Chapter 380: Ignorant Defiance

Afternoon.

A private room in a five-star hotel.

At this time, seven or eight middle-aged men in suits sat around a table, with the main seat conspicuously empty.

“Chairman Liu, you’re the only one who’s met the young master. What’s he like? Any taboos or preferences we should know about? Tell us, so we don’t accidentally upset him.”

A medium-built middle-aged man looked at Liu Yingdong, his hair resembling a sparse Mediterranean landscape.

“Yes, Chairman Liu, we know next to nothing about this young master.”

“If we give him a bad impression, it might affect our Songshan branch’s image in his eyes.”

Everyone chimed in, not out of fear of upsetting Xu Shaochen but wanting to find ways to curry his favor.

Of course, they couldn’t admit this, so they subtly changed the question around.

Liu Yingdong gave a bitter smile: “You’re giving me too much credit. I don’t know much about him, just as uneasy as you all are.”

The others clearly didn’t believe him but had no choice since Liu Yingdong wasn’t forthcoming.

“Vice Chairman Gong, why isn’t your son Ziweng here yet?”

Liu Yingdong frowned at the empty seat beside him. It was understandable for Xu Shaochen to be late, but not others.

Gong Wenli replied casually, “He’s on his way, just got up.”

The others frowned but said nothing since it wouldn’t do any good.

They had all arranged for relatives to work in the company.

But promoting his son to a department manager right away like Gong Wenli seemed excessive.

Moreover, his son was neither skilled in letters nor in arms. If he was just lazy, they could ignore him, but he arrogantly believed in his own abilities and meddled unnecessarily.

If not for Gong Wenli’s protection, someone like him would have been ousted countless times by now.

“Click—”

At that moment, the private room door opened, and Xu Shaochen walked in, exuding confidence.

Behind him were Long Yi and Long Er. After all, wealthy people cherish their lives, especially when on someone else’s turf.

Otherwise, the worst thing that could happen is dying while the wealth remains.

“Young Master, you’re here.”

First to rise was Liu Yingdong, followed by the others, who also stood up to greet this globally renowned young master.

They ignored Long Yi and Long Er entirely.

At Xu Shaochen’s level, not having bodyguards would be unusual.

“Sorry, everyone, for being late.”

Xu Shaochen walked to the main seat, paused, smiled slightly, and said.

“No problem at all, Young Master. We just arrived too.”

“Yes, we all just got here a moment ago, no waiting at all.”

They quickly responded, even though they had been waiting for half an hour, now claiming they had just arrived.

“Please, take a seat, everyone.”

As Xu Shaochen finished speaking, he sat down, and the others followed suit.

“Young Master, this is Vice Chairman Gong Wenli.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Young Master. I offer a toast to you.” Gong Wenli respectfully raised his Wine Glass.

“And this is…”

Liu Yingdong introduced everyone and signaled the waiter to start serving the dishes.

“What’s with that chair?” Xu Shaochen pointed to the empty seat.

The atmosphere in the room froze instantly, and everyone fell silent.

Sweat appeared on Gong Wenli’s forehead as he forced a smile: “Replying to Young Master, it’s for the HR manager, Gong Ziweng, my son. He’s… arriving shortly.”

“No rush, let him take his time. No need to hurry.”

Xu Shaochen spoke gently, his smile warm as a spring breeze, though his eyes held a chill.

Knowing today held an important company banquet and still being late showed no regard for him.

Moreover, the HR department, a crucial position, was held by the Vice Chairman’s son.

What a joke, nepotism can’t be this blatant, right? Is the company his or the Xu Family’s? “Click—”

At that moment, the private room door opened again.

A young man with dark circles under his eyes stood lazily in the doorway, smiling: “Sorry everyone, had a stomach issue, came late.”

As he finished, he turned to Xu Shaochen, a hint of contempt in his eyes: “So, this is Young Master Xu? Impressive indeed, sorry for being late, please don’t be upset.”

Some people, when given power within a domain, think they’re untouchable, even by superiors.

When a superior arrives, they seek to challenge authority for a thrill, essentially a reckless act.

Everyone’s expressions changed, turning to Gong Wenli.

“Insolent! How dare you speak to the Young Master like that? Apologize immediately!” Gong Wenli shouted, eager to slap him himself.

He knew his place; it’s one thing to be arrogant in the company when the boss isn’t present.

But now that the big boss is here, they need to behave, or face unknown consequences.

“It’s fine, young people tend to be free-spirited,” Xu Shaochen replied calmly with a smile.

Gong Ziweng was more dismissive, casually saying: “Dad, see? The Young Master doesn’t mind.”

“Long Yi, move the chair outside. Since he’s late, he doesn’t need to come in. Let Manager Gong wait outside until we’re done eating.”

Xu Shaochen spoke lightly, smile intact, not showing a trace of anger.

Everyone’s expressions changed.

“Young Master…” Gong Wenli stood up, shaken.

Xu Shaochen raised a hand to interrupt him: “Vice Chairman Gong, are we emphasizing hierarchy or father-son relationships at this company?”

Gong Wenli hesitated before reluctantly sitting back down.

Gong Ziweng’s face darkened. Xu Shaochen openly humiliated him by taking his seat away.

“Young Master, aren’t you being a bit tyrannical?” Gong Ziweng said.

“Bang!”

Before he could finish, Xu Shaochen hurled a dish at him.

“Ah!”

Gong Ziweng screamed as soup splattered on his face, a cut on his forehead from the glass plate.

“You alone are late among so many, trying to test me? Who do you think you are? Look in the mirror! Get out immediately! From today, the Deputy HR Manager is promoted to Manager.”

Xu Shaochen spoke coldly to Gong Ziweng.

Everyone was awed into silence, shocked by the young master’s sudden shift from affability to severity.