"Alright, let's go inside the building to talk. Otherwise, there'll be a stampede here soon…"
Regina also stepped forward and hugged Tina, then made a suggestion.
The three girls of The Plastics had already become world-class stars.
No matter where they appeared, they would immediately be surrounded by fans, and a riot could easily be incited.
King's Building was already eye-catching, and now its entrance was crowded with many passersby who had come to see The Plastics.
Although Regina enjoyed being the center of attention, after experiencing it many times, she was a bit allergic to such situations.
This could be considered the trouble of fame.
"Yes, there are too many people here, let's go inside to talk." Karen casually took the travel bag from behind Tina and said, "After three or four years, Tina, you look even more capable now. Mike will definitely be surprised when he sees you like this…"
Years of outdoor life had tanned Tina's skin considerably. However, constant outdoor activities also gave the girl a healthy physique.
Like a wild little cheetah.
An inexplicable wild charm emanated from her.
She was somewhat similar to Gretchen from The Plastics, but her wild style was even more prominent.
Afterward, under the envious gazes of the surrounding girls and the escort of the building's bodyguards, Regina led the way, Karen helped carry things, and Gretchen linked arms with Tina.
The four girls successively got into the convertible sports car and drove towards King's Building.
Sitting in the passenger seat of the convertible, Tina first turned to look at her three glamorous friends beside her, then glanced at the excited crowd behind them. She felt a sense of being in another world.
She couldn't help but wonder: if she hadn't left The Plastics back then, would she also be as popular as Regina and the others now?
Then again, what girl doesn't have a dream of being a star?
However, Tina quickly shook her head and reined in her thoughts.
Although the past few years of wildlife research had been arduous, the girl did not regret her decision back then.
…
"Recently, the domestic economy seems to have improved. Many businesses opened by the King Investment Group have also picked up…" On the top floor of King's Building, Chris was reporting the company's quarterly performance to Mike.
Below, a group of young and beautiful girls were performing song and dance.
At Mike's request, the girls in the song and dance troupe had all changed into silk clothes, adding a touch of etherealness to their performance.
"All signs indicate that economic recovery is coming. So, do we need to adjust our company's operations?" Chris asked, looking straight ahead.
If possible, Chris would prefer to give Mike a work report at the company.
The current situation was a bit too much of a test for him as an "executive."
"Continue to expand factory operations, and don't fall behind on the progress of the chain supermarkets. As for public welfare, don't stop investing where it's needed…" Mike leaned lazily in his recliner, enjoying the massage service from "little maid" Lena, not noticing Chris's discomfort.
"You mean to continue maintaining the previous development path?" Chris asked for confirmation.
Due to the previous great economic depression, King Investment Group had actually launched many "benefiting the people" projects, all of which had one thing in common: they did not make money.
For example, many factories under King Investment Group had previously been losing money to hire people, solely to provide more job opportunities for ordinary citizens.
There were also cheap burgers and donuts for the masses, and after deducting costs and labor, King Investment Group found it very difficult to make a profit.
Not to mention the relief stations exclusively sponsored by King Investment Group, which were entirely spending money on public welfare.
If King Investment Group hadn't been so vast, the ineffective investments of the past two years alone could have crippled the King Investment Group.
"You need to have a long-term vision, Chris. Sometimes losing money isn't necessarily a bad thing…" Mike said with certainty, "The upcoming economic recovery is when we will reap the rewards."
Previously, King Investment Group had somewhat spent money to buy a good reputation, and now the image of a people-benefiting enterprise was deeply ingrained.
Moreover, taking advantage of the great economic depression, King Investment Group had also, without realizing it, acquired a significant market share.
Now, with the right timing, geographical advantages, human harmony, and the tailwind of economic recovery, King Investment Group was bound to soar.
"Alright, I will continue to execute according to your instructions." Collison rose expressionlessly, preparing to leave.
As the company's executive director, how could Chris not understand the big picture?
He understood, but seeing the King Investment Group spend so much effort and money on charity still made him feel very uncomfortable.
Of course, from a certain perspective, Chris was a qualified businessman, while Mike seemed to be running a business with a playful attitude.
The reason for this situation was also related to their different pursuits.
After all, Mike now valued having a good reputation more, which would allow him to collect more faith value.
After seeing Chris off, Mike directly pulled the little maid over and lay down on her lap.
Still, the same old saying: at Mike's level of strength, money held no meaning for him anymore.
Now, just lying there doing nothing, he received millions of faith value daily, and he could even occasionally "tease" Lucifer, the fallen angel sealed in the Book of Gospels, with his mind.
With such a wonderful life, what more could Mike wish for?
Just as Mike was comfortably napping, Karen and the other girls came in, chattering with Cady.
When she saw Mike sleeping, the wavy-haired Karen tiptoed closer, then wrapped a lock of hair around her finger and rubbed it against the man's face a few times.
Indeed, Mike looked even more "adorable" when he was asleep.
"Lena, stop it—"
Feeling his nose tickle, Mike reached out to scratch and found the touch was wrong.
He opened his eyes and saw the three girls of The Plastics curiously surrounding him, and a familiar face had also squeezed in.
"Tina, when did you get here? Why didn't you tell me?" Mike released his hand from Karen's wavy hair, then sat up and solemnly tidied his clothes.
As if nothing had just happened.
"You're a 'busy man' now, how would you have time to pay attention to me…" Tina put away her smile, her gaze drifting to the many girls of the song and dance troupe below.
Tina was happy to see Mike again, but his playboy-like life made the girl feel a little disappointed.
"Why do I smell a hint of jealousy?" Mike teased, then subtly waved his hand to signal the girls of the song and dance troupe to leave. He then stood up and put his arm around Tina, saying, "You look like you've just arrived, all dusty from travel. Come on, how about I host a welcome dinner for you?"
It was still the original recipe, still the familiar taste.
As Mike's first girlfriend, how could Tina not know that Mike was actually a philanderer?
However, after many years apart and in different places, the girl seemed to no longer dislike this feeling.
"I want to wash up first—" Tina pushed away the man's large hand that was misbehaving at her waist.
"Do you need my help?" Mike smiled, pressing his advantage.
"What do you think?" Tina rolled her eyes, then hid beside Lena.
As a popular figure at Medford High, Tina was not only close to the three girls in The Plastics but actually had an even better relationship with the gentle Lena.
"Alright, let Lena accompany you to wash up," Mike said casually, "As for me, I'll go prepare a big meal for you."
It was already past lunchtime, but Tina had traveled by car all the way and probably hadn't eaten lunch yet.
Mike, who hadn't cooked in a long time, decided to make the girl a special brisket.
To let her experience the taste from before again.