Plunder-Chapter 21 - One Drink Knockout

Chapter 21: Chapter 21: One Drink Knockout

Chapter 21 -21: One Drink Knockout

Jinhua Restaurant, an old establishment in Rong City.

The Southern Fujian cuisine is unparalleled.

During her time with Zhou Jin’an, Qiao En had been there many times.

He preferred light flavors and his favorite dish was called Half Moon Submerged in the River.

A semi-slice of shiitake mushroom settled at the bottom of the bowl, resembling a half-moon floating on the river’s surface.

With a profound aesthetic and meticulous ingredients, it was a signature dish of Jinhua Restaurant.

Qiao En didn’t like the taste of shiitake mushrooms and wasn’t fond of this dish.

She followed Xu Mei into the elevator, her calm eyes sweeping around briefly.

Accompanying Xu Mei were two girls, one of whom, like Qiao En, had just joined the staff, while the other was obviously a veteran, arms folded, looking down on the two of them.

“Be sharp later, Nana has lots of experience; learn from her.”

Qiao En and the other girl nodded in agreement.

The elevator went straight to the eighth floor.

This floor was not open to the public, serving only VIP guests by appointment.

When Qiao En came with Zhou Jin’an, she usually stayed on this floor.

As the elevator doors opened, Nana was the first one out, the other girl immediately sticking close to her.

“Sister Nana, my name is Qin Keke.”

The girl called Nana glanced at Qin Keke with a faint look of disdain.

She had a sweet face, the kind men couldn’t get enough of.

Qin Keke received a cold reaction despite her friendliness, but she didn’t mind; being new, she needed the support of the veterans.

In contrast, Qiao En was less tactful, and being the last to come out, she looked somewhat alone.

“Qiao En.”

Xu Mei called to her.

“You know what to do and what not to do, I don’t need to spell it out for you, do I?”

She didn’t treat Qiao En like a newcomer.

Qiao En nodded, “Don’t worry, Manager Xu, I understand.”

She was in public relations, not an escort.

Her job was to accompany clients to eat, drink, and have fun, to keep them happy, understanding where to draw the line, and to adapt to circumstances.

The goal was to ensure the smooth success of the cooperation project with the headquarters.

If successful, she would receive a generous commission; if not, she had to find a way to make it happen.

Playing games and being strategic, messing up what Xu Mei had entrusted her would only lead to getting by without a full meal.

The group made their way inside, stopping outside a private room.

Xu Mei stepped forward, knocked on the door, and upon obtaining approval, pushed the door open and entered.

A group of people was seated inside the room.

Qiao En cast a quick glance around and recognized no one.

Her uneasy heart settled slightly.

Wearing a big smile, Xu Mei walked directly to the man at the head of the table, coquettishly saying, “President Huang, I’m sorry, there was a bit of a traffic jam, I’m late.”

In any profession, a woman’s softness is a lethal weapon.

Softness can overcome hardness.

“Three drinks as a penalty!”

Someone started to heckle, and the others watched Xu Mei with amusement, taking the opportunity to look over the three girls behind her.

“I can’t today, relatives from afar have come to visit; the various presidents will have to show some mercy.”

Xu Mei found an excuse to refuse the drinks for herself.

They were reluctant to let her off the hook.

“It’s fine if you don’t drink, but these beautiful women came with you, right? Let them drink for you.”

Another suggestion was made.

Cooperation is important, but the precondition for cooperation is to first have a good time.

Alcohol is conducive to fun, and clearly, beautiful women are too.

Qiao En noticed that the wine cups being used for pouring were not large, but the table was filled with liquor.

Drinking three glasses in a row would be too much for most people.

For example, she was a classic one-drink wonder.

Once on her birthday, Zhou Jin’an suggested drinking to celebrate, and she slept for an entire day and night after just one glass of brandy.

Since then, Zhou Jin’an never let her drink again.

Of course, when she was with Zhou Jin’an, no one dared to force her to drink without his permission.

Xu Mei, still smiling, looked at the three girls beside her with difficulty.

They were on the same side, and it was their responsibility to drink for Xu Mei if needed.

But the men were not really interested in how much the women could drink; they wanted to see the women show weakness, act coquettishly, and embarrass themselves, all to create a bit of fun.

Once the fun was had, business would be easier to discuss.

Qin Keke and Qiao En were newcomers, and Xu Mei, not knowing their capabilities, naturally didn’t dare let them show themselves up.

After all, losing face was minor, but losing business was a major issue.

She wouldn’t take the risk.

“Nana, why don’t you toast our distinguished presidents?”

Xu Mei gave the opportunity to Nana.

Nana looked innocent with her large breasts, round hips, and slim waist, appealing to every man’s desires; she was perceptive and understood the situation well, so Xu Mei often brought her along for important occasions.

She affected a delicate expression, with a coy, shy manner reminiscent of Lin Daiyu, her voice soft as if it were a willow brushing by.

“Manager Xu, I really can’t drink, my head spins when I touch alcohol,” she whined with a Taiwanese accent, her seductive eyes glinting.

Weakness used against strength.

This push-and-pull technique was high-level, and no man could resist.

“Then we won’t drink, I’d feel bad if you did.”

The man sitting next to President Huang was a bit older, already balding at the crown, and he took Nana’s wrist, pulling her to sit beside him.

“We won’t drink alcohol, let’s have soup instead.”

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He personally served Nana a bowl of soup.

Both held a bowl, you took a sip, and I took a sip, the ambiguity reaching its peak.

Instantly, the atmosphere in the private room hit a minor climax.

Nana, akin to a seductress, attracted the gaze of all the men.

Logically speaking, at this point with everyone seated, jests exchanged, and the meal finished, negotiations should have been easier.

Xu Mei gave a suggestive glance, signaling Qiao En and Qin Keke to find a spot to sit down.

With a swaying waist, she approached Manager Huang, “Manager Huang, I heard you’ve made another fortune recently!”

Manager Huang did not reply but his gaze unexpectedly shifted towards Qiao En.

“We haven’t even drunk yet!”

Xu Mei understood, he had set his eyes on Qiao En.

Qiao En was indeed beautiful, but her beauty was not the pitiable kind like Nana’s, nor was it the naive kind like Keke’s.

She had seen the world, and her aura was untouched by the mire she emerged from.

Even if she tried to immerse herself in obscurity, the dust could not hide the luster that clung to her.

She donned a simple light grey sleeveless dress and wore light makeup.

Despite her intent not to attract attention, she couldn’t get her way.

There she sat, back straight, responding with a smile, neither fawning nor timid, with a determined and spirited gaze.

“Qiao En, you come over here,” Xu Mei said as she stood up and beckoned Qiao En to join her.

“Be smart.”

Xu Mei reminded her worriedly.

Qiao En nodded lightly and took the initiative to greet the man surnamed Huang.

“Hello, Manager Huang.”

Manager Huang looked to be in his early forties, with a broad face and thick brows over large eyes.

“You drink for Manager Xu.”

He glanced at Qiao En and pursed his lips as he spoke.

Xu Mei’s palms sweated, for Qiao En was a newcomer; if she made a mistake, Xu Mei would have trouble explaining it to the higher-ups.

Yet Qiao En smiled, without any hint of affectation.

“Manager Huang, I don’t drink.”

She wasn’t coquettish, nor did she show weakness, but declined directly.

“What’s the point of being in public relations if you don’t drink?” Manager Huang’s face showed annoyance.

Still with a smile, Qiao En said, “I can play finger-guessing games. Can you, Manager Huang?”

Finger-guessing was something Qiao En had picked up without formal teaching.

She had gone out with Zhou Jin’an for social events and once happened to meet an expert at the game.

Qiao En was quick-witted, observed intently throughout, and unexpectedly discovered its secrets.

The finger-guessing game with Song Lian was her first practice run, and unexpectedly, she had won handily.

Thus, she broached the subject again.

Interest sparked in Manager Huang.

“You know how to play the finger-guessing game?”

Qiao En, who seemed gentle and refined, suggesting a game usually played by the rough crowd — the contrast was stark.

“Not really, if Manager Huang does, perhaps you could teach me,” said Qiao En modestly.

At the dining table, women acting cutesy and coy was no novelty.

But occasionally taking the less-beaten path was highly enticing for these well-dressed businessmen.

Qiao En tore through the thin veil of hypocritical civility, hitting right where the men liked it.

Just like before, Qiao En lost three games in a row.

In the battle of the sexes, it’s about balance.

A woman who is strong in every aspect is only admired from afar, but not approached.

Qiao En understood this well.

So, even if she could win, she had to lose.

Losing could stir a man’s protective instinct, make them underestimate her, and provoke their competitive spirit.

Indeed, after losing three times, Qiao En won three games in a row.

The eyes of everyone in the private room focused on this spot.

When Qiao En lost, they laughed.

When Manager Huang lost, they laughed even more.

“Miss Qiao has good luck!” someone praised.

Qiao En humbly said, “It’s all thanks to Manager Huang’s good teaching.”

Men, after all, have a fondness for the nurtured type.

In the fourth game, Manager Huang wanted to continue, but Qiao En backed out.

“Manager Huang, I dare not play with you anymore. I was lucky just now to win a few rounds, but I’m sure to lose soon. I can’t hold my liquor, and if I get drunk and cause a scene, then if the business deal fails, I wouldn’t be able to bear that burden.”

Qiao En astutely began to set a trap for Manager Huang.

Xu Mei caught on, promptly playing her part from the inside out.

“Manager Huang, let’s just leave it at that. Qiao En really does have a bad way with drinks, and if an incident occurs, causing our host to lose the business, I, just an employee, couldn’t take that responsibility.”

Manager Huang, carried away by the fun and drink, waved his hand broadly, “Bring the contract, I’ll sign it now. Let’s continue playing, and if you can win three more rounds, I’ll sign for another three years.”

Qiao En feigned nervousness, yet conveniently filled all the glasses with liquor.

Xu Mei hastily fetched the contract and handed over a pen, which Manager Huang, without hesitation, signed.

The finger-guessing game continued.

Qiao En won three more rounds.

Screams filled the private room as Manager Huang, true to his word, decided to sign for an additional three years.

Xu Mei’s joy was evident as she personally went to process the new contract.

She left in such a hurry that she forgot to close the door of the private room.

Outside, a piercing gaze swept in.

It was Zhou Jin’an.