C209
"I've already spoken to my relatives in advance; they've secured a private room for us. Later, we can all head straight there. Meihui, why don't you come with me?"
Suen Haoyang locked his car and led the group toward Haorui KTV, calling out to Tian Meihui as they walked.
Tian Meihui, however, ignored him and stayed close to Lin Dong, even wrapping her arm around his, much to Lin Dong's chagrin.
Ma Chenchen also followed Lin Dong, her gaze lingering on him, though she was less forward than Tian Meihui.
Meanwhile, Liu Wenming, Tian Chao, and the others were all in high spirits, laughing and chatting with the three girls from Ma Chenchen's dormitory.
Neither Liu Wenming nor Zhou Hengyu had girlfriends, and while Tian Chao did, it was unclear whether it would last, as she was a girlfriend from a game.
With the addition of the three girls Ma Chenchen brought along, the men engaged in lively conversations, hopeful to leave their bachelor days behind.
Suen Haoyang walked ahead, a solitary figure. Despite being the organizer, he seemed more like an underling showing the way.
Glancing back at Tian Meihui clinging to Lin Dong's arm, Suen Haoyang seethed with jealousy but kept his cool. A devoted admirer must have the patience of one; he couldn't afford to let Tian Meihui see him lose his composure and risk her ire.
Upon entering the lobby, Suen Haoyang spoke briefly with the lobby manager before gesturing for Lin Dong and the rest to follow him.
His actions were smooth, betraying his familiarity with the venue. He led the group to the elevator and up to the third floor.
A young man, seemingly in his mid-twenties, stood at the door.
Seeing him, Suen Haoyang greeted him with a cheerful "Cousin!" and then, gesturing to the group, said, "We need a big private room to party tonight! Hey, everyone, this is my cousin, Yang Zhi. He's a big deal here at Haorui KTV! Let's show some respect."
"Nice to meet you, Cousin Yang Zhi."
Liu Wenming nodded in agreement.
Tian Chao and Zhou Hengyu raised their hands in greeting.
A few girls followed suit with smiles.
Only Lin Dong remained still, his gaze fixed on a young man named Yang Zhi.
This individual was Suen Haoyang's cousin.
Having dealt with the fallout from Hsiao Ruloong, Lin Dong had little patience for disloyal subordinates.
A junior manager who brought in guests acting so brazenly, using the company's resources for his relatives, earned an immediate black mark in Lin Dong's book.
At that moment, Suen Haoyang was basking in self-satisfaction.
He boasted about having a cousin working at Haorui KTV, flaunting his ability to eat, drink, and play at will, inciting envy in everyone. That was Suen Haoyang's aim!
He also hoped to impress Tian Meihui, perhaps even win her heart.
Upon hearing the calls, Yang Zhi quickly gestured for silence and pulled Suen Haoyang aside, whispering, "Cousin, why are you bringing people here again? Haven't I told you? The new General Manager, Zhao Lee, is auditing the staff. Tone it down for now!"
Suen Haoyang hastily offered a sheepish smile and replied in a hushed tone, "Cousin, I just wanted to impress my new girlfriend, just this once! Please, make an exception for me—I promise it's the last time!"
With a click of his tongue, Yang Zhi expressed his irritation, "Fine, but this is the last time. Don't stay too long! And just so you know, I've heard the new boss is coming for an inspection tonight. Manager Zhao has already alerted us to get ready."
Suen Haoyang laughed off the concern, "The new boss is a fool, what's there to worry about? Cousin, relax. I've got it under control and won't cause any issues. Just hook us up with some drinks. I can't let you down."
"Okay, I understand. Go on now, and be discreet!" Suen Haoyang's cousin urged quietly.
"Thanks a lot, cousin. Hehe!"
Suen Haoyang turned around to Lin Dong and the rest of the group and exclaimed, "Come on, folks, it's time to have some fun!"
