C93 No Face!

Xu Wanhua had been back in A City for a while, but her business ventures hadn't seen any progress. Her latest investment had gone south when the project's boss absconded with the funds. Burdened with worries and knowing that Pei Qiuyu had her own issues lately, Xu Wanhua refrained from reaching out to her. However, today presented an opportunity to catch up and perhaps find some solace in their conversation.

Pei Qiuyu was seated beside Xu Wanhua, and Lin Xuan observed several new faces in the crowd—individuals he hadn't encountered at the previous gathering. As the meal progressed and the wine flowed, Sun Jianguo stood up, beaming with joy. "I'm thrilled to have all of you here today, honoring me with your presence. Let's raise another glass together!" he exclaimed, leading the toast.

"Jianguo, you're becoming quite the drinker!" some classmates teased with laughter.

Lin Xuan joined in, lifting his glass for a sip.

Just then, a flamboyantly dressed woman chimed in with a smile, "Director Sun, you've really made a name for yourself with your big business deals. Rumor has it you've even got some heavy hitters backing you. Make sure you look out for us too."

Sun Jianguo chuckled in response, "Zhao Jiaqian, you're too kind. We're all old friends here. If we weren't close, we wouldn't be sharing this table. Rest assured, if I, Sun Jianguo, have a feast, I won't let my friends settle for scraps!"

The crowd cheered in agreement, "That's the spirit! Jianguo has always been a stand-up guy, and now he's more generous than ever!"

A slender man, sharply dressed in an Armani suit, also took the opportunity to down his drink.

Lin Xuan glanced at the two and quietly asked Pei Qiuyu, "Are they also classmates of yours?"

Pei Qiuyu glanced their way and replied, "I've met them, but we're not close. They're probably business associates of Jianguo."

Feeling a touch awkward, Sun Jianguo added, "Well, it's a long story, and some things aren't meant for such occasions."

With that, he turned to Lin Xuan, a wave of nostalgia washing over him.

He was betrayed by that treacherous woman, nearly driven to bankruptcy, and even got a beating from her lover and his cronies.

It was Lin Xuan's assistance that allowed him to feel like he had been given a second chance at life. He not only got his revenge but also reclaimed his money and secured additional compensation.

All of this, he owed to Lin Xuan, who had also sworn him to secrecy.

So, in this setting, he couldn't reveal anything about Lin Xuan.

With that in mind, Sun Jianguo commented, "Wai Tine, your business seems to be doing quite well, with six or seven employees. You're quite the big shot now."

Wai Tine chuckled and responded, "It might seem impressive, but running a company is tough. Lately, Linyang Company has been looking to finance us, and I'm considering selling my company to them."

"Linyang Company?" Sun Jianguo scoffed, "Isn't that Hee Weiqiang's venture?"

"Yes, that's him," Wai Tine confirmed. "Fortunes can turn in thirty years. Who would've guessed that the kid who wasn't great at school would now be running a major company? He's definitely made it big."

Sun Jianguo was familiar with Hee Weiqiang; they were former classmates until Weiqiang dropped out due to a fight. Surprisingly, he had made quite a name for himself in recent years.

Xu Wanhua chimed in when she heard the company's name, "I've heard of this company; they're reputed to be quite strong. So it's Hee Weiqiang's operation? Impressive!"

"Impressive, my foot!" Sun Jianguo retorted with contempt. "Linyang Company is nothing but a loan shark operation, making money through illicit means. I have no respect for such people."

Zhao Jiaqian sneered, "Jianguo, don't be bitter just because you can't have what they have. Making money is their skill. We all know you and Hee Weiqiang never got along, so there's no need for such comments."

Pei Qiuyu then added, "Just yesterday, I sent my electronic resume to Linyang Company. Turns out it's his company after all."

Upon hearing this, Xu Wanhua inquired, "Qiuyu, if things are going so well at Y Corporation, why are you sending out your resume?"

Pei Qiuyu let out a sigh and explained, "I've parted ways with the Pei family. From this point forward, the Pei family is their own entity, and I am mine. I need to fend for myself and secure a new job, or else my family will be left out in the cold."

Zhao Jiaqian glanced at Lin Xuan with contempt and remarked, "A man who can't even support his own wife, making her hustle out there—how pathetic and worthless! I wouldn't stand for living with such a man!"

Wai Tine, being close to Zhao Jiaqian, joined in the mockery of Lin Xuan: "In my opinion, you're the one who should be job hunting! A grown man living off a woman—aren't you ashamed?"

"I'm pretty tight with Hee Weiqiang, Director Hee. Just so you know, getting you a job as a security guard or a janitor there would be a snap of my fingers."

Lin Xuan offered a faint smile and responded coolly, "Thanks, but no thanks. You should save that opportunity for yourself."

Wai Tine, irked by Lin Xuan's dismissive attitude, retorted, "Hey, you might not have much to show for yourself, but you've got quite the ego, huh? Look around—who here isn't more successful than you? Why the act?"

Sun Jianguo quickly interjected, "Wai Tine, everyone's here on my account today. Let's not spoil the mood. Let's focus on enjoying our meal and drinks."

He then turned to Lin Xuan with an apologetic tone, "Mr. Lin, Wai Tine is known for being blunt. Please don't take it personally."

Sun Jianguo was well aware of Lin Xuan's capabilities. Wai Tine was obliviously provoking Lin Xuan, edging dangerously close to disaster.

Lin Xuan responded calmly, "I won't stoop to his level."

Zhao Jiaqian rolled her eyes and taunted, "Look at you, all high and mighty! Are you getting worked up because I struck a nerve? Sun Jianguo may have shown you respect, but we're not about to coddle you!"

Wai Tine's voice was laced with disdain as he sneered, "Yeah, aren't you just a loser who mooches off a woman? What's with the act?"

Lin Xuan's brow creased ever so slightly. If not for the respect he had for Sun Jianguo, he would've already dealt with this idiotic pair under the table.

Zhao Jiaqian mistook Lin Xuan's silence for cowardice, assuming he was too spineless to even respond to the insults. In her eyes, he was nothing but a worthless wimp.

Emboldened by the silence, Wai Tine pressed on with his taunts: "Look at you, a pathetic and penniless fool. Do you really think you can keep a beauty like Qiuyu? She could do so much better than a piece of trash like you."

Mid-sentence, the door to the private room was abruptly kicked open.

A group of imposing men in Armani suits stormed in, led by a man sporting a perm who bellowed, "Everyone out! We're taking over this joint!"

Wai Tine, with a scowl, challenged them, "Who do you think you are? You expect us to leave just because you say so? What, you think I'm a pushover?"

He stood up defiantly, "Get out, all of you! And don't make me repeat myself, got it?"

"Damn it!"

The permed man approached Wai Tine, sizing him up before seizing his Armani suit and scoffing, "Dressed in Armani and you think you can show off to me?"

A swift slap sent Wai Tine tumbling to the ground, his cheek instantly marked with five crimson streaks.

"I'm telling you, I'm with Boss Cheng! He's booked this place out to host a gathering today. If you've got any sense, scram! Anyone who doesn't, I'm tossing right out the window!"

"Boss Cheng?"

Fear flickered in Wai Tine's eyes. He had heard of Boss Cheng; and while he wasn't the top dog in A City, squashing someone like Wai Tine was nothing to him.

Wai Tine hastily backpedaled, "I'm sorry, big brother. I had no idea you were with Boss Cheng. I'm out of here, right now!"

The man with the perm let out a cold sneer, "Had you acted like this sooner, you could have spared yourself a beating. Now scram!"

Just then, Lin Xuan took a leisurely sip of tea and spoke calmly, "Associates of Scar Cheng? You've got no clout here. Time for you to leave."

Upon hearing these words, Wai Tine's face went ashen. "Shit, are you out of your mind? Boss Cheng! If you've got a death wish, don't take us down with you..."