An Li finally managed to escape thanks to a phone call. Once outside, she texted Fang Lian saying she needed to leave due to an urgent matter, and soon after Fang Lian followed suit.
"Leaving before the gathering ends doesn't leave a great impression." That's what he said.
An Li was immediately infuriated, "That has nothing to do with me."
Fang Lian, however, held onto her hand and pleaded with her, "Just treat it as helping me out, okay? It wasn't easy to get into this event today; I've worked so hard to build these connections. If things go well today and the partnership is secured, my life will be much easier, and I'll have more time with you."
Looking at Fang Lian, An Li felt utterly disappointed, "They've been forcing me to drink, can't you see I'm at my limit?"
Fang Lian assumed she was like him; in this business, you need a good tolerance for alcohol to stand a better chance.
That's how these dinners worked — if people drank happily, everything could be negotiated.
