Just then, Mike suddenly walked over, his expression seemingly indicating his purpose.
"Someone asked if there was a helipad or similar place near the villa, how should I reply?"
Cao Baiming's heart skipped a beat.
"They came by helicopter?"
Mike nodded, a look of helplessness on his face.
The boss had mentioned some locations in his previous briefing, even including small airstrips. However, upon closer thought, if there was more than one aircraft, the nearby areas might not be sufficient.
"Who?" Cao Baiming suddenly asked.
"Ronaldo."
"Which Ronaldo?"
"That Ronaldo."
In an instant, Cao Baiming understood.
The situation was not good. If it was him, the people accompanying him would likely be quite numerous. Would they also use private jets for transportation?
As it turned out, they did!
Neymar, Ronaldinho, Marcelo, and essentially the entire Samba squad had been brought over by him.
Although animosity had been fostered between fans during the World Cup, for Cao Baiming, the game was just a game, fouls were inevitable, and he had even made many friends through these matches.
"Let's see, if it's really not enough, we'll discuss it further. After all, the beach is quite large."
Mike remained silent.
At precisely six o'clock, the sky had completely darkened. Just then, the music began!
The entire area was equipped with a specialized sound system. The placement of the speakers, the design and layout of the acoustics, all had been meticulously and thoughtfully considered.
The meticulous design had a single purpose: experience!
The aim was to create a 360-degree immersive sensation, a feeling of being truly present and even merging with the music, as if music were the medium or bridge that allowed one to completely integrate with the environment.
In an instant, Cao Baiming felt it all. This experience, akin to ascending to heaven, made him realize its immense success!
As the music and other equipment began to operate, many planned programs were initiated.
The atmosphere throughout the entire area instantly reached its peak!
More and more people gathered in the central area, all of them awestruck by the meticulously crafted ambiance!
"This is at least hall-level! The most luxurious party I've ever attended in my life, the experience is incredible!"
"It's Cao Baiming's birthday, after all."
"Tonight, just eating and drinking will cost more than my entire year's salary. This bottle of wine is worth tens of millions, and the food later will probably be even more extravagant!"
"This wine has a strong kick, don't get drunk before the party even begins. I'm telling you now, I'm not carrying you to your room."
Cao Baiming continued to greet guests, silently counting in his heart. There were already a hundred and fifty people.
Fortunately, the seating and space in the central area were more than adequate.
At this moment, a humming sound came from above. Looking up, one could see a small jet plane descending, destined to land on the temporary runway not far away.
Inside were Neymar and his accompanying friends.
Ronaldo's helicopter would also arrive before long.
Every person entering wore a smile of happiness. While some might have been feigning it, Cao Baiming knew that in another ten minutes, the smiles on their faces would be entirely genuine.
With Neymar's arrival, a host of Samba superstars followed. Those who came here could never have imagined that they would be attending a party with these individuals!
After waiting for another ten minutes, Cao Baiming glanced at his watch and then instructed Mike to arrange for people to guard the main entrance, while he himself needed to leave.
The agreed-upon time had long passed, yet Henry had not arrived.
Now that most guests had arrived, Cao Baiming recalled that the number of people who had responded positively to his invitation was about this many, and most of those he could think of had arrived.
However, Arteta had not yet arrived, nor had Henry.
It was understandable that Beckham and others were late; they were usually busy with many things and unexpected matters could always impede their progress.
But Henry's continued silence was indeed thought-provoking, making one wonder what he was occupied with, or if something had happened?
His phone also went unanswered. Helpless, Cao Baiming had no choice but to get up and head towards the street.
Waiters had already served drinks to everyone present: the finest premium Oolong tea from Tangguo, champagne worth hundreds of thousands a bottle, and cocktails meticulously crafted by the world's most renowned master vintners. Everyone could choose one at will.
Upon seeing Cao Baiming, everyone instantly raised their cups, regardless of whether they contained tea, wine, or even ice cream.
Over sixty chefs from around the world had already begun their work, and they were exceptionally focused today.
Although it was not a competition, everyone knew that over sixty people from different countries were present. While they were all here for the money, they still hoped their creations would surpass those of others.
This sense of competition was only human nature. If they could achieve this without compromising the ten million dollars they were earning tonight, it would be wonderful.
Tonight, the more than two hundred guests, Cao Baiming's friends, served as their quality inspectors and examiners. Their assessment would be delivered the moment the dishes were served.
The final verdict would naturally be gleaned from their reviews. Although each person's taste might differ, even to a great extent, once the numbers grew, these minor variations would be overshadowed.
A group of over two hundred people was certainly enough to draw some conclusions!
Cao Baiming smoothly picked up a glass of champagne from a nearby waiter, cupping the bottom of the glass with one hand and raising it high above his head.
Amidst the laughter of the crowd, they all drank it down together.
Wu Xue slowly approached, and their gazes turned towards a specially positioned seat not far ahead.
That seat was not in the central area; in fact, it was somewhat removed from the focus of attention. It was personally chosen by Wu Xue, and the two of them would sit there.
The music began to shift to a more melodious and soothing tempo. By this time, everyone was starting to feel hungry. A message came through Cao Baiming's ear.
The first course was already ready!
This chef from Tangguo, Master Wu, was personally selected by Cao Baiming, having had the privilege of tasting his culinary skills before.
The first dish tonight naturally had to be reserved for him!
Today, along with his close friend who had won the Golden Award in the culinary competition last year, he had brought six friends to prepare this first dish for the more than twenty tables of distinguished guests. It was named "Listening to the River's Whisper."