Jiang Nan Fang pressed the button and glanced at him dismissively, her demeanor aggressive.
"Wang Lang, I misjudged you."
"Before, I thought you were upfront about things, that while some of your methods to gain an advantage weren't elegant, they were at least straightforward."
"But now, it seems we're not on the same path at all! You're not straightforward, you're shameless, willing to do anything to get what you want."
"Excuse me, you can do it, but I can't. Especially not if you expect me to use my looks to gain benefits for you. That's impossible."
"You can cling to Zhan Bei Jue however you want, I'm not going back. I won't be going to your studio anymore either. I declare, from this moment on, we are strangers. Stay away from me."
At this point, the situation had progressed largely due to her efforts. If she left now, it would be a death blow to Wang Lang.
Terrified, he quickly pleaded with her, "Engineer Jiang, what are you saying? This is just normal public relations."
"Don't put it so harshly. What company of any significant size doesn't have PR? If you mean that..."
"I've never looked down on PR, nor have I ever claimed to be noble. You're twisting my words." Jiang Nan Fang interrupted him.
"If you say this is normal PR, then I ask you, what if he makes even more outrageous demands next? Will I have to do something else?"
"Today it's Zhan Bei Jue, tomorrow it's this CEO, the day after it's that CEO. What do you take me for?"
"My dear lady, believe me, I absolutely didn't mean that! How could I let you do such a thing? It was just a massage, if you don't want to do it, just refuse!"
"Moreover, I promise. In Nancheng, there's only Zhan Bei Jue, and I'll only curry favor with him! Besides him, I won't let you go to..."
"You promise? How credible are you? Why should I believe your empty words?"
Wang Lang: "If we can secure the investment project and it gets launched, I'll create a separate project for you! Then you can research whatever you want. Is that still an empty promise?"
Hearing this, Jiang Nan Fang paused slightly.
"What did you say? A separate project if things work out?"
"Yes! How could I let you pay for nothing..."
Words are not enough. Jiang Nan Fang no longer trusted this cunning businessman. However, having humbled herself for so long and gone this far, giving up now would be a complete waste of effort. She didn't want to miss this opportunity.
She took out her phone and pointed it at Wang Lang.
"How can I create a separate project alone? You give me a research team to cooperate with me, and I can do whatever I want without interference."
Seeing the phone pointed at him and hearing her demands, Wang Lang was even more impressed with this woman. The judgment of the big shots was indeed excellent; not only were they beautiful, but their schemes were top-notch.
"Alright, alright, as long as you agree to come back with me, I'll agree to any request."
"I get to choose who joins my team, and you can't interfere. And I won't attend these kinds of events anymore."
"Oh, if Zhan Bei Jue fancies you today, you'll be his person from now on. I wouldn't dare to make you attend anything!"
"Believe me, just this once."
Wang Lang pulled her back. "Let's go, my dear lady. Those important figures have been waiting for me for so long. How can I explain when I go back?"
They walked back, one after the other. Wang Lang explained a few things with a smile and asked Jiang Nan Fang to pour drinks for everyone. Jiang Nan Fang poured for each person. He raised his glass, toasted everyone, and then instructed Jiang Nan Fang to toast everyone as well. Although Jiang Nan Fang wasn't intimidated by any of the four people present, she didn't need to force herself to toast them. However, since Wang Lang had gone to such lengths to set up the stage, it would be awkward not to play along. So, she stated her terms upfront.
"I have a low tolerance for alcohol, and if I drink too much, it might cause trouble. So, a gesture of goodwill is enough, please don't mind."
"Mr. Zhan, I'll toast you. You finish yours, I'll take a sip."
Hearing her words, which carried a hint of spoiled entitlement, Wang Lang's eyelids twitched in alarm. However, Zhan Bei Jue looked at her wine glass for two seconds, slowly stood up, and reached out to take it from her.
"If you can't drink, don't. I detest forcing women to drink at the table. Expressing your goodwill with water is fine, you can substitute water."
Wang Lang inwardly wanted to give Jiang Nan Fang a thumbs-up. Women, it was good to be beautiful. Even Zhan Bei Jue was showing her tenderness, a blessing from heaven, God was sending wealth his way.
While Jiang Nan Fang didn't drink, Wang Lang and Supervisor Li couldn't avoid it. Taking advantage of the opportunity, they each drank two cups with Zhan Bei Jue. During the meal, they chatted about men's topics, ate, and talked, without any arguments or disturbances. The meal was quite harmonious.
As the meal neared its end, Wang Lang pondered how to proceed next. If he kept them there, Zhan Bei Jue would likely refuse. After all, he was a busy man, and didn't have that much time to waste with him. Being invited to a meal was already a great honor. If he didn't keep them, it would appear insincere. More importantly, how could he get his contact information?
Seeing his eyes darting around, Zhan Bei Jue seemed to hear the calculations clicking away in his mind. Without any preamble, he suggested ending the gathering for the day.
"The company has some matters to attend to. We'll be spending the weekend at the resort, and we can bring one family member. Supervisor Li, you know about this, right?"
Supervisor Li was from the venture capital firm and was not part of the meeting's quota, so he was naturally unaware. However, since Zhan Bei Jue mentioned his name, there must be a reason. He nodded in agreement.
"The resort has beautiful scenery and advanced facilities. Our family members have all praised our company's good benefits."
"Alright, it's getting late. You should go back early to accompany your wife."
Saying this, he got up to leave, but before he did, he rubbed his temples. Wang Lang understood what he needed to do.
"Xiao Jiang, Mr. Zhan has had a bit too much to drink. Be careful and help him up."
It was a headache, not a leg injury. What was there to help a grown man with? Jiang Nan Fang glared at Wang Lang, took two steps forward, and feigned concern.
"Mr. Zhan, are you alright?"
She expected Zhan Bei Jue to say he was fine, but instead, he said, "If Miss Jiang is willing, it would be best if you could help me back."
"..."
He said that intentionally. Not only did he want Jiang Nan Fang to help him back, but he also wanted her to stay at the resort tonight. He found such a terrible company for her to work for, allowing her leader to manipulate her so easily. If he didn't teach Wang Lang a lesson, who knew how many more such occasions she would have to attend. Although legally Jiang Nan Fang had no relationship with him, he knew the truth. He would absolutely not let Jiang Nan Fang suffer, nor would he let her suffer in front of other men. With Wang Lang's intelligence, spending the night here would be equivalent to announcing that Jiang Nan Fang was his. He would definitely not dare to bring her out again in the future. This would also mean his afternoon wasn't wasted.