The empty seat was right next to Cao Jinbo, and directly opposite Ye Zhi, who was sitting facing south. This made me very uncomfortable because I could see Ye Zhi whenever I looked up. I wasn't as cold-hearted as her, so her manner of speaking made me think of many things from the past.
Besides feeling uncomfortable, I was also a little nervous, because apart from Cao Jinbo and Ye Zhi, there was no one I knew well. When interacting with these strangers, I had to be careful about how I acted, but it was very uncomfortable when my inner space was restricted by those restrictions... But I couldn't break free from it. That's just how I am, so it's really hard to be at ease in front of this group of so-called celebrities.
Cao Jinbo spoke first, saying to me, "Michael, everyone here is a distinguished guest. Pour the wine first, and then greet everyone."
I poured myself a glass of baijiu and, as I stood up, I subconsciously glanced at Chen Jin's table. Compared to my table, the atmosphere there was much more relaxed.
I raised my already full glass, smiled, and said to everyone, "I am Michael. It is a great honor to be invited by President Cao and to meet so many seniors. I hope you will all give me your guidance... I will drink this glass in respect."
As I said that, I tilted my head back and drank a glass of baijiu.
Cao Jinbo also laughed and said, "That kid's words are just a smokescreen. Anyone who drinks with him today with the intention of giving him pointers might get tricked by him... He's a real ruthless character! Last year, what happened at Jiulongju was his trick... He even tricked me out of a shop!"
I wasn't quite sure what Cao Jinbo was thinking, so I didn't say anything, but just smiled along with everyone else.
Cao Jinbo then said to me, "I have so many old friends here today, so don't even think about cheating... first, go around toasting them all."
Looking at the 16 people at the table, I started to worry, because I was holding a glass of baijiu (Chinese liquor). By the time we finished this round, I would have drunk at least half a jin (250ml). At this rate, I was definitely going to die here today.
Instead of pouring the wine into the glass, I smiled and asked Cao Jinbo, "Mr. Cao, let's get this straight first. Is this a penalty drink or a welcoming drink? I'm not one to refuse to drink, but I just feel it's necessary to clarify things, because everyone here is a senior. If we drink the wrong wine, it'll be my fault for being inconsiderate."
"This drink is definitely a penalty."
I put down the wine bottle and said seriously, "If it's a penalty drink, then I can't drink with these seniors... If you insist that I did something wrong about Jiulongju, then I'm willing to accept the punishment, but I can only drink this penalty drink with you... If I drink with these seniors, it would be a bit unreasonable."
Cao Jinbo smiled and said to everyone, "Did you all see that? This kid's specialty is cheating and slyness. This wine is probably not going to taste good."
“I will absolutely not cheat or shirk my duty. I will drink this penalty cup first, and then I will drink the greeting cup with each of these seniors one by one.”
Everyone looked at me with some surprise. They all thought I had come up with the idea of a "greeting drink" and a "penalty drink" in order to avoid drinking. But even though I had already gained the upper hand in the argument, I still insisted on adding this "greeting drink" that I had to drink with each person individually.
I didn't know the implications of this banquet, so I didn't want to offend anyone there. But I also couldn't let Cao Jinbo easily subdue me and allow others to look down on me. I needed to let everyone know that I got to where I am today not by flattery, but by being a person of principle… I can respect anyone here, but respect doesn't mean yielding, nor does it mean seeking pleasure or pandering… What I respect is a person's qualifications and achievements, not malicious or low-level tastes… And that is my principle in dealing with people and things.
Despite my unyielding spirit, at this moment, I still felt a sense of loneliness, as if no one was there to comfort me... I knew that everyone except me was on Cao Jinbo's side, so no one was willing to come out and give me a way out. It seemed that they all wanted to see me make a fool of myself by drinking half a jin of baijiu in one go.
At that moment, I truly believed what Cao Jinbo had told me that morning... He said, "I'll deal with you at the dinner table."
Given the current situation, does this still sound like a joke?
I glanced at Ye Zhi again, but she just sat there unmoved, showing no intention of helping me out of the predicament.
...
I looked away, filled my glass, and said to Cao Jinbo, "Mr. Cao, I'll drink this penalty shot first..."
After finishing that glass of wine, I poured myself another and said, "I'd like to thank you again, Mr. Cao... During my time in Dali, I'm so grateful for your care, which has allowed me to achieve some success..."
After saying that, I downed the whole glass in one gulp... This glass was only to give Cao Jinbo a way out, and I forced myself to drink it... But no one cared about my feelings, and no one was willing to save face for me... I could only earn back my face myself, and the price was drinking recklessly.
I let out a heavy sigh to slow my heartbeat, then refilled my glass and raised it to the person who looked like a leader, who was sitting furthest to the south... Judging from his position, he should be the most prestigious person at the table, and in fact, he was, as he was a high-ranking local official in charge of urban construction.
The next person after the leader should be Ye Zhi, but I chose to go against the grain... I'm not deliberately targeting anyone, I just feel it's best to face her in a state of confusion... That way, I'll appear more normal in front of her.
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