After entering the private room, Wang Meng became somewhat reserved.
"Hmph, I bet Song Qiao is related to the manager of this restaurant. This is not a big deal at all."
"In any other matter, he wouldn't have this much influence."
Jiang Yan, following behind, let out a cold snort, seemingly trying to save face.
"Jiang Yan, just say a little less. Song Qiao actually seems quite capable."
Wang Meng quietly tugged at his sleeve, reminding him.
She was afraid that Jiang Yan would end up provoking someone he shouldn't, bringing great trouble to her company.
"This guy surnamed Song is really haunting. He's stolen my thunder twice."
"Just you wait, I'll find an opportunity to expose this clown for what he is."
Jiang Yan's already unpleasant expression turned even gloomier.
He clenched his fists tightly, seething with resentment towards Song Qiao.
"What are you all standing around for? Sit down quickly, I'm starving."
Seeing the two of them frozen in place after entering, Xia Xueqing started to break the ice.
"Heh heh, President Song, you must have gone to a lot of trouble to get this private room."
"I didn't expect you to be on such good terms with the lobby manager here."
As Jiang Yan sat down, he began to mock Song Qiao.
However, it was clear to everyone that while he was praising Song Qiao on the surface, he was subtly implying that Song Qiao was just a connection-wielding individual who knew the lobby manager.
Song Qiao couldn't be bothered to explain.
After all, Jiang Yan had a mouth, so let him say what he wanted.
...
The meal didn't last long. After both sides were full, Jiang Yan said faintly:
"Mengmeng, let's go see my godfather. We still need his opinion on the project."
"Xueqing and President Song, you can come along too. Wang Meng can drive you home afterwards."
For some reason, he deliberately glanced at Song Qiao as he spoke, a hint of provocation in his eyes.
Wang Meng's heart lit up. She hadn't expected Jiang Yan, who usually made excuses to avoid helping, to agree so readily today.
She quickly agreed, "That's wonderful! Thank you for your trouble with this."
"It's nothing."
Jiang Yan's eyes narrowed into slits, clearly feeling that he had won back some ground against Song Qiao.
...
Song Qiao and Xia Xueqing did not refuse the invitation. Song Qiao did not make a special mention of owning a luxury car and instead rode in Jiang Yan's car to the Gao family's office building.
"You two wait in the car. I'll go see my godfather myself."
After stopping the car, Jiang Yan's tone became noticeably more serious.
"My godfather has a bad temper. He doesn't like to be disturbed."
Song Qiao let out a laugh, "How can Gao Yuan be that strict? Aren't you his godson? Will he deliberately make things difficult for you?"
"Hmph, what do you know? People at his level have their own personalities and tempers."
Jiang Yan snorted and ignored Song Qiao, getting out of the car and slamming the door shut angrily.
He was actually very nervous. Although Gao Yuan was his godfather, his father's power had been increasingly falling behind Gao Yuan's in recent years, and he had gradually faded out of the circle.
Furthermore, Gao Yuan had never liked him much since he was young. Although he had boasted to Wang Meng today, he had no confidence in his heart.
*Knock, knock, knock*
He nervously knocked on the door.
"Who is it? Come in. Didn't I say not to disturb me during lunchtime?"
A few seconds later, Gao Yuan's displeased voice came from the office.
"Godfather, it's me, Jiang Yan."
Hearing the tone, Jiang Yan's heart sank.
But there was no turning back now, so he had to brace himself and walk in.
"Oh? It's Jiang Yan. What are you here to see me for so suddenly?"
Gao Yuan frowned, his face still showing some anger.
He had a habit of napping in his office during lunch, and being woken up suddenly, his mood was definitely not pleasant.
"Godfather, I just came to see you, and I have a small matter I'd like to ask for your help with."
As Jiang Yan spoke, he placed the premium cigarettes and liquor he had prepared on Gao Yuan's desk.
"What is it? Why didn't your father come to see me?"
Gao Yuan asked directly without looking up.
He strongly disliked his so-called godson, feeling that the Jiang family had spoiled him into a useless idler over the years.
Seeing his godfather's indifferent attitude, Jiang Yan felt a bit awkward.
"It's like this, my girlfriend's company wants to get two project approval qualifications from you. What do you think..."
"No. The project qualifications I allocate are for large corporations. These small workshops can't handle such risks."
Before Jiang Yan could finish, Gao Yuan interrupted him with a dark expression.
"This..."
"There's no need to say more. This matter is not up for discussion, even if your father were here.
Gao Yuan waved his hand, intending to dismiss Jiang Yan.
He was extremely disappointed with this brat Jiang Yan.
"To use up such a favor for this, this scoundrel actually treats it as a way to coax his girlfriend. Does he think this is a game of make-believe?"
Moreover, from what he knew, Jiang Yan changed girlfriends faster than he changed clothes; he was a complete playboy.
Seeing this, Jiang Yan dared not say another word. Gritting his teeth, he sheepishly left Gao Yuan's office.
"How was it, Jiang Yan? Did your godfather agree?"
As soon as he stepped out of the office building, Wang Meng anxiously crowded around him, her expression filled with tension and anticipation.
Jiang Yan's face immediately flushed with shame.
"Mengmeng, this matter is indeed a bit difficult. My godfather, he... he said your company doesn't have the ability to bear the risks, so..."
Hearing this answer, Wang Meng's expectant eyes turned blank, followed by a deep sense of disappointment.
She forcefully suppressed her emotions and comforted Jiang Yan.
"It's okay. I'll think of another way."
"Mengmeng, don't worry. My godfather might not have been in a good mood today. Tonight, I'll have my father take me to visit them personally. Maybe then he'll agree."
Even though Wang Meng didn't blame him, Jiang Yan still felt a loss of face and continued to explain with lingering dissatisfaction.
Wang Meng could only take these words as comfort.
Since Gao Yuan had refused so decisively the first time, the hope for the future was likely very slim.
When they returned to the car, Song Qiao could tell from their expressions that things hadn't gone as smoothly as Jiang Yan thought.
He probably hit a wall with Gao Yuan.
"Since the matter is so urgent, I'll go and speak to him on your behalf."