"Heh, who is this big shot, just handing out projects like this, what a generous gesture," Song Qiao hadn't finished speaking when Jiang Yan's expression changed slightly, his tone laced with mockery. He had originally been contemplating using this situation to get Wang Meng into his bed, but to have Song Qiao steal the spotlight had clearly displeased him.
"Yeah, Brother Song, this matter isn't as simple as you imagine." Wang Meng also couldn't help but question Song Qiao's words. Even if the other party was a big shot, it was unlikely they would directly give a project to someone they had just met.
"Mengmeng, my brother-in-law is very capable. He owns two companies, perhaps he can help you with something." Seeing her best friend's distrust of Song Qiao, Xia Xueqing, afraid she would miss this opportunity, quickly explained.
"Hmph, you students haven't entered society yet, you lack experience and are easily brainwashed by a few words from certain people," Jiang Yan retorted disdainfully from the side. He had subconsciously categorized Song Qiao and Xia Xueqing as mere small vendors, judging by their ordinary attire.
Song Qiao, hearing his sharp and sarcastic words, didn't get too angry. He just chuckled a few times and stopped talking. Jiang Yan immediately became more smug. He casually patted Wang Meng's shoulder and said, "Mengmeng, you don't need to rush this matter. To tell you the truth, my godfather is the elder brother of Secretary Gao in our city. He's extremely powerful. If he were to intervene, things would be very simple."
Wang Meng initially instinctively wanted to evade, but after hearing Jiang Yan's words, she froze. She knew that Jiang Yan had some influence locally and his family owned many businesses, but she never expected him to have such a formidable godfather like Gao Yuan. That was the patriarch of the Gao family, someone whose stamp of approval could shake the entire city.
"Heh, how about that? Now you can rest assured, right?" Seeing Wang Meng's astonished expression, Jiang Yan's smile never faded. He also deliberately glanced at Song Qiao, his eyes full of pride.
"Gao Yuan." Hearing the name, Song Qiao found himself in a rather amusing predicament. He hadn't expected that he had just exchanged greetings with the man half an hour ago, and Gao Yuan had even given him a business card. Now it was being used so quickly.
"If it's the Gao Yuan you're talking about, then it will be even easier. I just need to make a phone call later, and it'll be settled," Song Qiao said lightly, taking a sip of his tea. From the moment he entered, he had seen through Jiang Yan's ulterior motives and naturally didn't want Wang Meng to fall into his clutches.
"Hahaha, you're really boasting too much!" "Do you even know who Gao Yuan you're talking about is? And you say you just need a phone call? I think you only know him from television." Jiang Yan almost spat out his tea upon hearing Song Qiao's audacious claim. He had met people who bragged, but never anyone who bragged this much. Gao Yuan's identity had always been mysterious and low-key; if his father hadn't been classmates with him years ago, he probably wouldn't have this connection.
Wang Meng, hearing Song Qiao's seemingly unreliable words, couldn't help but frown. She had something to ask of Jiang Yan, and Song Qiao had repeatedly undermined the situation. She was genuinely worried that Jiang Yan would get angry and refuse to help her.
"Xueqing, this..." After a moment of hesitation, she didn't speak up but also stopped addressing Song Qiao. She turned to Jiang Yan and said, "Jiang Yan, I'll have to trouble you with this matter. I must treat you to dinner today, please don't refuse."
"Alright, then I'll gratefully accept your invitation," Jiang Yan chuckled, his excitement growing as he saw his scheme succeeding.
"Xueqing, since we ran into each other so coincidentally today, why don't we all have a meal together?" Xia Xueqing didn't immediately agree. She first glanced at Song Qiao, seeking her brother-in-law's opinion.
"No problem, but the hall is too noisy. Let's talk in a private room," Song Qiao replied calmly. After all, they would be discussing project allocation later, and with so many people around in the hall, it could cause unnecessary trouble if overheard by the wrong person.
"Come on, you really don't know the immensity of heaven and earth, do you?" "This ethnic restaurant has only had three private rooms since it opened, and you need to reserve them in advance to use them. Do you think you can just go in whenever you want?" "What a country bumpkin who's never seen the world. Do you think this is like eating spicy skewers at a small restaurant back home?" Jiang Yan burst into laughter, openly mocking Song Qiao without restraint.
Wang Meng's expression turned somewhat awkward. She silently thought that Song Qiao really didn't know how to behave. She wanted to treat him to a meal out of consideration for Xueqing, but he even wanted a private room. Considering her current status, it would take at least three days in advance to book a room here. With time so tight, where would she get him a private room? She remembered hearing from Xia Xueqing in school that her brother-in-law was somewhat unreliable, and now it seemed he was truly as bad as rumored.
Just as the awkwardness was setting in, a young woman in a suit hurried over. She stopped in front of Song Qiao and bowed slightly. Then, she whispered, "Mr. Song, our boss has prepared the number one private room for you. Please, this way."
Song Qiao nodded slightly. He had made a phone call before arriving, and the restaurant owner, Guo Junbu, had arranged a private room for him. Upon hearing the lobby manager's words, Wang Meng and Jiang Yan's expressions changed drastically. Jiang Yan stood there, stunned, unable to recover his senses. Remembering the mocking words he had just spoken to Song Qiao, he felt a slight blush creep onto his face. Now, he seemed more like the "country bumpkin" he had described Song Qiao as.
Wang Meng, however, was merely puzzled. Judging by the manager's respectful attitude towards Song Qiao, Song Qiao must have an extraordinary identity. Yet, in all these years, she had never heard Xia Xueqing mention such a powerful relative. While she was lost in thought, Song Qiao stood up from his seat and said with a smile, "In that case, the two of you can join us in the private room for dinner later. No matter how difficult the problem, we should fill our stomachs before discussing it. Xueqing was complaining about being hungry in the car just now."
Song Qiao didn't deliberately mock Jiang Yan. After a simple invitation, he led the way towards the private room. Wang Meng hesitated for a moment, but seeing Xia Xueqing frantically signaling to her, she inexplicably followed along.