Chapter 201 - Sofia's Marketing Skills

Meanwhile, on the second floor of the District 7 municipal hall, several prominent figures were gathered for the rehearsal of Brent and Grace's wedding. 

The entire hall was usually allocated for events and large conferences of their district. But, it can also be used when the government hosts cultural programs.

This hall had no particular decorations. Only some paintings were hung on the wall but even those were just common. Any civilian could buy those painting if they want to. And the interior had a design that was too conventional.

However, at that time, this place seemed to have a different aura. The air of luxury lingered around the atmosphere while families and friends of both the Lee and Cleenne Clan were there.

The chairs of the room were arranged on the corner to give most of the space for the rehearsal. The lady in charge of this practice politely gave instructions to everyone in the room..

Despite being in the same room, Sofia could tell that the Lee Clan was maintaining their distance from the Cleenne Family. Brent and Grace had managed to introduce her to them earlier.

Rich families were naturally reserved. They can socialize but they also do not show their emotions for the public to see. But, based on Sofia's observation, she could tell that Mr. Lau Reano Lee and his wife, Mrs. Lau Rieta Lee treated the Cleenne family with blunt indifference.

From their attitude, anyone could see that they were unwilling to participate in this union.

Even Brent had a little interaction with Grace.

But, the Cleenne Family did not seem to take the hint of their attitude. They act friendly and looked very satisfied while rehearsing. This made the old master of the Lee Clan more annoyed.

Perhaps, this is the gap between a public figure and a private person. Even if they are family with powers. Their way of living was completely different. And Sofia wondered how would this soon-to-be husband and wife balance this differences...

"A penny for your thoughts?" Grace spoke on the side when she noticed that Sofia was caught in a trance. 

The young lady stared blankly at space while they were given a five minutes break of their practice.  While others took the opportunity to mingle, Sofia was left alone sitting on one of the empty chairs on the corner of the hall. Grace was initially talking with her other bridesmaids when she noticed that Sofia was left out. So, she decided to accompany her.

Unbeknownst to her, Sofia's thoughts were actually about the heaviness that she felt towards the two families. 

Sofia shook her head and smiled at Grace. She then sat straight and slowly crossed her ankles.

"I am just trying to imagine your wedding day, Grace. By the way, where is the venue of your wedding and the reception? Is it a surprise place?"

To think that they were already rehearsing the wedding but she did not even know the final venue and reception of this event, Sofia felt a little bit awkward. 

But when Grace heard her question, a slight blush also appeared on her face. She was slightly embarrassed by the situation.

"Err, young master Brent had not yet picked for the final location," Grace responded. She was also at a loss of this conversation since it was not up to her to pick the venue. She did suggest few places but Brent did not confirm any of them.

As for Sofia, it did not escape to her ears how Grace had addressed her friend. How could this girl called her future husband with so much formality but lack of familiarity! 

Sofia cleared her throat and glance at Brent. He was a few feet away but she could see that he was talking with his father and mother and also with the mayor. 

"Brent will decide for your venue? Huh, the wedding is already on Saturday... But the venue is not yet confirmed?" Sofia mumbled and a small frown appear on her face.

"The Lee Family wants to make it as exclusive as possible. So, the location is really hard to choose. But, I'm sure Brent will choose a good venue," Grace stated and took a seat next to Sofia. "Ehh.. how about you, Sofia? When you get married in the future, what kind of wedding do you want to have?" Grace added before Sofia could speak a response to their initial topic.

"Well..." Sofia trailed and put a few things into consideration. "My grandparents are my only family. They are old and cannot travel. So, if it's my wedding, it will be in the mountains so that they can join the ceremony. Have you heard of a camping-themed wedding?" she finished and was inwardly amused by what her mind had just come up.

"Ohh... that sounds exciting!" Grace blurted with a small grin on her face. 

"Hahahaha, it is!" Sofia could not contain her laughter. Grace also joined her and all people inside the hall had secretly looked in their direction. Sofia did not also expect that she would be able to think of such an idea. If it was her in the past, it would be truly impossible to even go on camping.

Brent pursed his lips and excused at the elders in front of him. He then walked towards the two ladies who seemed to have enjoyed their conversation. 

"What are you two laughing together?" he asked when he reached the side of Grace.

"Oh, we--" Grace paused. Her face quickly changed and looked formal. "--we were talking about a wedding venue. Sofia was sharing with me what her wedding would be," she finished.

"You will get married too?" Brent looked at Sofia with an unreadable expression. 

Sofia stared at him for a few seconds before she rolled her eyes. "I will, of course! What are you even thinking? Hehe, how about you choose my business as the reception of your wedding?" Sofia stated with a huge grin in her face.

"Your business?" Brent inquired with a spark of interest in his eyes.

In a distance, the elders who were talking to him had also decided to join their group and were slowly approaching to their direction.

"Yes! My squad will be competing you in the ranking of rich companies in the future. But we are still learning. Anyway, it is located on the intersection street. That establishment that is being remodeled," Sofia quickly replied.

"Why would I want to choose that place as the reception of my wedding? That's basically asking for a free audience of the public!" Brent scowled. 

The elders were able to overhear the subject of their conversation and Brent's father also nodded in agreement.

Sofia on the other hand clasped her fingers together. She also noticed the elders getting closer at them. So, she stood from her seat and put her hand on the waist.

"That is exactly perfect. You see, if you choose my business as the reception, there are several great things that would benefit from your decision. First, of course, your good friend, yours truly. Your support to a small business lady like me will not be forgotten," Sofia replied.

"What else? Even if I don't choose your business as the reception of my wedding, I will still support you, Sof," Brent responded. He crossed his arms on his chest and stood straight. His figure looked like a mountain that was too difficult to move.

"Well, thank you for your loyalty as my friend! BUT---!" Sofia smiled. Then, her line of vision moved to the mayor and Brent's family. 

"--the second reason is more crucial than my business. You see, the election is only three months away. This is a good opportunity for your future in-laws to gain publicity. Now before you react badly to my suggestion, you also have to consider that in our customs and traditions, your family will be united after your wedding. So, helping one another would be a normal thing to do. Why not start it on your wedding day, right?" Sofia finished. 

Grace and her family were secretly moved by Sofia's words. At first, this was exactly what they want to happen. To use the wedding to announce that their family was tied to the wealthiest Lee Clan. 

However, when the old master of the Lee Clan firmly told them that the wedding must be private, they had not pursued the matter. After all, it was their daughter who was marrying the richest family in their district. They can only thank the heavens for this favorable union and desired nothing else anymore.

Speaking of the old master of the Lee Clan, Mr. Lau Reano Lee's face instantly looked dark after Sofia finished her speech. Everyone near him could tell that it had provoked his anger.

He opened his mouth to scold Sofia. But, Brent's pit of laughter interrupted him. Seeing his son, laughing so genuinely, he quickly swallowed whatever anger and words that he wanted to speak.

"Hahahahaha, what the heck! Sof, I know that you are good at playing virtual games. But, I have never realized that you are also a master in the field of marketing!" Brent started.

Even though Sofia's suggestion was completely opposite to what his family wanted to happen, Brent was amazed at how much Sofia made her ideas so convincing to him.

He was not too focused on the suggestion but on how Sofia had presented her business and market it effortlessly to the point that if an outsider would listen to them, they would just probably not see through Sofia's hidden agenda.