Chapter 8

Unfortunately, Xiao Yi didn’t give up as easily as Fu Yu had imagined. In less than a week of peace, he returned to his old ways. He even teased him with a smirk during the meetings, having a thick skin to a certain extent. Fu Yu would rather handle ten projects at the same time than face him.

After the meeting ended and they returned to the company, another headache surfaced. The person in charge of the Hua Ao office project urgently reported that Hua Ao wanted to terminate its cooperation with Dong Jian.

Both sides had already signed a contract, paid a deposit, and the project was halfway through. It couldn’t just be terminated like that. The loss and compensation were minor issues; the real problem was the damage it would do to Dong Jian’s reputation.

After talking to the person in charge, Fu Yu roughly understood the crux of the matter. The intermediary, Chen Shao Guang, had offered a very low price to Hua Ao’s CEO without consulting Fu Yu before their cooperation began, in an attempt to win favor. But in reality, at that price, Dong Jian would incur losses. Therefore, Fu Yu had later quoted a slightly higher price.

Despite already offering a favorable price, Hua Ao kept trying to haggle and nitpick during the cooperation. This time, for some reason, they had angered Hua Ao, and one of Dong Jian’s subordinates who had submitted the project was severely scolded by Hua Ao’s CEO and even threatened to terminate the contract.

Fu Yu furrowed his brow in thought and asked his subordinate, “Did you say something wrong?”

The subordinate responded, “No, Mr. Fu! I wouldn’t dare.”

This subordinate had worked for Dong Jian for many years and had always been reliable. Fu Yu believed it wasn’t his fault.

Unable to find another solution, he had to call Chen Shao Guang and explained the situation, hoping to find a way to resolve the issue. To his surprise, Chen Shao Guang said, “I’m sorry, Fu Yu… Hua Ao’s CEO had given me a task before, and I messed it up, so he’s a bit upset with me, and it’s affecting you. I’m really sorry.”

If this were in the past, Fu Yu, who was straightforward and didn’t mince words, would have immediately expressed his dissatisfaction. Offering a lower price without consulting him was one thing, but now it was affecting others. Why should Dong Jian bear the cost?

But he wasn’t as young as before. He had learned a bit about the complexities of human relationships. Despite his inner displeasure, he held back from blaming Chen Shao Guang and instead comforted him, saying that everything would be fine. The key was to find a solution to the problem.

After thinking for a moment, Chen Shao Guang suggested, “How about we arrange a dinner with Hua Ao to make amends?”

Fu Yu really wanted to say, “I’m not at fault, there’s no need to apologize,” but in the end, he reluctantly agreed, saying, “Okay.”

The dinner with Hua Ao was set in one of the city’s grandest hotels. As soon as they entered, they saw exquisite dishes and expensive red wine arranged on a rosewood round table, showcasing extravagance.

All of this was prepared by Chen Shao Guang. Despite two years of experience in the business field, Fu Yu still wasn’t used to such occasions. He wasn’t good at drinking, and most people would understand his reserved attitude. Moreover, as a well-known and client-rich design company, they had plenty of business coming to them, so he rarely attended such dinners with the implications of currying favor.

Hua Ao and his entourage arrived slowly, showing off their status. The CEO, Hua Fu Qiang, was a portly man with a round belly and a face covered in folds, the typical middle-aged wealthy businessman driven by desire. After shaking hands, the atmosphere was tense, and Fu Yu felt the urge to wash his hands to get rid of the sweat.

As soon as they sat down, Chen Shao Guang, with a fawning smile, began to flatter and praise Hua Fu Qiang’s successful leadership and business acumen, but Hua Fu Qiang still didn’t give him a good face. He looked down on Fu Yu and the others even more, saying, “Mr. Fu, I’m not very satisfied with your company’s performance.”

Fu Yu couldn’t adopt Chen Shao Guang’s obsequiousness. Faced with Hua Fu Qiang’s criticism, he calmly replied, “If there are any shortcomings in my subordinates’ work, I apologize on their behalf. If you have any concerns, Mr. Hua, you can talk to me, and I will do my best to satisfy your needs.” He spoke politely, but there was no compromise in his gaze.

Hua Fu Qiang coldly snorted without expressing agreement or disagreement. Chen Shao Guang hurriedly helped pour more wine and changed the topic, and after a few glasses, his face turned red, which slightly eased the tension in the atmosphere.

A waiter approached to pour more wine, but Fu Yu signaled that he didn’t need any. A perceptive subordinate from Hua Ao noticed this small gesture and immediately said, “Hey, Mr. Fu, why aren’t you drinking? Aren’t you giving face to Mr. Hua?”

Hua Fu Qiang gave that subordinate an approving look. He had long been annoyed by Fu Yu’s aloof demeanor. With a forced smile, he said, “Your words are incorrect. Mr. Fu has recently climbed up the ladder at Xiao’s company. It’s already a great honor for him to join us small players for dinner. Why should we force him to drink?”

The atmosphere became awkward again, and the people from Dong Jian were frustrated but couldn’t show it. Chen Shao Guang kept signaling Fu Yu with his eyes.

Fu Yu sighed internally, raised the untouched wine glass in front of him, and raised it towards Hua Fu Qiang, saying, “Mr. Hua, you’re overthinking it. Dong Jian treats all customers equally and values every one of them. This glass of wine represents my sincerity. I’ll drink it, and you can drink as you please.”

With that, he gracefully and elegantly drank the glass of wine, leaving a subtle rosy hue on his otherwise cold face, making him look even more handsome and attractive. The other men present were somewhat self-conscious in his presence.

Hua Fu Qiang had never liked anyone stealing his limelight. Seeing that everyone’s attention had turned to Fu Yu, he became even more annoyed. Although he didn’t show it on his face, he signaled his subordinates to take turns offering wine to Fu Yu.

The people from Dong Jian and Chen Shao Guang wanted to intercept a few drinks for Fu Yu, but they were rebuffed by a few words from Hua Fu Qiang. They had to watch as Fu Yu’s face grew increasingly red, his clear eyes becoming increasingly hazy. Fortunately, he maintained a semblance of composure while engaging with Hua Fu Qiang.

After three rounds of drinks, Hua Fu Qiang had drunk to his satisfaction and had teased Fu Yu and his team enough. He reluctantly agreed not to terminate the contract and continue cooperating with Dong Jian. Chen Shao Guang was quick to express his gratitude and showered Hua Fu Qiang with flattery.

When they were about to leave the private dining room, Fu Yu initially thought about leaving on his own. However, he had drunk more than he could handle, and his legs were a bit wobbly. Chen Shao Guang came over to help him. Fu Yu, who didn’t usually like physical contact with others, hesitated for a moment but eventually accepted. He still maintained a certain distance from Chen Shao Guang, not getting too close. With the help of Chen Shao Guang’s arm, he walked unsteadily towards the door.

Hua Fu Qiang insincerely commented, “I didn’t expect Mr. Fu to have such poor tolerance for alcohol. You should have said something earlier, no need to force yourself.”

Several of Dong Jian’s subordinates were grinding their teeth, but since Mr. Fu hadn’t said anything, they couldn’t respond. They could only worry about their boss, who was obviously feeling very uncomfortable.

As they neared the hotel’s entrance, a man’s concerned voice suddenly came from behind: “Fu Yu?”

Everyone turned to look, and Fu Yu wanted to turn as well, but he was intoxicated, and his balance was off. Mid-turn, he stumbled over his own feet, lost his balance, and started to fall. Chen Shao Guang barely offered any support, but before he could react and try to pull Fu Yu up, a figure rushed over and caught him.

With his already dizzy head, Fu Yu collided with the firm chest of the person holding him, causing further disorientation. He tried to lift his eyes to look at the person, feeling an inexplicable sense of safety in their embrace. His mental defenses relaxed, and he ended up drifting into unconsciousness.

Xiao Yi frowned as he looked at the person in his arms. It was clear that they were not entirely conscious. Even being held in his arms didn’t elicit a response. It was odd to see someone who would usually avoid any physical contact sleeping soundly.

Xiao Yi’s face darkened as he scanned the people around him, his gaze so cold that it seemed to sober up the onlookers. “Who got him drunk?” he asked, his voice low and menacing. Fu Yu would never drink so much on his own; he was usually very restrained. Someone must have deliberately intoxicated him.

The employees from Dong Jian knew Xiao Yi, and they had seen him before with a charming, casual smile. They had never witnessed this fierce and ruthless side of him. They were momentarily shocked and dared not speak. Chen Shao Guang was the first to try to defuse the situation. He tried to establish rapport by saying, “Xiao Yi! I didn’t expect to see you here. Do you remember me? We were high school classmates!”

Xiao Yi’s sharp gaze fixed on him, “Chen Shao Guang, I still have issues with you, but right now, I just want to know who got Fu Yu drunk. Was it you?”

Chen Shao Guang stammered, “No, it wasn’t…”

Seeing this approach was ineffective, he didn’t dare to push it further. He had experienced Xiao Yi’s temper before, and he knew that once you angered him, there was no escaping the consequences.

Xiao Yi looked around at the other people present. It was highly unlikely that anyone from Dong Jian had done it, so the strangers around them remained the prime suspects. He narrowed his eyes and asked the apparent leader, Hua Fu Qiang, “Was it you?”

Hua Fu Qiang smiled indifferently, saying, “We just had a few drinks; young people need to build up their tolerance. This young man should learn how to handle his alcohol. Don’t make a fuss. Hurry and take your friend back, we’ll leave first.”

Xiao Yi, unfazed by Hua Fu Qiang’s attitude, coldly responded, “Who gave you permission to leave?”

Seeing Xiao Yi’s arrogance, a clever subordinate from Dong Jian recognized the situation and quickly pretended to defuse it while actually informing Xiao Yi: “Xiao Zong, don’t be angry. We’re here tonight to discuss some work-related matters. This gentleman is our client, Mr. Hua, the Chairman of Hua Ao Group. Mr. Hua, this is also our client, the project manager for the Xiao Hotel project, Mr. Xiao.”

As if the introduction wasn’t clear enough, the hotel manager approached and asked, “Xiao Young Master, is there something wrong? Do you need me to call security?”

Upon hearing this, Hua Fu Qiang suddenly broke into a cold sweat, and the alcohol seemed to have completely worn off.

In the Xiao family, the title “Young Master” was reserved for only two individuals: Xiao Yong Qing, the heir to the family, and the younger son, Xiao Yi. Hua Fu Qiang had met Xiao Yong Qing before, and this person in front of him had to be Xiao Yi. The Xiao family had always favored their youngest son. Offending him was akin to offending the entire Xiao family. If the Xiao family made a move, Hua Fu Qiang and his entire company wouldn’t be able to handle the repercussions.

Hua Fu Qiang immediately put on a flattering smile and said, “I didn’t realize you were Mr. Xiao. I’ve heard a lot about you. I apologize for my earlier oversight. Please forgive me.”

Xiao Yi wasn’t buying it and sneered, “Whether I forgive you or not, you’ll find out soon enough.”

He glanced at the person sleeping in his arms, their cheeks flushed and brows furrowed, and then turned to the Dong Jian employees. “I’m taking Mr. Fu with me,” he said. With that, he swiftly and decisively lifted Fu Yu and walked out of the hotel entrance, leaving the Dong Jian employees bewildered.

Since when did Mr. Xiao and Mr. Fu have such a close relationship?

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3 Responses

  1. Argsenic says:

    Hello and thank you for your work. Unfortunately, some big parts of the story are missing…I

  2. Argsenic says:

    In this chapter , in the original work there is no fu heng but the continuation of the drinking party

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