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Zhang Hongmei was at her wit's end; this loyal supporter's emotional intelligence was really making her anxious.
"Any of you drinking?" Shan Mianzhi asked with a smile.
They all shook their heads. Actually, what man of this age doesn't drink? It's just that everyone felt embarrassed.
"Don't be so polite with me, waiter, bring two bottles of baijiu."
A moment later, the manager came in carrying two bottles of baijiu (Chinese liquor). "Young Master Shan, would you like some Moutai?"
"Okay, thanks."
"It's an honor for you to come, Mr. Shan. Why are you being so polite with me?"
The manager was very good at handling things; he opened the bottle cap and poured a full glass for all the men present.
"Why don't you pour some for our vice chairman?"
Zhang Hongmei raised her head and glanced at Shan Mianzhi expressionlessly.
"I don't know how, manager. Do you have any chrysanthemum tea? I'd like a pot."
"Yes, yes, I'll go prepare it right away." The manager said and hurriedly went downstairs.
Liu Jingze glared at Shan Mianzhi.
Dan Mianzhi felt a little awkward, since all the women in his family drank alcohol. So he asked the question unintentionally.
"I'm sorry, Hongmei, I didn't mean anything by it."
"It's okay. We're not close, so it's normal that you didn't know I don't drink."
Shan Mianzhi felt that Zhang Hongmei was speaking very coldly. Oh no, he had offended someone.
Liang Yongmin was quite diplomatic. "Since the vice-chairwoman doesn't drink, let's have her drink tea instead. First, let's celebrate the successful signing today. We've taken the first step towards victory."
Zhang Hongmei didn't throw a tantrum anymore. She picked up her water glass and said, "Thank you all for your hard work these past few days, thanks to the chairman's banquet. Regardless of whether we succeed or not, as Liang said, we've taken the first step, and that's still a victory."
I'll offer tea instead of wine to thank everyone for your support and appreciation.
That's how the atmosphere finally improved.
Zhang Hongmei refused the meat Liu Jingze offered and instead ate bean curd sheets and tofu.
"Hongmei, I've noticed that you're eating less and less meat."
"That's because I'm getting enough nutrition. I don't want to become a fat person."
"You're still young, you need to eat more."
"No, you eat it yourself."
A short while later, the manager brought out chrysanthemum tea and a small dish of rock sugar; the preparations were quite thorough.
The men clinked glasses and drank, while Zhang Hongmei, having eaten half her fill, sipped her tea slowly from her cup.
That's how it is at the dinner table; after a few drinks, everyone loosens up. Listening to their visions for the future, Zhang Hongmei also felt quite excited.
Yes, young people should have drive and energy. That's what youthful passion is all about.
After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, they went downstairs. The manager came up to them and handed Zhang Hongmei a wrapped sesame seed cake.
"Thank you, manager."
"You're too kind."
After Shan Mianzhi finished settling the bill, everyone went out. The meal took about an hour to finish because Zhang Hongmei was the only one who didn't have a place to stay. However, her house was next to the school, so she headed straight for the school.
There were other people eating in the restaurant, and a curious person asked the manager, "Is that Shan Shao? That girl is really pretty."
"Watch your mouth, that's not someone you can just talk about casually."
"Can't we even have a discussion? When did this kind of person appear in Beijing?"
The manager stopped paying attention to him; that mouth of his will surely cause trouble in the future.
Another busybody chimed in, "But that young man's clothes are quite nice. I recognized Shan Shao just now, otherwise I would have definitely gone up and asked him."
"I think so too. The clothes are nice. They must be from the Capital University. Should we ask them tomorrow?"
"Let's ask around, and go check out the building. It looks so stylish; it must be ready-made clothing."
The discussion about the clothes went on for quite a while.
Zhang Hongmei, who was walking back, said helplessly, "Jingze, are you alright? How about I ride your bike and give you a ride?"
"Okay, I'm a little dizzy, and I'm afraid I'll make you fall."
"You guys are really something, why can't you drink that much?"
Zhang Hongmei was referring to a math prodigy. This guy's eyes were practically squinting from drinking.
Zhang Hongmei got on the bike, and Liu Jingze sat behind her. He tried for a while but didn't dare to put his arm around Zhang Hongmei's waist.
"Jingze, you should drink less alcohol in the future. It's bad for your health and makes it easier for others to take advantage of you. It's not good for you."
"I'll remember that, I won't drink anymore. It's really unpleasant to drink too much."
Of course they drank too much; five people, four bottles of baijiu.
"Why don't you come back to Xinyuan with me? I'll have Aunt Li take care of you."
"No, I'll be fine after a good night's sleep, don't worry."
Shan Mianzhi was also drunk. He watched Zhang Hongmei riding her bicycle with Liu Jingze on the back and scolding him, and he felt very envious.
"Hongmei, are you still angry with me?"
"Chairman Shan is overthinking it. How could that be? I'm not that petty."
"That's good. I'll treat you to a meal later to make up for it."
"Really, no need. I don't like eating at restaurants, please don't be shy."
"Okay, next time I'll buy groceries and come to your house to treat you to a meal."
"Okay. Welcome! Li Yunpeng, slow down! Cheng Guangxu, wake up, or you'll fall."
The six of them finally arrived at the school gate. Zhang Hongmei watched them go in before turning back.
Aunt Li was surprised when she knocked on the door. "Hongmei, why are you so late?"
"I went to eat with my classmates. Aunt Li, here are some sesame seed cakes. I'm going inside to rest."
"I'll bring you some hot water."
"No need, I can carry it myself."
Zhang Hongmei went into the space, took a shower, and resignedly took out paper to start drafting the plan. She also needed to apply for the finance team's official seal.
An hour later, I formally copied it once. Only then did I feel relieved enough to go to sleep.
Early Monday morning, Zhang Hongmei got up and ate a bowl of porridge and a sesame seed cake. "Uncle Li and Aunt Li, you should also try this sesame seed cake. It's cold now, but I'll treat you to a meal at a restaurant when we have the chance. It tastes better when it's hot."
The elderly couple didn't stand on ceremony anymore and started eating.
"I must say, it's really delicious."
"Of course it's delicious, it's all good stuff, wheat flour, sesame paste, sesame seeds." Uncle Li, who usually didn't say anything, finally spoke up.
Zhang Hongmei packed two sesame seed cakes into her lunchbox and rode her bicycle to school.
A morning passed, and Zhang Hongmei did not go to the cafeteria for lunch, unaware that Liu Jingze's clothes had caused a sensation throughout the cafeteria.
Liu Jingze already had enough assets, and with this outfit, he gained even more charm.
Zheng Wenhui, a beautiful woman, was like a protector of flowers by Liu Jingze's side. Whenever a girl looked over, she would glare back at her, and there was even a time when she almost got into a fight.
This incident was even recorded in the school history. Liu Jingze hadn't expected such an effect. On one hand, he felt proud; his girl was indeed extraordinary and capable. On the other hand, he was also troubled. If he had known it would turn out this way, he would have let Shan Mianzhi steal the spotlight. He really wasn't used to being surrounded by so many girls; it was too terrifying.
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