Xing Baohua, having received the invitation to the banquet, estimated he could eat and drink for free for a year.
Regardless of whose invitation it is, there is one invitation he must attend. Director Li of the machinery factory has invited him to dinner that evening.
We must give face to our old leader, even if he asks for some foreign exchange.
Director Li played a significant role in Xing Baohua's success, providing invaluable guidance and support despite various pressures.
This favor needs to be repaid, and it can't be repaid in a short time.
Xing Baohua went alone without anyone else. When he arrived at the hotel, wow, there were at least two tables with more than a dozen people.
Most of the people I know are from central Shandong.
After a small gathering and introductions, Xing Baohua was invited to the VIP seat to the left of Factory Director Li.
Despite the fact that people in central Shandong are heavy drinkers, they also have very particular etiquette when it comes to drinking.
Originally, I wanted to give way. In Director Li's words, you are no longer just a lowly soldier, but a factory director, someone who is on equal footing with many other factory directors.
You have the ability to sit here; if you don't sit, no one else will dare to.
Xing Baohua had no choice but to sit down. He knew the rules in Luzhong: first, play three rounds, then return three rounds.
Whether a glass of wine is to be divided into six months or a year, let's make it clear in advance.
Factory Director Li declared that the cycle would be repeated every six months.
That is, one glass of wine is drunk in six sips.
During this period, standard 3.3-ounce stemmed glasses or custom-made glasses were still used for wine. Most wine glasses were 2 ounces in size.
But after going around like this, those who can't hold their liquor simply can't keep up.
What if you have a low alcohol tolerance? You can't force yourself to drink more. Here are three ways: When you can't drink anymore, take the last sip as an apology and finish it yourself.
I won't drink anymore, I'll just keep you company while we chat and drink tea.
But you absolutely must not turn the cup upside down. This is disrespectful to everyone and could easily get you punched.
The second option is to switch to a different beer. Reduce the frequency.
The third option is to find a place to vomit for a while, or simply lie motionless on the table. At this point, no one will urge you to drink anymore.
These days, people are really good at pressuring you to drink; they're afraid you won't enjoy it.
Xing Baohua received many toasts and blessings. By this time, half the drinks had been consumed, and the next part was the time for free toasting.
Good heavens, they were practically lining up to toast him. Xing Baohua only took a tiny sip. With so many people, one glass per person—who could possibly handle that?!
And so, Xing Baohua drank two cups.
Near the end, Director Li said to Xing Baohua, "Kid, you've really made something of yourself now. As a senior leader, I shouldn't have said that, but you know the situation at the machinery factory. We're also short of funds, especially in foreign exchange; it's simply not enough."
Xing Baohua said bluntly, "Old leader, after the profits from computers and electronic watches are handed over, the foreign exchange we keep should be enough. But you sold them at cost price, which made me angry at the time. You were the one who enlightened me."
"That's a big family, and we have to take care of everyone in every way. I invited you here today because it's good for everyone. I know you used to be one of my soldiers, and I hope you can help us exchange some foreign currency for my sake. We're all from the same city, so we'll see each other all the time. You're the last person who needs foreign currency."
Director Li's words made it clear that everyone had pushed him to take the lead in this matter. If the machinery factory lacked funds, they would discuss it privately.
This scene was meant to be a show for outsiders; you asked me to invite people, and I did. It also meant that whether or not they were willing to exchange foreign currency for you was no longer his concern.
Actually, Director Li also wanted to know how much his face was worth.
Xing Baohua thought calmly for a moment, while everyone around him watched him, seemingly afraid to even breathe.
"Old boss, how about this? I'll give the machinery factory five million US dollars. How we divide it is up to you."
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone at the dinner table applauded Xing Baohua.
People in central Shandong all know about Xing Baohua's small, newly established factory, which has already connected with many large international manufacturers.
The fact that he was able to squeeze out five million shows that he was giving Director Li a lot of face.
As for letting Director Li distribute it, those who understand will understand, while those who don't will think Director Li has a lot of influence.
Actually, Xing Baohua was just afraid of trouble. With so many people asking him to exchange foreign currency, how could he possibly handle it all?
Factory Director Li stood up happily to toast Xing Baohua, but how could he dare to let him?
He quickly stood up and, when clinking glasses, held the glass very low.
Xing Baohua is no longer the young boy he once was. Although he is still young, he has a different weight to him now.
At this moment, keeping a low profile shows that one has not forgotten one's roots and does not have the arrogance of a young person who becomes arrogant and thinks they are the boss and second-in-command after achieving some success.
This child is worth befriending.
Xing Baohua returned home drunk. But the news of Xing Baohua's generous spending of five million at the drinking party that night had already spread.
More and more people became envious, and more and more people invited Xing Baohua to participate.
The stall was packed with people who had been invited, and customers couldn't get in. Xing Baohua, furious, immediately started yelling.
"You're all waiting to leave after get off work, treating everyone to lunch. Don't you even know where you are?! This is the stock exchange. If you all block this place, how are foreign visitors supposed to get in? Anyone who has nothing else to do, just go home!"
Hearing Xing Baohua speak loudly, everyone felt a little embarrassed. However, some people felt that Xing Baohua was getting arrogant, looking down on people, and not giving them face!
If they don't give me face, that's easy to handle.
The gossip started circulating again.
To avoid trouble, Xing Baohua has stopped going out and left the meeting room to Yang Jing and her secretary.
Anyway, it'll be over in two days, so there's no need to get in touch with people you don't know well for now.
With some free time, Xing Baohua began to think about the factory.
When I go back this time, I'll try to expand the land area further, and also make it easier to relocate the supporting facilities and factories to the vicinity of the factory.
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