Xu Liming said to his wife, "Come on, stop it. You're not giving Qiang any face at all. The watch Ya Guang bought me is worth over 40,000 yuan, and all your clothes cost less than 5,000 yuan. How can you be so ungrateful, old woman?" Sun Junmei felt a little embarrassed. Before her daughter started working part-time, the family spent more than 100,000 yuan on her every year. But since her daughter went to help Zhao Qiang, she stopped asking for money from the family. At the end of the year, she suddenly went on a shopping spree of luxury goods. Sun Junmei was both happy and worried. She was happy that her daughter could earn money, but she was worried that she might have embezzled so much money.
"That's two years' worth of ten thousand?"
Sun Junmei directly raised it tenfold.
Xu Xiaoya waved her hand triumphantly, "The mistake is two million, both Wei and I have it."
Sun Junmei and Xu Liming stared wide-eyed, speechless, their expressions hilarious. Xu Liming suddenly felt a burning embarrassment. He had just said he would help Zhao Qiang get a loan of ten million. If Zhao Qiang had given Xu Xiaoya and Luo Wei two million each, that would be four million. Did he really need to borrow ten million when he already had a four million bonus? What was going on? His daughter had been complaining about being poor to him not long before the New Year.
Zhao Qiang had no choice but to explain, otherwise he was afraid Xu Liming would beat him up. "Uncle, business was pretty good for a while before the New Year. Also, I made some money helping friends with repairs, so I'm not short of money now."
There's no need for a loan, but Ya and I are very grateful for what you said about the Qimingdeng Electronics factory site. We both like that place, and construction will begin after spring. We would appreciate it if you could come to the groundbreaking ceremony to give us your guidance.
Xu Liming said, "That's for sure. But you said you made some money. How much can you make from repairs? I know a bit about Qimingdeng Electronics. Even with the highest sales before the new year, it was only a few million. Even with patent licensing fees, it was only ten million. Qimingdeng Electronics' future development can't be taken lightly. This amount of money is simply not enough. Besides, you gave them so many bonuses. This is inappropriate, very inappropriate." (To be continued)
Volume 2 [210] Are you a satellite repairman?
Xin Youming shook his head.
Huai Zhen is a group of young people.
He just made millions in income and then suddenly it was all split up. Fine, he split it up, he gave it to his daughter, so it's good that the wealth doesn't go to outsiders. The key question is, that girl Luo Wei, how come she's not jealous at all, even though she got so much money to her daughter? He needs to have a serious talk with his daughter about this.
Xu Xiaoya was very dissatisfied with her father's behavior, but she was happy that her father didn't object to her seeing Zhao Qiang now. She turned around and hugged her father's neck, saying coquettishly, "Dad, can you stop worrying? Zhao Qiang is here to drink with you today. He's already bought Moutai. If you think ten million isn't enough, how about one hundred million? I'll definitely help Zhao Qiang make Qimingdeng Electronics a leading enterprise in the development zone. That way, you'll be proud, right?"
"One hundred million?" Xu Liming didn't believe it.
"Do you have that much money? Kids, don't talk nonsense." Xu Xiaoya said, "We definitely don't have a hundred million." Xu Liming and Sun Junmei's expressions changed. Sure enough, they were lying. These two kids were messing around.
Xu Xiaoya said in a drawn-out tone, "But it's more than five hundred million. Hmm, the total is about six hundred million. Hu Qian's money will arrive in a few days, so it'll be about seven hundred million. If nothing unexpected happens in a month, this number might double." Xu Liming slumped onto the sofa. Sun Junmei had beads of sweat on her forehead. She didn't know if it was because the heating in the house was too strong or because she was scared. Regardless of whether this was true or false, if it was true, it would be a great surprise. If it was false, her daughter had learned to lie and deceive people, and it was a huge lie. How could she not be sweating?
"You...you repair satellites?" Xu Liming suddenly asked a very funny question. Later, his daughter would laugh at him for a long time because of this question. Every New Year, his daughter would tease him that he repaired satellites.
Zhao Qiang didn't know how to answer, but Xu Xiaoya said to her father, "Dad, Zhao Qiang does scientific research. He can easily sell any technology he develops for hundreds of millions. Your worries are unnecessary. Money is not a problem for us."
Xu Liming suddenly realized, "That's right, Professor Gu Yu's student, how could he be wrong?" Sun Junmei also clapped her hands and said, "I was so scared that I forgot about this. What's the most valuable thing now? Of course, it's technology."
After clarifying the loan situation, Sun Junmei and her daughter went back into the kitchen. Although Sun Junmei really wanted to have a good talk with her son-in-law, she still needed to prepare dinner.
Besides, there are some things she can ask her daughter about behind her back.
Listening to her daughter humming a song happily, Sun Junmei put down the plate in her hand and asked, "Ya, how are things between you and Qiang now?" Xu Xiaoya said, "They're doing very well, can't you tell?" Sun Junmei said, "Qiang is a very honest and kind boy." Xu Xiaoya said, "That's why I have to keep a close eye on him."
Don't let him be fooled by others. Sun Junmei asked, "Aren't you worried about Luo Wei at all?" Xu Xiaoya replied, "No, Zhao Qiang has nothing to do with her. He's come to our house twice but hasn't gone to her house once. Mom, don't worry. I've been taking care of Zhao Qiang for almost four years now. I'll know immediately if he's having any problems."
Sun Junmei said, "That's good. But I can tell you two haven't had that kind of relationship yet, right?" Xu Xiaoya blushed and said, "Mom, how can you tell me something like this?" Sun Junmei smiled and said, "Okay, I won't say anything more."
You're about to graduate from university, and Mom won't stop you from doing this. Of course, this is also because Zhao Qiang is a good kid. If it were any other boy, Mom would have kicked him out long ago.
Xu Xiaoya was even more smug. "Mom, you don't know your daughter's taste. I had my eye on him when I was a freshman in college, but he's just a blockhead. He won't take the initiative unless someone else does. Things have been a little better lately." Sun Junmei gave her daughter a heads-up: "Don't spoil him too much. Sometimes you can't spoil men, otherwise there will be more problems."
Xu Xiaoya said, "I understand. Mom's experience is truly invaluable. I will listen carefully and humbly accept it." Sun Junmei also smiled. "This is the summary of how to deal with your father, Ya. What is your job now?" Xu Xiaoya said, "It's like being a general manager, responsible for senior management."
Sun Junmei said, "That's good. Your identity is suitable for this job. You must do a good job and not make any mistakes." "I know, Mom." In the living room, Zhao Qiang and Xu Liming continued to chat, but the topic was no longer about loans.
Moreover, Xu Liming's attitude has also changed drastically. People in officialdom are very good at dealing with various situations, and Xu Liming is no longer the person who opposed Zhao Qiang as he once was.
Firstly, Zhao Qiang is Professor Gu's disciple and Shan Hongfei's junior. Secondly, Zhao Qiang has his own career, and his daughter works with him. As a father, he needs to rely on Shan Hongfei's connections while also securing a happy future for his daughter, so he naturally can't treat Zhao Qiang badly.
"Wow, Secretary Shan hasn't contacted you since the New Year?
Xu Liming still addressed Shan Hongfei as Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission.
Zhao Qiang said, "We called to wish each other a Happy New Year, and we agreed to visit our teacher's house on the eighth day of the Lunar New Year."
Xu Liming said, "That's good. We must not forget our teacher."
Who are your family members?
"Dad, Mom, Grandpa."
Xu Li, the only son of Jia!
"He and Ya are almost the same as the other children's tempers."
You should usually give in to her. Zhao Qiang was very sincere, without any intention of being perfunctory. "I will, Uncle. Actually, Ya is very sensible and has a very strong work ability. She has helped me a lot." Xu Liming was very satisfied with Zhao Qiang's answer. He knew his own daughter well. Xu Xiaoya had always been a strong-willed girl. She was like that in her studies, and he believed that she would definitely have the same personality in her work.
"Qiang, I've invited an important guest to have drinks with you today. Building a good relationship with him is extremely important for your future development."
Xu Liming then talked about dinner.
Zhao Qiang was a little unhappy. He didn't like drinking with strangers, and besides, he couldn't drink at all now; his brain would shut down as soon as he drank.
"Uncle, I can't drink alcohol, I get dizzy as soon as I drink."
Xu Liming put on a stern face and said, "Today's occasion is very important, and it's the New Year, so you should have a drink, otherwise it's impolite." Zhao Qiang thought to himself, "I won't argue with you. Just have your daughter protect me later."
The two chatted for a while longer when there was a knock on the door. Xu Liming jumped up immediately, exclaiming, "It must be a distinguished guest!"
The door opened, and a Middle Eastern man and a stylish woman stood in the stairwell, followed by a young man about Zhao Qiang's age. Zhao Qiang peeked through the crack in the door and his heart skipped a beat. It was him! "Mayor Lei, welcome, welcome! Please come in!" Xu Liming hurriedly greeted them. This time, he had invited Lei Tianming, the mayor of Donghai City. This was a once-in-a-decade opportunity. He wondered if Lei Tianming was only willing to have dinner at the home of a district head because of Professor Gu, and he had even brought a gift.
The mayor's wife, Du Ningxiang, presented the gift, saying, "District Chief Xu, this is just a small token of my appreciation. Please don't find it offensive."
As Xu Liming accepted the gift box, he said, "You're too kind. Your presence is a great honor for me, Xu Liming. Please come inside and have a seat. Here, let me introduce you. This is Mayor Lei Tianming, and this is his son, Lei Hai. You are all around the same age and should get to know each other better."
Zhao Qiang stepped forward with neither arrogance nor servility to greet Mayor Lei, then smiled at Lei Hai and said, "We meet again, Happy New Year."
Lei Hai's expression was somewhat unnatural. He had suffered a loss of face at the Tianmeng Nightclub last time, but fortunately, Zhao Qiang hadn't targeted him that time, so it wasn't really a grudge. Lei Tianming asked in surprise, "You two know each other?"
Lei Hai eagerly said, "A friend introduced us to dinner." Du Ningxiang said, "That's good. Now you can talk to each other, so I won't say it's pointless to ask you to come over for New Year's greetings." Everyone sat down in the living room. Sun Junmei and Xu Xiaoya came out to greet them. To be honest, Xu Xiaoya had no idea that her father had invited Lei Hai's family. Last time at the Tianmeng Nightclub, she acted a bit too promiscuous. Now, seeing Lei Hai, her expression was also unnatural. When Lei Hai saw Xu Xiaoya in her home clothes, her blood pressure spiked. Zhao Qiang was used to seeing her every day.
Lei Hai rarely saw a young, sexy, and beautiful girl like Xu Xiaoya, especially one dressed in casual home clothes, which gave her a unique charm.
Xu Xiaoya took off her coat, leaving her in only a tight-fitting thermal top. Although it wasn't a low-cut, alluring outfit, the tight-fitting clothes perfectly accentuated the curves of her chest.
Her pert buttocks and slender waist made Lei Hai practically drool, which further accentuated Xu Xiaoya's high breasts. He couldn't even imagine what it would feel like to be naked and pressed against her.
It wasn't that Lei Hai hadn't been with women with large breasts before; he'd even been with women more voluptuous than Xu Xiaoya. But he'd never seen one with such an elegant demeanor and slender waist as Xu Xiaoya. He'd already been captivated by Xu Xiaoya when he first saw her at the bar, and now he was even more nervous, his palms sweating. He imagined Xu Xiaoya dancing wildly on the dance floor, and his heart was racing.
Lei Tianming's voice carried an air of authority, befitting the mayor of Donghai City. "Is this Zhao Qiang?" Zhao Qiang hurriedly nodded: "Yes, Mayor Lei, do you know me?" Lei Tianming chuckled: "Professor Gu's new student, Secretary Shan's junior brother, how could I not have heard of you? You're young and promising. I heard that you graduated from university on your own and even founded Shunfeng Technology and Qimingdeng Electronics."
Lei Tianming wouldn't have come to this meal if he hadn't known beforehand that Zhao Qiang would have. To put it bluntly, it was to give face to Professor Gu, since Xu Xiaoya was also Professor Gu's student, and he couldn't refuse Xu Liming's invitation.
Zhao Qiang humbly said, "This is all thanks to Xu Xiaoya and Junior Sister Luo's help. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to put together this scene myself." Lei Tianming nodded: "Wei is a good girl, very capable. Under her management, Qimingdeng Electronics is developing rapidly and has the potential to become a leading enterprise in the electronics industry of Donghai City. It deserves the strong support of the municipal government." Xu Liming reminded Zhao Qiang, "Why don't you hurry up and thank Mayor Lei? With Mayor Lei's words, Qimingdeng Electronics will have a bright future." (Seeking monthly votes) (To be continued)
Volume 2 [211] I'm too drunk to leave tonight
Wei hurriedly stood up and bowed in gratitude. Xu Xiaoya was very independent; others might not know, but she knew perfectly well that she wasn't someone who easily bowed her head to others, especially since Lei Hai had been disrespectful to her and Zhao Qiang last time. If Zhang Lingfeng hadn't intervened, a fight probably would have broken out. The fact that Zhao Qiang was willing to bow to Lei Tianming was entirely because of her and her father, Xu Liming. Xu Xiaoya was incredibly moved, but also angry that her father had invited others to tonight's New Year's dinner without her consent. She turned and went to the kitchen, ignoring Lei Hai, who was staring at her.
Lei Tianming continued, "Oh, Wei and Hai are engaged. Ningxiang, I think you should take Hai to her house these next few days. They're in-laws, after all. It's better to have more contact than to let things cool down."
Are Luo Wei and Lei Hai engaged?
Du Ningxiang smiled and said, "Wei and Hai are not good at talking. These two children are always silent when they get together. I think we should let them not suffer."
Lei Tianming said, "That's precisely why we need to encourage them to interact more. Look at Ya and Zhao Qiang, they've been classmates for four years, and now they have such a good relationship."
Zhao Qiang blushed. Actually, he and Xu Xiaoya hadn't officially declared their relationship yet, though they both knew it in their hearts. But neither of them would say it first. Even during their New Year's visit on the third day of the Lunar New Year, they treated each other as friends. It was Xu Xiaoya's parents who openly treated Zhao Qiang as their son-in-law, but in reality, the two young people were completely innocent.
At Xu Liming's call, everyone sat down at the table, and Sun Junmei and Xu Xiaoya brought out dish after dish. With such abundant food available now, there were plenty of ready-made dishes, and only a few stir-fries. Xu Xiaoya always bent down next to Zhao Qiang when setting out the dishes. Zhao Qiang felt very happy, while Lei Hai, sitting next to him, was almost red with envy.
Glug glug, Xu Liming poured more wine for Lei Tianming, then turned the bottle towards Zhao Qiang's glass. Zhao Qiang was extremely anxious. He had just told Xu Liming that he couldn't drink, but he couldn't be too obvious about it in front of Mayor Lei. Xu Liming wasn't covering for him either. What should he do?
After serving the dishes, Xu Xiaoya sat down on the other side of Zhao Qiang. Zhao Qiang gently nudged her foot, then glanced at her glass. Xu Xiaoya immediately understood his meaning and whispered, "Have a little. If you drink too much, you won't be able to leave tonight."
This was an excuse to encourage Zhao Qiang by offering him a place to stay overnight. Zhao Qiang's spirits immediately soared. He decided to drink, and if necessary, he would just end up in Xu Xiaoya's bed and see what Xu Liming could do.
Unfortunately, Zhao Qiang's confidence did not bring him any change. After drinking a glass of Moutai, he became confused. Xu Xiaoya was also puzzled. Zhao Qiang was not like this before. Ever since he escaped the fire at the Holiday Inn, he would get drunk as soon as he touched alcohol.
After the host, Xu Liming, accepted the wine, Lei Tianming raised his glass. It was time for a few New Year's greetings. "District Chief Xu, thank you for your hospitality. This glass represents my whole family's toast to your family. There are two families here." In Lei Tianming's eyes, Zhao Qiang was naturally Xu Liming's son-in-law. How could Xu Liming not take a toast from a superior seriously? Of course, he immediately raised his glass. Sun Junmei, also a seasoned drinker, naturally didn't back down. Xu Xiaoya's alcohol tolerance was greater than her parents' combined, but at this moment, Zhao Qiang was becoming unsteady, and Xu Xiaoya was extremely anxious. She had no mind to drink with Lei Tianming anymore.
"Uncle Lei, Zhao Qiang is drunk. I think we shouldn't let him drink anymore," Xu Xiaoya pleaded.
Lei Tianming said, "How could that be? Young man, you need to be more realistic. It's just a glass of wine. Look at Hai, he's perfectly fine right now. Zhao Qiang is so promising, his alcohol tolerance should be even better."
Although Zhao Qiang was confused, he still said, "Mayor Lei, I really can't hold my liquor. How about Xiaoya drinks for me?"
Lei Hai immediately retorted, "That won't do, Uncle Xu. Look, I'm dizzy too. How about Xiaoya drinks for me? Xiaoya is the hostess tonight, how can the hostess drink for the guest? That doesn't make sense."
Zhao Qiang cursed Lei Hai in his heart: "I'll curse your ancestors."
Xu Liming was in a dilemma. He then consulted Zhao Qiang, saying, "Qiang, how about we drink this first? Mayor Lei doesn't easily toast others. Qimingdeng Electronics being listed as a key municipal enterprise this time is also thanks to Mayor Lei. We'll need his help in the future, so you should thank Mayor Lei."
Xu Liming invited Lei Tianming with good intentions; it's difficult for businesses to succeed without the protection of influential figures. However, Xu Liming had no idea that Zhao Qiang had already found a powerful backer; otherwise, he wouldn't have taken on these pointless tasks. Of course, Xu Liming also intended to use this opportunity to align himself with Lei Tianming's side, and Lei Tianming's acceptance of Xu Liming's invitation to dinner at his home was tantamount to tacit approval of Xu Liming's decision.
Zhao Qiang closed his eyes and downed it. Once he drank that, there was no stopping him from drinking more. So, one glass after another, Zhao Qiang's brain successfully shut down, and he finally became so confused he couldn't tell which way was which. Lei Hai was quite smug. Last time Zhang Lingfeng threatened him, saying Zhao Qiang had killed someone, but now Lei Hai didn't seem like that at all; he looked more like a real repairman, even carrying a large tool bag. Actually, that was Zhao Qiang's notebook bag.
"Zhao Qiang, you have to drink this! I want to learn from you. This year, I also want to start a company and do real business like you." Lei Hai raised his glass to the swaying, clueless Zhao Qiang. To outsiders, Qimingdeng Electronics seemed to have the Luo family's influence, but it wasn't entirely Zhao Qiang's business. Therefore, only Xu Liming knew Zhao Qiang's true worth at this moment. Lei Hai's words lacked sincerity in his attempt to learn. It wasn't really for the sake of Lian Dong Er.
Xu Xiaoya was very unhappy. She said to Lei Hai, "That's enough, don't let Zhao Qiang drink anymore."
Lei Hai chuckled: "Women shouldn't interrupt when men are drinking, or you can find someone to drink for him."
Lei Tianming was happy to watch the children compete in drinking. He laughed and said, "To be a substitute drinker, you need to be qualified. Not just anyone can get into District Chief Xu's house and sit at the table today."
Xu Xiaoya finally understood. Neither she nor her parents could drink on Zhao Qiang's behalf today. If they were to find someone, they had to be someone who could meet Mayor Lei's approval. It wouldn't be fair to just bring anyone along to sit and eat with Mayor Lei; that would be too disrespectful to him.
Sun Junmei secretly reminded Xu Liming not to let them drink, but Xu Liming thought that getting drunk was nothing to worry about. As long as Lei Tianming was happy, both he and Zhao Qiang would be taken care of in the future, so it was worth getting drunk.
Xu Xiaoya looked very unhappy. Sun Junmei saw that her husband was silent. Fearing that Xu Xiaoya might do something wrong because of her temper, she said to Xu Xiaoya, "Zhao Qiang is fine. Go to the kitchen and cook a few dishes so that everyone can have a good drink. Young people are physically strong and will recover quickly from a drunken stupor."
Xu Xiaoya entered the kitchen resentfully. She made several phone calls before even starting to cook. She wasn't good at cooking to begin with, and now she was fuming. It was easy to imagine how bad the food would turn out. Sun Junmei knew her daughter well and soon followed her in, only feeling at ease if she let her daughter do the cooking herself.
"Mom, why is Dad like this? He invited people back without telling me beforehand. I'm so angry."
Sun Junmei comforted her daughter, saying, "Alright. Your father is doing this for your own good. Qimingdeng Electronics is expanding. We'll need to communicate with the municipal government a lot in the future, and it will be difficult to get things done without Mayor Lei's help. We were only able to get Mayor Lei to come this time thanks to your teacher's influence; otherwise, someone like us wouldn't even bother to visit."
Xu Xiaoya said, "Who cares about his favor? Our company has unlimited potential. He should be the one currying favor with us. My dad is trying to be helpful but he's doing things that are putting the cart before the horse. I think he needs to be taught a lesson."
Sun Junmei said, "The future is the future. Right now, we need the support of higher authorities. Take land approval for example; the development of the district also went through the municipal government. Without Mayor Lei's intervention, would this have been approved so quickly?"
Xu Xiaoya said disdainfully, "We're only using the land in the development zone to give my dad face. Having him participate in Qimingdeng Electronics' expansion is also to give him some political credit. Just tell my dad that from now on, he shouldn't concern himself with the municipal government; he can make the decisions himself. I'll handle anything that goes wrong."
Sun Junmei threw down the spatula: "You? You're causing trouble for your dad, aren't you? A recent graduate speaking so rudely. You're not a class monitor anymore, you're a manager. You need to be responsible for your words."
Xu Xiaoya said, "Okay. Just you wait and see, I'll scare Mayor Lei away in a bit."
Sun Junmei panicked: "What...what are you going to do? You mustn't do anything reckless."
Xu Xiaoya said, "Mom, why are you in such a hurry? I just called someone to wish you and Dad a Happy New Year. Look how scared you are."