Hades, the Urban Legend

Chapter 497: Differential Treatment

Over an hour later, outside the Sofitel Paris Hotel, a dusty Bentley pulled up to the main entrance.

This five-star hotel, located near the Madeleine Church and Place de la Concorde, creates a stunning view with its mix of magnificent lights and vintage architecture, resembling a gigantic sculpture.

The two white doormen, who had been standing proudly at the entrance, first displayed standard smiles as the Bentley approached. However, their expressions soon turned to confusion. The car was covered in fresh scratches and dirt, puzzling them greatly. They exchanged glances, seeing the same astonishment in each other's eyes.

Luxury cars were not uncommon outside the Sofitel Hotel, but rarely did one appear so disheveled, as if it had just driven through country roads.

Before the two doormen could step forward to open the car door, a group of formally dressed men and women suddenly rushed out of the hotel and surrounded the Bentley, opening the middle door.

"Director Gu, you're finally back!" exclaimed a leading man with a look of relief, bowing deeply, almost to the point of tears.

Gu Deman, who had meticulously straightened his white suit, had already returned to his usual elegant demeanor. He nodded authoritatively as he stepped out of the car, turning to smile and gesture politely to the Stern siblings inside the car.

"Is President Lin here?"

"Thank heavens, President Lin is back safely too," the group murmured excitedly, only to realize that the people stepping out were a handsome young man and woman they didn't recognize.

"Hi," Stern greeted the group cheerfully, holding his sister Alice close as they unceremoniously accepted the group's warm welcome.

"Director Gu, who are these two?" someone asked, puzzled.

Gu Deman cleared his throat and said, "These two are Mr. Stern and Miss Alice from the Cromwell family, Dukes of England. I was fortunate to escape from the kidnappers with their help. Since they're also staying at this hotel during Fashion Week, we returned together."

The Cromwell family!

The gathered executives of Yulei Europe, mostly locals, naturally knew of such an ancient noble family. They hurriedly bowed and greeted Stern and Alice, some still in a daze, as people of such status were rarely seen.

In all the commotion, they almost forgot that they had originally gathered to welcome their company's top executive, President Lin Ruoxi.

Unexpectedly, not only did they fail to pick up the president, but they also lost contact with Gu Deman midway. Just two hours ago, they received a call from Gu Deman saying he had been kidnapped and only just escaped. This prompted the group to rush back to the hotel, leading to the earlier scene of hurriedly running outside.

At this moment, the driver and front passenger doors of the Bentley opened simultaneously. Yang Chen stepped out of the car, took a deep breath of the fresh Parisian night air, and stretched lazily.

Lin Ruoxi, who had been dozing in the car, had just freshened up. As she got out, she still looked a bit drowsy, her cheeks slightly flushed. Combined with her naturally elegant and cold beauty, her appearance in a black silk dress made her look like an elf from a Western fairy tale, creating a breathtaking scene that made the crowd outside the hotel hold their breath. Even tourists passing by the hotel stopped to admire her.

Seeing the crowd gathered around the car, staring blankly at her, Lin Ruoxi immediately realized they were her company's European subordinates. Feeling uncomfortable with their gawking, she couldn't help but frown slightly.

Gu Deman, seeing Lin Ruoxi step out, hurriedly pushed through the crowd and shouted, "Make way, make way! Don't block President Lin! Did you hear me?!"

The stern reprimand snapped the executives out of their daze. Realizing that this was the president they had only seen in photos and videos, and she looked even more stunning in person, they hastily stepped aside to make way.

"Hello, President Lin!" they greeted in unison, scrambling to clear a path for her.

Lin Ruoxi took a deep breath and opened her eyes again, her previous laziness completely gone. She looked over the crowd with a gaze that carried the authority she had built up over the years, making everyone feel a bit uneasy.

"I don't know how you usually conduct yourselves at work, but based on your behavior just now, I could fire you all without hesitation," Lin Ruoxi said calmly. "You are managers. Don't make me feel like you are the ones who need to be managed."

The group broke into a cold sweat. Although Lin Ruoxi's words were not harsh, it was precisely this unemotional tone that made them feel a chill deep inside.

"Ruoxi, don't be upset. I think they were just too excited. After all, it's rare for you to come to Europe, and they don't usually get to see you. Many of them are your admirers, so it's natural for them to be excited. Besides, they gathered here out of concern for us, so let's just let it go this time," Gu Deman said, trying to smooth things over.

Lin Ruoxi didn't say much more and walked straight through the path they had cleared, heading into the hotel.

Gu Deman breathed a sigh of relief, glaring at his subordinates before turning to the Stern siblings with a smile. "Your attendants should already be inside the hotel, right? Do you need me to notify them?"

"Attendants?" Stern laughed. "Mr. Gu Deman, we don't have such a grand entourage. This time, it's just the two of us. We didn't bring anyone else."

Gu Deman was taken aback, finding it hard to believe his ears.

The Stern siblings didn't bother to explain further and followed Lin Ruoxi into the hotel.

As Yang Chen, yawning and ready to head inside to rest, was about to walk in, he was stopped by a Yulei staff member.

"You're the driver, right? Go park the car. Do you expect us to park it for you?" the staff member ordered.

Yang Chen scratched his head helplessly but didn't bother to explain. He thought, fine, I'll park the car. It's no big deal.

Before Yang Chen could turn around, the staff member was sharply reprimanded by Gu Deman, who smacked the back of his head and cursed, "Are you a pig?! This is Director Yang, who accompanied President Lin. Didn't you pay attention to who was accompanying her on this trip?! Apologize to Director Yang immediately!"

The harsh scolding left the group of Yulei executives stunned once again. In truth, no one had noticed Yang Chen. Compared to the strikingly handsome Stern siblings and Lin Ruoxi's stunning entrance, Yang Chen, with his plain attire and ordinary appearance, perfectly fit the "driver" stereotype. Who would have thought that this seemingly lazy man was a director on par with Gu Deman?

"Oh, it's fine, little brother. They just didn't recognize me," Yang Chen said with a smile, patting Gu Deman on the shoulder. He then handed the car keys to Gu Deman and added, "But since you're so courteous, I'll leave the car to you. I'll head in first."

Gu Deman, wearing a sycophantic smile, quickly nodded, "No problem. Director Yang, if you need anything, just let me know. Make yourself at home here."

"Ah, your attitude has improved quite a bit. No wonder Ruoxi appointed you as the director here; you are indeed quite clever," Yang Chen replied, fully aware of why Gu Deman was being so accommodating. After all, he had witnessed firsthand Yang Chen's prowess in taking down the group of black-clad kidnappers.

Gu Deman felt a pang of anxiety. The mere thought of the man before him single-handedly defeating a group of fierce kidnappers left him with no desire to defy Yang Chen. He could only bow and nod obsequiously.

The surrounding Yulei executives were utterly bewildered. They couldn't comprehend why Gu Deman, despite being on the same level as Director Yang, would humble himself so much and even be referred to as "little brother."

Could it be that even within the company, there was a distinction between "capital officials" and "local officials"?

Just as Yang Chen was about to enter the hotel, the sound of police sirens suddenly echoed from not far away. Three police cars were speeding directly toward the hotel!