The reason why Yuan Chuan Classic Wine has been famous for a long time and remains popular is not only because of its mellow taste but also because of its beautiful and intoxicating packaging. 

This bottle shape was designed by a master of traditional Chinese painting in the early years, with pastel outlines that exude a strong Chinese charm. It can be said that every bottle in the Yuan Chuan Classic Wine Series is a work of art. 

Now, this bottle, known as ‘Heavenly Fragrance and National Beauty’, is in Lu Nan’s hands. She first supported the bottom of the bottle with her left hand, pinched the neck of the bottle with her right hand, turned the decorated side towards the people at the table, and then with an extremely graceful manner, she unlocked the anti-theft clasp behind the bottle. Her left hand steadies the bottle neck like playing a musical instrument, while her right hand moves up, resembling the plucking of a pipa, and then she twists and unscrews the bottle cap. 

The entire process lacked any sense of brute force, only four words can describe it: pleasing to the eye. 

Lu Nan knew she was showing off a bit. Seeing everyone at the table staring at her, she smiled lightly and took the glass wine decanter from the table. 

The originally empty decanter was slowly filled with one-third of the white wine. 

Only after Lu Nan stopped did other sounds emerge at the table. 

People at the table noticed that the amount of wine Lu Nan poured into the decanters for Director Xiang, Manager Wang, and Manager Chen was exactly the same. 

Manager Wang, in disbelief, lined up the three decanters together, and indeed, the wine levels formed a straight line. 

“Lu Nan, that was impressive! How did you manage to do that?” Manager Wang said. 

“I learned tea art for a while before, so I couldn’t help but show off a little,” Lu Nan said, slightly embarrassed. 

After Lu Nan sat down, Chen Xiao leaned closer to her and whispered, “No wonder General Yang praised your tea-making skills that day.” 

“It’s nothing, just a skill I’ve practiced a lot,” Lu Nan thought to herself. “I actually learned how to pour wine after countless practices, but it seems no one would believe the truth if I said it now.” 

Chen Xiao paused for a moment, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. He glanced at Li Li—clearly, Manager Li was quite satisfied with Lu Nan’s recent actions. 

Li Li caught Chen Xiao’s glance, and after a brief exchange of looks, they reached an understanding. They wanted Lu Nan for the Classic Wine Group Purchasing Department. 

They both knew their roles wouldn’t conflict, as one managed group purchases for the provincial office, and the other was a brand specialist at the city manager level in the business unit, both handling operations for the Yuan Chuan Classic Wine series. 

… 

Lu Nan knew when to stop to avoid overdoing it, so she kept a low profile after pouring the wine. She simply wanted to suppress Dong Hui, not become a rival to all the newcomers. 

Later on, she didn’t proactively offer to toast, instead she went along with Manager Wang’s suggestion and Li Li’s invitation to toast to Director Xiang, and so on. She clinked glasses with everyone and ate quietly. 

Because she only took a few sips, Lu Nan didn’t need to rely on her extraordinary abilities. Her cheeks flushed slightly, making her look even more charming than usual. She was beautiful and aware of it, so her eyes were clear, and she never glanced around. 

Today’s achievement is complete, now I can gracefully withdraw. 

Lu Nan was content with this mindset, but Dong Hui couldn’t let go. 

Dong Hui was upset about arriving last, but she didn’t regret reporting too late. However, she was jealous that those who arrived earlier, like Lu Nan, seemed to have taken all the advantages. She felt that all the attention and special treatment Lu Nan received were merely because she arrived early, perhaps also due to her appearance—though Dong Hui didn’t want to admit this thought. She believed that if she had arrived before Lu Nan, she could have been more outstanding and eye-catching. 

She had already missed the chance to leave a good impression on the company, so Dong Hui felt she needed to make a statement at the welcome banquet. 

She wouldn’t resort to awkward or pretentious actions. But, for example, being enthusiastic about drinking as part of her job in the beverage industry—wasn’t that also a bonus point? 

Seeing Dong Hui accelerating her toasting frequency, Lu Nan knew that Dong Hui was becoming anxious. 

Although it’s not the best strategy, it seems to be effective. Lu Nan knew that with Dong Hui’s bold drinking tonight, it could indeed leave a strong impression on the company’s leaders. 

I just hope you won’t regret being too proactive tonight. Lu Nan glanced at her phone; it was already past nine in the evening. 

Most of the senior colleagues at the nearby table had families and used the time as an excuse to leave. 

But newcomers like Lu Nan certainly couldn’t leave early. 

After a moment’s thought, Lu Nan apologized to Manager Wang, saying she needed to make a phone call outside. 

Since Manager Wang knew, she wasn’t trying to leave early, he just joked, “Don’t sneak away; we’ll have a few more drinks later.” 

“Of course, Manager Wang.” Lu Nan smiled and, as she stood up, saw Chen Xiao clearly indicating with his phone that she could take a brief break. 

Outside the private room was a long corridor, and Lu Nan walked on the soft carpet until she reached its end. 

Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself not to evade the situation. Avoidance wouldn’t solve anything and might even make things worse. Lesson that she learned from her past experiences. 

… 

“Hello, Mom. Are you still awake?” 

The cold response came from the other end, “Not yet.” 

“Oh, today I received a sum of money from Dad…” 

Lu Nan’s mother scoffed, “How much?” 

“Two hundred and fifty thousand.” 

“Handouts for beggars. Do you know how much he spent on that mistress’s house? The down payment alone…” 

Lu Nan wanted to say, I know. Over the past four years and in the years to come, you’ve mentioned countless times. I know how much he spent on that house for his mistress, the total amount, even more details than you do. I know the specific address of that house, when the mistress sold it, and for how much… But she couldn’t say that because any hint of impatience would unleash her mother’s constant wave of attacks. 

“I’m telling you, take whatever he gives you. It’s rightfully yours. Half of his current wealth is mine! Don’t act all high and mighty. Being high and mighty won’t put food on the table! You’re already out in society; you should know how important money is!” Her mother continued relentlessly. “Anyway, I’m useless now, penniless, can’t help you with anything. If I lower my dignity and make a fuss, maybe next time I can help you get a house. That’s the best I can do for you. But remember, your little brother hasn’t gained anything yet. In the future, you must help him claim his share! You must remember, it’s all rightfully yours.” 

The call lasted over ten minutes, ending abruptly with Lu Nan’s mother hanging up. 

Lu Nan stood at the end of the corridor, staring blankly. 

Her reflection was clear in the glass display. 

This was a glimpse of her original family. Before adulthood, she was the envy of her relatives, friends, and classmates—a top student and a beautiful girl from a wealthy family. After adulthood, she was just an ordinary girl with a single parent who looked good and still excelled in her studies.