Ma Ming casually announced the price of the wine, which was like a thunderclap, causing everyone's pupils to dilate instantly, flashing with disbelief.
Xiao Cai couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
She never imagined that a bottle of wine could be so expensive, almost equivalent to buying a 100-square-meter apartment in downtown Linhai City.
Shu Xiaoping stood to the side, quietly raising his thumb in silent but respectful approval of Ma Ming's "feat".
He prided himself on being a master at ripping people off, but at this moment he had to admit that Ma Ming was the real expert, as he could easily sell a carton of Moutai worth millions.
This ruthless feast, coupled with the table full of delicacies, has only compounded the Xia Group's woes, making Xia Xue's suffering all the more unimaginable.
However, this was like a passing breeze to Shu Xiaoping, as he had no intention of cooperating with the Xia Group in the first place.
In his world, money and beautiful women are his eternal pursuits.
In his mind, he only had two bargaining chips: to cleverly seize a considerable kickback from Xia Xue, and then to use the guise of cooperation to manipulate Xia Xue and make her obediently submit to him.
He didn't care at all about Xia Xue being exploited by Ma Ming or what happened to Xia Xue.
Xia Xue's face was gently covered by a deep thought, her heart as if a boulder had stirred up ripples, so heavy that it was almost suffocating.
Even though the word "gift" slipped gently from Ma Ming's lips, she dared not easily accept such extravagant generosity. After all, there are no undeserved gifts in the world, especially when the gift is so expensive that it is astonishing.
She secretly calculated that even if the cooperation with Shu Xiaoping was finalized, this lavish meal would be enough to make the Xia Group's progress difficult.
She parted her lips slightly, her tone calm yet revealing a deeper meaning: "Manager Ma, I don't know if you're mistaken, but this expensive wine wasn't ordered by us. We're just having a regular business gathering."
After she finished speaking, her gaze involuntarily drifted to Secretary Gao standing to the side.
This woman is too ruthless. She could tolerate the fact that she ordered a table full of delicacies, but she actually ordered a bottle of wine worth a million dollars. Such behavior is simply intolerable to her.
Secretary Gao noticed her gaze, her expression darkening slightly as she haughtily replied, "What are you looking at me for? I didn't order it."
Upon hearing this, Xiaoxue felt a huge weight lifted from her heart and immediately smiled, "Manager Ma, it seems this bottle of wine really wasn't ordered by us."
At this moment, Ma Ming spoke slowly and sincerely: "Miss Xia, you have misunderstood. This bottle of wine was not ordered by you, but is a small token of our appreciation. It is a free gift from our store, and we will not charge you any fees. Please accept it."
He originally wanted to state directly that the bottle of wine was a gift for VIP member Wu Tian, but due to Wu Tian's ambiguous attitude, he could only remain vague.
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other, filled with suspicion about this sudden gift.
Moreover, this is something worth over a million! What kind of relationship could make Ma Ming so generous?
Shu Xiaoping's eyes flickered; he couldn't understand Ma Ming's generosity and felt there must be something fishy going on.
His gaze lingered on Xia Xue, as if he understood something.
This woman possesses both beauty and charisma, enough to make any man fall at her feet.
Ma Ming is very likely to be infatuated with her and willing to be a devoted admirer.
But such a grand gesture is too extravagant even for a sycophant, isn't it?
Even if it were edged with gold, it wouldn't be worth that much money.
Upon hearing this, Xia Xue's eyes flashed with surprise, but she quickly regained her composure.
She knew all too well that there was no such thing as a free lunch in business, let alone such a huge gift.
She nodded slightly and replied politely, "Manager Ma, I appreciate your kind offer, but we really dare not accept such a valuable gift so easily."
Ma Ming's lips curled into a meaningful smile: "Miss Xia, you are a distinguished guest of our restaurant. This humble drink is nothing but a token of our appreciation. We hope you will accept it."
These words sounded grand and dignified, but they couldn't completely dispel Xia Xue's doubts.
She knew perfectly well that she wouldn't receive such special treatment, and there must be other reasons behind it.
Just as she was lost in thought, Wu Tian's voice drifted over, carrying an undeniable gentleness and determination: "Since my wife says she doesn't need this wine, Manager Ma, please take it back. We appreciate your kindness, thank you very much, Manager Ma."
His words revealed his extraordinary demeanor and respect for Xia Xue.
Upon hearing this, Ma Ming's mood instantly cleared up, especially the words "Thank you, Manager Ma," which were like the warm spring sun illuminating his heart.
The recognition from the VIP members was the greatest reward of his trip.
Then, his smile widened, as if spring flowers were in full bloom, and he said softly, "Mr. Wu, you flatter me. In that case, I will offer you all additional wine as a gesture of hospitality."
After saying that, he deftly pushed the cart, his steps light and graceful, as if carrying a hint of pride and satisfaction, and left the private room.
After Ma Ming left, the atmosphere in the private room seemed to become even more subtle because of this incident.
Xia Xue gently turned her head, her eyes sparkling with deep trust and gratitude for Wu Tian.
From the conversation between Ma Ming and Wu Tian, she vaguely sensed that the reason Ma Ming gave such an expensive gift was related to Wu Tian, but she couldn't ask at the moment.
Seeing Xia Xue's gentle gaze, Wu Tian smiled slightly, his eyes filled with tenderness and determination.
Soon, the door to the private room was gently pushed open again, and Ma Ming once again pushed the trolley in.
Although a different wine has been introduced, it still appears to be quite expensive based on its appearance and quality.
After a few rounds of drinks, Xia Xue whispered to Shu Xiaoping, "Mr. Shu, what do you think of our cooperation..."
Shu Xiaoping waved his hand and said, "Didn't I just say that we won't talk about work today?"
A subtle change flashed across Xia Xue's face, but she quickly forced a smile and said, "I understand what President Shu means, but both of us have poured a lot of effort into this collaboration. If it's finalized sooner..."
Before he could finish speaking, Secretary Gao impatiently interrupted, "Didn't you hear what President Shu said? How can you, as the chairman, be so inconsiderate?"
"Who are you calling unreasonable?"
No sooner had he finished speaking than Wu Tianhan's icy voice suddenly rang out.
His cold, piercing gaze, like a sharp blade, pierced through the air and shone directly at Secretary Gao.
Secretary Gao felt a chill run down her spine and trembled involuntarily. She then forced herself to remain calm and said, "That's right, President Shu said we shouldn't discuss business..."
Wu Tian's voice was as cold as ice, each word like a needle: "If we don't talk about the company, are we just here to freeload?"
"Outrageous!" Shu Xiaoping stood up abruptly, his anger burning, his voice shaking the roof tiles. "Chairman Xia, listen to this yourself. In Linhai, how many people want to have dinner with me? Yet he says I'm just freeloading. It seems this cooperation is better off not being discussed."
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