As night fell, the two returned to the house, where Irina greeted Andy with a warm smile. A nanny took Ekko from Hardy’s arms, and everyone prepared to eat.
During dinner, Hardy said to Andy, "Tomorrow, there’s a reception for the dominion’s governnt officials, council mbers, entrepreneurs, wealthy families, and notable figures. You should attend. It’ll be a good opportunity for them to et the president of Hardy Group."
"Sure. What’s the agenda?" Andy asked.
"Nothing too formal. It’s just a chance to et and discuss future developnt plans, which will help reassure everyone. We can also talk about the education plans we discussed earlier."
"This reception isn’t very formal, so attendees can bring their spouses and families. I’ll bring Irina along since she’s going to be the Speaker of the Dominion’s Assembly, it best everyone gets to know her soon." Hardy added with a smile.
Sitting beside Hardy, Irina laughed and said, "As Speaker, I’ve barely gotten to know what work I will be doing."
Hardy took her hand, his expression serious. "Making children is a national priority—more important than work. If anyone dares criticize the Speaker for trying to have children, Governor Hardy will have a personal and very in-depth discussion with them."
Then he chuckled, and Irina gave him a playful, affectionate look.
Andy cut a piece of steak and chewed it slowly, but sohow it was tasteless as he watched the couple’s display of affection.
Irina continued eating while occasionally serving food to Hardy. To be honest, Andy envied Hardy.
If he had a wife like Irina, he believed he’d be incredibly happy.
Suddenly, the image of the cheerful girl he’d encountered on the beach that afternoon flashed through his mind.
...
The next day a banquet was held at the most luxurious hotel in Penang, the "Baraka" Hotel, which is owned by the Haji family, one of the wealthiest Malaysian families in Penang. The main building has four floors.
Behind the hotel lies a vast garden and a golf course, offering stunning scenery—perfect for hosting outdoor banquets. Today’s banquet was set up outdoors.
The Baraka Hotel was bustling with guests, including governnt officials, parliant mbers, wealthy rchants, heads of prominent families, and business magnates from Penang and Malacca. Many brought along their families and companions, filling the venue with over five to six hundred people.
This was, without a doubt, one of the most grandiose events Penang had seen in years.
Invited by the Governor, every guest felt honored. They wore bright smiles, mingling in clusters. Among the crowd, the Idris family Head, Abdullah Hussain Idris, along with his younger brother, Azman Idris, and son, Hafiz Idris, were focal points of attention. A number of people surrounded them, engaging in conversations.
Not long ago, it was the Idris family that had caused a major upheaval in Malaya. The assassination of the Sultan of Johor had shocked the world, even drawing attention from the United States and Britain. Eventually, half of Johor’s territory was sold to Governor Hardy.
In everyone’s eyes, the Idris family was now closely associated with Governor Hardy. Stay connected through .Côm
And, naturally, the Idris family welcod this association.
The n were chatting in small groups, while the won gathered separately, discussing topics of interest.
At that mont, a faint commotion arose in the distance.
Governor Hardy entered the venue, with Irina holding his arm. Following behind them was a large entourage, including Andy.
The attendees imdiately ford two lines, bowing respectfully to Hardy. He smiled and nodded in acknowledgnt as he passed.
Hardy disliked pretentious formalities, so there were no elaborate rituals. After greeting the crowd, he stepped onto the stage to deliver a speech. Everyone in the audience straightened up, their eyes fixed on the Governor.
"I envision a future where the Penang and Malacca Autonomous Territory is a place of freedom, democracy, safety, and stability—an inclusive land where people can live and work in peace, with freedom of religion, free from famine and war."
"Of course, achieving this will not be easy; it will require the collective effort of all residents in the Autonomous Territory."
"Economically, the Territory will maintain an open policy, welcoming businesses to establish themselves here. My vision is to make the Territory a financial hub of Asia, a processing center for high-tech products, and a region with unique characteristics that holds a place on the global stage."
"Culturally, diversity will be a hallmark of the Territory."
"In terms of education, I have already communicated with the governnt. Going forward, the Territory will implent free education. Elentary education will be completely free, with free lunches provided. Secondary education will be popularized, and at least three universities will be established. Moreover, we will collaborate with top universities in Europe and the United States, transforming our institutions into world-class universities."
Hardy painted a vivid and inspiring picture for everyone present. And he wasn’t rely making empty promises—he genuinely intended to pursue these plans.
Andy, standing at a distance, wasn’t paying much attention to Hardy’s speech. He had already reviewed the speech draft the day before, and much of the content had been collaboratively planned by Hardy and himself.
He sipped his champagne, his gaze wandering aimlessly.
Suddenly, his eyes froze.
Amid the crowd, he spotted a girl’s face. It was a face that seed both familiar and unfamiliar—familiar because he had seen her yesterday, unfamiliar because he had no idea who she was.
Yes, it was the cheerful girl from the beach yesterday.
Sotis, fate works in mysterious ways. You might feel nothing after days of companionship, yet a single glance can leave a lasting impression.
Perhaps it was intuition, or maybe Andy’s gaze was too intense, but the girl seed to sense sothing. She turned her face toward him.
Their eyes t again.
The girl hesitated slightly, as though recognizing this man but unable to recall from where. Out of politeness and good manners, she gave the middle-aged man staring at her a slight nod and smiled in response before turning back to listen to Governor Hardy’s speech.
Andy’s heart raced once more.
That girl had smiled again.
Applause erupted as Hardy concluded his speech, stepping down to mingle with the guests.
Hardy beca the center of attention among the n, while Irina captivated the won.
Hardy introduced Andy to the crowd as the CEO of the Hardy Group, instantly elevating Andy’s status in their eyes.
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