The door to the private room was gently pushed open, and Su Maiqi stepped into this ancient and magnificent space, instantly speechless with amazement at the sight before her.

This was no ordinary team-building dinner; it was clearly a meticulously planned grand welcome ceremony.

Vincent was already standing in the doorway when he saw her. A warm smile spread across his face as he greeted her: "Miss Sue, welcome."

He wore a dark blue tailcoat, impeccably tailored, which perfectly accentuated his tall and slender figure, exuding the elegance and composure characteristic of a European gentleman in every gesture.

Su Maiqi nodded slightly in acknowledgment, but her eyes were involuntarily drawn to the scene inside the private room.

Vicente didn't just book a regular private room at the restaurant; he booked the entire function hall.

This is a hall of about 200 square meters. Several classic crystal chandeliers hang from the high dome, casting warm yellow light that bathes the entire space in a warm and elegant glow.

Several classical oil paintings hang on the walls, and the exquisite murals and gilded decorative lines complement each other, showcasing the historical heritage and extraordinary status of this century-old shop.

In the center of the hall stood a large long table, on which exquisite tableware and crystal glasses were already laid out on a snow-white tablecloth. Every arrangement was meticulous and artistic.

Waiters in tailcoats stood on either side of the table, their expressions solemn and their manners elegant, as if they had stepped out of an 18th-century European court.

Even more surprisingly, a small stage had been set up on one side of the hall, where a four-person band was playing soothing French chansons.

“Come on,” Vicente smiled and gestured invitingly, “let me introduce our president to everyone.”

Only then did Su Maiqi notice that more than twenty people had gathered in the hall, all of whom were company employees she had just met.

They were all dressed to the nines; the men were in suits and ties, and the women were in various evening gowns, looking radiant.

They stood in a semicircle, and when they saw Su Maiqi arrive, their faces showed expressions of anticipation and respect.

Vincent clapped his hands, gesturing for everyone to take their seats: "Tonight is not only a welcome ceremony for President Su, but also the official launch ceremony for the 'Moonlight Flame' project. Let's raise a glass together and toast to this wonderful evening!"

The waiters poured red wine for each guest in unison; the amber liquid swirled in the crystal glasses, releasing a rich aroma.

Vicente gestured for Sumaiqi to speak.

Su Maiqi was slightly nervous. She stood up, picked up her glass, and looked around at each of her new colleagues. Her tone was sincere and gentle:

"Thank you Vicente and everyone for preparing such a wonderful welcome ceremony for me. I am very honored to be a part of this team."

She paused, then continued, "'Moonlight Flame' is a project full of dreams and challenges. It blends the essence of Eastern and Western cultures, and I believe that everyone here can find a stage to showcase their talents in this project."

She raised her glass: "Let's work together to make 'Moonlight Flame' a dazzling jewel in the jewelry world! Cheers!"

"Cheers!" Everyone responded in unison, the crisp sound of glasses clinking echoing through the hall.

Unlike the culture of urging and competing to drink in China, people here don't feel pressured to drink their drinks after clinking glasses. Instead, they take a small sip and then chat amongst themselves, creating a very relaxed and natural atmosphere.

Su Maqi felt a sense of relief—at least here, she didn't have to worry about those annoying drinking culture and endless social obligations.

Dinner officially began, and the waiters served a variety of exquisite French dishes.

Vicente sat to Sumaiqi's right, like a dutiful tour guide, meticulously introducing each new dish as it was served.

“This is French onion soup,” he said softly. “It looks simple, but it’s actually quite complicated to make. The onions need to be slowly sautéed until caramelized, then simmered with fine beef bone broth and white wine, and finally baked with Gruyère cheese. It’s the warmest taste of a Parisian winter.”

Next came foie gras with truffle bread—"This is one of the most classic French appetizers; the foie gras is smooth and delicate, melting in your mouth, and blends perfectly with the aroma of the truffle bread."

Then comes snails with vanilla butter—"Don't be scared off by the appearance; this is one of France's most famous delicacies. Snails themselves don't have much flavor, but paired with the special vanilla butter, every bite is a delight on the tongue."

The main course is traditional French steak with red wine sauce – "We've invited a Michelin-starred chef to personally prepare it, ensuring that every steak is just right, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The red wine sauce is made with top-quality Burgundy red wine, adding flavor and complexity."

Sumaiqi tried each dish, and these seemingly luxurious foods did indeed taste unique, revealing the French people's dedication and craftsmanship in food.

What made her even more comfortable was that the atmosphere remained relaxed and pleasant throughout the entire dinner.

No one deliberately forced anyone to drink, and there were no suffocating business socializings.

Everyone simply enjoyed the food, chatted about their work and lives, and occasionally talked about some project-related ideas, but it all happened very naturally, without any sense of reluctance.

The band's music played continuously throughout the meal, sometimes soothing, sometimes cheerful, adding an artistic touch to the dinner.

"How are things?" Vicente asked softly, "Have you adapted to life in Paris?"

Su Maiqi smiled slightly: "I'm still adjusting, but my friend Lin Manlin and her husband have arranged everything for me, which makes me feel very warm."

“That’s good,” Vincent nodded. “Paris is a magical city. It might feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first, but you’ll quickly fall in love with everything about it—the art, the food, the music, and the unique lifestyle.”

Su Maiqi picked up her glass and took a small sip. "I'm starting to like this pace. In China, business dinners are often much more complicated and formal."

Vicente smiled, raised his glass, and gently clinked it against hers: "That's because the French know how to enjoy life. Work is important, but the pleasures of life are even more important."

The two exchanged a smile, seemingly having established a certain tacit understanding during their brief conversation.

As dinner progressed to dessert, the waiter brought out an exquisite cheese platter and a variety of French desserts—raspberry tarts, chocolate mousse, lemon tarts, and the most famous French macarons.

The desserts are colorful and exquisitely designed, placed on snow-white porcelain plates like works of art, making it almost too beautiful to eat.

“If you like desserts,” Vicente said with a smile, seeing Sumai’s amazed expression, “Paris has countless amazing patisseries waiting for you to explore.”

Perhaps I could be your tour guide and take you to sample the most authentic local cuisine in this city.

Just as Su Maqi was about to respond, the band suddenly changed their tune and started playing a cheerful jazz piece.

All eyes turned to the stage, where the band's lead singer—a blonde, blue-eyed woman—picked up the microphone and said in fluent English, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming! Now, let's continue this wonderful evening with music!"

She then began to sing a French song. Although Su Maqi couldn't understand the lyrics, the beautiful melody and heartfelt singing still deeply moved her.

Before we knew it, dinner was coming to an end.

While the waiters were clearing away the tableware, another group of waiters pushed an elegant cocktail cart into the hall and began preparing a variety of drinks for everyone.

After the meal, everyone gathered in twos and threes, some enjoying desserts, some having coffee, and some chatting quietly, creating an increasingly relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.

The band then performed several more songs, each of which received enthusiastic applause.

Just as Sumaiqi was immersed in the beauty of the music, Vicente suddenly got up and walked onto the stage.

He took the microphone from the lead singer and stood under the lights, looking exceptionally handsome and dashing.

"Ladies and gentlemen," his voice boomed through the hall, "thank you all for your participation tonight. To celebrate the official launch of Project 'Moonlight Flame' and the arrival of our new president, I hereby declare—the ball is officially open!"

After saying that, he handed the microphone back to the lead singer, and then strode towards Su Maiqi under everyone's gaze.

Before her, Vicente bowed slightly, placing his right hand gently on his chest, making a standard and elegant gesture of invitation:

"President Su, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"

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