What to eat on occasions like this was never the point. 

Lu Nan was happy to go along with the host’s arrangements. 

President Han quickly ordered a few dishes and, after entering the private room, called someone from the restaurant to send over two bottles of alcohol. 

It was unclear why he hadn’t brought them himself earlier—perhaps he assumed the Yuan Chuan team had brought their own? 

Lu Nan said, “Let’s skip the alcohol. We still have to head to Sifang Construction this afternoon.” 

President Han thought it over and didn’t insist. He changed the order and asked for just one bottle instead. “Manager Lu has business to attend to this afternoon, so Manager Liu and I will just have a little.” 

Here, “Manager Liu” naturally referred to Liu Yang. 

Lu Nan hadn’t brought Liu Yang along to drink on her behalf, but after glancing at her, she thought for a moment and said, “Actually, why not let Manager Liu—our soon-to-be former city manager—have a drink with you, President Han? He’s reluctant to part ways with you.” 

Old Liu was baffled. I’m leaving because the Hua’an market’s going nowhere. When did I ever say I’d miss President Han? 

But upon catching Lu Nan’s look, he quickly followed her lead. “Yes, it’s been such a great couple of years working with President Han. The thought of leaving really gets to me.” 

President Han didn’t mind who he drank with. He’d had a lot on his mind lately anyway, and was just happy to have someone to share a drink with. 

Before the food arrived, the alcohol was delivered. 

Just as Old Liu was reminiscing about the many challenges he and President Han had overcome while launching Yuan Chuan’s products in Hua’an, he looked up and suddenly fell silent like a rooster with its throat caught. 

Lu Nan noticed his reaction and followed his gaze. 

The person who entered was a woman in her forties, slightly short and plump, with chin-length hair. She wore a black down jacket over a rose-red turtleneck sweater, looking no different from an average woman. 

She laughed and said, “Manager Liu, what’s with that expression? Am I not welcome? I heard you brought the new city manager to visit Hongtu today, so I came by especially to bring you all some liquor.” 

“What are you saying, ma’am? Of course you’re welcome,” Manager Liu replied awkwardly, all the while glancing at President Han for some kind of signal: What’s going on here? What should I do? 

President Han didn’t look pleased, the muscles in his cheeks twitching as he muttered, “Why are you here?” Meanwhile, he was trying to figure out which store employee had ratted him out in such detail. 

The woman Manager Liu had called “ma’am” was, unmistakably, President Han’s wife—or more accurately, his soon-to-be ex-wife, as they were currently in the middle of divorce proceedings. 

She smiled and said, “I came to meet the representatives from Yuan Chuan. Han, that’s not very fair of you. There’s an old saying—business may end, but the relationship remains. After twenty years of marriage, even if we’re splitting up, we can still be friends, right? Who knows, I might even go into the liquor business myself someday. If Yuan Chuan is here, I should at least make an effort to be a good host.” 

“What are you doing here? Playing host?” Han replied with a trace of mockery. 

Before he could finish, his wife ignored him and turned to Manager Liu. “Who’s got time to make a scene? Ever since that little mistress showed up pregnant at our door, I’ve kept my mouth shut—haven’t caused a single stir. That’s giving you more face than you deserve… Come on now, little brother, make some room for me.” 

Manager Liu hesitated but eventually stood up slowly, trying to read any hint of reaction from President Han. 

Of course, President Han gave no sign. His jaw muscles twitched, but he said nothing. Probably because he was in the wrong this time? 

In any case, Manager Liu couldn’t stretch it out forever, so he moved over to make space. 

Lu Nan observed everything calmly: Ah—so this is the famous Ms. Tian, who later became quite prominent in the provincial liquor industry. What an interesting woman. 

As Lu Nan studied her, the woman studied Lu Nan right back. 

Sitting down without hesitation, she cheerfully turned to Lu Nan and said, “You must be the legendary Manager Lu? So young! Nice to meet you. My last name is Tian. I was going to ask you to call me ‘sister,’ but now I feel too old for that. Call me big sis or aunty—whichever you prefer.” 

Lu Nan had to admit, this Sister Tian was quite a character. From the moment she entered the room, there wasn’t a trace of sorrow over a failing marriage. Instead, she radiated spirit and determination. 

It might not be appropriate to say, but— 

If Ms. Huang Li had shown even half the strength and openness that Sister Tian had when her marriage fell apart, she wouldn’t have suffered for so many years. 

Though her mother is doing just fine these days. Hopefully she’ll keep her cool when we go home for the New Year. 

With that thought, Lu Nan smiled and extended her hand. “Nice to meet you, Sister Tian. I’m Lu Nan—‘Lu’ as in winding road, and ‘Nan’ like the golden nanmu tree.” 

“Well, not only are you good-looking, but you have a lovely name, too. I’m Tian Aizhen—‘Ai’ as in love, and ‘Zhen’ as in pearl.” 

Sister Tian placed the classic Yuan Chuan liquor she brought on the table, turned to Manager Liu and said, “Little brother, open the bottle. Didn’t you say you’re reluctant to part with your Brother Han? Then drink up, you two. Don’t worry about us women chatting.” 

Her unbothered demeanor nearly made President Han laugh in frustration. “Tian Aizhen, what are you doing?” 

“Starting a business,” she replied matter-of-factly. “I’m getting divorced. If I don’t figure out how to make some money now, who’s going to pay for our three kids’ education?” 

President Han didn’t want to air personal matters in front of others, but Tian Aizhen had already trampled his pride. He stood up, quickly moved beside her, and tried to grab her wrist. “We’re not divorced yet. And even if we were, I’d still pay child support. But if you ruin this deal for me, and I lose the income, how will that help you or the kids?” 

Tian Aizhen deftly avoided his hand, stepped back, and replied, “Han Jianxin, get this straight. I have a legal claim to half of everything you own. Your business? It’s also my business. And don’t threaten me with child support. I wasn’t raised to be scared. Money only counts when it’s in hand—this nonsense about monthly payments? Who knows if you’ll even be around next year.” 

If it weren’t for the occasion, Lu Nan would have clapped. 

Tian Aizhen smoothed her hair and turned to Lu Nan. “Sorry about that, Manager Lu. Hope I didn’t make things awkward.” 

“President Han, Sister Tian, I think the waiter’s knocking with the food. Why don’t we all take a seat?” Lu Nan pointed toward the door, giving them both a graceful way to de-escalate. 

Han Jianxin had clearly lost face today. After a moment of restraint, he decided to leave. He glanced at his phone and said apologetically, “Manager Lu, Manager Liu, I’m sorry—something urgent came up. In a few days, I’ll host a proper dinner to welcome Manager Lu and send off Manager Liu.” 

Everyone knew it was an excuse, but the Yuan Chuan team didn’t call him out, and Tian Aizhen was glad to see him go. 

So, President Han left quickly. Before exiting the private room, he made a point to say he’d cover today’s bill. 

After he left, the exaggerated smile finally faded from Tian Aizhen’s face. She took the bottle Manager Liu had just opened, poured herself a full glass, and asked Lu Nan, “Manager Lu, will you join me?” 

“If Sister Tian’s pouring, I definitely have to drink,” Lu Nan said as she pushed her cup over. 

Since the restaurant didn’t serve liquor traditionally, they were using tea cups—each holding more than 100ml. 

Tian Aizhen poured a third of a cup for Lu Nan, then turned to ask, “Little brother, what about you?” 

Manager Liu was still a bit stunned. 

He couldn’t quite figure out what Lu Nan meant—hadn’t she said she was meeting with someone from Sifang Construction in the afternoon? She had just used that as an excuse to push the drinking task onto him. So why was she now joining in without hesitation? 
“Manager Lu, weren’t you supposed to…” 

Lu Nan smiled. “Just a little won’t hurt. Liu Yang, do you have a driver’s license? No? That’s fine, I’ll call for a designated driver later. Come on, Manager Liu, have some too.” Liu Yang not having a license was no surprise to Lu Nan. As for Manager Liu, whether he had one or not, he had to drink this noon regardless. 

Tian Aizhen could hold her liquor well. Raising her glass, she made a toast: “I showed up unexpectedly and may have caused trouble for the three of you. Let me offer an apology first.” She drank about a quarter of her glass in one go. 

Lu Nan raised a hand to stop her. “No need for that, Sister Tian.” 

Tian Aizhen laughed heartily. “Manager Lu, to be honest with you, I really am in the middle of divorcing Han Jianxin. We’re at a standoff mainly because we haven’t figured out how to split the assets, which has delayed the contract renewal with your company, Yuan Chuan. But no matter if Hongtu Liquor ends up with him, with me, or we split it evenly—let me be clear: I want to continue making liquor for Yuan Chuan.” 

Manager Liu couldn’t help but speak up. “Sister-in-law, is it worth it? You know how tough this business is…” 

“Don’t try to talk me out of it, little brother!” Tian Aizhen turned to him. “Tough or not, do you think I’m afraid? Hongtu Liquor got to where it is today because Han Jianxin and I spent years drinking our way through business dinners. I only started pulling back after I got pregnant and had to take care of our child. Manager Lu, I won’t make empty promises—just give me two months. If Han Jianxin and I finalize the divorce and divide the assets within that time, I hope you’ll still consider me when the time comes.” 

Lu Nan thought for a moment. “The contract between Yuan Chuan and Hongtu Liquor expires at the end of February. I’m afraid I can’t afford to leave that one-month gap.” 

Tian Aizhen looked a bit disappointed, but she understood. 

“But…” Lu Nan spoke again. 

“But what?” Manager Liu couldn’t help but ask. 

Lu Nan and Tian Aizhen both turned to look at him. 

Old Liu picked up his glass and took a self-punishing sip. “I’ll drink, I’ll drink.”