Earlier, while Lisa was speaking with Lin Weiwei, Bai Xiaosheng turned his direction, effectively facing away from the hall entrance.

Prompted by Lisa’s reminder, Bai Xiaosheng turned around again, looking in that direction.

The Alger that everyone had been discussing was now approaching with his butler and a retinue.

Besides this, accompanying Alger was the senior business department official who had previously invited Bai Xiaosheng.

It was likely through this person that Alger learned of Bai Xiaosheng’s identity.

At this moment, Bai Xiaosheng turned and locked eyes with Alger.

From a distance, Alger’s gaze was scrutinizing, sizing up Bai Xiaosheng.

Both were equally young, equally accomplished, equally in positions of high status, and both were men, inevitably leading to comparisons.

As the saying goes, "Like repels like", which possibly aligns with certain "scientific principles".

Just like when two women meet, they instinctively compare each other’s fashion sense and makeup, men compare who is more successful and, also, who is more charming in front of others, especially women.

But this mindset of comparison was solely Alger’s; Bai Xiaosheng wasn’t interested.

This isn’t to say Bai Xiaosheng wasn’t manly or successful. Over the years, he fought his way up from the bottom, and his disposition was already honed beyond what someone of his age should possess.

Meanwhile, Alger was advancing with unabashed arrogance, noticeable even from afar.

Yang Xiaoyun glanced at Alger, smiling.

Lisa’s beautiful eyes wandered between Alger and Bai Xiaosheng.

Soon, Alger arrived in front of Bai Xiaosheng, and the two truly faced each other.

Alger’s old butler stole glances at Bai Xiaosheng, his eyes showing slight confusion. Bai looked familiar, but he couldn’t recall where he had seen him before.

"This is the leader of the Huaxia Business Group, Mr. Bai Xiaosheng, also the renowned Executive President of the Zhenbei Group’s Greater China Region!"

The senior official from the Oshan business department introduced them, "And this is Mr. Alger, the acknowledged business genius and future star of the West African Chieftain Union. His titles are numerous, the most famous being..."

Alger smiled and raised his hand to stop the official, saying, "You may go ahead with your work. I’ll have a chat with this gentleman."

The senior official breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

If he had to recite all those titles, even just part of them, it would be quite exhausting.

The senior official nodded with a smile, saying, "You two have a good chat."

Speaking thus, he withdrew and left.

"Thank you." Bai Xiaosheng politely addressed the man.

Alger barely nodded, the motion barely noticeable; this was him being polite. His arrogance surpassed even Asgar, the son of the Grand Chieftain, leading one to think Alger belonged to royalty.

Of course, given Alger’s background, even royalty couldn’t compare to him.

"Mr. Bai Xiaosheng, I’ve long admired your reputation." Alger said, smiling at Bai Xiaosheng.

Though courteous, his tone was casual, lacking sincerity.

"Likewise, I’ve heard much about you, Mr. Alger." Bai Xiaosheng replied with a smile.

Out of politeness, he extended his hand proactively.

Indeed, before the reception, Bai Xiaosheng had heard of Alger’s "reputation", as few could enjoy such privileges at this gathering.

"I’m honored." Alger didn’t think much of it, assuming Bai Xiaosheng was flattering him. He responded with an arrogant smile, shaking hands briefly before withdrawing.

Then, Alger’s gaze shifted to Bai Xiaosheng’s side.

"Mr. Alger, it’s been a while." Yang Xiaoyun greeted enthusiastically.

Ager and Yang Xiaoyun had had encounters before.

"Mr. Yang, long time no see, you’re looking more spirited." Alger laughed heartily, extending his hand to Yang Xiaoyun.

During this handshake, Alger did something unexpected—his other hand gently patted Yang Xiaoyun’s arm.

This "casual" yet "friendly" gesture was quite inappropriate in this setting.

If done with old friends or those younger or lower in status, it could be excused. Yang Xiaoyun, considering his age and status, shouldn’t have been treated this way.

Yet Alger did it publicly, appearing completely at ease and accustomed to it.

Bai Xiaosheng noticed this but remained impassive.

Yang Xiaoyun seemed not to notice at all, maintaining his smile.

Only Yang Yishan, nearby, flashed a trace of displeasure across his brow.

"Miss Yang, nice to meet you again." Alger greeted Yang Yishan, extending his hand more eagerly than he did with Yang Xiaoyun.

Out of politeness, Yang Yishan smiled and shook hands with Alger.

"Miss Lisa." Alger turned to Lisa, smiling and greeting.

"Mr. Alger." Lisa replied gracefully with a charming smile.

After greeting the two women, Alger turned to Lin Weiwei; his eyes glittered. Lin Weiwei possessed a unique temperament that the other two women did not—an Eastern charm.

"May I know your name, miss?" Alger asked with a smile, extending his hand.

Lin Weiwei had a less favorable impression of this man and directly took half a step back, withholding her handshake. She smiled calmly, "Sorry, Mr. Alger, I’m just Mr. Bai’s secretary; I cannot accept your gesture."