Cao Xue strongly recommended that I go, saying that Cao Jinbo had invited some big bosses who run bars and inns, as well as senior executives in charge of loan business at banks, and that it would be a good opportunity for me to make friends.

In order to survive better, I couldn't refuse. In the end, I drank a cup of strong tea to wake myself up and then went to Cao Jinbo's dinner party with a stiff upper lip.

...

Cao Xue wasn't bluffing me. Although I was the least noticeable person among all the participants at the dinner, I truly learned about some important aspects of Dali's future development during their conversation, which benefited me greatly.

After everyone had left, Cao Jinbo kept me behind and asked me with a smile, "How are you? Did you drink too much?"

"I haven't had too much to drink. If you have something to say, just say it. I can understand you."

As I spoke, I handed Cao Jinbo a cigarette, lit it for him, and after he took a puff, he said, "How's your thinking about the thing I asked you to consider the other day?"

"To be honest, the time you've given me to consider this is a bit short."

"Short is too short? In business, decisiveness is key... If you're still hesitating about this, I'll have to look down on you!"

I glanced at Cao Jinbo; he still had a smiling face, but it put a lot of pressure on me. To be honest, I already had the answer in my heart, but I didn't want to offend him before the business at the temporary inn was finished.

I laughed and said, "Mr. Cao, the scale of your bars and inns is among the best in the ancient city. For me, it is a huge responsibility. So I have to make sure I am capable of handling it. If I am not capable but agree to it, then it will be you who will suffer... I am also weighing this matter with a responsible attitude. I think you can understand."

Cao Jinbo took another drag of his cigarette, then squinted and smiled, "Then I'll give you a definite answer: I believe you have the ability."

"You're really flattering me!"

Cao Jinbo was no longer smiling. He said to me very seriously, "Everyone thinks that I, Cao Jinbo, have gotten to where I am today because of my domineering and unreasonable ways, but I don't think so... Over the years, I have always believed in my judgment of people; this time, I'm betting that you are a talented person, and the conditions I'm offering you are quite favorable... If you are still hesitating, then there is really no reason for you to hesitate!"

Cao Jinbo's domineering and uncompromising attitude has put me in a dilemma... To be fair, based on these two interactions, Cao Jinbo has indeed shown me enough respect and seemed to be speaking frankly with me. If I accept his advice, the benefits would be obvious... However, I am still wary of this person and the borderline businesses he engages in!