"That's more like it. Then let's meet at the Emperor Bar. A few of my friends will be there too, I'll introduce you to them, and we'll have a good time."
Gao Mengmeng was overjoyed that Song Qiao had agreed.
"Miss Gao is truly generous, inviting me to a private club like the Emperor Bar."
Song Qiao, on the other end of the phone, raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but tease.
The Emperor Bar was one of the most famous bars in the province and the premier spot for lavish spending in the city. A single night of drinking there could easily cost nearly a hundred thousand yuan.
"Oh, don't tease me. It's nothing grand."
"Also, even though you're friends with my uncle, we're only a few years apart in age. I can't call you Uncle Song, and calling you Mr. Song feels too distant. So from now on, I'll just call you Brother Song."
With that, she hung up the phone before Song Qiao could refuse.
Song Qiao shook his phone, feeling both amused and exasperated. He was a little helpless about being lowered a generation in address by someone who was essentially his peer.
...
Upon entering the bar, Song Qiao immediately spotted Gao Mengmeng, exquisitely dressed, in the center of the main VIP area.
"Brother Song, you're finally here!"
Gao Mengmeng let out an excited shriek upon seeing him and rushed over, abandoning her drink.
"Mengmeng, who is this?"
A young man who had followed her couldn't help but ask, seeing Gao Mengmeng's enthusiasm.
"This is my friend, Song Qiao. He's helped me resolve a lot of trouble."
Gao Mengmeng introduced him while unceremoniously pulling Song Qiao into the circle.
"Hello, I'm Zhao Ye."
"A loyal admirer of Mengmeng."
The young man sized up Song Qiao with a hint of disdain in his eyes. However, he still extended his right hand with forced politeness, feigning a gentlemanly demeanor.
"Song Qiao."
Song Qiao smiled faintly, shook his hand, and then saw no reason to engage further.
"Hmph, I wonder where this country bumpkin came from. He's probably never been to a place like this before, his eyes are practically spinning," Zhao Ye muttered to himself and returned to the group.
The others, meanwhile, didn't even bother greeting Song Qiao, choosing to ignore him completely. They had already judged Song Qiao by his attire, dismissing him as an employee who had gotten lucky. They certainly didn't want someone like him joining their circle.
Song Qiao, for his part, was happy to be left alone, settling into a quiet corner to nurse his drink.
"Tsk, tsk, this bar truly lives up to its reputation. I didn't expect the owner to be such a beautiful woman."
One of the rich second-generation heirs, already a bit tipsy, pointed at a provocatively dressed woman not far away.
"Haha, are you smitten, kid? That's Sister Wang. I heard she's quite influential."
The other young men couldn't help but mock him. The Emperor Bar was a place they rarely frequented. The expenses were high, and it required a certain social standing to enter. Moreover, rumors had it that the owner of the Emperor Bar held immense power.
"Heh, Sister Wang may be formidable, but she's only the public face. The true mastermind behind the Emperor is named Liu Dong."
Zhao Ye said mysteriously, immediately drawing everyone's attention. Zhao Ye's family was significantly more powerful than theirs, and they were surprised to hear such gossip from him.
"Ah, it would be great if we could get to know Brother Dong. Then we wouldn't have to pay such a hefty membership fee to get into this bar."
"Yeah, yeah. Who would have thought the membership threshold for this bar is fifty thousand? What's the difference between that and robbery?"
The others chimed in with their own complaints.
"Don't worry, everyone. I have a way to meet Brother Dong. Once he's finished with his business later, I'll invite him over, and you guys can toast him."
Zhao Ye's face held a hint of mystery as he spoke, and the surrounding young men looked at him with admiration. They raised their glasses, toasting Zhao Ye and fawning over him.
"Young Master Zhao is indeed impressive, your connections are truly remarkable."
Song Qiao remained in his seat, showing no reaction. He actually knew Liu Dong; he had met him once a while back when he was frequently interacting with Zhao Tong.
"Oh, are you guys having a drink?"
Just as the group was in lively discussion, a more alluringly dressed young woman suddenly entered their circle. Zhao Ye's eyes lit up at her appearance, and he greeted her with a hint of deference.
"Sister Wan, you're here. We were just about to toast you."
"Everyone, quickly toast her! This is Sister Wang's sister, Sister Wan!"
He said this and then raised his own glass, leading the way. Hearing his introduction, everyone stood up to toast the woman named Sister Wan. Although they were all from wealthy families, the Emperor Bar was undoubtedly considered a top-tier establishment. They naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity to form connections.
Compared to everyone else's eagerness to please, Song Qiao calmly remained seated, as if he hadn't heard anything. As everyone else stood up, his solitary seated posture immediately drew attention.
"Hey, hey, Song Qiao, what's your intention?"
Zhao Ye, seeing this, became furious and rushed up to Song Qiao, demanding an explanation. Song Qiao merely glanced at him indifferently, not bothering to speak.
"Are you tired of living, boy? Are you disrespecting me, or are you looking down on Sister Wan?"
"Don't think too highly of yourself. I just don't feel like drinking anymore."
Song Qiao replied nonchalantly.
"Damn it, you're asking for death!"
Seeing Song Qiao's continued attitude, Zhao Ye immediately lunged forward, intending to teach him a lesson. Gao Mengmeng, who had been dancing on the dance floor, rushed over and quickly intervened, blocking Zhao Ye.
"Zhao Ye, Song Qiao isn't feeling well today. Please, everyone, don't mind him."
"He usually doesn't like this kind of scene, so don't force him."
Gao Mengmeng said as she spoke, giving Song Qiao a look, signaling him to say less. Although Zhao Ye was held back by Gao Mengmeng, he continued to grumble.
"Not feeling well? If you're not feeling well, go cry at a funeral parlor! What are you pretending here for?"
Song Qiao, who had been about to let it go for Gao Mengmeng's sake, his expression turned grim upon hearing this.
"Bang."
He slammed his glass onto the table and said to Zhao Ye, "Are we that familiar? Why should I listen to you and toast someone else?"
"Even if Liu Dong and Sister Wang were here today, they would personally toast me. Who do you think you are, shouting here?"