Lu Kun had spent decades navigating the business world, honing his eloquence to a fine edge. When Chen Ze extended an olive branch, Lu Kun seized the opportunity without hesitation.

“No, no, it’s not about having confidence in myself. It’s the quality of our products, their superior craftsmanship, and their bright future prospects that give me this assurance,” Lu Kun said confidently.

“Excellent! Mr. Lu, you truly have the vision of a great leader. Let’s seal the deal,” Chen Ze decided on the spot. “I’ll purchase 30% of Lu Corporation’s shares. Expanding production and improving product quality will be your responsibility, Mr. Lu. As for sales channels, the Chen family has plenty of resources at hand.”

“Rest assured, Mr. Chen. I guarantee you won’t regret this investment,” Lu Kun promised, pounding his chest with confidence.

“Then I look forward to it. Here’s to a successful partnership.” Chen Ze raised his glass.

“To our partnership,” Lu Kun replied, and the two chatted amicably.

The next day, Wang Xiaoke successfully joined the Wang family’s grape plantation.

“You’re the new hire?” The team leader was an ordinary-looking middle-aged man with tanned skin and a stern expression.

“Yes,” Wang Xiaoke replied obediently, not daring to act out in his presence.

“You look delicate and probably can’t handle heavy labor. It’s harvest season, and we’re short on hands. Start by helping with grape picking for a few days.”

“Understood.”

“Be careful not to damage or break the grapevines. Also, sort out any rotten ones, or they’ll affect the flavor of the wine later…” The team leader rattled off a string of instructions, leaving Wang Xiaoke overwhelmed. She hadn’t realized that even grape harvesting required such meticulous attention to detail.

It seemed she needed to find some professional books to study. Wang Xiaoke wasn’t here just to pass time; she was determined to learn and improve herself purposefully.

After a full day of work, Wang Xiaoke, unaccustomed to physical labor, was exhausted and sore all over. Yet she felt incredibly fulfilled. From the team leader’s words, she had also learned a great deal about winemaking.

“How was your first day of work?” Wang Chengyao asked with concern as he saw his daughter return home drenched in sweat.

Wiping her forehead, Wang Xiaoke smiled, “It was tiring, but fulfilling.”

Wang Chengyao’s stern expression softened slightly. “That’s good to hear. Can you keep going?”

“Of course!” Wang Xiaoke clenched her fists and waved them in front of her chest. “I’m not the type to slack off. If I’m here to train myself, I’ll make sure I actually learn something. Otherwise, even I wouldn’t respect myself.”

“Good. That’s the spirit. Keep it up. I’m rooting for you.” Encouraged by her enthusiasm, Wang Chengyao decided not to dampen her motivation.

A week passed uneventfully. During the day, Wang Xiaoke worked tirelessly in the vineyard, and at night, she immersed herself in books about winemaking. From planting and harvesting to the final production of wine, she absorbed everything meticulously.

She also studied other types of alcohol production, knowing that the Wang family’s business wasn’t limited to just wine. If she was to take over the family business one day, she needed to have a solid understanding, if not mastery, of the relevant knowledge.