Liang Jinghe was discussing work with Lu Lingchuan when Shen Nian came in and interrupted them.
After greeting Shen Nian, Liang Jinghe continued talking to Lu Lingchuan: "Tian Ya Group has the most advanced technology in the country. If we can collaborate with them, we can do even better."
Lu Lingchuan made an affirmative sound, as he was also aware of this.
"I had my assistant look into it, and Tian Ya Group's chairman is a drunk. As long as he's happy with the drinks, anything can be discussed."
"I've prepared two decent bottles of wine, and have scheduled a meeting for 8 pm tonight. Is that okay with you?"
Lu Lingchuan: "Alright."
After a pause, he looked up and finally made eye contact with Shen Nian.
His gaze was cold and indifferent, with a hint of aloofness: "You come too."
Their current positions seemed to be merely those of a boss and an employee.
Being called out, Shen Nian reacted quickly, holding the files and lowering her head slightly.
"Yes, Mr. Lu."
Then she left the office.
Liang Jinghe was looking at the documents while talking to Lu Lingchuan, so she didn't notice Lu Lingchuan's absent-mindedness.
Lu Lingchuan stared in the direction of the door, watching her leave the office until she was out of sight.
He averted his gaze, with a hint of gloom in his eyes.
.....................
At 7:50 pm, Lu Lingchuan's car arrived on time at the entrance of the luxury hotel.
Shen Nian got out of the car first, followed by Liang Jinghe's assistant.
Liang Jinghe's assistant was carrying the wine, while Shen Nian was holding the materials they would need.
Lu Lingchuan and Liang Jinghe got out from the back, with Liang Jinghe naturally hooking her arm around the man's as they walked inside while discussing work.
Shen Nian and Liang Jinghe's assistant followed behind.
The staff opened the private room door for them, and Chairman Cheng had already arrived.
Greetings were naturally exchanged between the two parties.
"Mr. Lu, Ms. Liang! It's been a long time."
Chairman Cheng shook hands with Lu Lingchuan first, then Liang Jinghe extended her hand and greeted with a smile: "The last time I saw Uncle Cheng was at an auction two years ago. You seem to be getting younger and younger."
Liang Jinghe's ability to handle interpersonal relationships was truly remarkable. With just one "Uncle Cheng," she immediately closed the distance between them and Chairman Cheng, and then added a compliment, putting the latter in a good mood. Even if the collaboration didn't work out, he would still give them some favors in their work out of courtesy.
Sure enough, Chairman Cheng was flattered by Liang Jinghe's words, laughing with his mouth wide open. His gaze fell on Liang Jinghe's hand hooked around Lu Lingchuan's arm, "You two are..."
Liang Jinghe gave a slight smile and nodded.
Chairman Cheng immediately understood, praising them: "What a perfect match you two are! You must send me an invitation when you get married!"
"Definitely." Liang Jinghe smiled: "I'll deliver it to you in person."
The atmosphere was set very nicely right from the start. They took their seats, with Lu Lingchuan on the left of Chairman Cheng, and Liang Jinghe on his right. Shen Nian took the seat next to Liang Jinghe, separated by one empty seat.
Everyone was seated.
It was only then that Chairman Cheng noticed Shen Nian: "So this is Assistant Shen."
Being addressed, Shen Nian stood up, giving Chairman Cheng a standard smile and a nod: "Good evening, Chairman Cheng. I'm Mr. Lu's assistant, Shen Nian."
Chairman Cheng laughed: "I've heard a lot about the famous Assistant Shen. Now that I've seen you, you really are young, beautiful, and most importantly, capable!"
Everyone knew that Lu Lingchuan had a very devoted assistant who had been following him and helping him build his career.
"Chairman Cheng, you flatter me. I'm just doing my job," Shen Nian nodded slightly, then sat down.
Liang Jinghe chimed in at the right time: "Knowing that Uncle Cheng likes to drink, a few days ago my dad brought back some good wine from abroad, and I picked out two decent bottles for Uncle Cheng."
After saying that, she glanced at her assistant, who immediately understood and picked up the bag at her feet, taking out two bottles of wine.
"Wow!" Upon seeing the wine, Chairman Cheng's expression changed instantly, turning the bottles around in his hands and praising: "Indeed, it's good wine!"
Having drunk for so many years, Chairman Cheng was so familiar with wines that he could tell the quality just by looking at it.
"I had this brand three years ago, and wanted to buy more, but their production was too low and I couldn't get my hands on it."
Liang Jinghe smiled: "Well, now you have it."
"Hahaha..." Chairman Cheng was very pleased, praising Liang Jinghe: "You little girl, you really know how to make me happy."
Liang Jinghe's smile deepened: "As long as Uncle Cheng is happy."
Lu Lingchuan said very little, with Liang Jinghe being the one to liven up the atmosphere.
Chairman Cheng had someone bring over glasses, and immediately opened the wine that Liang Jinghe gave him, personally pouring it for her and Lu Lingchuan. The three of them clinked glasses.
Now that their boss was speaking, Shen Nian, as the assistant, naturally didn't need to stand up and put on a fake smile.
Her phone, on silent mode, had been vibrating. She lowered her gaze and discreetly took out her phone.
It was Xiao Mubai sending her messages, asking how she was feeling.
[Doing fine.] Shen Nian replied.
He quickly sent a new message.
[I heard there's a food street on South Street today, want to check it out?] Xiao Mubai extended an invitation.
Shen Nian typed: [No need, I'm out discussing work, not sure when it will end.]
[With Lu Lingchuan?]
"..." Shen Nian's hand touching the screen paused for a moment before she replied.
[Yes.]
[...]
There was no reply for over a minute, and just as Shen Nian thought he wouldn't reply, a new message popped up on the screen.
[Remember the doctor's advice, don't drink alcohol, you have an allergy condition now.]
[Got it.]
"Assistant Shen."
Shen Nian had just sent the message when she heard someone calling her name.
She immediately turned off her phone and tucked it behind the chair, then looked up to see Chairman Cheng looking at her, as well as... Lu Lingchuan.
Shen Nian stood up: "Chairman Cheng."
Chairman Cheng laughed: "I've heard that Assistant Shen can drink thousands of glasses without getting drunk. Since it's rare for us to meet, we should have a good toast together."
He then gestured to his secretary, who immediately came over with the wine bottle and poured a full glass for Shen Nian.
"..." Shen Nian paused for a moment, then said humbly: "I only occasionally have a small drink."
She didn't take the wine, but picked up a glass of juice instead: "I haven't been feeling well lately, so I'll substitute the wine with juice."
"Oh come on, it's rare for us to have a meal together. Just having juice isn't fun, you should drink wine and enjoy yourself!"
"If Shen Nian's assistant doesn't feel well, then he should drink less," Chairman Cheng thought Shen Nian's mention of "not feeling well" meant that a relative had come.
"..." Shen Nian did not respond.
The atmosphere at the scene became awkward.
Chairman Cheng had been smiling, but after Shen Nian didn't respond to him for a full minute, his smile began to fade. He turned to look at Lu Lingchuan.
"Mr. Lu, your assistant isn't giving me any face."
