Song Luokui got into the car and noticed that Chi Yu looked at her for a while before saying, "Why don't we skip this?"
Song Luokui smiled wryly, "Huh? What are you talking about?" Going or not was not her decision originally, but she did spend two hours getting ready, so she couldn't bear for that effort to be wasted.
Chi Yu said, "You look very beautiful today, even more beautiful than usual."
Song Luokui replied, "...Thank you, let's go."
Today, Chi Yu didn't drive himself. The driver was behind the wheel since Song Luokui might need to drink alcohol later.
They soon arrived at the private gathering venue, an ancient palace-style residence with two giant stone lions guarding the entrance.
After getting out of the car, Chi Yu went around to open the door for Song Luokui and helped her out. He then gestured for Song Luokui to link her arm with his.
Song Luokui obediently slipped her arm through his elbow, and they entered the courtyard together.
As soon as they stepped inside, a person came to greet them. Upon seeing Chi Yu accompanied by a lady, his eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly recovered and walked over with a smile, saying, "Brother, you're here."
"Yes," Chi Yu nodded slightly and introduced Song Luokui, "This is Li Yanbei."
Song Luokui nodded at him, "Hello, I'm Song Luokui."
"Hello, hello," Li Yanbei exclaimed inwardly. No wonder Brother brought her along - she looked like a celestial beauty.
Chi Yu led Song Luokui to follow Li Yanbei inside. Upon entering the hall, they saw rows of wooden sofas and chairs with soft cushions. The overhead ceiling was also carved from wood.
The few people seated on the sofas stood up. "Brother."
"Brother, you're here."
Chi Yu brought Song Luokui to the center and sat down. "Yes."
Song Luokui also recognized one familiar face, Ji Xiao, but she didn't know the others.
Chi Yu then introduced the rest, "Yu Heng, Zhou Wenqin, Jiang Xubai, Ji Xiao, and Li Yanbei whom you just met."
Song Luokui realized these were the elite members of Jing City's most prominent families.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Song Luokui."
"Hello, hello," they greeted her warmly.
Ji Xiao said, "You remember me, junior sister?"
Song Luokui replied, "Yes, senior brother Ji Xiao."
After the introductions, Li Yanbei had someone bring food and drinks, including sweet wines, beverages, and various fruits and pastries, considering the presence of a lady.
Song Luokui didn't know why Chi Yu had brought her here, being the only woman among these men. However, as they started discussing global affairs, she focused intently while snacking and sipping her drink.
"Country G's economy in the southern hemisphere is already 40% controlled by Country R. If they gain more control, Country G might become a territory of Country R."
"Brother, should we intervene? Country G is rich in mineral resources."
Chi Yu said, "Short their gold, spread rumors about Country R planning to invade Country G. Yu Heng, you disrupt Country R's market to prevent them from reaching Country G. Also, aren't they due for a leadership change? Stir things up."
Everyone laughed and toasted with their drinks. "As always, Brother has a plan."
"We have intel that the oil tycoon Akshvasaren from Country A is critically ill. His sons are already fighting for succession. If this news spreads, it could cause major fluctuations in global oil prices, triggering a chain reaction."
"Countries N and P in Africa are on the verge of war. It's likely to erupt soon. Country N controls 60% of the world's diamond mines."
"Wenqin, watch out for your family's gem business."
Zhou Wenqin replied, "Our previous supplier was indeed Country N, but we've recently found an alternative source, though not a permanent solution. But our family has more than just this one business."
Chi Yu swirled the golden liquid in his glass, the light refracting through the transparent crystal creating an aesthetic effect. "The war won't last long, just a power play between major nations. It should be over in about half a year."
Zhou Wenqin said, "I trust what you say, Brother."
Listening to the discussions about war, oil, gold, and minerals, Song Luokui finally understood how Chi Yu became the wealthiest person globally. Was this already a global strategy unfolding?
Song Luokui became a bit distracted and drank a few sips from a bottle she thought contained fruit juice, its sweet flavor lingering on her tongue. She took a few more sips...
Although engaged in conversation with the others, Chi Yu kept an eye on Song Luokui, peeling and passing her some seeds to snack on.
Song Luokui took a few bites, then drank a few more sips of the sweet beverage.
"By the way, the Wei Family recently allied with the newcomers, the Chen, Zhao, and Sun Families. They seem determined to secure that position."
Li Yanbei scoffed, "But there are still three years left. Aren't they being too hasty?"
"Perhaps they don't want to wait three years. I heard they also want to cooperate with the Song Family. Wei Qing has apparently approached someone from the Song Family. The Song Family's support would be crucial."
Song Luokui looked up. Were they talking about her family?
She glanced at Chi Yu, who offered her more seeds.
Song Luokui remained silent, lowering her gaze.
Li Yanbei said, "The person from the Song Family doesn't have a good relationship with Brother. He wouldn't really cooperate with the Wei Family, would he?"
Ji Xiao nudged him, "Ahem."
Li Yanbei asked, "What?"
Ji Xiao gave him a meaningful look.
Li Yanbei finally understood and glanced at Song Luokui. No way...
He immediately fell silent with an awkward chuckle. "Never mind, Brother will definitely have a way to handle it. Oh, I obtained a treasure. Let me show you."
Li Yanbei went to retrieve the treasure.
Meanwhile, Song Luokui had finished the bottle in front of her and suddenly felt dizzy.
She blinked and shook her head, but the dizziness persisted. Was she... drunk?
Chi Yu noticed her strange behavior. "What's wrong?"
The others also looked over. Song Luokui's face was flushed, her eyes and brows enchanting as she gazed at Chi Yu with a sweet voice, "Huh? Why are there two of you?"
Chi Yu: ?
Ji Xiao picked up the bottle, "This is sweet wine. Is she... drunk?"
Chi Yu saw that it was indeed sweet wine. Initially, he thought it was a non-alcoholic beverage since he had asked Li Yanbei to provide drinks. He knew Song Luokui couldn't handle alcohol.
Song Luokui shook her head, "I'm a bit dizzy." The next moment, she collapsed into Chi Yu's embrace.
Chi Yu caught her and said, "I'll take her back first. Let's call it a day."
"Sure, Brother, take your time."
Chi Yu scooped her up in a princess carry and left. Li Yanbei, who had just returned with the treasure, saw them leaving and asked, "Hey? Brother, where are you going?"
Ji Xiao held him back, "Your future sister-in-law is drunk."
Li Yanbei exclaimed, "Ah? That was just a low-alcohol sweet wine!"
Ji Xiao said, "Song Luokui can't handle alcohol."
Li Yanbei scratched his head, "My mistake. But Brother brought someone from the Song Family here. As expected of Brother, his methods are brilliant! He's already won over the Song Family. The Wei Family's ambitions are dashed!"
Ji Xiao sighed, "...You've misunderstood Brother's intentions for bringing her. This is a declaration of his stance, to make us more vigilant."
