Is it hard to chase the school beauty?It doesn't matter, she still has roommates

Who's paying for this meal?

The "Listening to the Waves" private room on the top floor of Yipinxuan offers a stunning view of the Minjiang River at night through its huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside, however, the atmosphere is both lively and warm.

Several of Yipinxuan's signature dishes—steamed Minjiang knife fish, crab roe and egg drop soup, and Buddha Jumps Over the Wall stewed over a low flame—exuded an enticing aroma and were laid out on an antique mahogany round table.

Mr. Ni sat in the main seat, his face glowing with the health benefits of his illness, and he looked remarkably energetic for a ninety-year-old.

The wine glass in front of him was never empty. As soon as Qin Luo filled it for him, he couldn't wait to pick it up and tilt his head back with a bold gesture.

With a "slurp," half a glass of strong liquor was down his throat, his Adam's apple bobbing as he let out a satisfied sigh.

"That was wonderful! Dr. Qin, this old man is so happy today! This wine was so satisfying!"

Old Ni's voice was loud and clear, with the characteristic straightforwardness of Shandong people. He slammed his palm on the table, making the bowls and plates rattle softly.

"You have no idea! After sitting in that broken wheelchair for five years, watching others walk, I felt so frustrated! The moment my legs started moving again today, I knew I'd met a true miracle! Come on, old man, let me toast you again!"

Qin Luo picked up his wine glass, which contained clear tea, and raised it with a smile.

"Mr. Ni, I'm glad you're happy, but you should be careful with the wine. Your meridians have just been cleared and your blood and energy are still recovering. A little wine is fine, but too much can be harmful to your health."

"Hey! Don't worry, Dr. Qin!"

Old Ni waved his hand dismissively and filled his cup again.

"I was born in Shandong and grew up around liquor vats! I was raised on sorghum liquor since I was a child! Even after retiring, I still need a couple of cups every day, it's like eating and drinking, I can't give it up! I'm happy today, so I'll make an exception and have a couple more cups, it's fine!"

Watching her father drink heartily for the first time in a long time, Ni Ruolan felt both worried and relieved, and hurriedly served him food.

"Dad, drink slowly and eat more vegetables to fill your stomach. Dr. Qin is right, your health is the most important thing."

Old Ni nodded with a smile, but his chopsticks precisely picked up a piece of plump knife fish meat.

"This fish is delicious! So fresh! Dr. Qin, this place is truly authentic!"

While enjoying his meal, he started talking, recounting his glorious years on the Korean battlefield, how he braved ice and snow, and how he moved through gunfire. When he got emotional, his voice became loud and his eyes sharp, as if he had returned to that era of iron and blood.

Qin Luo listened quietly, nodding occasionally, and adding wine and food to the old man's plate when appropriate, his gaze gentle.

These elderly people, who have been tempered by blood and fire, possess a profound and awe-inspiring presence that commands respect.

Just as the atmosphere inside the private room was getting lively, a discordant argument could be faintly heard outside the door. The sound grew clearer and clearer as it approached.

"Sir! This private room is occupied! You cannot go in!"

"Get out of the way! Do you know who's inside? Can you take responsibility for delaying important matters?"

An arrogant and domineering voice rang out; it was Wei Junshu.

"I'm sorry, sir, without an appointment and the guest's permission, I really cannot..."

boom!
The carved wooden door of the private room was suddenly pushed open with great force, slamming heavily against the wall with a piercing sound.

At the door, Wei Junshu stormed in with a livid face and an air of accusation, followed closely by Doubao, who was bowing and scraping.

The most eye-catching figure was a slightly overweight middle-aged man next to Wei Junshu, wearing what appeared to be an ordinary gray jacket.

The man had a gloomy face and a furrowed brow, indicating that he was extremely unhappy.

The Patek Philippe watch that was casually peeked out from his wrist reflected a cold and expensive gleam under the soft lighting of the private room, contrasting sharply with his simple clothes and silently highlighting his special status.

The young waitress blocking the door was almost in tears, bowing to Qin Luo with a look of fear on her face.

"President Qin, I'm so sorry! I... I couldn't stop them..."

The gentleness on Qin Luo's face vanished instantly, turning into a deep, calm pool.

He waved his hand casually, his tone indifferent.

"It's alright, you can go out now, and close the door behind you."

The waiter, feeling as if he had been granted a pardon, quickly withdrew and gently closed the door behind him.

The warm atmosphere in the private room vanished, leaving only a tense and oppressive atmosphere.

Wei Junshu took the lead and rushed to the table. His eyes swept over the fine wine and delicacies on the table, and when he saw Old Ni's rosy face and the way he was toasting, he became even angrier.

His finger almost poked Qin Luo's nose, his voice sharp with anger.

"Qin Luo! What a big shot you are! We were at the Tingtao Pavilion in the Mindu Grand Hotel, and Director Li and my father personally waited for you for an hour! And you, instead, are hiding here eating and drinking like a glutton, treating Director Li and our Wei family's face like a doormat, huh?!"

Secretary Wang, who was wearing a Patek Philippe, also stepped forward, speaking in a very official tone, with a condescending reproach and a condescending manner.

"Comrade Qin Luo! Director Li's time is extremely valuable! The fact that he took the time to personally inquire about your personal grievances with Tiancheng Entertainment is a huge favor to you! Your unexcused absence has made Director Li very angry! However, considering that young people are not good at etiquette and are broad-minded, Director Li is willing to give you another chance!"

He paused, then looked at Qin Luo with an expression that said, "You should be grateful."

"Come with us right now to 'Tingtao Pavilion' to offer Director Li a toast, admit your mistake, and express your stance. Director Li may forgive and forget about this matter and mediate to help us make peace. Harmony brings wealth!"

The private room was deathly silent.

Old Ni put down his wine glass, his cloudy eyes narrowed slightly as he sized up the newcomer.

Ni Ruolan looked at Qin Luo nervously, then at her father with concern.

After listening, Qin Luo suddenly chuckled softly.

The laughter was soft, yet carried an indescribable mockery, making it particularly jarring in the quiet private room.

He slowly picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked up at Secretary Wang, his eyes calm and undisturbed.

"Oh? Admitting your mistake?"

"Secretary Wang, right?"

Qin Luo leaned back slightly in his chair, looking relaxed, as if he were discussing the weather.

"I don't understand. I, Qin Luo, have neither broken the law nor violated any rules. I'm here to treat my savior to a meal and enjoy my private time. When did I agree to go to this 'Listening Waves Pavilion'? I have no relation to that Director Li. Why should I run over there just because he says something?"

Secretary Wang's expression changed instantly; his feigned "tolerance" vanished, replaced by a gloomy and somber look.

Qin Luo didn't give him a chance to speak, and continued, his voice not loud, but every word clear, like ice beads falling onto a jade plate.

"As for my feud with Tiancheng Entertainment? That's between us. What, have the rules in Mindu changed now? Normal business competition between companies, and even Director Li, who is in charge of entertainment, has to personally intervene and take sides? Isn't he meddling a bit too much?"

A cold, sharp smile curved his lips as his gaze swept across Secretary Wang's face, which was filled with shock and anger, like a razor's edge.

"Or is it that Director Li is used to 'taking care' of companies like this? If so, I'd really like to go to the Discipline Inspection Commission and ask them if this kind of 'taking care' is in accordance with the rules." "You...you're being insolent!"

Secretary Wang was so angry that he was trembling all over, his face turned as red as a pig's liver, and his finger pointing at Qin Luo was shaking.

He had followed Director Li for many years, and in the circles of Fujian, everyone treated him with utmost respect and courtesy. He had never been so openly contradicted, let alone threatened to report him to the Discipline Inspection Commission. This was an utter disgrace!
"security guard!"

Qin Luo didn't bother to look at him again and shouted directly at the door.

The security guards waiting outside immediately pushed the door open and stood at attention, ready to go.

"see a visitor out."

Qin Luo's voice was calm and even, yet it carried an undeniable command.

"From now on, Yipinxuan, including all my properties, will not welcome these individuals. Remember that."

"Yes! Mr. Qin!"

The security guard immediately stepped forward, gesturing for them to enter. Although his gesture was polite, his eyes and demeanor conveyed a sense of toughness.

"Fine! You've got guts, Qin Luo!"

Secretary Wang was so angry she was practically spitting fire, her chest heaving violently. She glared at Qin Luo as if she wanted to etch him into her very bones.

"We'll see! I want to see how long your little temple can hold out!"

He uttered a harsh remark, then abruptly turned and left, filled with anger and humiliation.

Wei Junshu and Doubao were also driven to their knees by the security guard's "get out of here immediately" attitude. Wei Junshu, in particular, was furious at Qin Luo's indifferent attitude, which made him feel like he didn't care about him at all. But he could only slink away from the private room with Secretary Wang.

The door to the private room closed again, shutting out the noise from outside.

Ni Ruolan finally breathed a long sigh of relief and patted her chest with lingering fear.

"Dr. Qin, that person just now... was he Director Li Fushun's secretary? Isn't what you're doing... a bit too much..." She hesitated, her face full of worry.

Old Ni, who had been silent all along, slowly spoke, his voice low and carrying a hint of barely perceptible solemnity.

"Xiao Qin, that Li Fushun... I've heard a bit about him, he's got a lot of influence. You've really disrespected him today, he probably won't let this go."

A gentle smile returned to Qin Luo's face as he picked up the wine bottle and personally refilled Old Ni's empty glass.

"Old Ni, please drink in peace. I, Qin Luo, have a clear conscience and have never done anything wrong, so I have nothing to fear. No matter how high-ranking Director Li is, he can't be above the law, nor can he be above party discipline and national law. Here, try this crab roe and egg drop soup; it's just been warmed up and tastes perfect. We were just talking about you leading the elite platoon to infiltrate behind enemy lines. What happened next?"

He casually changed the subject, as if the conflict that had just occurred—a conflict that would have terrified any ordinary person—had never happened.

The mellow wine, the delicious dishes, and Mr. Ni's legendary stories, tinged with the smell of gunpowder, once again became the main theme of the private room.

Outside the window, the lights along the Minjiang River still shone brightly, reflecting the deep confidence and composure hidden in Qin Luo's calm and unwavering eyes.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere was completely different in the most luxurious and private "Tingtao Pavilion" private room on the top floor of the Mindu Grand Hotel.

The enormous rotating dining table was laden with an astonishing array of delicacies.

Australian lobster sashimi, braised sea cucumber in premium abalone sauce, steamed wild yellow croaker, matsutake mushroom stewed with bird's nest... each dish is incredibly valuable.

The air was filled with the luxurious aroma of top-quality ingredients and fine wines.

Seated at the head of the table was a middle-aged man with a shiny bald head, a slightly protruding belly, and an air of official authority. He was none other than Director Li Fushun, the powerful figure in charge of the cultural and entertainment industry in Fujian.

He was slowly scooping the swallow's nest in the bowl with a silver spoon, but his expression was not good, showing a hint of displeasure at being neglected.

Wei Tiancheng and his son Wei Junwu sat cautiously to the side, their faces beaming with smiles, eagerly offering drinks and serving food, and saying flattering things in an attempt to ease the awkward waiting atmosphere.

"Director Li, please try this lobster. It was just air-freighted in this morning and is very fresh."

Wei Junwu respectfully picked up a piece of glistening shrimp meat and placed it on the bone plate in front of Director Li.

"Yes, Director Li, Qin Luo is young and inexperienced. He was probably delayed on the way. With you here, he wouldn't dare not come."

Wei Tiancheng smiled ingratiatingly.

Director Li grunted an "hmm" through his nose, not even lifting his eyelids, clearly not in high spirits. To make a department head like him wait for a businessman was humiliating in itself.

Just then, the door to the private room was pushed open, and Secretary Wang, Wei Junshu, and Doubao walked in with grim expressions.

"Director Li! Chairman Wei! President Wei!"

Secretary Wang's voice was filled with barely suppressed anger and grievance.

"How is it? Where are they?"

Director Li put down the silver spoon, asked in a deep voice, and his sharp gaze swept over the three of them.

"Director Li!"

Wei Junshu preemptively began to embellish his complaint, his voice filled with indignation.

"That Qin Luo... is utterly arrogant! We went to invite him politely, explaining that it was you, Director Li, who personally hosted the banquet to mediate! And guess what? He was having a feast with an old man and a woman in his own restaurant, 'Yipinxuan'! When we went in, he didn't even lift an eyelid!"

Secretary Wang immediately chimed in, adding a touch of inflammatory rhetoric to his tone.

"Yes, Director Li! I kindly conveyed your message, asking you to give him a chance to admit his mistake! But Qin Luo... not only did he not appreciate it, he turned hostile on the spot! He said... he has no relation to you, so why should he listen to you? He even said you were meddling too much! He even... even threatened to report you to the Discipline Inspection Commission for interfering with the normal operation of the company! His attitude was extremely arrogant and rude, and he didn't take you seriously at all!"

Doubao nodded repeatedly and added.

"Yes, yes, yes! He even had security kick us out! He said we weren't welcome in his place anymore! How arrogant!"

"boom!"

Director Li slammed his hand down on the heavy mahogany dining table! The bowls and plates rattled, and a few drops of soup splashed out.

His face was ashen, veins bulged on his forehead, and a thin layer of sweat beaded on his shiny brow from anger.

"Excellent! Excellent Qin Luo! Excellent owner of Yipinxuan!"

Li Chu was so angry that his voice changed and his chest heaved violently.

"You're asking for it! You really think you can act like you own the place in Fujian just because of Douyin and Xia Minmin? You're so arrogant!"

He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, his eyes flashing coldly, and said sternly to Secretary Wang.

"Xiao Wang! Tomorrow morning! Send an official letter in my name to the Douyin Group headquarters! Make their boss come to Mindu to see me in person within three days! I want to ask him face-to-face who gave Xia Minmin, his subordinate, and this Qin Luo he invested in, the audacity to so blatantly disregard the local authorities! I want to see who their powerful backers are!" (End of Chapter)