Outside the venue, at the entrance of the Manchester Central Convention Complex, lots of people gathered to witness the spectacle. Most of the upper echelon of Manchester’s business community would be gathering here shortly. Those who were invited would arrive in due time and enter the venue. But many small businessmen who couldn’t manage an invitation came anyway to catch a glimpse of the wealthier businesspeople in the area. Some even brought their children to broaden their horizons.
They waited patiently outside the venue, curious to see who qualified to attend such a high-level banquet. Some even brought binoculars to see more clearly. The security guards at the venue were used to this kind of commotion every year. They usually ignored the crowd unless someone tried to forcefully enter or sneak in without an invitation.
Suddenly, people saw a Rolls-Royce Phantom arrive and stop in front of the security checkpoint. A middle-aged man and a young woman stepped out of the car and approached the gate.
"Isn’t that Dylan Webb? The chairman of the Webb Group?" someone exclaimed, pointing in excitement.
"Yeah, I saw him in a televised interview once. But who’s the woman beside him?"
"She’s Imogen Webb, his eldest daughter," another answered knowledgeably. "Rumor has it, although Dylan still holds the title of chairman, Imogen is the one actually running the group’s operations."
As Dylan showed his invitation to the staff and walked through the gate with his daughter, a Lamborghini Aventador pulled up next.
Gasps filled the air. "Wow, look at that beauty," someone whispered.
From the sleek red sports car emerged a striking woman in a form-fitting red gown.
"I recognize her—that’s Jessica Saunders, the CEO of Saunders Group!"
"She looks stunning. That dress must be designer," another said, eyes wide.
"Fits her like a second skin," someone murmured.
Jessica, poised and graceful, handed her invitation to the staff and entered. The car drove off to the designated parking area, leaving onlookers in awe.
"Look, two more cars are approaching. I wonder who it might be this time."
"It looks like all the expensive cars will be here today. Aston Martin Rapide and Mercedes-Benz G-Class this time." 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶
"Man, you know your cars," someone in the crowd commented.
"I run a few car showrooms," the other replied with a grin.
One by one, invited guests continued to arrive. A long queue formed in front of the gate. Security staff worked hard to minimize the waiting time for these economic big shots. Despite their efforts, the queue grew longer as time passed.
Guests exited their cars at the gate and walked in by showing their invitations. It was just a formality. Those who could afford such luxury cars would never come uninvited and embarrass themselves.
For onlookers, it looked like a luxury car showdown. Bentley Mulsanne, Range Rover, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, McLaren 720S, Mercedes-Maybach, Porsche Panamera Turbo, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8 L could be seen queueing up one after another in front of the gate.
Several journalists were trying to capture photos of the cars and the businessmen from afar. They were hoping to find something newsworthy. Inside the venue, all photos and recordings were strictly prohibited. No journalists were invited to this banquet. However, a few media owners were seen entering with formal invitations.
People with various backgrounds and intentions gathered in front of the Convention Complex. Some came to catch a glimpse of top businessmen. Some came just to see the luxury cars. Others were curious to witness the grandeur of the event. A few small businessmen came in hopes of connecting with others who also didn’t have invitations. Some street vendors illegally set up stalls to make some quick cash. A few homeless people sat quietly beside the walkway, seeking coins for their next meal. Some brought their friends and family to experience the spectacle. And some came merely to see the people who had come to see.
The crowd was like a sea. All types of rivers of life had come together and flowed into this single spot. From billionaires stepping out of luxury cars to the homeless seeking coins amidst the crowd... from the silent deals being made inside the venue to the street deals among vendors... from the lavish array of gourmet dishes inside the banquet to the lone stale bun in front of a hungry man outside... everyone here was living their own truth.
They were all passing through the same gate... just from different directions.
Status may change the ride, but not the destination.

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