Chapter 181 Gu Baobao states her position
Night falls and the city lights come on.
The historic Ritz Hotel is brightly lit next to Place Vendôme, which is known as the heart of France.
The motorcade of the Chinese delegation slowly drove in. Gu Baobao, supported by Lu Zhanming, got out of the car, instantly attracting the attention of all the media and guests waiting at the hotel entrance.
She wore a crescent-white soft satin cheongsam tonight.
The cheongsam was exquisitely tailored, fitting her slender figure perfectly. The collar and cuffs were trimmed with lace of the same color, which not only retained the charm of the East but also added a touch of elegance appropriate for the occasion.
Her thick, jet-black hair, as thick as seaweed, was styled into an elegant, smooth low bun, secured with a simple white jade hairpin, revealing her graceful swan neck and smooth forehead.
With only light makeup on her face and a natural blush on her lips, she looked like she was formed from moonlight under the hotel's dazzling lights—cool, noble, and exuding an unapproachable scholarly air.
Lu Zhanming walked beside her, dressed in a sharp, all-black suit with his white shirt buttoned up to the top. He wasn't wearing a tie, which only accentuated his cool and unruly demeanor.
He stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his eyes sharp as an eagle, closely guarding Gu Baobao's side.
The two stood together, one as beautiful as the moon, the other as aloof as a mountain, creating an extremely pleasing and powerful scene.
Upon entering the suite's inner hall prepared for the banquet, Lu Zhanming, taking advantage of the relatively small number of people around, reached out and gently led Gu Baobao into the shadow of a decorative pillar.
"Baby……"
His voice was much lower and hoarse than usual, and his gaze was fixed intently on her, surging with undisguised amazement and deep affection.
Gu Baobao's cheeks flushed slightly under his gaze. Just as she was about to say something, Lu Zhanming lowered his head and accurately captured her lips.
This kiss was unlike any other before.
It carries an almost pious sense of cherishing, yet is also filled with an overbearing possessiveness, gently and tenderly delving deeper, as if it wants to deeply engrave her beauty at this moment, along with her entire being, into its own soul.
He could feel the softness and coolness of her lips, and smell the unique scent of her body, a faint blend of medicinal fragrance and youthful body odor.
Gu Baobao was caught off guard by his kiss, but she quickly became lost in the passionate and affectionate atmosphere, and her hand unconsciously grabbed the lapel of his suit.
After an unknown amount of time, Lu Zhanming finally released her with great difficulty and reluctance.
His forehead pressed against hers, his breathing a little heavy, watching her lips, slightly swollen and glistening with moisture from the kisses.
And those misty, shy, and alluring eyes made me feel a surge of heat rush to my lower abdomen, almost causing me to lose control.
He took several deep breaths to barely suppress the surging urges, his voice terribly hoarse:
"Baby, you are so beautiful..."
She was so beautiful that he didn't want to take her out, didn't want anyone to see her, and just wanted to hide her away, to keep her to himself.
Gu Baobao snapped out of her daze, her face flushed crimson, and gave him a coquettish glare.
To Lu Zhanming, that one glance was incredibly alluring, making his heart itch as if it had been gently scratched by a cat's paw.
He chuckled softly, took her slightly cool hand in his, and held it tightly in his palm, their fingers intertwined.
"We should go out now. Come back... and continue."
This suggestive remark made Gu Baobao's ears turn bright red. She pinched his palm, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed, but he held on even tighter.
The two tidied themselves up and adjusted their expressions before emerging from the shadows to join Sui Jianguo and the others who had already arrived.
When Sui Jianguo saw Gu Baobao's outfit, his eyes flashed with amazement and pride, but he was mostly solemn.
He emphasized again in a low, serious voice to everyone:
"Remember, we are here to make a courtesy visit, to thank our hosts, and at the same time to clearly convey the message that we are about to return home."
Everyone, pay attention to details and observe carefully, especially protect Comrade Gu Baobao! This last night must not have any mishaps! This talent must be brought home safely!
Lu Zhanming nodded silently, and tightened his grip on Gu Baobao's hand.
The banquet hall was filled with elegantly dressed women, their hair swaying in the breeze, and glasses clinking in the breeze.
As the host, Dean DuPont warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation.
Those present were mostly top figures in the medical field in Paris and even Europe, including university presidents, research institute directors, and a few prominent patrons.
Gu Baobao undoubtedly became the focus of the entire event.
Wherever she goes, she is quickly surrounded by people.
Praise, compliments, and probing questions poured in like a tide.
"Dr. Gu, we've watched your surgical video, and it's astounding! Our institute is willing to provide you with the best laboratory and unlimited research funding, as long as you're willing to stay and serve as our chief scientist!"
"Dr. Gu, there are vacancies for tenure and academician titles at the Paris Medical School. We can also apply for a fast-track citizenship program for you as a special talent!"
"Dr. Gu, our consortium is very interested in your health-preserving pills and is willing to invest in a joint venture. You only need to provide the technology, and we will split the profits 70/30, with you getting 70%!"
"Dr. Gu..."
Money, status, fame, the best research conditions... these temptations, enough to sway most people, were constantly thrown at Gu Baobao by these people in a seemingly sincere but actually condescending tone.
Lu Zhanming stayed close to her at all times, and whenever anyone got too close or spoke in an overly solicitous manner,
He would subtly step forward, using his body to create distance, or respond on behalf of Gu Baobao in fluent but distant English:
"Thank you for your kind words. Dr. Gu's current focus is on research and teaching in China."
When someone directly asks Gu Baobao, she always wears a polite smile, but her eyes are clear and firm. In fluent English, she repeats the same core message over and over again:
"Thank you all very much for your appreciation and invitation. But my roots are in China, where my family, my teachers, my patients, and countless compatriots who need my help are.
My knowledge and skills are meant to contribute to the development of my motherland. The revitalization of traditional Chinese medicine needs me, and I cannot do without it.
Her answer was neither humble nor arrogant, and her stance was clear.
This left many recruiters both disappointed and filled with admiration.
In this context filled with the exchange of interests, this pure and unwavering patriotism is all the more precious and powerful.
Lu Zhanming felt even more proud as he watched her calmly deal with the attacks from all sides.
When an elderly French academician asked, half-jokingly:
"Mr. Lu, you're always by Dr. Gu's side. Are you her special assistant?"
Lu Zhanming smiled slightly, naturally putting his arm around Gu Baobao's shoulder and pulling her closer to him, answering in a clear voice:
“No, sir. I am her fiancé and her bodyguard.”
The words "fiancé" were like a stone thrown into water, eliciting low gasps and knowing smiles from those around them.
Many people who initially harbored ulterior motives suddenly became more subtle in their gazes and restrained themselves considerably.
Gu Baobao's cheeks flushed again, but a warm feeling and a sense of security welled up in her heart.
She tilted her head slightly and leaned against Lu Zhanming's strong arm.
As the dinner drew to a close, the atmosphere became somewhat more relaxed.
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