"Xiao Zhu, I've invited another guest later, I hope you don't mind?"
Zhang Zhitao settled into the chair Zhu Haifeng had pulled out and spoke. However, his tone didn't suggest he was asking for the other's opinion.
Though Zhu Haifeng was displeased that Zhang Zhitao had invited others, he currently needed him for a favor. When you're under someone's roof, you have to lower your head. So, he forced a smile and said, "Brother Zhang, what are you saying? Your guest is my honored guest. How could I possibly mind?"
Zhang Zhitao gave an "En." Then, he and Zhu Haifeng chatted aimlessly.
Seeing Zhang Zhitao glancing at the door from time to time, Zhu Haifeng became curious about who the guest was. If the guest's status was higher than Zhang Zhitao's, Zhang Zhitao would never have invited them while having dinner with him. But if the guest's status was lower than Zhang Zhitao's, they wouldn't dare to be late. People like them were very particular about seniority. He guessed it was likely a business owner.
*Ding-ding-ding.*
Zhang Zhitao's phone rang. He picked it up and a hint of joy appeared on his face. "Ah, Manager Liu, you've arrived? Yes, yes, this is the place. I'm in private room number two. Just come directly."
Zhang Zhitao hung up and said to Zhu Haifeng, "Xiao Zhu, my stomach hasn't been feeling too well lately. When my guest arrives, please entertain them well for me."
"Certainly, Brother Zhang. You can count on me." Zhu Haifeng agreed without hesitation.
A few minutes later, a man and a woman walked in. At first, when he saw the woman enter, Zhang Zhitao stood up with a smile. But when he saw the man following her, Zhang Zhitao visibly stiffened.
"What's wrong, Brother Zhang?" Zhu Haifeng, who had also stood up, asked as he noticed Zhang Zhitao's expression was a bit off.
Zhang Zhitao waved his hand, saying it was nothing. Then, he raised his hand and waved at the man and woman who had just walked in. The couple immediately walked towards their private room upon seeing Zhang Zhitao.
"Section Chief Zhang."
"Section Chief Zhang."
The man and woman who entered greeted Zhang Zhitao first. Then, Zhang Zhitao introduced them to Zhu Haifeng.
"This is Director Zhu Haifeng, who owns a chemical plant in our development zone."
"These two are Manager Liu and her boyfriend, who are preparing to build a factory in our development zone."
The visitors were indeed Liu Shishi and Du Fei. Initially, Liu Shishi was surprised when Zhang Zhitao called, not knowing why he had contacted her. Later, Zhang Zhitao explained on the phone that he had a friend who also had a factory in the development zone and was having dinner with them that day. If Liu Shishi was free, she could come over and join them for some exchange. Liu Shishi immediately agreed. However, she felt it might not be appropriate for her to attend such a gathering alone, so she brought Du Fei along.
After greeting Zhu Haifeng, Du Fei and Liu Shishi took their seats.
"By the way, the two of you, do you have any dietary restrictions?" Zhu Haifeng had dined with Zhang Zhitao many times and was familiar with his eating habits.
After Du Fei and Liu Shishi indicated they had no restrictions, Zhu Haifeng called the waiter and ordered several of the signature wild game dishes from this restaurant. After all, Zhang Zhitao had specifically chosen this wild game restaurant, so Zhu Haifeng was determined to serve him well. As for why Zhu Haifeng had initially been told to entertain Zhang Zhitao's guest well, upon seeing Du Fei and Liu Shishi arrive, and based on his understanding of Zhang Zhitao, he immediately guessed the intention. Zhang Zhitao was ten parts sure that he had taken a liking to Manager Liu. This was because Zhang Zhitao was notorious for being lecherous, and upon seeing a beauty like Liu Shishi, he would be like a cat smelling fish, determined to get his hands on her.
After they chatted for about ten minutes, the wild game dishes Zhu Haifeng ordered were served one after another.
"Manager Liu, come, come, try this. This wild game restaurant is very famous, you can't get this anywhere else." Zhang Zhitao enthusiastically invited Liu Shishi. Liu Shishi actually didn't particularly enjoy wild game, but given Zhang Zhitao's enthusiasm, she couldn't directly refuse. Fortunately, Du Fei spoke up then. "Section Chief Zhang, thank you for your kind offer. My girlfriend isn't very interested in these wild game dishes. You all should eat more."
"Alright then, I won't be polite." Zhang Zhitao nodded.
After a while, Zhu Haifeng was the first to raise his glass to toast Liu Shishi. Liu Shishi waved her hand slightly, saying she couldn't drink much.
"Manager Liu, that's not right. We in China have a culture of drinking at the table. We'll all be colleagues in the development zone in the future, so you must have this drink." Zhang Zhitao interjected.
With the words spoken, Liu Shishi had no choice but to reluctantly drink. After one drink, Liu Shishi's face immediately flushed red, adding a touch of intoxicated beauty to her already stunning appearance. Zhang Zhitao's eyes seemed glued to her.
Next, Zhang Zhitao and Zhu Haifeng took turns toasting Liu Shishi. Gradually, Du Fei and Liu Shishi began to sense something was amiss.
As they were about to toast again, Du Fei spoke up, "Section Chief Zhang, Director Zhu, the two of you, as grown men, constantly pressuring my girlfriend to drink seems rather inappropriate, don't you think?"
"Brother Du, what do you mean by that?" Since Zhu Haifeng had already guessed Zhang Zhitao's intentions and had been instructed earlier, he naturally knew that only by getting Liu Shishi drunk could they achieve their goal.
Du Fei said calmly, "It means nothing. I just feel that if Director Zhu and you two want to drink, then I'll accompany you until you've had your fill."
Zhang Zhitao frowned slightly, displeased. However, he was well aware of Zhu Haifeng's drinking capacity and knew that he could easily consume two catties of liquor without issue. He secretly nodded at Zhu Haifeng. Zhang Zhitao had been planning to find an opportunity to get Du Fei drunk as well to achieve his goals. Now that Du Fei had volunteered, it was even better.
Upon receiving the signal, Zhu Haifeng immediately said, "Alright, but I have to make it clear beforehand. Since you're drinking on behalf of Manager Liu, you have to double it. How about it?"
Du Fei scoffed and said, "No problem."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhitao and Zhu Haifeng thought Du Fei was an idiot for agreeing to such terms. They planned to have him pass out under the table later. However, once they actually started drinking, Zhu Haifeng quickly realized that his earlier assumption was completely wrong, and indeed, wildly so. Zhu Haifeng considered himself a heavy drinker, having consumed nearly three catties of Baijiu at his peak. But now, with Du Fei drinking two cups for every one of his, Zhu Haifeng quickly began to babble incoherently and then slumped over under the table.