Chapter 12: When Xuan Bao'er’s Mother Called, All the Billionaire Tycoons Fell Silent!

Upon hearing Jacqueline’s words, especially the seriousness etched on her face, everyone was momentarily stunned, unable to grasp what was going on.

Avita furrowed his brows and asked, “Miss Jacqueline, what’s the matter?”

“It’s an international banquet tonight; isn’t smoking and drinking quite normal?” William, the seasoned smoker, chimed in. “Yes, and according to the customs of the Dragon Kingdom, at parties—no, they should be called drinking gatherings—smoking and drinking are indispensable. Besides, smoking is allowed inside the Peace Hotel.”

Jacqueline, who had a deep understanding of Eastern culture, looked helpless. These foreigners were truly rigid when it came to social etiquette, adhering strictly to rules without flexibility.

She said calmly, “Have you considered that maybe someone doesn’t like the smell of smoke?”

William Landay was momentarily stunned, then suddenly wore an expression of realization. “Oh my God, could it be that Mr. Li has quit smoking?”

Jacqueline, frustrated by their misunderstanding, replied, “No, it’s because Mr. Li is bringing his daughter.”

“Smoking in front of a young child is simply inappropriate!”

At those words, everyone present was taken aback, stunned into silence. Especially William, who seemed not to have heard correctly and asked with a dazed look, “What? Miss Jacqueline, please say that again!”

Jacqueline solemnly announced, “I have an important announcement to make to everyone!”

“Mr. Li will be bringing his three-year-old daughter to tonight’s banquet. Therefore, I hope everyone prepares accordingly and refrains from smoking. Is that understood?”

As her words sank in, the crowd’s eyes widened in shock. Mr. Li has a child? And she’s already three years old? Does that mean Mr. Li has been married for quite some time? And such a significant event, yet no one had heard a whisper of it!

The reason for their astonishment lay in the image of Li Qing in their minds: a man almost godlike in stature, who, in his twenties, had already reached a level that left others far behind—something none had ever witnessed before. For such an extraordinarily talented man to quietly marry and have a child without anyone knowing was beyond belief.

Curiosity surged—who was Mrs. Li? What was their child like?

After the initial shock, the attendees began to murmur among themselves.

William Landay, Chairman of Estée Lauder, expressed surprise, “I never imagined Mr. Li was already married with children.”

He quickly stubbed out his cigarette. With Li Qing bringing his child to the banquet, smoking wouldn’t just harm his health—it could jeopardize his future prospects.

“Oh God, I need to change my clothes immediately!”

To ensure not a trace of smoke lingered on him, William hurriedly left to put on a fresh outfit. Nearby, Avita, the Gucci president, also promptly extinguished his cigar and followed William to change.

Upon learning of Li Qing’s daughter, the dozen or so internationally renowned business magnates inside the Peace Hotel grew increasingly anxious. They immediately contacted the hotel staff to prepare the highest standard of accommodations, including snacks favored by children. The air in the hall was purified, and even the board chairmen and CEOs changed their attire to appear more appealing to the little girl.

Half an hour later, the Peace Hotel’s main hall looked completely transformed, adorned with cartoon decorations and various sweets beloved by children.

At that moment, outside the door, with two rows of reception ladies standing neatly, a young man carrying a little girl slowly entered along the red carpet.

Jacqueline was the first to notice and hurriedly approached in her high heels to greet them.

“Mr. Li, you’ve arrived,” she smiled, also greeting little Xuan Bao’er.

The gathered leaders showed expressions of astonishment upon seeing Li Qing. He truly had a child—a lovely daughter!

Avita, William, and others observed clearly that the little girl bore a striking resemblance to Li Qing, extraordinarily cute and beautiful.

“Hello, Mr. Li!” “Hello, Mr. Li!” The billionaires respectfully stepped forward to greet him.

Li Qing nodded in acknowledgment, indifferent to such formalities, attending merely to accompany Xuan Bao’er for some lively fun. Children loved excitement, especially enjoying eating and drinking with many people.

“Wow, Daddy, where are we? This place is such a big restaurant!” Xuan Bao’er’s wide eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Since birth, this was Xuan Bao’er’s first real outing, surrounded by so many strangers. She was fascinated by everything around her.

Li Qing smiled, gently touching her nose. “This is a hotel. Daddy will take you to eat some delicious food soon.”

Xuan Bao’er rubbed her little tummy happily. “Really? Daddy is so nice. I’m just hungry now~”

Their father-daughter exchange left William and the others utterly astonished. First, the little one was irresistibly adorable, melting everyone’s hearts. Then, Li Qing’s demeanor—so kindly and doting—was unlike anything they had ever seen. It was a stark contrast to his usual self.

“Mr. Li, is this your daughter?” William Landay stepped forward, beaming foolishly. “Such a lovely child! We have specially prepared desserts that little princesses like her enjoy. Please, try some.”

William and the others acted with genuine gentlemanly courtesy, making Li Qing seem like a monarch. The little girl was unreserved and smiled politely at everyone. “Thank you, uncles and aunties~”

A three-year-old so cute and well-mannered truly won everyone’s hearts. They admired her as a worthy daughter of Li Qing, outstanding from the start.

At the grand banquet, everyone gathered around Xuan Bao’er, feeding her little treats. Several female entrepreneurs even picked her up, utterly enamored.

“Watch Xuan Bao’er for me; I’ll be right back from the restroom,” Li Qing said, handing her over to Wang Mian.

Wang Mian looked awkward, clearly unsure how to hold a child.

Jacqueline, noticing this, smiled gently. “Mr. Wang, I’ll hold her for a bit and take her measurements for clothing.”

Wang Mian nodded, knowing there was no safety issue in this environment.

Being a renowned children’s clothing designer, Jacqueline quickly engaged with Xuan Bao’er, playfully noting down each precise measurement. She planned to design clothes tailored to the child’s personality.

At that moment, Xuan Bao’er’s small phone rang.

“Ring ring~ ring ring~”

She pulled out the phone, and a delighted smile spread across her face. “It’s Mommy on a video call~”

Her voice was soft, but those nearby heard it clearly. William and a few others felt their hearts skip a beat—Mommy was calling?

Everyone was naturally curious, including Jacqueline, eager to discover who the woman capable of bearing such a child to Li Qing might be.

“Hello, Mommy~”

Amid the crowd’s intense curiosity, the little girl answered the call.