C20 Not Wasting Any Money!!

Su Xiaoxiao brushed off the concern and revealed a long-missed smile. "Thank you, brother-in-law."

Chu Yun feigned forgiveness with a shrug. "No big deal. Once your brother-in-law strikes it rich, you can pick any sports car or mansion you like."

Encouraged by Chu Yun, Su Xiaoxiao's spirits lifted, and she indulged in another chicken leg before calling it quits.

Ding, ding.

Upon receiving a text message, Su Xiaoxiao's face fell. "My high school classmate wants to meet up tonight and mentioned dining at Ding Cheng for a lavish meal."

Chu Yun scoffed. "What's the big deal? Once I get an advance on three months' salary, I'll treat you to a feast too."

Ding Cheng was Pearl's sole six-star restaurant, where a simple meal started at 100,000 yuan. Add a couple of bottles of wine, and the bill would skyrocket.

"She wants to show me the world while we catch up on old times," Su Xiaoxiao lamented. "I just don't know how to turn her down."

"Just go," Chu Yun suggested with a raised eyebrow. "After all, you're a down-on-your-luck rich kid. You can't be fooled by some third-rate actress, can you?"

Su Xiaoxiao shot Chu Yun a glare. "Stop with the 'actress' talk; my sister is in the entertainment industry too."

Chu Yun straightened up, taking his sister-in-law's critique to heart.

After dropping Xiaoxiao off at school, Chu Yun headed back to the office.

While celebrities traveled nationwide, their behind-the-scenes colleagues mostly worked desk jobs. Chu Yun had barely settled in when Xue Chaoqing approached him. "Director Chu, you need to join me this evening."

Lighting a cigarette, Chu Yun inquired, "What's the situation? Is it something that warrants Director Xue's personal attention?"

A fleeting look crossed Xue Chaoqing's eyes before he replied with a smile, "Nothing too serious. Just a few investors from Y City looking to discuss a business partnership with us."

As the head of the artist department, Chu Yun was duty-bound to attend. However, judging by Xue Chaoqing's uneasy demeanor, Chu Yun sensed there was more to the story.

Billowing smoke curled from his lips, Chu Yun nodded and said, "Alright, I'll accompany you. Where shall we discuss this?"

"We'll meet at Ding Cheng. I've already reserved a spot," Xue Chaoqing replied, visibly relieved by Chu Yun's agreement.

At Ding Cheng again?

Perhaps he'd run into Xiaoxiao there and get a chance to show off in front of her classmates. Plus, picking up the tab with the company's money would certainly give Xiaoxiao a boost in status.

After Xue Chaoqing left, Chu Yun settled onto the sofa and began brewing some health tea.

Since joining the company, Xue Chaoqing hadn't assigned him any work, leaving him with plenty of idle time. Chu Yun was well aware of the situation but chose not to confront Xue Chaoqing about it. After all, the man was dealing with pressure from the Han family, and there was no need to push things to the extreme.

A few cups of tea and a short nap later, Chu Yun awoke to find it was already evening. He stretched and went to meet Xue Chaoqing, and they headed straight for Ding Cheng.

Ding Cheng was a standalone, opulent restaurant renowned in Pearl City. Despite its steep prices, customers flocked to it, ensuring a bustling business.

However, as Chu Yun walked in with Xue Chaoqing, they found the main hall eerily quiet, which was unusual.

"Director Xue, you're quite the spender," Chu Yun remarked with a hint of sarcasm. "Did you book the entire Ding Cheng for the evening?"

Xue Chaoqing's face was a mix of amusement and distress. Tonight was supposed to be a tense affair; he wouldn't dream of splurging on a private booking.

As they were talking, a polite hall manager approached them. "Excuse me, are you Director Xue?"

With a puzzled nod, Xue Chaoqing confirmed, "Yes, that's me."

"Young Master Qin is hosting guests upstairs. I'll escort you to him," the hall manager offered courteously.

Xue Chaoqing's expression turned complex as he followed the manager.

It seemed that Xue Chaoqing hadn't been prepared to reserve the entire venue, but Young Master Qin, who had traveled from afar, had spared no expense.

Ding Cheng spanned four floors: the first and second floors offered individual tables, the third floor housed private rooms, and the fourth floor featured a lavish banquet hall. It wasn't large, but it was richly adorned. Young Master Qin was entertaining guests there on the fourth floor.

Chu Yun and his companion ascended to the fourth floor and were shown to a window-side table.

"Director Xue, there are three tables ahead of you waiting for Young Master Qin," the banquet hall manager informed them.

Xue Chaoqing opened his mouth to speak but ultimately held back his words.

He had organized this dinner to host Young Master Qin. Yet, in a twist of events, he found himself waiting for Young Master Qin's audience. The grandiosity of the situation left Xue Chaoqing feeling somewhat displeased.

"Young Master Qin sure carries himself with quite the air of arrogance," Chu Yun remarked as he settled into his seat and lit a cigarette with little regard for decorum. "Director Xue, isn't this supposed to be a business meeting? Why does it feel like we're pleading for his favor?"

Xue Chaoqing offered a wry smile. "To be honest, I am indeed hoping he'll grant us a favor."

Chu Yun exhaled a thick plume of smoke and reached for his lemon water. "Forget I said anything."

His attention then drifted to a sharply dressed man in the distance.

Young Master Qin's hair was impeccably styled, his features striking. His tablemates were animated in conversation, gesticulating wildly, while he listened serenely, a glass of lemon water in hand, the picture of tranquility.

Each table received about ten minutes of his time. After half an hour, Young Master Qin approached Xue Chaoqing's table with a leisurely stride.

"Director Xue, shall we start?" he said, taking the lead with a commanding presence.

Xue Chaoqing rose to welcome him, and Chu Yun, not one to overstep, stood as well.

Once seated, Xue Chaoqing ventured, "We agreed that I would host. How could we possibly let Young Master Qin foot the bill?"

"There's no need for spending," Young Master Qin replied, shaking his head. "I acquired this restaurant two hours ago. The food and drinks on the table are merely at cost."

Xue Chaoqing was taken aback. Young Master Qin had bought Ding Cheng outright?

He recalled that someone had once offered 800 million, yet failed to persuade the owner. And now, Young Master Qin had managed to seal the deal on his first day in Pearl City?

The magnitude of the transaction sent a shiver through Xue Chaoqing, leaving him increasingly unsettled.

"Young Master Qin possesses remarkable courage, which I greatly admire," said Xue Chaoqing, though his expression was somewhat strained.

"Let's focus on the matter at hand," Young Master Qin replied, taking a sip of lemon water without glancing up. "My offer stands at one billion. I'm prepared to buy all the shares you own."

Xue Chaoqing paled as if struck by a heavy blow. One billion was already more than generous. Yet, Zongheng was his life's work, his many years of dedication, his legacy. The thought of letting it go was unbearable.

But after several meetings with Young Master Qin's representative, Xue Chaoqing found himself cornered. He was aware that he stood no chance against Young Master Qin, who had a myriad of ways to force his hand. Moreover, if he dared to refuse, Young Master Qin would ensure Zongheng's utter ruin, leaving him with an unsellable company.

"Before I arrived, I had prepared several proposals," Xue Chaoqing said, signaling his assistant to present the documents. "Zongheng is very keen on exploring extensive collaboration with you, Young Master Qin."

"I'm not fond of partnerships," Young Master Qin stated coolly, dismissing Xue Chaoqing's offer with a wave of his hand. "When I want something done, I prefer to do it alone."

Before Xue Chaoqing could respond, Young Master Qin leaned in slightly, fixing him with a gaze. "Director Xue, you just need to give me a simple answer. Will you sell, or not?"

Sweat drenched Xue Chaoqing's back, and he couldn't bring himself to meet Young Master Qin's eyes. He was both panicked and frightened. He didn't want to sell, yet he was outmatched by Young Master Qin.

Prior to their meeting that evening, Young Master Qin had even revealed some of his aces—secrets potent enough to decimate Zongheng's leading business.

"What are you two discussing, my dear?" At the height of the tension, a crisp, pleasant voice cut through the atmosphere.

Turning their heads, they saw two striking young women approaching. One was dressed to the nines, glittering like a constellation. The other exuded a natural elegance, her features charming and delicate. It was none other than Chu Yun's sister-in-law, Su Xiaoxiao.