Chapter 943 - Stunned Now? (2/2)

Yuan Zhou nodded and did not say anything else. The car started moving slowly towards their destination.

Although there was only one award for this award ceremony, apart from the bosses and head chefs of the 10 participating restaurants, there were also other popular chefs attending.

The person conferring the award was someone from the Provincial Party Committee. This ceremony would start at 2:30 pm while the award would be given at 3:00 pm.

The ceremony was held at the ballroom of Jinshui Hotel, a hotel that would frequently host meetings and events of the Municipal Committee and Provincial Party Committee. Therefore, it was understandable that this ceremony was held there as well.

Due to the participation of the government, the ceremony was very formal. Apart from the official media of the Sichuan province, the official medias of the neighboring provinces were invited as well. Therefore, this ceremony as only admissible by ticket.

When Yuan Zhou arrived, it was 2:15 pm, not too late or early.

“Mr. Yuan, we have arrived at Jinshui Hotel,” said the driver.

“Ok. Thanks,” Yuan Zhou said as he got off the car.

The Jinshui Hotel looked like your average five-star hotel. It had a gorgeous lobby and at the entrance, there were neatly dressed doormen waiting. In the middle of the entrance was a glass revolving door. And to the two sides of the revolving door were two glass sliding doors. Above the doors were a huge display screen, and on the screen, promotional materials of the ceremony were being played. There were also banners welcoming the arrival of certain big shots hanging to the side, giving the entire ceremony a formal look.

Before Yuan Zhou could enter, a crisp sound of heels could be heard heading towards Yuan Zhou.

“Boss Yuan, I was told by Chairman Zhou to wait for you here,” said Zhong Lili.

“Um,” Yuan Zhou glanced over at Zhong Lili.

Today, Zhong Lili was still dressed in a black formal dress. Her hair was tied into a ponytail, and she was wearing a pair of non-prescription glasses that gave her a strict and smart look.

“Please come with me,” Zhong Lili nodded and reminded Yuan Zhou to take out his invitation.

When they reached the door, there were people waiting and opening the door for them. The same happened when they reached the elevator. They smoothly arrived at the ballroom in the second floor.

Outside the ballroom was a metal detector and two doormen in charge of checking the invitations. Standing not far away were the guards maintaining security.

“As the people from the Provincial Party Committee will be here, the checks are quite stringent,” explained Zhong Lili.

“Um,” Yuan Zhou nodded and did not say much.

When the two showed their yellow invitation letters, they were allowed entry.

In fact, there were different colors to the invitation letters of this ceremony. Those with yellow invitation letters would be seated at the front row, while the red invitation letters would be seated at the back. As for the media, they were issued green invitation letters.

The moment Yuan Zhou entered, he was assaulted by the noise in the ballroom. He frowned slightly before recovering as Zhou Shijie was walking towards him.

“Little Yuan, you’re here?” Zhou Shijie was as friendly as ever.

“Thank you, president,” Yuan Zhou said as he tossed Zhong Lili a glance.

“It’s nothing worth thanking. If you want to thank me, make me a new dish,” Zhou Shijie teased with a smile.

“Sure.” Yuan Zhou nodded his head.

“You look good today, Little Yuan. As a young man, you truly look energetic,” said Zhou Shijie after sizing up Yuan Zhou.

“Hello, Yuan Zhou. I am Zhang Yan, chairman of Sichuan Cuisine Association,” Zhang Yan walked over and introduced himself.

“Hello,” Yuan Zhou nodded.

“Um. Very young,” Zhang Yan stroked his goatee and nodded.

“Forget it. Don’t you remember you talking about the other young man last time?” said Lee Yanyi who had just arrived as well.