Zhang Hongmei felt a little smug. Her eyes crinkled with laughter. Zeng Zhongkang turned around and saw her smiling face. He glared at her fiercely, thinking, "This heartless girl, who knows what she's really thinking."
Zhao Hao was also watching the spectacle unfold. He knew all the girls here, but none of them came to talk to him because he had fought with them when he was a child, and as a result, he had always been ostracized by the girls.
But it's fine this way. Their buzzing is so annoying.
Besides, they're all Chinese, and they're all speaking foreign languages in fake voices, it's so annoying.
Luckily, they ignored me. I'm grateful for my recklessness when I was a child.
Zeng Zhongkang remained expressionless; he would only give a word or two in response to any questions you asked.
Moreover, when faced with personal questions, they simply avoid answering them altogether.
However, some people actually fall for this, believing it's what a real man does. As a result, he ended up with a lot of girls' phone numbers and addresses.
Zhang Hongmei was incredibly unfair; she stood right behind Zeng Zhongkang, leisurely sipping her milk. Having someone as a shield is truly a wonderful thing.
After a while, when the adults had finished exchanging pleasantries, Yu Deshui stepped into the middle. "Welcome everyone. A new year has begun. Last year wasn't very good for us Chinese, so we need to work harder this year."
A round of applause erupted from below, and Zhang Hongmei put down her cup, clapping softly along with everyone else. She didn't even know what was so good about what they were saying, or why she should clap; she was just following along.
"Everyone, please don't stand on ceremony. Today, we're here to connect with each other, share resources, and of course, cooperation would be the best outcome."
Another round of applause followed.
"I hereby announce the start of the banquet." At this moment, beautiful music began to play. Everyone gathered around the dining table, discussing their factory problems in small groups.
Zhang Hongmei had lost her appetite. But she'd had enough of watching Zeng Zhongkang make a fool of himself. "Zeng Zhongkang, you haven't eaten yet. What would you like to eat? I'll go get it for you."
"I'm with you, why don't you eat something else?"
Zhang Hongmei shook her head; she really didn't want to eat. She'd rather wait until she got home to eat.
The two men left the group of young people, and no one paid any attention to Zhao Haozheng. It wasn't that they were disloyal or that they were laughing at him; it was mainly because this was his territory, and they were all his childhood friends. There was no need to drag him into it.
Zhao Tiancheng, holding a wine glass, bumped into the two people. "Hongmei, you're not used to the food, are you? You still have to eat something. We can't leave this kind of gathering for at least three hours."
"Okay, I'll see what I want to eat! Uncle Zhao, you go ahead and do your work, I'm fine here, and besides, Zeng Zhongkang is here. You don't need to worry about me."
"Okay, you guys go eat. There are still people waiting for me over there." Zhao Tiancheng said, then turned and left.
Upon reaching the crowd, someone who seemed to be on good terms with Zhao Tiancheng asked, "Tiancheng, is this young lady the eldest daughter of the McCann family?"
We already discussed this matter on the way here, so we should just tell the truth directly and there's no need to hold back or hide anything.
"Yes, that's her."
"Tiancheng, you live with her, right?"
"Yes, her aunt is my wife!"
"Oh, if there's anything good, think of us. I lost money last year. If things continue like this, I'll go bankrupt in less than two years."
"Old Zhou, it can't be that scary, can it?" Zhao Tiancheng and Zhou Changrong were the best of friends. They had been together for over ten years, helping each other out.
"Well! It's a long story. Let's get together when we have time. I'm really strapped for cash right now."
Why didn't you say so sooner?
"Alright, let's talk about this privately later."
Zhao Tiancheng nodded, "Why don't you come to my house tomorrow? I really don't dare to stay outside for too long right now."
"Okay, I'll go there tomorrow at noon."
The two made their agreement, then picked up their glasses again and started exchanging pleasantries with others.
Several more people came over and surrounded Zhao Tiancheng, all asking about Zhang Hongmei.
“I don’t usually talk to this girl much. She’s focused on her studies and has never gone out to attend parties.”
"How did the McCain family treat her?"
"It's alright, there are dividends every year, but I haven't asked about the specifics."
"Zhao Tiancheng, didn't she ever take care of you? Aren't you relatives?"
Zhao Tiancheng smiled. "Really, no. This child has never paid attention to these things. I haven't made any requests either. We'll talk about it when I really can't take it anymore."
"Zhao Tiancheng, Zhao Tiancheng, you have such a good opportunity and you're not taking it? What are you thinking?"
"Hehe. I really didn't think that much about it. Besides, she's still a child. She hasn't paid attention to business matters. Even if I talked to her about it, she wouldn't understand."
Now the group fell silent. Yes, she's still just a young girl; even if you explain it to her, she won't understand and can't make the decision herself.
"Then why don't you just go directly to the McCann family?"
"My business has nothing to do with other people's. I'll just live an honest life and make sure I have enough to eat and drink."
Several people secretly despised Zhao Tiancheng, always thinking he lacked ambition, was always unambitious, and had no competitive spirit. Why didn't he seize such a good opportunity? The others were just getting by, earning enough for Zhao Tiancheng to live on for a lifetime.
Zhao Tiancheng remained a nice guy, always smiling. What's the point of talking to them? A bunch of idiots. Always thinking about shortcuts? There aren't that many shortcuts for you.
Wanting to reap rewards without putting in hard work is just wishful thinking.
Zhang Hongmei picked up a piece of bread and ladled some fruit salad onto her plate.
"Eat more," Zeng Zhongkang said, looking at her plate. He grumbled unhappily.
What should I do if I can't eat?
"Don't come again next time. What excuse won't work?"
Zhang Hongmei was exasperated; this person really said everything. "Heh. Honestly. Saying things like that in this situation, you should eat."
The two of them carried their trays and found a relatively quiet spot to sit down and eat.
"Zhang Hongmei, this steak is pretty good. Would you like to try some?"
"No, that's enough for me. You can eat as much as you like."
Most people wouldn't disturb others while they're eating. But there are always those who lack manners and are oblivious to others' needs.
Four or five more girls gathered around. Zhang Hongmei realized this was someone she only had a connection with. She glanced at Zeng Zhongkang with pity.
"Good luck to you, those girls are coming again."
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