C298 Departure Moor Water Manor

The system assigned Lin Dong a task, and he was instantly invigorated. Already displeased with Chung Xiong's antics, the timing of the mission couldn't have been better. Setting his wine glass aside, Lin Dong addressed Chung Xiong, "I don't mind drinking, Chung Xiong, but this wine is subpar."

"What? You're calling my wine low quality? This is Maotai, worth thousands of dollars a bottle! It's not something ordinary people get to enjoy!" Chung Xiong retorted, his eyes betraying a hint of disdain as he regarded Lin Dong as nothing more than a hick.

Lin Dong simply smiled and replied, "To my knowledge, the most prized Maotai is the five-star variety from 1958, exceedingly rare. For a class reunion, you ought to offer such fine liquor as a sign of genuine hospitality."

Chung Xiong's expression flickered at Lin Dong's words. He then threw back his head and laughed heartily, "Alright, if brother Lin Dong insists, I'd be losing face not to present such a wine."

With a snap of his fingers, he summoned a server. "Do you have any five-star Maotai? Bring a case," Chung Xiong demanded.

The server, visibly astonished, responded, "I apologize, sir, but we don't have a case of five-star Maotai. We do, however, have a single bottle. Are you certain you'd like it brought over?"

"Just one bottle? What kind of establishment are you running here? Fine, one bottle will do. Bring it here," Chung Xiong commanded with a dismissive gesture.

The server remained stationary, prompting Chung Xiong to frown and ask, "Why aren't you fetching it?"

After a brief pause, the server cautiously informed him, "Sir, I should mention that this bottle of five-star Maotai is priced at 1.5 million dollars."

"What! 1.5 million dollars?!" Chung Xiong's eyes bulged in shock.

He was no stranger to expensive spirits, having indulged in wines costing hundreds of thousands, but 1.5 million for a single bottle was beyond his expectations.

He typically enjoys Maotai, but he's never had the chance to savor such an expensive bottle!

The waiter, standing nearby with a slight bow, spoke with utmost politeness, "Indeed, you are correct. This is a five-star Maotai from 1958, a rare batch that's produced only once a year. It's incredibly precious!"

Chung Xiong's gaze flickered with hesitation.

He certainly wasn't keen on shelling out 1.5 million for a bottle of Maotai.

Even if we set aside the issue of the amount, it was questionable whether he could access that sum directly.

His family was wealthy, but he hadn't yet inherited the estate, and his allowance was only in the hundreds of thousands.

Coming up with over a million on the spot was out of the question.

Besides, spending 1.5 million on a bottle of wine for a dinner with classmates seemed utterly outrageous!

He was ready to decline outright.

Just then, Lin Dong chimed in, "What's the matter, Chung Xiong? Doesn't your family have assets worth over a hundred million? It's just a bottle of wine. Surely, you're not saying you can't afford it?"

Lin Dong's words were laced with a subtle smile.

Inside, however, Chung Xiong seethed with indignation!

There was no way he would purchase wine for 1.5 million!

Yet, if he refused now, he'd be the butt of Lin Dong's jokes!

He was now regretting his earlier bravado, wishing he had left himself an out.

Thankfully, the quick-thinking young man from before stepped forward.

With a grin, he said, "Wow, every wine here costs 1.5 million? That's nearly the down payment on my house! Brother Xiong, let's not bother with the drink. The wine you've brought is quite fine as it is."

He had just offered Chung Xiong a graceful exit.

Turning to Lin Dong, he continued, "You're kidding, right, Lin Dong? This wine is exorbitantly priced and there's not enough to go around for all of us. Let's just skip it!

We're here to enjoy our gathering today, not to obsess over drinks. Moderation is key. We'll drink if we can, and if not, no big deal."

"Brother Xiong was just pulling your leg, Lin Dong. Don't take it to heart. A drink is all you need, just for the sake of it. Haha."

Once he finished, the other members chimed in.

"Exactly, let's all know when to call it quits!"

"Brother Xiong, Xinrui and Qingqing are girls, and it's understandable if they can't drink. There's no need for Lin Dong to step in for them."

"Let's all have a drink and enjoy ourselves!"

"Come on, everyone, let's raise our glasses!"

...

Those who made it to the reunion all chimed in.

These were people who had been through the wringer in society for years.

Those who could come to play at the reunion were savvy; their conversation was smooth and effortless. After a round of banter, Chung Xiong's awkwardness was significantly lessened.

"Alright then, let's drop it."

Chung Xiong regained his usual haughty demeanor.

His gaze towards Lin Dong, however, was dark and brooding.

His initial plan was to deliberately make Lin Dong look foolish. If Lin Dong drank those three glasses on behalf of Zhang Xinrui and Ruan Qingqing, he could then keep plying Lin Dong with more drinks.

He wanted Lin Dong to end up vomiting, to embarrass himself in front of everyone, to turn Zhang Xinrui against him, and ultimately to break them up. That was his endgame.

But to his surprise, Lin Dong had outsmarted him!

He had never even heard of the 1958 five-star Maotai, let alone expected the hotel to have a bottle!

At this moment, his resentment towards Lin Dong grew even stronger.

He was determined to turn the tables.

Then, everyone took a drink together.

They all sat back down, the lively buzz returning.

Lin Dong wasn't overly showy; he simply lifted his glass and took a sip.

To him, it was just one drink, no big deal.

He just had to be careful not to overdo it, lest he actually get drunk.

When Lin Dong took his seat, the other women in the room cast admiring glances his way.

Lin Dong was handsome, and the fact that he had put Chung Xiong in his place was truly astonishing.

After a round of drinks, the mood grew even more animated.

Everyone mingled, sharing stories of recent events while enjoying their meal, and one girl's voice stood out for its volume.

"Hey, have you heard about the new Moor Water Manor that opened up in Jiangyang? It's a blast!

They've got fishing on the water, luxury yachts, seafood feasts, and all sorts of entertainment facilities. Has anyone been there yet?"

After she finished, all the boys in the room shook their heads.

None of them had been to such a place.

But a few of the girls perked up and chimed in.

"I know all about it! Moor Water Manor is the hot new spot!"

"They say the seafood there is all imported, and the yachts are top-notch. You can even go on water roller coasters, scuba diving, and play other games!"

"I've heard they even have a mini zoo inside!"

"Exactly, I've been dying to go, but it's so pricey. It's 5,000 bucks a person, and I just haven't had the chance!"

Ruan Qingqing, who was listening in, added, "It's incredibly expensive. Moor Water Manor isn't the kind of place we ordinary folks can afford."

Lin Dong, overhearing her, chuckled and said, "That's not necessarily true."

Ruan Qingqing looked at Lin Dong with wide, hopeful eyes and asked with a smile, "What do you mean, Lin Dong? Are you offering to take me?"

Lin Dong smiled and gestured towards Chung Xiong, saying, "I can't take you right now, but there's someone here who's perfect for the job! Chung Xiong, you've got deep pockets. How about treating us all to a day at Moor Water Manor?"

Chung Xiong's eyes bulged at the suggestion.

A place with a per-person cost of 5,000 yuan would add up to a hefty sum for a group of twenty.

But it was still less than what he'd spend on five-star Maotai, and within his budget...

Despite feeling somewhat reluctant.

He nodded, managing a thin smile for the sake of his reputation, and said, "Alright, let's head to Moor Water Manor for some fun after dinner. It's on me!"

He shot Lin Dong a defiant look as he spoke.

Thinking he could embarrass me? Not a chance!

Let's see who has the last laugh when we get there!