Penguin Ma felt a bit guilty after being spoken to by Jiang Quanshui and Jack Ma.
He didn't feel he had earned his money unconscionably, but he did admit to making some money from games targeting children, which wasn't exactly a glorious matter. He worried that Xia Feng might be displeased.
Penguin Ma secretly exchanged a glance with the other two, signaling them to not expose his past. He didn't want them to push him so hard.
"It's good that you do more charity in education. Teacher Ma, you are very good," Xia Feng said, looking at Jack Ma with admiration.
Upon hearing this, Jack Ma's spirits lifted. He replied humbly, "I will pay more attention to charity in this area in the future."
"Now, children's education is a significant expense for every family.
For the wealthy, it's manageable. For the poor, it's simply unaffordable.
Although enrolling in school is no longer charged, the expenses are higher than before.
Previously, outside schools, there were convenience stores and restaurants.
Now, outside schools, there are tutoring centers and enrichment classes.
They not only squeeze the joy out of children's childhoods but also drain adults' wallets.
Mr. Ma, I will donate 1 billion Euros to you. Can you help me invest it in educational charity?" Dula Bide said.
"Okay, I thank you on behalf of the children," Jack Ma replied with heartfelt gratitude.
"This foreigner is more generous than Penguin Ma when it comes to doing things."
"I'll also donate 5 billion to you. Your educational charity work is quite comprehensive," Jiang Quanshui chimed in.
Seeing that both of them had donated, Penguin Ma felt he had to set an example. He looked at Jack Ma and said, "I'll donate 8 billion to you. This money will also be used for educational charity."
Although Penguin Ma was somewhat displeased about putting this money into Jack Ma's charity organization, he had to donate at this moment to avoid Xia Feng developing any negative feelings towards him.
"Good," Jack Ma said, seeing Penguin Ma's constipated expression, and felt immensely pleased.
He wasn't afraid of Penguin Ma going back on his word. Having said it in front of Xia Feng, how dare he regret it?
In the time it took to drink a cup of tea, over 20 billion in charitable donations had been raised. Jack Ma was quite happy.
At the same time, he marveled at Xia Feng's charisma. Without saying a word, everyone was eagerly donating.
As dinner time approached, Xia Lin and the others returned from shopping.
"Brother, we ate so much today when we went out. We won't be eating out tonight," Xia Lin said, running to Xia Feng and smiling.
"Whatever is fine," Xia Feng nodded.
Speaking of dinner, Jiang Quanshui said, "Young Master Xia, how about arranging for everyone to eat fish by the river tonight?"
"Let's just eat at the hotel. I found the food at noon quite good, and I'm too lazy to go anywhere else," Xia Feng refused Jiang Quanshui's suggestion.
"Alright then, I'll go downstairs and order. You can come down when it's ready," Jiang Quanshui nodded.
"Mm, go ahead," Xia Feng replied.
After receiving Xia Feng's affirmation, Jiang Quanshui went downstairs to order.
..............
"Leader, the private room has been booked," as Deputy Provincial Governor Liu's car came to a stop, Secretary Wang rushed over, opened the door, and greeted him with a smile.
"Good," Deputy Provincial Governor Liu nodded in response.
Then, Deputy Provincial Governor Liu turned to Secretary Wang and asked, "The private room was booked under my personal name, right?"
"Yes, as per your instructions, it was booked under your personal name," Secretary Wang quickly replied.
Deputy Provincial Governor Liu was treating his old comrade to a meal, so he couldn't use public funds. The money had to come from his own pocket.
"Mm," Deputy Provincial Governor Liu nodded and walked towards the Huamide Hotel.
As the two arrived at the private rooms on the third floor, they encountered Jiang Quanshui.
"General Manager Jiang," Deputy Provincial Governor Liu spoke first.
"Deputy Provincial Governor Liu, why have you come here?" Jiang Quanshui frowned, thinking Deputy Provincial Governor Liu had come specifically to find him.
Deputy Provincial Governor Liu didn't get angry. Secretary Wang, who was by his side, couldn't stand it.
He let out a soft snort, not loudly, but exceptionally piercing. He said in a deep voice, "General Manager Jiang, Deputy Provincial Governor Liu is simply treating a friend to a meal here, not specifically looking for you."
Jiang Quanshui didn't even look at him.
"Deputy Provincial Governor Liu, I'm really busy today. I'll treat you next time," Jiang Quanshui said apologetically to Deputy Provincial Governor Liu.
"Haha... It's alright. Since General Manager Jiang is busy today, I can also invite my old comrade for a drink," Deputy Provincial Governor Liu laughed heartily, not minding.
"To express my apology, I'll cover Deputy Provincial Governor Liu's expenses at Huamide today." Jiang Quanshui felt a little embarrassed and offered to pay the bill.
"Alright, then I'll respectfully accept," Deputy Provincial Governor Liu didn't refuse, as it would have been too impolite to Jiang Quanshui.
After shaking hands, they parted ways.
"Secretary Wang, what's wrong with you today?" Deputy Provincial Governor Liu asked with a stern face after Jiang Quanshui had left.
"Leader, I just saw that General Manager Jiang wasn't giving you any face, and I felt a bit indignant," Secretary Wang felt wronged for Deputy Provincial Governor Liu.
"I'll remind you today: do your own job properly," Deputy Provincial Governor Liu said and turned to walk towards the private room.
Secretary Wang could see that Deputy Provincial Governor Liu was a bit angry and followed behind silently, not daring to speak.
After arriving at the private room, Deputy Provincial Governor Liu ordered a few appetizers and two bottles of wine.
Even though Jiang Quanshui was paying, he didn't order carelessly.
After sitting for a short while, Deputy Provincial Governor Liu's phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, his lips curved into a smile. He answered the phone and asked, "Have you arrived?"
"At the entrance."
"Then I'll come down to meet you." Deputy Provincial Governor Liu hung up the phone and hurried outside.
"Leader, please sit. I'll go and meet them for you," Secretary Wang quickly stood up and called out.
"My comrade's identity is unusual. You can't meet him. I have to go personally," Deputy Provincial Governor Liu said without looking back and went downstairs.
Hearing this, Secretary Wang gasped.
In their line of work, words had meaning. Deputy Provincial Governor Liu was telling Secretary Wang that the person he was inviting today had a higher status than him, and he had to meet them personally.
"You dead log, can't you smile at me?" Deputy Provincial Governor Liu said after going downstairs, patting his comrade's shoulder.
"Heh heh..." The person chuckled without revealing his teeth, faking a smile that looked somewhat stiff.
Deputy Provincial Governor Liu was speechless. "Stop smiling. You look worse than crying when you smile. Let's go, let's drink to our heart's content today."
Secretary Wang looked at the man who came up with Deputy Provincial Governor Liu and secretly glanced at him.
That one glance made Secretary Wang's heart tremble.
Just then, Xia Feng and the others came out of the elevator and headed straight for the private room.
Deputy Provincial Governor Liu saw Jiang Quanshui following behind a young man. Penguin Ma and Jack Ma were by his side. As for the foreigner behind them, he hadn't paid much attention. Seeing this, Deputy Provincial Governor Liu was shocked.
Jiang Quanshui's refusal of his dinner invitation today seemed to be related to that young man.
It wasn't just Jiang Quanshui. Even Penguin Ma and Jack Ma were following him, which completely overturned his perception of reality.
Deputy Provincial Governor Liu paused for a moment, his eyes fixed on the group as they entered the private room before he looked away.
Meanwhile, the man beside Deputy Provincial Governor Liu showed a look of excitement, his hands clenched tightly into fists.
"What's wrong?" Deputy Provincial Governor Liu asked curiously.
The man didn't say anything. He stepped forward and walked towards Xia Feng's private room.