Wang Qiang forced a strained smile and stared at Chen Hao, saying, "Long time no see. I knew you were hosting a gathering and came specifically to show my support. You don't mind, do you?"
"Brother Xiaoqiang, it's not like I'd begrudge you a meal. Eat if you want to eat."
Seeing the atmosphere turn cold, a sunny-looking young man named Qian Geng stepped in to smooth things over, saying, "Brother Chen, this Shazhu dish looks amazing. Shouldn't we get some drinks to go with it?"
"With today's atmosphere, it's a must! Brother Jiang, how about some moutai?" Chen Hao ignored Wang Qiang's cold expression and turned directly to ask Jiang Cheng.
"Of course, no problem." Jiang Cheng considered his alcohol tolerance to be quite good; at least, he had never passed out when going out for karaoke in the past.
After the food was served, everyone tucked into the visually appealing and delicious Shazhu dishes. Though tasty, each dish left their mouths covered in oil.
"Come, Brother Jiang, let me propose a toast to you," Chen Hao said, raising his glass to Jiang Cheng.
"Brother Chen, you're too kind." After Jiang Cheng finished his drink, Wang Zheng also raised his glass and invited Jiang Cheng for a toast.
"Brother Wang, let's have one."
The one who spoke earlier, Qian Geng, also invited Jiang Cheng: "Brother Jiang, I'll have one with you too. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"You guys are trying to tag-team me!"
"Come, Brother Jiang, I'll team up with you." Wang Zheng took the initiative to join Jiang Cheng's side.
"Brother Wang, everyone knows you have a high tolerance. Even if Qian Geng and I both take you on, we might not win," Chen Hao said in opposition.
"Then I'll join you guys; three against two!" Another person named Lin Feng joined Chen Hao's team.
The atmosphere immediately livened up. Some joined in, while a few others sat quietly to the side, watching the show.
Wang Qiang looked at them and gave a cold snort, pulling the remaining people to start drinking as well.
Half an hour later, everyone was slightly tipsy.
At this moment, Wang Qiang spoke up: "By the way, I recently got word of an insider stock—the kind where you're guaranteed to make a profit without any loss."
When Wang Qiang said this, a slightly chubby young man sitting next to him named Guo Qian immediately spoke up: "Brother Wang, I heard you made over ten million in the stock market recently. So it was true!"
After Guo Qian finished, Zheng Ming, who was beside him, chimed in, "Brother Wang, are you serious? Please take me with you!"
Seeing everyone's reaction, Wang Qiang said triumphantly, "I'm here today to share this with you. When making friends, you have to keep your eyes open. Don't just make fair-weather friends; you need connections to get ahead."
Wang Qiang's words were clearly meant to mock Wang Zheng and Chen Hao to some extent.
Lin Feng, who had been drinking with them, had his eyes dart around as he put down his glass.
He was a bit tempted by what Wang Qiang said, but since Chen Hao had invited him, he felt awkward about immediately switching sides.
"The insider info I've been getting is all real. Anyone who knows me knows I just bought a Lamborghini yesterday. Well, that's just how it is when luck is on your side."
"Not bad, Brother Wang! No wonder I've been hearing people say you've struck it rich. I want to change my car too, please let me in on this."
Hearing Guo Qian sucking up to Wang Qiang, Chen Hao said displeasuredly, "This Guo Qian is going too far, actually fawning over Xiaoqiang."
Since they had a falling out with Wang Qiang before, they had all consciously taken sides and hadn't associated with him for a long time.
Judging by Guo Qian's attitude, Wang Qiang might have been brought here by him tonight.
Wang Zheng spoke up then: "Brother Xiaoqiang, I still remember you borrowing two million from me to pay off debts the year before last. You failed in the stock market back then, didn't you? People really should learn from their lessons."
"Exactly. Look at you now, showing up uninvited just to scrounge for food and drinks," Chen Hao added.
Seeing Wang Zheng bring up his dark past, Wang Qiang's face darkened instantly. "You two are deliberately messing with me again, aren't you? If you don't want to follow, fine, but why say this to stop others from joining? You're just jealous, aren't you?"
Wang Zheng snorted coldly. "I only call you Brother Xiaoqiang out of courtesy. You really think you're something special?"
Seeing Wang Zheng getting a bit agitated, Jiang Cheng waved his hand. "Alright, Brother Wang. We came out to have fun today; don't let unpleasant things ruin it."
Wang Qiang felt humiliated by Wang Zheng's words.
He didn't dare do anything to Wang Zheng, so he could only vent his anger on Jiang Cheng.
"Where did this hillbilly come from? Is it your place to speak here?" After saying that, Wang Qiang slammed his wine glass onto the floor.