After the divorce, he took care of his child and sold fried rice; his ex-wife was filled with regret

"Old Chen, did I disturb your rest?" A deep, middle-aged male voice came from the other end of the phone, with a hint of hearty laughter.

"Not at all, I just came from my office. What instructions does Director Wang have?"

"It's not really an instruction. I just arrived at the Jiangcheng branch this afternoon to inspect the work, and I'm taking a flight back to the provincial capital early tomorrow morning. I happened to have some free time tonight, and I was thinking that I haven't seen any old friends in a while, so I called to ask if you were in Jiangcheng."

Having spent decades navigating the business world, Chairman Chen was well aware of the implications of those words.

Shengshi Real Estate has a development loan pending in the first quarter of next year, which is currently stuck at the provincial bank awaiting final approval.

This bank manager, Mr. Wang, holds the power of life and death over loans.

The fact that he took the initiative to call and "get together" at this time shows that the loan is likely to be approved, but we still need to give him a final push at the dinner table.

"Yes! Of course I'm here!" Chairman Chen replied without hesitation.

"President Wang, why didn't you let me know you were coming to Jiangcheng? I could have picked you up. Where are you now? I'll arrange dinner tonight to welcome you back!"

After a few polite words on the other end of the phone, he readily agreed.

After hanging up the phone, Chairman Chen took a deep breath and turned to give instructions to Assistant Wu in the passenger seat.

"Xiao Wu, we're not going home. Book the VIP room at Jiangjing Pavilion immediately, and arrange for a few vice presidents to accompany us. Tell the kitchen to bring out the best seafood and game."

"Understood." Assistant Wu quickly took out his phone and started making the call.

Half an hour later, the black Audi A8 stopped in the underground parking lot of Jiangjingge Private Kitchen.

This is one of the most prestigious entertainment venues in Jiangcheng, known for its absolute privacy and high-end services.

Chairman Chen got out of the car and straightened his suit.

Then he walked to the back of the car and opened the trunk.

Inside were two exquisite red handbags, containing high-end Moutai liquor kept in the car specifically for entertaining guests.

Next to the red bag was a white porcelain wine jug that had no packaging and was only sealed with a cork.

It was the same pot of Lao Baiqian that he had packed and brought back from Lin's shop this morning.

Chairman Chen's gaze lingered on the white porcelain wine pot for two seconds.

He knew that the things in Lin Fan's shop were really good. This morning, when he smelled the aroma of fermented grains in the shop, he knew that this was definitely a pure old wine that could not be bought on the market.

But he was even more aware of how important tonight's situation was.

At business dinners in Jiangcheng, what kind of wine you drink often depends not on its taste, but on its label.

When inviting President Wang of the provincial branch to dinner, the items you bring must be hard currency—year-old Feitian aircraft that has stood the test of the market, has transparent pricing, and can save face.

Bringing a bare, unbranded bottle of liquor, even if it's the finest wine, is seen as disrespectful and a sign of indifference. That's called not knowing the proper etiquette.

"Drinking alone is for enjoyment, while drinking for social occasions is about maintaining good relationships."

Chairman Chen sighed inwardly, withdrew his gaze, and pointed to the two red handbags: "Take the Feitian. There are many bureau chiefs and bank managers on there, don't take the wrong one."

"Yes, Mr. Chen." Assistant Wu handed over two bottles of Moutai, wrapped them in a paper bag, and followed Mr. Chen into the private elevator.

The heating in the private room at Jiangjing Pavilion was on full blast.

A huge crystal chandelier cast a soft light, and a turntable was filled with Australian lobsters, grouper, and a variety of exquisite dishes.

President Wang, accompanied by two department heads from provincial branches, arrived on time for the appointment.

The atmosphere at the banquet quickly became lively.

When seasoned businesspeople get together, their conversation ranges from the macroeconomy to local policies, and then gradually shifts to the flow of funds for real estate companies.

After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,

Fifteen-year-old Feitian is indeed a fine wine, with a rich soy sauce aroma and a smooth taste. However, even the best wine can place a heavy burden on the body if consumed in excess.

Chairman Chen was already exhausted from the day, and then he drank five or six glasses of baijiu on an empty stomach in the evening, causing a burning sensation to rise in his stomach.

Despite his discomfort, he maintained a warm smile and toasted everyone in turn.

"Old Chen, your Shengshi Real Estate's new project is indeed in a great location. However, in the current environment, the authorities are keeping a close eye on the leverage ratios of real estate companies."

President Wang, his face flushed, picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks, his tone carrying a hint of evasiveness.

"President Wang is right. That's why we need the provincial bank's strong support. As soon as this funding arrives, the project can be topped out and pre-sold immediately. I'd like to toast you; it's all in this drink."

Chairman Chen stood up, tilted his head back, and drank the baijiu in his glass in one gulp.

The spicy liquor rolled down his esophagus, and Mr. Chen's stomach involuntarily spasmed.

He gritted his teeth to suppress the nausea and sat back down in his chair.

At this moment, he suddenly missed the pure rice wine aroma that made him feel comfortable in the Lin family's shop.

Soon, the drinking party entered its most crucial and heated phase.

The atmosphere had reached its peak, and President Wang's tone gradually softened. It seemed that the approval timeline for the loan was about to be finalized over the dinner table.

"Old Chen, you're in a good mood today. Let's do one more round, and then this matter will be basically settled." President Wang was in high spirits and pointed to the middle of the table.

Chairman Chen was overjoyed.

He turned to look at his assistant, Wu, behind him and gave him a wink.

Assistant Wu understood immediately and stepped forward to pour the wine.

But when he reached for the Moutai bottle on the table, it felt incredibly light in his hand.

He shook the bottle twice, and the two bottles of 15-year-old Feitian liquor had been completely empty by the people at the table.

Assistant Wu's expression changed slightly.

Chairman Chen noticed this too and asked in a low voice, "Are you out of wine?"

"Chairman Chen, the drinks on the table are finished," Assistant Wu reported quietly, bending down.

"Go get it from the car. There should be a spare case in the trunk," Chairman Chen instructed. "Hurry up, don't spoil President Wang's mood."

"I'll go right away."

Assistant Wu grabbed the car keys and jogged out of the private room, taking the elevator straight to the underground parking lot.

He ran to the back of the car, pressed the key, and the trunk slowly popped open.

Assistant Wu reached out to move the cardboard box containing Moutai liquor from the corner.

The moment his hand touched it, he sensed something was wrong. The box was very light.

He hurriedly lifted the lid of the cardboard box and peered inside in the dim light of the garage.

The box was empty.

The six bottles of Flying Spirit that were originally intended as spares were not inside at all.

Assistant Wu's mind went blank for a moment, and he broke out in a cold sweat.

He suddenly remembered that yesterday afternoon, when Chairman Chen was receiving another important client, driver Lao Li had taken the spare Feitian cigarettes from the car and given them away.

There were many things to do today, and Lao Li hadn't had time to go shopping and restock.

It’s over.

Assistant Wu stood in the cold wind, stamping his feet anxiously.