan maintained a politely cordial smile, it was evident that Morgan had much higher status than him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After exchanging greetings, Morgan turned to the middle-aged man and with a smile said, “Let me introduce you, Mr.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moor, this is Mr.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao, this is Richie Moor, a Wall Street elite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’re interested in financial management, seeking his advice wouldn’t go amiss.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While introducing them, Morgan made it clear that he shared a close relationship with Gao Yang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After shaking hands and exchanging a few polite words with Richie, the man left, but not without giving Gao Yang his business card.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang hadn’t prepared any business cards, and Morgan didn’t give any signal to exchange business cards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Richie walked away, Gao Yang asked quickly, “Morgan, I don’t have business cards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Am I not supposed to give out my card to everyone who gives me one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan smiled and whispered, “You don’t have to bother with those who proactively give you their cards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Keep their cards and if you find them useful later, give them a call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their purpose in coming to the party is achieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao, let me remind you again, you’re not on the same level as them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re not here to sell yourself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, someone is coming, let’s talk later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, another person walked over, chatted with Morgan for a moment, then got to know Gao Yang, and promptly left afterwards without disturbing their conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang observed that the tiers of hierarchy at the social gathering were quite clear, with Morgan absolutely being the highest status individual there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, he merely stood without moving while those who knew him, or those with relations, would actively come over to talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few words with Morgan, they would then acquaint themselves with Gao Yang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some would leave him a business card, while others did not, merely exchanging a few simple words before moving on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As time passed, more and more people entered the villa’s grand living room, and little clusters of chatting guests grew increasingly numerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan and Gao Yang stood continuously in a conspicuous spot, occasionally exchanging pleasantries with newcomers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan knew most of the guests; what astonished Gao Yang was Morgan’s incredible memory – the capability to recall everyone’s name among so many people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Gao Yang also quickly grasped what Morgan meant by the trouble of not bringing a female companion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the proportion of beautiful women among all guests wasn’t high, their numbers were not few.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who have achieved success and fame tend to be older, so among the guests were those who came with their children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang had already noticed at least three who brought along their daughters as part of family units.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there were also those who brought sons, but Gao Yang wasn’t apt to pay attention to men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With socialites accompanied by parents, there were naturally also beautiful women who came alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These women usually held certain statuses and could thrive in high society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, if these beauties found the right match, they wouldn’t miss the opportunity to look for boyfriends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang and Morgan had been standing all along, and Gao Yang noticed virtually nobody sat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made sense – even if some stranger with no particular standing came over to chat, courtesy dictated standing up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, unless one intended to avoid conversation altogether, no one would sit down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang had already seen over a dozen beautiful women, though none had yet approached him for conversation until after he had been standing for over twenty minutes, when finally a beauty came his way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lady dressed in a backless evening gown entered, scanned the room, spotted Morgan, picked up a glass of wine, and with enticing charm, walked towards Morgan and Gao Yang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hi, Mr.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reeves, it’s been a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m really happy to see you tonight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She raised her glass, clinked it with Morgan’s, took a sip with a smile, then turned to Gao Yang with a grin, “And how should I address you, handsome?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang shrugged his shoulders, saying, “Beautiful miss, I’d be delighted if you called me handsome all night long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, I regretfully must tell you my name is Gao Yang—Gao being my last name and Yang my first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lady smiled slightly, “Mr.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao, you’re quite witty, and I’d really enjoy calling you handsome all the time because you indeed are.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You could consider ‘handsome’ as your own personal title.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After clinking glasses with the lady, Gao Yang smiled and said, “It seems I can’t ask for your beautiful name, then, since you can go by ‘beautiful woman’.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman chuckled, covering her mouth, “Although I quite like being called beautiful by you, I would prefer you to have a stronger impression of me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My name is Juliet, please remember it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang took a sip of his cocktail and said with a smile, “A beautiful name that matches your looks perfectly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It appeared that this beauty named Juliet was very interested in continuing the conversation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Gao Yang returned compliments without any intention to continue the chat, inside his mind he rapidly juggled ideas on how to politely refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, Gao Yang caught a glance from Morgan signaling him; two more guests arrived, seemingly of some importance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Gao Yang apologized to Juliet with a regretful expression, “I’m sorry, but I must go talk to a friend I’ve just seen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Juliet responded with a smile, “Please, go ahead, handsome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I enjoyed chatting with you, and if you find the time, I look forward to continuing our conversation later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>See you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Juliet turned to leave, Morgan whispered to Gao Yang with a chuckle, “Buddy, you handled that pretty smoothly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang shrugged and said, “I wasn’t always good at this, but hey, I’ve attended enough banquets hosted by Basalt to learn something by now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan laughed, “I was referring to your way of refusing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What, have you gotten used to declining the favor of beautiful women already?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yang sighed, “I wish I could really refuse – oh, I don’t mean this kind, this is easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But some people…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>eh, let’s not talk about this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morgan cracked a smile, then inconspicuously nodded towards the two new arrivals, whispering, “That bearded guy, he’s from the Wilpen family, the owner of the New York Mets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’m not very familiar with him, but in a moment, I’ll find someone acquainted to introduce us, then whatever you need to discuss with him, just go ahead.”(To be continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your votes and monthly tickets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Your support is my greatest motivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)\u003C\u002Fp>",1866,"2026-06-06T10:20:24.801Z",1,"novelbin.me","923592a2ff2c8e153ada69bac43d8bf617380e7fcd0897e3260c58beea3f51c4","mercenary-s-war-chapter-1185","mercenary-s-war-chapter-1183",2343,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmercenary-s-war-cover.jpg"]