At the weekly meeting on Saturday afternoon, District Director Tong just watched without saying anything. Even though Director Xiang and Manager Wang sincerely invited him to speak at the beginning, Director Tong was very mindful and said, “I’ll listen first. You guys continue without worrying about me.” 

Though he said this, Lu Nan felt that today’s meeting was even more competitive than yesterday’s morning meeting. Fortunately, she already knew how skilled her senior colleagues were at fabricating work on the spot—newcomers, on the other hand, were still a bit clumsy. 

However, Director Tong was very tolerant of the newcomers. After each one spoke, they would sneak a glance at him, and he always had an encouraging smile. 

Among them, Director Tong paid special attention to Lu Nan because she was mentioned during their conversation at dinner the night before. Director Tong had formed a general impression of her: she is good-looking, articulate, and capable of getting things done. 

In the evening, the office held a dinner party to welcome Director Tong and also to bid farewell to Liu Yang and Sasha. 

Not everyone could attend this dinner. 

For example, the business supervisors from the surrounding counties and county-level cities who came for the meeting still had to drive or take a car back to their jurisdictions, so they didn’t need to attend; the business representatives from other channels in the city also didn’t need to attend (actually, they weren’t eligible). 

Besides Director Xiang, Manager Wang, and Chen Xiao, only the girls from the provincial and municipal group purchase department had the ‘honor’ of dining with Director Tong and Liu Tao. 

After the meeting, Yan Kai quietly approached Chen Xiao. “Brother Xiao, Lu Nan’s drinking capacity is average. Please take care of her a bit tonight.” 

Chen Xiao glanced at Yan Kai and asked with a half-smile, “Why do you care so much about your junior?” 

Yan Kai, slightly embarrassed, said, “After all, I was the one who introduced her to the company. She’s only been here a short time and doesn’t understand many things.” It sounded like he was asking Chen Xiao to look after her because he cared about his junior. 

“To do group purchasing, one must know how to drink. As for how much to drink during social events, that depends on their own abilities. Today, we’re having dinner among ourselves, so I can indeed look after her. But what about when she participates in smaller events independently? Should we also expect the distributors and their clients to take care of her?” Chen Xiao’s words were ruthless, completely different from his approachable demeanor. 

Yan Kai felt somewhat awkward. 

Perhaps realizing he had been too harsh; Chen Xiao changed his tone and softened his speech. “I’m glad you’re concerned about your colleague, but Lu Nan needs to handle all situations at the table on her own.” 

After being rebuffed by Chen Xiao, Yan Kai sent a message to Lu Nan apologizing. He explained that he had meant well, but things didn’t turn out as he had hoped. 

“No worries. Thank you, senior. But I think I’ll be fine, so don’t do this next time :)” was Lu Nan’s reply. 

… 

The dinner venue was still at Zui Qian Wei, but in a noticeably more upscale private room, with a large round table that could accommodate at least 18-20 people. The upper layer of the table had an electric rotating glass for serving dishes. 

Today, there was no need to arrange specific seating. The upper half of the table was mostly leaders, with seniors on either side, and the lower half was occupied by newcomers. 

Lu Nan and Dong Hui sat at opposite ends of the newcomers’ section, with Lu Nan next to Sasha and the other close to Wang Xiaoxue. 

It was evident that Dong Hui had dressed up today. 

Lu Nan knew that she was always most satisfied with her phoenix-shaped eyes, so today she drew thin, winged eyeliner, which made her look more feminine. 

Glancing across the table, Sasha whispered, “I told you to touch up your makeup in my car, but you insisted not to.” 

“I’ve put on foundation, eyebrows, and lipstick. It’s just a meal, so let’s keep it casual. Besides, I’m not the main character today.” Dressing up is just a bonus, but for a comparison to be fair, both people need to have similar overall abilities. It’s not that Lu Nan was arrogant—right now, even if Dong Hui wore elaborate makeup, she wouldn’t be able to surpass Lu Nan in other aspects. 

Ah, I’ve come a long way. Why am I comparing myself to her? Just remember, if others don’t provoke me, I won’t provoke them. Since the dorm allocation went smoothly and the distributor connections were almost settled, Lu Nan reminded herself not to focus on irrelevant people, as it would make her seem petty. 

“Right, right, I almost forgot, I’m also a main character today,” Sasha laughed. “Having a farewell drink for me and Liu Yang with a 20-year-old wine, we owe it to Director Tong.” 

The dinner wine was still the classic series from Yuan Chuan, but the specifications were higher than the 15-year-old used for the welcoming event last time. Today, they were using the 20-year-old Dream of Han and Tang Dynasties. 

Li Li smiled and said, “Director Tong, among the new group purchase managers at the city office, there’s a promising one. Her professional knowledge and skills are quite good. Could you give some guidance?” 

With these words, everyone fell silent. 

Their gazes naturally drifted towards Lu Nan. 

“Oh, who might that be?” 

Li Li didn’t keep them in suspense, “Lu Nan, show Director Tong your bottle-opening and wine-pouring skills.” 

“Then I’ll give it a try.” Lu Nan stood up, glancing at Manager Wang and Chen Xiao, who both wore encouraging smiles. 

Lu Nan had already demonstrated her skills once before, but that time, everyone was caught off guard and didn’t observe from the beginning. Plus, the room was crowded and noisy, and the atmosphere wasn’t quite right. 

Today was different. The private room even had a sound system playing soft classical music, making Lu Nan feel like she had her own background music. 

Impressing everyone was just a matter of course. 

“Good!” Director Tong clapped his hands and turned to Chen Xiao, “Interesting. The company is considering content for the autumn promotional video. I think this skill of Lu’s could be used. Is it hard to learn? Liu Tao, give it a try.” 

Liu Tao stood up and waved Lu Nan over. “Lu Nan, show me the technique.” 

Dong Hui whispered to Wang Xiaoxue, “Does Director Tong mean that Lu Nan’s bottle-opening technique can be used as material for our company’s promotional video? Lu Nan’s luck is too good, isn’t it?” 

Wang Xiaoxue nodded with full disdain. “Seems like it. But you see, Director Tong wants Manager Liu to learn it. Maybe… Lu Nan is just making clothes for others, showing off for nothing.” 

Dong Hui silently prayed for this outcome too. 

Lu Nan wasn’t afraid of others learning it—this little skill wouldn’t make her rich, and in her previous life, she had also contributed it to the company’s promotional video a few years later. This skill later became a practical technique that group purchase managers had to learn. However, it didn’t significantly help her promotion to city manager. In business, performance still speaks the loudest. 

So, she taught Liu Tao without holding back. 

However, mastering all the movements quickly and beautifully in a short time was challenging. 

Liu Tao tried twice and felt that she had not reached the artistic standard demonstrated by Lu Nan just now, so she smiled and said, “I am clumsy, and Lu Nan was able to come up with this set of movements, which shows she’s indeed impressive.” 

“Manager Liu is joking. I’m just familiar with it. You’ll be able to master it with a few more attempts,” Lu Nan smiled. “I can shoot a breakdown video of the key movements and send it to you tomorrow morning.” 

Li Li silently praised Lu Nan for being calm and composed, not seeking the spotlight, and thorough in her consideration. She was truly impressive. 

Liu Tao glanced at Director Tong and said knowingly, “Director Tong, if this material can be used for our company’s autumn promotional video, shouldn’t we give her some credit?” 

 Director Tong is indeed the regional leader, and his words are more sophisticated. “Regardless of whether the material can be used or not, we should encourage Xiao Lu’s professionalism and innovative spirit.” 

Lu Nan, with a hint of shyness from the praise, felt it was time to step back from showing off and let the leaders and seniors take the spotlight. 

When people were toasting in circles, Director Tong paid special attention to Lu Nan and noticed that her etiquette at the dinner table was also quite good. She knew how to toast, how to avoid drinking, and when to drink and join in the fun without being awkward. No wonder Manager Wang, Chen Xiao, and Li Li all spoke highly of her. 

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became lively, and the newcomers became more proactive. At least they had a little control over the rhythm and no longer had to look at Manager Wang’s eyes before hesitating to raise their glasses. 

After the meal, General Director Xiang and Manager Wang proposed the next venue. 

Director Tong smiled and declined a bit (Lu Nan noted that it wasn’t a firm refusal) but eventually agreed. 

They went to a nearby entertainment club, where a row of luxury cars was parked outside, and the entrance was brightly lit. Inside, two rows of young, handsome men dressed in white shirts, black vests, and black trousers greeted them. 

General Director Xiang seemed to be a regular. After entering, he told the waiting male attendant, “I just spoke with your Manager Zhang on the phone; the private room has been booked.” 

Clearly, the attendant had been informed in advance. With a respectful smile, he asked for the last digits of the reservation number and led Director Tong, the main guest, to their room. 

After stepping through the door, two rows of young men inside bowed in unison and greeted them. Lu Nan still had the presence of mind to listen to Sasha, who said, “The one at the very front looks pretty good, with a proper nose and eyes.” 

Knowing how high Sasha’s standards are for looks, Lu Nan took a careful look several times and quietly agreed, “The physique is also pretty good. Otherwise, why would he be standing at the front? He’s the face of the place.” 

They were quite comfortable and even commenting on each other. Chen Xiao, walking ahead, thought it was a bit strange. 

The other newcomers showed a mix of curiosity and discomfort. 

The male waiter led everyone to the private room door. Lu Nan glanced at the sign at the entrance. 

The name was quite extravagant: Versailles Palace. 

The private room was large, with LED screens embedded in the walls, various ambient lights on the ceiling, beige walls and floor tiles, and dark brown leather sofas, giving off a French palace vibe. 

From a later perspective, such decor might seem tacky, but that was not the point at the time. 

Considering various reasons, Director Xiang would definitely not call the “Princess” in. 

Just to be clear. It’s fine to invite your leader to dinner and sing, but if you’re going to ask them to serve happily, it should be done privately. 

Moreover, Director Xiang believed that with so many new female college students in Hailin City, using public resources a bit to warm up the scene was not excessive and even saved money. 

As the lights dimmed and the music started, 

They drank the beer provided by the club. 

The male and female waiters serving this private room brought out two dozen beers and thoughtfully provided forks for the fruit plate and disposable gloves for the snacks. 

Then, the room erupted into chaos— or perhaps, a dance of demons? 

In any case, that was the idea. 

Sasha was worried that Lu Nan might not adapt to such a scene for the first time. She squeezed her hand and said, “Relax, just think of it as high-end karaoke.” 

“Mm.” Lu Nan looked up and smiled at her, finding a seat by the side, and placed a bottle of beer and a glass in front of her— the glass still had cherry tomatoes, filled to about seven-eighths, looking quite presentable. 

Sasha gave Lu Nan an approving glance. 

Meanwhile, on the lively side, Dong Hui had clearly done her homework. She played several old songs, including popular duet love songs from twenty years ago, which won the hearts of Director Tong, Director Xiang, and the others. 

Sasha sneered. “It’s hard for her. She must have endured a lot of hardship.” 

Lu Nan said seriously, “Maybe she just likes those nostalgic old songs.” 

“Come on, that’s a taste from the past. Do you want to sing? I can pick the songs for you. To be honest, the sound system here is better than at most karaoke places.” 

Lu Nan shook her head, “I don’t want to sing, you can pick songs for yourself.” 

After a while, someone sat down beside her. 

“Manager Li.” 

Li Li took Lu Nan’s glass and handed it to her, “You did well during dinner, but now you’re trying to slack off? Go support Director Tong.” With a glance, Lu Nan saw that Director Tong and Dong Hui’s duet of “Intimate Lovers” was coming to an end. 

Lu Nan knew that it was already a rare opportunity to hide away from laziness for a while, so she didn’t hesitate. She picked out the cherry tomatoes from the cup with a fruit fork and filled the cup to 90% full. Since she was going to take the initiative, she shouldn’t let people find fault with the details. 

When the song ended, the whole box was filled with people waving tambourines and cheering. Among them, Director Xiang was the most enthusiastic and a master at creating an atmosphere. 

Lu Nan held a full glass of beer and came forward to clink glasses with Director Tong, then drank it all in one gulp. Director Tong pulled Lu Nan aside and talked to her for a few more words, praising her for being good and having a promising future over and over again. 

Lu Nan thought, If I took a middle-aged man’s drunken compliments seriously, I’d be a fool. 

Enduring Dong Hui’s unfriendly gaze, Lu Nan praised Director Tong a few more times without giving him a chance to invite her to duet. Then, she made an excuse to leave. 

Just as she got away, Manager Wang called her, so she ended up having another drink with Manager Wang. 

Since she couldn’t avoid it, she might as well complete all the social tasks for today’s club visit. 

After all, she couldn’t leave out Director Xiang and Chen Xiao, right?