Financial freedom starts from graduation

Chapter 216 Growth (Update)
"Hey, where's Xiao Xiao?"

After everyone sat down, Hua Suisui asked in confusion.

"Not long after you left, she was called away by Sister Yan. It seemed like she went to toast. She never came back..."

Lin Ran explained.

Hua Suisui said "Oh" and didn't care. She just teased Lin Ran and said, "Hey, Sister Ran, didn't you say you were going to toast Mr. Zhou three glasses of wine? Why are you silent now?"

"Yes, Sister Ran, didn't you say that you would even give me your body?"

Eleven also laughed.

"When did I ever say I would pledge my love to you? What nonsense are you talking about..."

Lin Ran blushed and pinched Eleven.

"Oh?"

Zhou Wang, who was sitting in the middle, was surprised at first, then he smiled and said, "It seems there is a story that I don't know..."

"Boss Zhou, it's nothing, it's just... I have a friend who was harassed by Boss Zheng before. She also reported this to other executives at the time, but it was left unresolved."

Lin Ran hesitated for a moment, then said, "Now that President Zheng has resigned on his own initiative, everyone knows that it was you who did it, so I want to thank you on behalf of my friend... What are you looking at? It's really a friend of mine, not me!"

Lin Ran was halfway through her speech when she noticed everyone was looking at her with strange eyes, and she immediately spoke in embarrassment and anger.

"Is there such a thing?"

Only Zhou Wang looked very serious. "Did you call the police at that time? Do you have any evidence now..."

"Call the police?"

Lin Ran was shocked and quickly waved his hands and said, "It's not that serious. President Zheng didn't really take any advantage. It's just that this incident made me feel uncomfortable for a long time, so..."

Lin Ran realized that she had said something wrong and immediately gave Zhou Wang a coquettish look. Then she came over with a glass of wine and toasted Zhou Wang.

Zhou Wang laughed out loud after getting the information out of her and clinked glasses with her. He had seen Lin Ran's sexy look in a bikini, and at the time he only thought that this mature woman was really charming. But after his "Nan Ke Dream" with Xiao An, Zhou Wang finally understood...

From a physiological point of view alone, the moisture and thoughtfulness of a young woman are far beyond the reach of a young girl.

Although Lin Ran is Hua Suisui's manager, she is quite pretty, so it's normal for an LSP like Zheng Zong to covet her...

It was a joke that Zhou Wang took the initiative to make. The estrangement brought about by Zhou Wang's new identity quickly dissipated, and the atmosphere in the side hall became lively again.

In fact, they were all young people at heart. When Zhou Wang didn't put on airs, it was just a normal drinking party. Originally, there was champagne on the table, but after Zhou Wang waved his hand, it was quickly replaced with a table full of Roosevelt No. 10.

That’s right, it was the monk’s brew that he loved the most.

The drinks were shipped by the company, but only this beer was added by Zhou Wang’s order…

These days, Zhou Wang has had the means to do so, and in his spare time he has bought many different kinds of craft beers to try, with prices ranging from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars per bottle. But after trying them all, in the end, only Roosevelt No. 10 really impressed him.

Small sips of champagne won't make you drunk, at least that's the case with Zhou Wang's alcohol tolerance. He's actually in a good mood today and doesn't want to drink until he's passed out, but he has to at least get a little tipsy, right?
Endme was a little hesitant at first, until Chen He took the initiative to say with a smile: "It's okay, Xiaoxi, drink if you want. Anyway, I won't drink tonight. I will be responsible for sending you home safely..."

Ji Xiaoxi felt that weird feeling again. She didn't drink much before, and after she got together with Chen He, he didn't like her going to bars or anything like that. But at this moment, Chen He was encouraging her to drink...

"cheers!"

The dark brown liquor mixed with ice cubes swayed in the glass and fell into everyone's stomach amid laughter.

The mood reached its peak of joy after Zhou Wang said, "It's okay, I'll protect you from now on." Endme also gradually relaxed, and the smile on his face became brighter and brighter.

Zhou Wang looked at Hua Suisui and Endme, who were smiling sweetly on his left and right. Even though it was not the first time, he still felt a little dazed.

When the object that he could only glance at through the phone screen has become a reality within reach, especially when Zhou Wang knows that Hua Suisui will no longer resist him, this feeling is still a little bit dreamy...

As for Ji Xiaoxi, Zhou Wang was indeed attracted by her looks, but since she still believed in love, there was no need for him to destroy anything. It would be nice to just be friends with her.

It’s just… the overly enthusiastic attitude of the other boyfriend, Chen He, always makes him feel weird.

Yes, no matter whether he was chatting or playing games, Chen He, who obviously did not drink, was extremely active, comparable to the atmosphere group of a bar. Later, he even stopped calling "Mr. Zhou" and changed his name to "Brother Zhou".

This made Zhou Wang doubt for a moment, is his personal charm so great? Last time, he had humiliated Chen He in disguise, and even hugged Endme in front of him. Can this turn hostility into friendship?
Even because of a small game, Ji Xiaoxi was forced to drink a cup of wine with Zhou Wang. Although it didn't really succeed in the end because of Endme's embarrassment, Chen He didn't seem to mind...

This layout is awesome!
Anyway, Zhou Wang felt inferior to him.

Although many things about Chen He were too superficial and too much of a performance, Zhou Wang really couldn't figure out what he wanted to do, so he just let him be...

Before they knew it, it was already past three in the morning. Accompanied by laughter, Zhang Shihao and others came to say goodbye under the guidance of Xiao An.

There were four people in the group, including Mr. Zhang, the company's two vice presidents, Mr. Ming and Mr. Dong, and Mr. Ma from Daxia Film and Television, Wuyou Media's deep strategic partner for the next year.

"We are old and can't hold on any longer. We old bones have to leave early..."

Faced with Zhou Wang's attempt to retain him, Zhang Shihao just smiled and shook his head.

Zhou Wang didn't force it, and nodded, "Okay, let's talk about it later at the company. I'll see you off..."

"Brother Zhou, please stay. We are all family. There is no need to do this. Although your house is big, we can still find a way out."

Mr. Ma from Daxia Film and Television laughed.

After a burst of laughter, Mr. Ma put his arm around Zhou Wang's shoulders again and said, "Brother, don't forget what I said before. I'm going to Yunnan Province next month, and I'm counting on you to have a meal with me."

Daxia Film and Television has a costume drama with a huge investment which will start shooting in Baicheng, Yunnan Province next month. Mr. Ma will attend the opening ceremony in person. When he learned that Zhou Wang was from Yunnan Province, he made an appointment with Zhou Wang to play the role of a good host when the time comes.

"How could I forget? Even if I'm not in Yunnan Province, I will make sure everything is arranged for you when the time comes!"

Zhou Wang laughed.

"That's fine. I will withdraw with Mr. Zhang and the others..."

Mr. Ma was about to say goodbye to Zhou Wang when Chen He suddenly came over with a look of surprise.

"Mr. Ma, I didn't expect to meet you here. Do you still remember me?"

"You are……"

Mr. Ma was obviously stunned for a moment and looked at Chen He in confusion.

"My name is Chen He. I auditioned at your company last week and played the third male lead in the second season of Chu Tianyao. It was hosted by you, President Ma. I wonder if you still remember... Well, it was President Tong Mingyan who introduced me to the company."

Perhaps seeing that Mr. Ma really had no impression, Chen He had no choice but to remind him in a low voice.

"Oh, Sister Tong's people, hahaha, I remember now... Mr. Zhou, is this your friend?"

Mr. Ma first smiled suddenly, and then asked Zhou Wang tentatively.

Seeing that Zhou Wang did not answer immediately and just smiled without comment, Mr. Ma immediately understood something. He laughed and shook hands with Chen He:
"Hello, hello, young man, you have acting talent, you just lack an opportunity... That's it, Mr. Zhou, we're leaving!"

Mr. Ma laughed, hugged Zhou Wang again, then turned around and walked away chatting and laughing with Zhang Shihao and others.

Chen He was obviously a little anxious, but he couldn't show it. He could only follow behind with a smile and watch them leave.

Although they didn't need to be seen off, Zhou Wang still saw them off to the door of the side hall out of courtesy. He watched them walk out with Xiao An by their side before he turned back.

Turning around and seeing Chen He following behind him, Zhou Wang hadn't said anything yet when Chen He had already scratched his head and smiled, lowering his voice and asking:

"Mr. Zhou, I heard that Wuyou Media also invested in the drama "Chu Tianyao". Is that true?"

"Yeah, I just found out tonight."

Zhou Wang glanced at Chen He with a smile. At this time, he understood everything, including the reason why Chen He appeared here, but he did not say it out loud.

After all, in this turbid world, who doesn’t want to make progress?

As a model who is almost at the bottom of the entertainment industry, the competition in this profession is even more brutal than that of Internet celebrities. How could Chen He be famous in the circles of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai? How could he really be the reckless person Zhou Wang saw last time? Maybe it was just his personality in front of his girlfriend...

Therefore, Zhou Wang was not surprised by his change of attitude after he knew his true identity. However, he did not expect that this boy's purpose was even deeper.

What Chen He said was not a secret. It had already been announced through some media. Moreover, Zhou Wang knew even more after chatting with Mr. Zhang and Mr. Ma.

In this new drama called "Chu Tianyao" Season 2, Wuyou Media has the right to speak for important supporting roles such as the second male lead, the third male lead, the second female lead, and the third female lead.

This is the rule of the entertainment industry. All the cakes have been divided at the beginning. As the second largest investor, it is normal for Wuyou Media to have the decision-making power over several supporting roles.

The fact that a second season can be filmed shows that this TV series is a popular IP. Even if it is just a supporting role, many people will fight for it.

Mr. Zhang also asked Zhou Wang if he wanted to recommend a supporting actress, but Zhou Wang refused without any hesitation.

Maybe it was Zhang Shihao's good intention, or maybe Zhou Wang really said it, even if it was Hua Suisui who had no acting skills, he would readily agree, but Zhou Wang didn't want to do this right after joining the company. After all, he was just a supervisor, and most of the time he had to keep a low profile...

"Mr. Zhou, do you think I still have hope? I heard that the role of the third male lead hasn't been decided yet..."

Chen He asked with a smile.

"I'm not sure about that. You can ask Daxia Film and Television later... Let's go back and continue drinking."

Zhou Wang shook his head and smiled, then walked inside.

Chen He was a little anxious. He stopped Zhou Wang and said, "Boss Zhou, do you want me to talk to Boss Ma? I have paid too much for the chance to audition. I really can't miss this opportunity..."

Zhou Wang didn't say anything, just glanced at him indifferently.

Chen He was startled by the look on his face and subconsciously withdrew his hand that was blocking Zhou Wang's way.

Zhou Wang walked away on his own. Chen He's expression changed and his anxiety became even worse.

Although the supporting role announcement has not been released yet, Mr. Ma doesn’t even remember him, which means he has been eliminated. From a visible perspective, Zhou Wang is the only straw he can hold on to…

If I offend Zhou Wang again, there will be absolutely no hope.

But at this moment, Chen He had no idea what he could do to impress Zhou Wang...

He had deliberately entered this party through Ji Xiaoxi and got the opportunity to meet President Ma and the top management of Wuyou Media. It couldn't be that this trip was in vain, right?
With mixed feelings, Chen He just followed Zhou Wang back to the side hall when he heard Endme's dissatisfied voice:

"You two, you hid another glass of wine... No, Chen He, you hid a glass of Coke, drink it quickly!"

Chen He looked up and saw that Endme's innocent face was flushed and her eyes were a little blurry. It was obvious that she had drunk a lot.

In fact, it's not just Endme. Hua Suisui and Shiyi are also not in good condition. Apart from Chen He who has been drinking Coke, only Lin Ran can manage to remain calm and barely fight with Zhou Wang.

At this time, the table was full of Roosevelt No. 10, but nearly twenty bottles had been emptied.

The alcohol content of Roosevelt No. 10 is as high as 11.3%, which is not low even among craft beers. They also had champagne as a base. If it weren’t for the fact that girls are naturally good at drinking, they would have probably collapsed long ago based on the way they drank just now…

Chen He sat down again and wanted to persuade Endme not to drink anymore. But when he turned around, he saw Endme pulling Zhou Wang's arm, asking him to drink the wine he owed him quickly.

Chen He's heart skipped a beat for unknown reason.

Chen He has been pursuing Endme on and off for more than two years since they met. Although they have been together for less than half a year, Chen He knows Endme too well.

Because of my upbringing and my own serious mysophobia, Endme doesn't really like physical contact with other people, especially boys who generally don't like cleanliness...

The senior she had a crush on in college was not handsome, but he won Endme's vague favor just because of his clean appearance.

Every time before Chen He goes on a date with Endme, he has to take a bath and spray some perfume, otherwise he will be strongly disliked by Endme...

Even so, every time he held Endme's hand, as soon as he started sweating, Endme would immediately become unhappy.

After three months together, he finally kissed Endme's... face, but it was only a touch and then it separated. To this day, he still doesn't know what Endme's lips taste like...

People with mysophobia cannot accept other people's saliva.

He is too difficult.

This is also the reason why he was so excited when he saw Endme hugging Zhou Wang intimately in the private room last time.

And now, he once again saw Endme taking the initiative to have physical contact with Zhou Wang. Although it was not a particularly intimate action, it still made him feel a little jealous and uncomfortable...

He was just about to give his girlfriend a tactful reminder, but then he saw Zhou Wang's smiling face and swallowed back the words that were about to come out of his mouth.

A strange idea came into his mind.

I definitely can't impress Zhou Wang, but what if it's Ji Xiaoxi?
They are all men, so of course he can sense that Zhou Wang definitely likes Endme. He doesn’t say what kind of like it is, but it must be more than a liking...

Boom boom boom!
This idea hurt his self-esteem a little, but the more he thought about it, the more feasible it seemed, so his heartbeat quickened.

There's no harm in giving it a try. Anyway, with Xiaoxi's personality, it's impossible for anything to really happen between her and Zhou Wang.

Chen He swallowed his saliva. Reason told him that this was too much, but when the words came to his lips, they turned into: "Xiaoxi, I'll pour you a drink. Do you want ice?"

"I want~"

Endme, who had almost never gotten really drunk, was enjoying the light feeling from the alcohol. She tilted her head and lazily pushed the cup in front of Chen He.

"Mr. Zhou, isn't it too late? We should probably leave now..."

Lin Ran, who was still somewhat sober, couldn't help but hesitate when he saw several girls stumbling around.

"No, we haven't even finished drinking yet, let's see who dares to leave!"

"That's right, we have to fight until dawn..."

"Sister Ran, I want to drink more..."

Before Zhou Wang could say anything, several girls had already spoken.

Chen He also quickly smiled and agreed: "It's rare that I'm happy today, let's play for a while longer."

"But, Mr. Zhou, if it's any later, I'm worried that the company won't have a car to take us there. I see some people have already started to leave..."

Lin Ran raised his concerns.

"It's okay. If you really can't help it, you can sleep here. There are enough guest rooms."

Zhou Wang smiled.

Seeing this, Lin Ran could only nod his head. This was a different time. Judging from the fact that Hua Suisui had been hanging on Zhou Wang almost the entire time, Lin Ran actually had no reason to stop him...

Of course, from an observer's perspective, she could also see clearly that Zhou Wang was unlikely to marry Hua Suisui.

I just hope that Zhou Wang will really treat her well in the future...

After playing a few more rounds of drinking games, Zhou Wang began to feel a little drowsy. He touched his bloated stomach and stood up. "You guys drink first. I'm going to the bathroom."

After Zhou Wang left, Chen He, who finally got the chance, quickly said to Endme, who was a little confused, "Xiaoxi, do you want to go to the bathroom?"

"Uh-huh……"

Ji Xiaoxi nodded subconsciously.

"Then I'll go with you."

As Chen He suggested, he helped Endme up and walked in the direction where Zhou Wang disappeared.

　I still owe one more chapter this month.

　
(End of this chapter)