"Alright, Old Wang, you head out first," Cheng Gui said expressionlessly.
At the same time, he adjusted his cuffs, as if deliberately emphasizing his impatience.
Hearing this, Wang Fugui's heart sank.
He immediately understood.
Cheng Gui clearly had no intention of accepting his invitation to dinner today.
This meant he would likely have to wait until he had properly handled the matter regarding Fang Yuan.
Before Cheng Gui would consider accepting his banquet invitation.
Although he was somewhat disappointed,
Wang Fugui didn't dare say anything more.
After all, Cheng Gui's current attitude was already very clear.
"Alright then, I'll be going first. I won't disturb you all any further..." Wang Fugui said with a forced smile.
Then, he turned and stumbled away.
Watching Wang Fugui's departing back, the expression on Cheng Gui's face instantly relaxed.
He said to Jiang Cheng with a grin, "Then I won't disturb the three of you. I'll be going now..."
Seeing this, Jiang Cheng politely tried to make him stay, "Hey, just sit down and eat with us. Why leave?"
"Really? Then I won't stand on ceremony..."
Seeing Cheng Gui sit down immediately, Jiang Cheng teased, "Old Cheng, you really aren't standing on ceremony."
He had been waiting for this invitation from Jiang Cheng for a very long time.
Naturally, he wouldn't be polite.
After a couple of laughs, a hearty smile appeared on Cheng Gui's face.
He responded with a laugh, "Oh, why be polite? If we're too polite, we'd be like strangers!"
After saying that, he waved his hand at Zhang Ting, signaling for her to sit down quickly as well.
Subsequently, Jiang Cheng asked the Waitress to bring out a few more dishes.
At Cheng Gui's age, he clearly had a special fondness for Baijiu.
After ordering a bottle of moutai, he asked everyone around.
Upon learning that Fang Yuan and Zhou Ying didn't drink, he didn't force them.
Instead, he very considerately expressed his understanding.
Next, Cheng Gui picked up two exquisite small cups and began to slowly pour the liquor into them.
"Come, come, let me toast you first!" Cheng Gui raised his glass and said to Jiang Cheng.
Seeing this, Jiang Cheng boldly clinked glasses with Cheng Gui and downed it in one gulp.
With a few drinks down, the atmosphere at the scene gradually warmed up.
"By the way, I heard your whole family won't be in Chengdu this year?" Cheng Gui suddenly asked.
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng unhurriedly picked up a drunken shrimp and placed it in his bowl.
Then, he put on gloves and started peeling the shrimp, as if completely unaffected by Cheng Gui's question.
"Your information is quite well-informed."
"Of course. As New Year's approaches, which family isn't fishing for news? Several families originally wanted to find connections to send gifts to your home, but who knew there wouldn't be a single person there, and not even any relatives to receive them on your behalf. It's tough..."
"Our whole family is spending New Year's in Kyoto this year."
After saying that, Jiang Cheng placed several peeled shrimp into Zhou Ying's bowl.
Zhang Ting, who was on the side, saw that Zhou Ying didn't even say a word of thanks.
The expression on her face became even more sour.
Her originally upright chest instantly slumped.
A sentence immediately popped into her mind.
"Life... how could it be the same no matter who you spend it with?"
Damn, they're both women.
Why had she never received this kind of treatment?
Although when Jiang Cheng peeled shrimp for Zhou Ying, Zhou Ying also handed a peeled crab leg to Jiang Cheng.
But in her eyes, this was still an incredible thing.
Why was it incredible? Naturally, it wasn't because they were feeding each other.
It was because of Jiang Cheng's act of peeling shrimp for Zhou Ying.
From the scene just now, Zhou Ying's family background was clearly several levels lower than Jiang Cheng's.
Otherwise, it would be impossible for Fang Yuan to be just a supervisor.
With such conditions, it should only be her preparing the tableware and peeling shrimp for Jiang Cheng.
Zhang Ting's thoughts actually stemmed from her own perceptions and experiences.
At first glance, Jiang Cheng and Zhou Ying could clearly peel their own and eat their own.
There was absolutely no need to swap and eat after peeling.
Anyone with such thoughts was clearly someone who had never felt love.
When in love, these seemingly useless exchanges could actually keep two people sweet for a long time.
Fang Yuan, on the side, was clearly already immune to this situation.
But even if she was immune, she still felt a small pang of envy in her heart.
"By the way, I heard that your Jiang Tai joint-ventured with other companies to contract the mining rights of a mining area. I even heard that the mining area seems to belong to your Jiang Tai."
Seeing Jiang Cheng look at him, Cheng Gui laughed again, "I only heard about it. I have a relative working in some bureau or other... Jiang Tai's mining permit... but I don't know if he was talking nonsense."
In China, most mining areas are state-owned.
Only a small portion are private.
Such private applications are almost impossible to get approved in this era.
For a small-scale construction company like Jiang Tai to actually get it approved,
The power behind it was imaginable.
Since Cheng Gui had guessed it, Jiang Cheng didn't deny it.
"You're right. Our Jiang Tai is going to soar to the sky this year."
Jiang Cheng wasn't wrong. Previously, Jiang Tai's annual profit was at most around a few million.
After dividends, only nearly a million would reach their own pockets.
But now with the mining area, although mining hasn't started yet and the specifics are unknown,
The profit certainly wouldn't be less than several million.
If this isn't soaring to the sky, then what is?
Cheng Gui didn't think there was anything inappropriate or arrogant about Jiang Cheng's words.
He only felt full of envy.
When the three of them, including Zhou Ying, heard that Jiang Cheng's family had a mine,
They were even more secretly surprised.
Especially Fang Yuan.
Although after experiencing a series of changes, she felt that a life of merely pursuing money without love wouldn't last long,
But her own daughter was clearly enjoying Jiang Cheng's favoritism while also pursuing wealth.
If this kind of love could continue,
That would be truly extraordinary.
Cheng Gui said indirectly, "I heard that your Xingchen also has multiple investments. Although my assets aren't that much, I've been considering a transition lately. If there are any good investment directions, I hope you can give me a tip so I can pick up some scraps behind you."
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng intentionally said, "No way, are houses not selling well?"
Cheng Gui nodded, "That's true. The value keeps skyrocketing, and it seems like my assets are always increasing, but only what's in hand after a transaction is real money. I clearly feel a sense of crisis this year."
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng cast a glance of appreciation at Cheng Gui.
"I almost believed you. But Old Cheng, you have good vision. It's good to do some other investments."
Although Jiang Cheng didn't reveal the inside information on real estate,
But Jiang Cheng's words were clearly a sign of agreement... Not long after, Cheng Gui was already somewhat hazy with drink, and his steps began to stumble.
Seeing this, Zhang Ting hurried forward to support him, carefully helping him leave the scene first.
As soon as Cheng Gui left, Zhou Ying immediately turned her gaze toward Jiang Cheng.
She asked with a face full of concern, "Jiang Cheng, are you alright?"
Ever since obtaining the system,
Jiang Cheng's physical fitness had significantly improved.
Even his alcohol tolerance was much better than before.
Although he had drunk quite a lot at this moment,
He only felt a bit hot and had no other discomfort.
"I'm fine, just a bit hot," Jiang Cheng replied with a smile. "How about we go to the terrace for some fresh air?"
So, the three of them went to the private terrace together.
When they arrived, the fireworks at Taikoo Li happened to burst forth, their multicolored light illuminating the entire night sky.
Jiang Cheng stood quietly behind Fang Yuan and Zhou Ying.
His silhouette was tall and straight, like a mountain.
He enveloped them both in his shadow, whether intentionally or not, giving them an inexplicable sense of security.
"Are you cold?" Jiang Cheng suddenly asked softly.
Jiang Cheng didn't address anyone by name when he asked this.
Fang Yuan shook her head subconsciously, "No."
Zhou Ying was currently taking photos of the fireworks in the sky with her phone...
Hearing Jiang Cheng's question, she replied with a grin, "I'm not cold! The scenery here is so beautiful!"
Under the cover of the fireworks filling the sky, she didn't notice the subtle atmosphere between Fang Yuan and Jiang Cheng at all.
What Zhou Ying said immediately brought Fang Yuan back to her senses.
Noticing that her body was involuntarily close to Jiang Cheng,
Fang Yuan moved away slightly without leaving a trace.
Staring at the overlapping shadows of the three people on the ground,
Fang Yuan spoke up, "Jiang Cheng, it's not quite appropriate to put this house in my name. It's better to put it in yours."
Hearing this, Zhou Ying also turned back to look at Jiang Cheng.
Zhou Ying also knew that they shouldn't accept this house.
But she also felt it would be strange for her to speak up.
After all, Jiang Cheng had already bought her two houses.
Wouldn't it be a bit pretentious to say this one wasn't appropriate now?
Under the reflection of the fireworks, Jiang Cheng's hand directly rested on Zhou Ying's waist.
"What's inappropriate about it? This is an apology gift from the other party; it's perfectly reasonable to put it in your name. This house is a high-quality asset in Lushan International with great market prospects. Just think of it as an investment."
Seeing the hand Jiang Cheng had around her waist move, signaling her to start persuading,
Zhou Ying blinked and chimed in with a grin, "Mom, Jiang Cheng is right! Anyway, that guy deserves to lose some money. It'd be a waste not to take it!"
Fang Yuan was still somewhat hesitant, "But such a valuable thing..."
Jiang Cheng smiled slightly and said naturally, "If you really feel bad about it, once the procedures are finished, you can transfer it to Yingying at any time, or sell it for cash. Just consider it compensation for mental distress from Wang Fugui."
He spoke flawlessly, and it was clear that Fang Yuan seemed to be swayed by him.
Fang Yuan looked at her daughter, then at Jiang Cheng.
She thought about how every time Jiang Cheng visited, she had to hide in the bedroom to give them some private space.
If there were another house now,
Then she could occasionally go and stay there.
This way, whether Zhou Ying went out to spend the night with Jiang Cheng or he stayed over,
It would be much more convenient.
Besides, to be honest, such a large house,
Fang Yuan was actually quite tempted.
She had been with Zhou Ying's father for so many years,
But she had never obtained any assets like houses or cars.
She only had the right to use them, never ownership.
Suddenly obtaining such a large house,
To be honest, it was hard for her to refuse.