Chapter 242: Gathering Over Dinner

As the words hung in the air, everyone turned to Fang Jun, seeking confirmation of the claim.

Fang Jun: “Wu Yongming spent a few years on assignment in the south…”

Wu Yue glanced at Xu Chen: “How does Young President Xu know so much?”

Xu Chen shrugged it off: “I overheard it at a restaurant in Yangcheng the other day—some guy bragging at the next table…”

Wu Yue: “Sprite mixed with black vinegar? Sounds disgusting. Who could drink that?”

Xu Chen: “Actually, if you imagine it right, it’s not bad.”

It’s sour and sweet, with the fizzy kick from the Sprite.

The vinegar cuts through rich meats, aids digestion, and keeps things from feeling too heavy.

There’s even a drink product in the south based on this idea—it’s popular locally…”

…

They chatted as they reached the parking area.

With only four of them, they all piled into Xu Zhiquan’s car, with Xu Chen at the wheel.

The seafood spot wasn’t far—a quick fifteen-minute drive.

It claimed to serve ‘seafood,’ but mostly it was river crabs and shrimp—after all, Tiancheng wasn’t on the coast, just along branches of the Yellow River.

They also had loach, eels, and turtles—fresh wild catches that weren’t cheap.

Xu Zhiquan thought it over; even though it was a down-to-earth eatery, the fresh ingredients kept it from feeling low-class.

As evening approached, the place buzzed with activity.

Once they parked, Xu Zhiquan headed straight inside.

The owner clearly knew ‘President Xu’ and rushed out with a big smile.

Xu Zhiquan gave a few instructions, and the owner led them to the back.

They settled at a spot by a pond and rock garden, complete with a thatched hut that gave off a rustic vibe.

Xu Chen couldn’t help but say:

“This place looks great, Dad. How come you’ve never brought me here?”

Xu Zhiquan: “It’s only been open a few days.”

“Last time, I think you had something going on, so I just came with Fang Jun and Director Yang.”

…

They sat down, leaving the prime seats open as a sign of respect.

Xu Zhiquan, hands clasped behind his back, followed the owner to order food.

The tanks and ponds held live creatures, freshly killed on the spot.

Xu Zhiquan, cigarette in hand, pointed out dishes like a true big boss basking in his element…

When he returned to the table, Fang Jun said flatly:

“Did you order drinks? Or should we stick with what we brought?”

Xu Zhiquan laughed heartily:

“I’ve got premium stuff in the trunk, Fang Jun. Come pick with me!”…

A few minutes later, they came back with a bottle of Feitian and two of Guojiao…

Waiting for Wu Yongming and his daughter Wu Feifei, everyone except Fang Jun felt a bit uneasy.

Xu Zhiquan took a drag of his cigarette and chuckled self-deprecatingly:

“I’ll shoot a message to the boss first.”

He pulled out his bulky flip phone and typed away with his large hands, though no one knew exactly what he said.

Just then, the owner approached with a wide grin.

He wasn’t bringing food, but a tray with chilled cans of Sprite and unopened bottles of black vinegar.

“President Xu, I got these types of black vinegar. Not sure which one’s best?”

Xu Zhiquan eyed them after a puff: “Which one’s the most expensive?”

The owner pointed to two bottles.

Xu Zhiquan picked them up—one from Shanxi province, the other from the town—and kept both.

…

Xu Zhiquan checked a text and stood with a smile:

“I’ll go pick them up. You all wait here.”

He hurried outside.

Soon after, President Xu returned with a warm smile, followed by the leader Wu Yongming and his daughter Wu Feifei.

Wu Yongming was dressed casually in a Polo shirt, looking quite approachable.

Wu Feifei wore sporty clothes, her hair in a high ponytail like Fang Jun’s.

Spotting Fang Jun, she grinned and hugged her:

“Fang Jun, sis! Thanks for inviting me to drink!”

She then greeted Xu Chen and Wu Yue.

Wu Feifei’s lighthearted chatter instantly eased the tense atmosphere.

Xu Zhiquan ushered Wu Yongming to the seat of honor.

The leader sat without hesitation.

In this private setting, Wu Yongming seemed incredibly relaxed.

He greeted Fang Jun first; she kept a straight face but exchanged polite words.

Xu Chen and Wu Yue, having met him before, offered respectful hellos.

After the rounds, Wu Yongming turned to Fang Jun:

“How’s the old man doing?”

Fang Jun: “He’s fine, up at four every day to hike mountains!”

Xu Zhiquan and Xu Chen shared a complex look but stayed silent.

…

…

The food arrived quickly, filling the table with steaming dishes.

Xu Zhiquan always knew how to order—ensuring everyone enjoyed something just right.

Wu Feifei eyed the turtles and eels, her surprise evident:

“I had no idea Tiancheng had a place like this!”

She added with a laugh:

“Guess I’ll have to join President Xu and Young President Xu for meals more often!”

This leader’s daughter was effortlessly charming, her jokes easing tensions while subtly flattering the Xu father and son.

From their Yangcheng trip, Xu Chen had sensed Wu Feifei’s sharp mind and social grace.

She was outgoing and warm, never putting up walls.

…

This ‘drinking session’ was Fang Jun’s idea.

She didn’t hold back, opening a bottle of Guojiao and carefully pouring for everyone.

Xu Chen watched quietly, a bit amused.

When they first met, he saw her as a cool, proud big sister with deep roots—never imagining her hidden ‘booze enthusiast’ side.

Once the drinks were poured, Fang Jun looked content and handed out the glasses.

Wu Yongming eyed the Sprite and vinegar on the table and glanced at his daughter.

Wu Feifei stuck out her tongue: “Xu Chen asked what you’d like…”

Wu Yongming chuckled and took the glass from Fang Jun:

“It’s a rare night with President Xu, so let’s have some spirits!”

Wu Feifei took hers too, but whispered to her dad:

“I’ll just taste it.”

Xu Chen, with driving later, grabbed a cola instead.

…

Xu Zhiquan loved a lively crowd; he toasted Wu Yongming twice, turning the vibe upbeat and friendly.

Wu Yongming had no airs, joking easily with the younger folks, especially with Wu Feifei’s chatter keeping things lively.

Even Wu Yue, after half a glass, doubled over laughing at a quip.

…

…

After a few rounds, Xu Zhiquan raised his glass to Wu Yongming again.

Sensing more thanks coming, Wu Yongming cut in:

“In private, no need for formalities, President Xu.”

I’m a couple years older, so think of me as an elder brother.

Here in Tiancheng, we’re both building each other up…”

Xu Zhiquan paused, his expression turning serious as he downed his drink.

…

Xu Chen, midway through his meal, caught those words and felt a wave of emotion.

They sounded casual but carried real weight.

“Elder brother” wasn’t a term thrown around lightly.

And “building each other up” spoke to their mutual benefits…

In private chats, Xu Chen and his father had discussed how East Morning Star Co. got strong support from the city, especially from Wu Yongming’s backing.

Xu Zhiquan called him an honest leader, passionate about Tiancheng’s growth…

A few months back, Wu Yongming’s promotion owed something to East Morning Star’s invisible help.

He oversaw development and sports; East Morning Star’s acquisition of the Mechanical Factory was a key project.

It settled hundreds of former workers and aligned with the city’s economic plans, opening new paths.

Behind the scenes, the fall of Jin Guiyuan’s group at Bright Factory took down deeper forces, strengthening Wu Yongming’s position.

Xie Bingran’s rise in sports brought honors to the city, tied to Xu Chen and East Morning Star Advertising…

So, Wu Yongming’s “building each other up” rang true.

Most importantly, his willingness to say it showed trust in Xu Zhiquan.

East Morning Star’s moves on Bright Factory and funding got major city support, which brought challenges for Wu Yongming.

Yet he stood by them, backing Tiancheng’s future…

Looking ahead, this partnership held more potential—if Chenfeng Technology thrived, it would boost the city’s economy and jobs.

As Xu Chen once outlined in their bid, it could make Tiancheng’s mark.

And Wu Yongming, who aided along the way, might rise further…

Thus, their “building each other up” opened doors for both, easing any lingering doubts for Xu Zhiquan.