Fated Love With the Billionaire
Chapter 463: A Ray of Hope

Chapter 463: Chapter 463: A Ray of Hope

Cheng Xiangheng, of course, knew he was being kind, "Chen has been my secretary for many years, and we get along well. He’s about the same age as my son, so I treat him like a child usually. He’s worried I’d drink too much and harm my health."

Luo Jinchuan wasn’t buying it at all and sneered coldly, "A secretary is just a secretary, no matter how many years. Also,"

He snapped his fingers in the air, and under the astonished gaze of the two, the server brought in two more bottles of high-proof liquor.

"Mr. Cheng," Luo Jinchuan said with a reckless smile, "Since you’re so sincere, why don’t you show me?"

The situation now was clear; Luo Jinchuan’s intentions were straightforward, if you want to collaborate, drink, if not, then leave.

"Mr. Cheng," Luo Jinchuan extended a hand, "Please."

Cheng Xiangheng was put in a tight spot, unable to refuse easily, yet the other party’s attitude was clear; no drinking, no discussion. However, he was no longer in his twenties or thirties, and if he drank, he might have to be carried out. But if they managed to secure Luo Jinchuan’s investment, it would be a tremendous shot in the arm for the group and the employees.

But Cheng Xiangheng couldn’t shake the feeling that Luo Jinchuan was deliberately making things difficult for him.

As for why? He couldn’t figure it out in his heart.

Luo Jinchuan’s gaze was icy, "It seems Mr. Cheng doesn’t have a strong desire. I won’t make it difficult for you," he called to the waitress behind him, "Take the liquor away."

Upon seeing this, Cheng Xiangheng quickly stopped the waitress, "Wait, who said I wouldn’t drink."

Cheng Qiaobei listened to the sound of bottles being opened inside, clenching his hands tightly at his sides.

But Cheng Xiangheng wouldn’t do something without results, "We agreed, I can drink, but once I do, the cooperation must be finalized."

"..." Luo Jinchuan raised an eyebrow subtly, but inwardly sneering, you old fool, I didn’t agree, it’s just what you think.

Cheng Xiangheng gestured for Chen Qian to bring the liquor over, and Chen Qian whispered, "Mr. Cheng, your health..."

"It’s alright." Cheng Xiangheng feigned a relaxed manner.

Luo Jinchuan’s lips curled in a meaningful smile, "Mr. Cheng, straightforward."

Chen Qian, with mixed feelings, placed the liquor in front of him, and just as Cheng Xiangheng was about to pick up the glass, the door to the private room was pushed open from the outside.

Everyone in the room turned their gaze toward the door, and upon seeing Cheng Qiaobei walk in, they exchanged surprised looks.

Cheng Qiaobei walked over to Cheng Xiangheng, pulled out the chair next to him, and sat down, "Sorry, I’m late."

Although unsure of what he was up to, Cheng Xiangheng cooperatively explained to Luo Jinchuan, "He was running some errands for me, which caused a delay. I hope Mr. Luo understands."

Luo Jinchuan glanced at Cheng Qiaobei with a dangerous look, "Since you’re late, how about three self-punishment drinks?"

Cheng Qiaobei knew Luo Jinchuan was trying to make a point, but he still poured three drinks, raised his glass calmly, "Sorry, everyone, for keeping you waiting."

He drank all three in succession, then put down the glass and asked, "What were we discussing?"

At this point, it was inappropriate for anyone to bring up the previous matter, but there was one person to mention it who was most suitable.

Chen Qian took the initiative to speak, "Mr. Luo said that since we’re discussing cooperation, we need to drink to our heart’s content."

"Oh..." Cheng Qiaobei lifted his eyes, glancing at the liquor in front of him, and asked Chen Qian, "Surely, we don’t have to drink all of these, do we?"

Just as Chen Qian was about to speak, Cheng Qiaobei chuckled, "That can’t be, it would be difficult for people like that. Someone as knowledgeable and cultured as Mr. Luo couldn’t possibly do such a thing. Right, Mr. Luo?"

Luo Jinchuan was placed at a moral high ground; even if he didn’t want to acknowledge it, he had to.

He chuckled, "Yes, just joking around earlier."

Cheng Qiaobei glanced at the white wine in front of Cheng Xiangheng and meaningfully told Chen Qian, "Mr. Cheng’s health isn’t good, take care of him outside."

Chen Qian nodded, "My oversight."

A few words turned the situation around, subtly putting Luo Jinchuan, who was sitting opposite, in a disadvantaged position.

Knock, knock, knock, the dinner table was tapped three times, and Cheng Qiaobei looked down at Luo Jinchuan, only to see him with a gleeful expression, saying:

"I heard you’ve already left Jade Jiali, and since you have no relation, Mr. Cheng and I could discuss business secrets. Isn’t it inappropriate for an outsider to be present?"

Cheng Qiaobei maintained his composure, "Mr. Luo’s information might not be up-to-date; Mr. Cheng has authorized me as the executive director of Jade Jiali."

Luo Jinchuan looked at Cheng Xiangheng in surprise, and upon receiving a hint from Cheng Qiaobei, he said, "That’s right."

Cheng Qiaobei smiled, "Mr. Luo, am I now qualified to sit here?"

Luo Jinchuan found himself at a loss, stuck with a breath in his chest both unable to release or suppress.

But he suddenly remembered something, and with a suspicious tone asked, "The news of your appointment hasn’t been publicly announced, has it?"

Cheng Qiaobei responded calmly, "It’s a strategic decision within the group and doesn’t require public announcement."

Luo Jinchuan’s lips twitched; every word was countered with precision.

He raised his glass and coldly congratulated, "Congratulations."

Cheng Qiaobei also gestured toward him, "Thank you."

Luo Jinchuan agreed to come not because he wanted to invest, but due to his grudges with Cheng Qiaobei, and also on someone’s instruction to test the waters with Jade Jiali. There were rumors that Jade Jiali was poorly managed and on the brink of bankruptcy after Cheng Qiaobei’s departure, but now that he reappeared, things weren’t so simple.

Luo Jinchuan said, "Since you’re here, talk about your cooperation ideas."

Cheng Qiaobei countered, "Does Mr. Luo really want to cooperate?"

"What are you implying? Would I be here if I didn’t want to cooperate?" Luo Jinchuan replied.

Cheng Qiaobei: "If you want to cooperate, you should bring sincerity to the table, but setting up so much liquor doesn’t seem sincere at all."

Luo Jinchuan’s face turned into a liver color from embarrassment, "Well, isn’t it normal to talk business over drinks at the table?"

Cheng Qiaobei did not relent, "So, halfway through this drinking session, what have you achieved?"

Luo Jinchuan was so angry that he almost lost his composure and cursed, but he took a deep breath to restrain himself.

Cheng Qiaobei wasn’t an easy character to deal with. Dragging it out further would yield no advantage. Besides, he already learned the news that Cheng Qiaobei was continuing to manage Jade Jiali, which was enough.

Taking this opportunity to fire up, Luo Jinchuan said, "We were having a good discussion initially, but your appearance destined this cooperation to be unpleasant, so let’s forget it."

Seeing Luo Jinchuan getting up to leave, Cheng Xiangheng was about to stop him but was held back by Cheng Qiaobei. He continued speaking to Luo Jinchuan, "That’s fine, there’s really no need to continue with those who rely solely on drinking culture instead of project prospects to discuss cooperation."

Cheng Xiangheng frowned, wondering what he was up to. Luo Jinchuan was invited with much difficulty.

Luo Jinchuan’s face suddenly sank, pointing at Cheng Qiaobei, "Who do you think you are, lecturing me?"

Cheng Qiaobei said impassively, "It’s not about lecturing, Mr. Luo is over-thinking."

The more he looked at Cheng Qiaobei’s face, the angrier Luo Jinchuan got. Remembering how he had been cuckolded by him in the past made him leave furiously.

Cheng Xiangheng hurried to smooth things over, "Mr. Luo, Jade Jiali still has tremendous investment potential. Would you reconsider."

At the door, Luo Jinchuan spoke to Cheng Xiangheng irritably, "Reconsider? I’m really not in your league."

With those words, he slammed the door.

With only three people left in the room, Cheng Qiaobei glanced at Chen Qian, who, understanding the signal, got up and quietly left the room, closing the door behind him.

Cheng Xiangheng massaged his aching temples, "Explain your meaning."

Cheng Qiaobei said, "He wasn’t going to help you."

"How do you know that?" Cheng Xiangheng asked in return.

Bai Ze and Fan Wu were still waiting for him, Cheng Qiaobei said, "It’s a long story. My friends are waiting. I’ll contact you later."

As Cheng Qiaobei stood up, Cheng Xiangheng asked, "About you agreeing to be the executive director earlier?"

Cheng Qiaobei nonchalantly replied, "I was drunk. You believed the words of a drunkard."