The higher the rank, the vaguer the speech.
The lower the rank, the stronger the comprehension.
This is a common state in workplace socializing.
For someone of Hai Lin's rank, a casual remark at the dinner table would require Zeng Wei to carefully ponder its true meaning.
When Hai Lin, while eating, suddenly mentioned Li Ji, the business he had sabotaged, Zeng Wei felt an ominous premonition.
This dinner was originally supposed to be an opportunity for Zeng Wei to flatter Hai Lin, but it might turn into a critique session from the investors directed at him.
Jiang Beicheng was sharp-witted. In the past, he just hadn't applied his talents to the right path, but he could guess what Hai Lin meant to convey.
He chimed in, "When Li Ji was under my mother's management, no competitor in Jiangnan City could match it, right?"
His words carried two layers of meaning.
On the surface, he was responding to Hai Lin's comment, praising his own mother.
But there was another layer for Zeng Wei to chew on: such a formidable catering brand was ruined by your Zeng family—quite an "impressive" feat.
This wasn't even Zeng Wei's biggest concern. His greatest worry was that his investor, Shen Ping, was present at the table.
As expected, the topic Hai Lin brought up prompted everyone at the table to follow suit.
Sure enough, just as Zeng Wei snapped back to reality, Shen Ping spoke up, addressing him in a cautionary tone, "Mr. Zeng, I've heard about the Li Ji incident.
You should be thankful it didn't cause too much damage to the Chaoniu Hotpot brand.
If Chaoniu Hotpot is to go public, the reputation of the brand—and your reputation—are critical.
Make sure there are no more slip-ups that could make our investment go down the drain."
Zeng Wei's forehead was already beading with sweat. He quickly raised his glass to toast Shen Ping, "I'll definitely be more careful, Mr. Shen. The company's oversight department will enforce strict controls."
As he sat back down after the toast, his gaze flicked toward Jiang Beicheng.
Was this the same Jiang Beicheng he knew, the one who used to indulge in debauchery?
That single remark just now was like a silent, bone-crushing blow.
His calm and composed demeanor made it seem like he was more at ease at this kind of dinner than Zeng Wei himself.
"Mr. Zeng, as a newcomer to the catering industry, I'd like to toast you, the president of the association," Jiang Beicheng suddenly raised his glass and said, "I hope you can lead Jiangnan City's catering industry toward a more standardized path.
May it prosper."
This startled Zeng Wei.
To pull such a move in front of everyone at the table was nothing short of a heart-stabbing jab.
Yet Zeng Wei had no choice but to raise his glass, forcing an awkward smile and nodding, "Of course, of course.
Welcome, young Mr. Jiang, to the big family of Jiangnan City's catering industry.
With your wisdom and capability, you'll surely recreate the glory of your mother's era."
He drank with Jiang Beicheng, all while having to flatter him in front of Hai Lin and the others.
Whether it was sincere or just for show, Jiang Beicheng found it quite satisfying.
[Smile +1]
[Smile Count: 6/10]
A smile appeared on Hai Lin's face as he began to see his nephew in a new light.
From their recent interactions, he could clearly sense that Jiang Beicheng had changed significantly.
He had brought Jiang Beicheng to this dinner not only to back him up as an elder and give Zeng Wei a subtle warning.
It was also a test to see if this once wayward young man could hold his own.
The results were clear: Jiang Beicheng's performance today stood out among his peers in Hai Lin's eyes.
Hai Lin was very pleased. Using his own reputation to support his nephew had paid off—Jiang Beicheng was sensible and capable.
Perhaps he could go even further in the future.
"Young Mr. Jiang is showing more and more of his father's charisma and vision."
"A tiger's son from a noble family—young Mr. Jiang will surely make his mark sooner or later."
Shen Ping and Zhang Zhi began to heap on the praise.
Zeng Wei forced a smile.
He felt bitter inside.
He was the one hosting the dinner, he brought the Maotai, and he was the one doing the flattering… yet he was the one being criticized.
Not only that, all the attention had shifted to Jiang Beicheng.
This dinner was utterly suffocating.
Jiang Beicheng shared a toast with the two financial industry veterans, addressing them politely.
He was well-versed in the ways of navigating a dinner table and basic social etiquette.
The rules of the underworld and the world of politics and business weren't all that different—learning to read the room and adapt was enough.
The classic books he'd read recently had also given him deeper insights into society, gradually refining his rough edges.
His demeanor and speech were starting to become polished.
Of course, back in the underworld circles, he could still thrive like a fish in water.
While Hai Lin and Shen Ping chatted, Jiang Beicheng stepped out to use the restroom.
Unexpectedly, he ran into Zeng Wei outside. Zeng Wei was smoking, and with a smile, he offered Jiang Beicheng a cigarette. "Nephew Beicheng, for a small matter like a shop, you've caused quite a stir.
Buying a shop, using President Hai Lin to pressure me—now my reputation's taken a hit."
He meant he'd lost face in their circle.
Jiang Beicheng smiled as he took the cigarette, and Zeng Wei lit it for him.
Taking a drag, Jiang Beicheng said, "Old Zeng, you've got it wrong. Uncle Hai Lin was the one who invited me to this dinner.
I never intended to use anyone to pressure you.
Uncle Hai Lin did mention having a chat with you, but I thought it wasn't necessary. You know how busy he is—something this trivial doesn't warrant his involvement, right?"
"Hahaha, right, right!" Zeng Wei felt the sarcasm but nodded and smiled along.
Jiang Beicheng was right. If this was just about targeting him, someone of Hai Lin's stature wouldn't need to step in—Zhang Zhi, Hai Lin's subordinate, saying a single word would've been enough.
"Nephew Beicheng, buying that shop must've cost a pretty penny, huh? Are you good on funds going forward? I've got some spare cash—if you need it, just let me know," Zeng Wei said.
This wasn't about playing the good guy or mocking Jiang Beicheng for reckless spending. It was the cunning wisdom of an old fox, knowing when to yield.
With Hai Lin stepping in, Zeng Wei wouldn't dare play any tricks on Jiang Beicheng.
At least until Chaoniu Hotpot went public, he'd have to treat Jiang Beicheng with courtesy.
He was offering a gesture of goodwill, underworld-style, to bail Jiang Beicheng out if needed.
Jiang Beicheng finished his cigarette, smiled, and patted Zeng Wei's shoulder. "Old Zeng, I appreciate the gesture.
No need to worry about funds—I've got plenty of loyal friends around me."
This was the truth, but Zeng Wei felt like Jiang Beicheng was subtly jabbing at him again.
Jabbing at how unrighteous his actions with the shop were.
Having been spooked by Hai Lin's two remarks at the dinner table, Zeng Wei was particularly sensitive now.
"When young Mr. Jiang opens his shop, let me know. I'll come show my support," Zeng Wei said.
Jiang Beicheng welcomed it, saying, "I'll definitely let you know. Having the president of Jiangnan City's Catering Association personally show up is more than I could ask for."
Zeng Wei forced another smile.
Suddenly, he felt like he was dealing with Jiang Tao, Jiang Beicheng's father.
Could Jiang Beicheng's rank already rival his father's?
Zeng Wei, seasoned by years of climbing and scraping, had a sharp eye. Jiang Beicheng was just getting started, and today's performance was half genuine talent and half an act.
What was impressive was that even his act was so convincing.
Once he fully matured and no longer needed to put on a front, his rank would be immeasurable.
Zeng Wei sighed inwardly. He'd thought that with Jiang Tao gone, he could finally step out from the Jiang family's shadow. But now, it seemed another formidable figure was rising.
He and his son, Zeng Haifeng, might have to bow to the Jiang family for another generation.
…
After dinner, Jiang Beicheng left in Hai Lin's driver's car. Hai Lin asked with concern, "Zeng Wei went to the restroom to talk to you, didn't he?"
Jiang Beicheng nodded, smiling. "Uncle Hai Lin, after you put him on the spot like that, of course he had to come clarify his stance with me."
"Hahaha, you little rascal," Hai Lin pointed at Jiang Beicheng with a laugh.