Chapter 815: Chapter 291: The Legend of the Finance Academy
Su Zelin continued, "Brother Ma, my female classmate here is from Qilu, has an amazing drinking capacity, two and a half jin of liquor, beer unlimited. Last time I had dinner with people from Ah Li, I was almost drunk, so I brought her along this time to back me up. Brother Ma, you don’t mind, right?"
"You little trickster, your drinking capacity is quite good. Last time after dinner, you were still sober, and here you are complaining. It was your Brother Ma who almost got carried to the car!"
Old Ma laughed heartily, but he didn’t mind.
After all, he also brings ringers, so it wouldn’t be fair to not allow others to do the same.
"Meeting a beautiful lady at dinner lifts my spirits, how could I mind!"
In gatherings like this, bringing a couple of buddies is normal.
But not too many.
Too few and it feels cold, too many and it steals the host’s thunder, six to eight is just right.
"I’ve heard that Qilu people have the best drinking capacity in the world, even the women are not to be underestimated. I’d like to see it for myself today!"
Old Ma can’t drink much now, but he still loves the atmosphere of the drinking table, especially playing with friends he admires, it’s different from those tiring social engagements.
"Brother Ma, you flatter me. I just occasionally drank a couple of glasses with my dad and Old Ma since I was little, my drinking capacity is just so-so."
Nanaz also showed great composure, even though it was her first time at such a dinner gathering, and facing the leader of Ah Li, she didn’t feel the slightest bit nervous, smiling as she responded.
This is also related to her personality, as Nanaz is generally an outgoing and lively girl.
"Drinking with family since childhood means it’s inherited from both parents. Qilu people really live up to their name!"
Old Ma gave Nanaz a thumbs up in praise, then turned to his female secretary beside him saying, "Xu Li, looks like you’ve met your match today!"
His skillful way of dodging, meaning Nanaz’s main rival tonight was Xu Li, not himself.
The female secretary remained calm. She’s been through many battles and has encountered heavy drinkers before, her current status earned through drinking at gatherings.
The service staff quickly helped pour the drinks and started bringing the dishes out.
The group began eating, drinking, and chatting.
Both Old Ma and Su Zelin were masters of livening things up, their conversation filled with witty remarks.
Though Nanaz didn’t have the same social skills and language art, she was poised and her strong drinking capacity shone in this setting.
Toasting was done round after round to each individual.
After three rounds, Su Zelin sent a message to Zhang Yuanhang, after which Young Master Zhang and Sister Ru entered the private room.
"Brother Ma, this is Zhang Yuanhang, President Zhang, my friend, the owner of this restaurant, and also a franchisee of the New Era. The beautiful lady beside him is Li Meiru, the manager here."
Su Zelin briefly introduced the two.
"Boss Zhang, your restaurant is nice, good food and good drinks!"
Old Ma was good at saying what people wanted to hear, despite the fact that this President Zhang was of a lower status, it didn’t stop him from giving a couple of compliments.
It was just a simple remark, but Zhang Yuanhang was very pleased.
After all, it was recognition from the leader of Ah Li!
"President Ma, you’re too kind, just call me Xiaozhang!"
Young Master Zhang lowered his tone, knowing his place.
He was only able to be in this room and drink with Old Ma, chat a bit, all thanks to the connection with Su Zelin. 𝑓𝑟ℯℴ𝓂
After toasting a drink with everyone individually, Zhang Yuanhang and Sister Ru left.
Even though it was just a short appearance, he was satisfied.
In the future, he could brag about having met Jack Ma personally and having had a drink with him; just the thought made Young Master Zhang feel proud.
The meal was enjoyable, but Su Zelin didn’t mention a word about the main business.
Leaving Taste Residence after the meal, Old Ma was slightly tipsy, he put an arm around Su Zelin’s shoulder, "Younger Brother Su, this lady warrior of yours is incredible, she drinks like it’s water. ’Impressive’ is all I can say, Old Ma is in admiration!"
Compared to usual business gatherings, he drank a bit more tonight.
People often said that Old Ma didn’t like drinking in his early years, but it depended on the person and his mood. If he truly saw you as a friend, he would drink a lot more for fun, otherwise, he’d just dodge with tai chi.
With alcohol in him, Old Ma talked a lot more, chatting with Su Zelin for a while, then turned to Nanaz, "President Ding, I’m quite drunk from tonight, but I’m happy. When you have time, come with Younger Brother Su to Ah Li’s headquarters for a cup of tea!"
"Hehe, sure, then I won’t be polite with President Ma!"
Nanaz smiled, she drank dozens of glasses tonight, yet her face was just slightly flushed, still very clear-headed.
After a few words with Ding Linna, Old Ma got in the car.
Watching the car leave, Li Mengning couldn’t help but speak, "President Su, didn’t you invite President Ma tonight to discuss business?"
He somewhat guessed Su Zelin’s purpose for the meal, after all, Lina operated online, and the most important channel was Goldrush.
"That’s right, we actually already discussed it."
Su Zelin said calmly.
"Discussed?"
Li Mengning was confused.
Throughout the meal, she saw them only talking about other topics, but nothing related to business, except when initially introducing Ding Linna and himself when mentioning Lina Fashion, but that was it.
Su Zelin smiled, "Some people like to take advantage of others being tipsy at drinking gatherings to discuss business terms, maybe the other side agrees in a moment of excitement, only to regret it when they sober up, yet feeling it’s awkward to renege because of face."