Old Wanâs words were a veiled insult, suggesting Yi Feng was too young and inexperienced.
Ning Feipeng frowned and snorted lightly, âPresident Wan, donât underestimate my brother Yiâs capacity for liquor. I doubt you could outdrink him.â
Old Wan, intending to become angry at first, could only force a smile when he realized the remark came from Ning Feipeng.
âBrother Ning is just joking. My tolerance isnât that high, but drinking is all about the company.â
âIf itâs with Brother Ning, then it doesnât matter how much I can drink. Iâd happily drink to oblivion, haha!â Yi Feng laughed heartily.
Lan Caiyi covered her mouth and chuckled softly.
This young man was implying Wan Lao San wasnât worthy to drink with him. His skill in veiled insults was truly masterful.
Despite his young age, his thoughts were profound, truly interesting.
Feng Ze, an old fox himself, could discern the underlying meanings in their words but chose not to get involved. He was content to sit back and watch.
âCome on, fill your glasses. Letâs take a drink before anything else.â
âLetâs drink a few more on this happy occasion!â Feng Ze, sitting at the head of the table, took control of the situation, and everyone else followed suit, raising their glasses.
As they drank and chatted, the conversation drifted to casual topics and industry trends.
Old Wan, beside them, was scratching his head in anxiety. He was desperate to resolve his predicament of not having enough computer parts to deliver, facing a substantial penalty for breach of contract.
Wouldnât that lead directly to bankruptcy?
At such a critical moment, how could he have any interest in drinking?
His face darkened, he drank a few glasses along with everyone else, unable to feel any joy.
He glanced at Feng Ze, who was chatting and laughing with Lan Caiyi, gritted his teeth, and approached with a glass of wine.
âPresident Feng, about that matter⦠I really must ask for your help!â
âThis glass is for you!â Old Wan downed his drink in one gulp.
Feng Ze remained unflustered, still smiling, âOf course, of course. You and Feipeng are old friends, and thus you are my friend too. We should help each other.â
Feng Zeâs words were a reminder to old Wan not to forget about Ning Feipeng, the intermediary. It was inappropriate to bypass him and seek help directly.
But old Wan, being straightforward, failed to grasp Feng Zeâs implication, eagerly saying, âAh, president Feng, itâs an honor for me to be considered your friend. Let me toast to you again!â
Behind him, Ning Feipengâs expression turned colder.
Old Wan filled his glass, intending to clink glasses with Feng Ze.
Feng Ze laughed, âHow can we keep drinking just between us? Shouldnât you drink with Feipeng and the others first?â
This was his second hint, and it was more straightforward this time.
But old Wan, dismissing the advice with a wave of his hand, insisted, âAh, thereâs no hurry to drink with president Ning. President Feng, I need a definite answer from you!â
âIâm in dire need of supplies right now. To get that much stock in Guangxi City, I have to rely on you, president Feng!â
âIf you donât help me, brother, Iâm in deep trouble!â
Ning Feipeng glared, astonished that old Wan, would say such a thing, and cursed silently, resorting to sulking and drinking alone.
Feng Ze sneered inwardly, thinking, old Wanâs troubles are none of my concern. Why should I care if youâre playing the victim in front of me?
Old Wan was truly foolish beyond measure.
Having been hinted at twice without catching on, how could such a person succeed in business?
Failure was inevitable!
In todayâs competitive business world, those who prosper are sharp and savvy.
With a mind like old Wanâs, better not to hold any expectations.
Though Feng Ze thought this, he maintained a friendly facade.
âSure, sure. You can discuss the specifics with Lan Caiyi later, see what supplies you need.â
âAh, but just so you know, our warehouse stock has been mostly booked up recently. There might not be much left, so be prepared, president Wan.â Feng Ze preemptively set expectations, indicating he might not be able to help much after all.
Feng Ze wasnât really inclined to help.
What tangible benefits could he gain?
The goods were just being loaned, not sold. It was essentially lending money. If it could be easily repaid, fine, but if not, it would become a bad debt.
âYes, yes, but I trust that with president Fengâs involvement, there wonât be any problem! Haha!â old Wan, hearing Feng Zeâs willingness to help, was overjoyed beyond measure.
Lan Caiyi suggested, âpresident Wan, why donât you sit down for now? This matter canât be rushed in a day or two. Letâs enjoy the drinks first.â
âAlright then.â Old Wan turned and returned to his seat.
Yi Feng, on the other hand, was shaking his head silently.
Old Wan was probably celebrating too early.
Yi Feng glanced around, raised his glass towards Ning Feipeng, and said, âBrother Ning, letâs drink. I really have to thank you today for introducing me to president Feng, president Cheng, and other esteemed guests.â
His words were meant for Ning Feipeng but also included Feng Ze and the others, offering them a compliment, prompting them to respond in kind.
âWhere, where, Brother Yi is too kind. Weâre not that esteemed, haha!â Cheng Bo squinted his eyes, chuckling.
âAh, Iâll be relying on everyone a lot more in the future. Letâs drink to that.â Yi Feng raised his glass, and the others followed suit.
With that, Yi Feng took the lead in the drinking session.
After a round of drinks, Yi Feng didnât rush to discuss business. Instead, he engaged in casual conversation, pulling the topic from the economy of Guangxi City to global economic trends. With his witty remarks, he quickly livened up the atmosphere at the table.
Feng Ze and Lan Caiyi occasionally glanced at Yi Feng, then whispered to each other.
Feng Ze grew increasingly appreciative, whispering to Lan Caiyi, âLook at this young man, speaking fluently and with unique insights into the economic situation. Heâs truly talented.â
Lan Caiyi lit a cigarette, placed it in her mouth, and smiled, âPresident Feng, I think heâs not that simple. His speech and actions are seamless, just like an old fox.â
âWith such capabilities at this age, his future is limitless.â
Feng Ze nodded in agreement.
âBusinesspeople, businesspeople, are a group constantly coming up with ideas. How can these ideas emerge without interaction? Todayâs chat with you brothers has been incredibly enlightening for me! Here, I toast to you all.â Yi Feng raised his glass, never missing a chance to flatter.
His flattery made them forget themselves, and the terms âbrotherâ and âbuddyâ were freely used.
âCome on, Brother Yi, letâs have one.â Jiao Tongxing, his face flushed from drinking, found Yi Fengâs words very pleasing and kept raising his glass.
The group clinked glasses again and drank up.
Wang Tie also drank, but he was more silent, carefully listening to Yi Fengâs words, learning his speech, actions, and demeanor.
He thought how great it would be to dominate social gatherings like Yi Feng one day.
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