He shook his head, his eyes wandering back and forth between Ethan's young face with a hint of youth, and the investment agreement worth $200 million, the huge cognitive impact making him somewhat incoherent:
"I thought you were the successor trained by some low-key Wall Street dynasty, or you had extraordinary experience overseas... But you... You just walked out of the SAT exam room! Still waiting for your college acceptance letter!"
Alex picked up his glass, his hands trembling slightly. He took a big gulp of wine, trying to calm down his upheaval of emotions.
He looked at Ethan, his eyes as if looking at an alien creature:
"A high school student... With hundreds of millions in funds, accurately identifying the market, and boldly throwing down $200 million to secure 30% of our equity... This... This can no longer be described as 'genius'—this is simply... monstrous!"
There were several uncontrollable gasps in the private room.
The way the Musical.ly team looked at Ethan completely changed—the previous awe was now mixed with strong disbelief and a hint of reverence, like looking at a walking myth.
Ethan felt a bit embarrassed and touched his nose:
"Mr. Alex, you're too kind. I just... pay attention to future trends, plus a little luck and family support."
"Luck? Trends?"
Alex smiled bitterly and waved his hand repeatedly:
"Mr. Miller, don't be modest! In my years of entrepreneurship, I've met countless investors and teenage prodigies, but no one like you! This strategic vision, this decisiveness, this composure you showed at the negotiating table... It can't be explained by experience alone! It's talent! Pure... innate mastery!"
The more he spoke, the more excited he became, his eyes on Ethan filled with unprecedented eagerness, even with a hint of examining the "superhuman."
"The future belongs to the young! Truly terrifying!"
Alex finally sighed, full of emotion, and raised his glass again, this time solemnly toward Ethan:
"Mr. Miller—Ethan—this glass is for you! To honor your amazing talent! And to thank you for our upcoming partnership! For me, Alex, to walk alongside a 'young titan' like you is an honor and an opportunity for Musical.ly!"
He emphasized the word "Ethan" particularly hard, full of complex meanings.
Ethan also raised his glass and calmly accepted this shocking toast:
"Mr. Alex, you're too kind. To the future and our shared dream."
"To the future!"
Diana raised her glass at just the right moment, smiling brilliantly, eyes only for her young man.
.....
In the second half of dinner, the atmosphere became extremely subtle.
The Musical.ly team looked at Ethan with cautious admiration and intense curiosity.
Alex conversed frequently with Ethan, discussing everything from the future of the internet to philosophy of life, as if wanting to extract more secrets from this terrifyingly young mind.
And Ethan responded freely, the scope and depth shown in their conversation once again amazing Alex.
He completely understood that the young man before him was no ordinary person. Behind "Red Bean Capital" was a "young titan" capable of shaking the entire era.
This Italian dinner left Alex's heart fluttering, a meal he would never forget.
.....
The Italian dinner full of shock and emotion with Alex ended.
Night had completely fallen over San Francisco, the city lights bright.
Ethan naturally wrapped his arm around Diana's slender waist as they walked out of the restaurant, the evening breeze warm, brushing over the tacit understanding between them that was intimate and unspoken.
This intimacy was desire, companionship, and trust—but not a promise of marriage.
Ethan lowered his head, his warm breath brushing against her sensitive earlobe, with a hint of lazy teasing:
"Naughty auntie, want to go to Union Square? Add some 'battle gear' for our Ms?"
Diana's beautiful eyes sparkled, her red lips curling into a charming yet clear smile, her fingertips tapping on his chest:
"A young man who just threw out $200 million wants to spend money on his naughty auntie?"
Her body moved slightly closer to his, her voice seductively husky:
"Aren't you afraid of spoiling my appetite, making me hard to please in the future?"
"Please?"
Ethan laughed quietly, tightening his arms, pulling her closer into his embrace, with undeniable possession and indulgence:
"My woman naturally deserves the best. This is called... capability."
He leaned close to her ear, his voice low and magnetic, bluntly declaring his logic:
"I'm willing to spend on my naughty auntie, and I can afford it."
There was no promise in his words, but they were full of the strength and satisfaction of "you belong to me in this moment."
.....
The two took a car to the glamorous Union Square shopping district.
It was like a massive crystal palace, bringing together the world's top luxury brands.
Ethan had a clear goal, taking Diana's hand and walking calmly into the Vacheron Constantin flagship store.
Under the warm yellow lighting, the watches in the display cases were like sleeping art treasures.
"Good evening, sir and madam."
The senior consultant in a black suit smiled professionally, his eyes pausing for a moment between Ethan's overly young but composed face and Diana's elegant demeanor.
"Looking for a watch that suits her."
Ethan gestured toward Diana, his posture casual.
The consultant immediately understood.
He carefully brought out a series of treasures: the classic dignity of the Traditionnelle, the feminine agility of the Égérie series, and the modern freedom of the Overseas collection...
Diana herself was a woman of excellent taste and tried them on with interest.
Finally, Ethan's eyes settled on one watch:
"Try this one."
Égérie moon phase jewelry watch, 18K 5N pink gold case, pavé diamond bezel. On the white mother-of-pearl dial, the exquisite moon phase display window was like the most tender expression in the night sky, surrounded by brilliant diamonds.
Paired with a dark blue alligator leather strap. It didn't have the complexity of intricate complications, but perfectly blended ultimate femininity, restrained luxury with the romantic poetry of moon phases.
Diana extended her wrist.
The consultant held his breath and gently fastened it for her.
The cool pink gold touched warm skin, the lustrous mother-of-pearl dial refracting a dreamy halo under the light, and the diamonds sparkling on her wrist like stars, complementing her fair skin and elegant temperament—as if this work of art had finally found its destined owner.
"It's beautiful."
Ethan sincerely admired, his eyes falling on her wrist, revealing pure appreciation for beautiful things and the woman before him.
This was the radiance of the woman who belonged to him.
"Mr. Miller has excellent taste, this Égérie moon phase jewelry watch..."
The consultant was about to introduce its craftsmanship and value in detail.
"We'll take it."
Ethan interrupted her, his tone flat but unquestionable, as if he'd just purchased an ordinary item.
He took out his card, movements smooth.
Swipe, sign, done in one motion.
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