Before contacting Director Chen, Lu Nan took a moment to handle her license plate registration. She chose the number 0615, the day she was reborn, and selected the letters “HE”—short for “Happy Ending.” 

A meaningful choice. 

Lu Nan thought to herself that she really was a bit superstitious. 

… 

Following the contact number provided by Li Li, Lu Nan called Director Chen. However, his attitude was rather indifferent. Even when being offered free wine, they still maintained a reserved stance. 

After all, every year, numerous liquor companies competed to sponsor the banquet wine. 

When Lu Nan suggested an in-person visit, Director Chen responded bluntly, “There’s no rush on this matter.” 

Clearly, they were still observing the situation. 

The next day, during the morning meeting work report, her colleagues from the group purchasing department took turns saying they had already called the district leaders and were planning to visit in person today. When it was Lu Nan’s turn, she shared her progress — which was basically no progress at all. Manager Wang gave her a disappointed look, as if puzzled that the usually efficient Lu Nan was falling behind everyone else this time. 

After the meeting, Manager Wang called her out directly. “Lu Nan, come see me for a moment.” 

Xiang Feifei gave Lu Nan a concerned glance. Lu Nan smiled, patted her shoulder reassuringly, then got up and walked toward Manager Wang’s office. 

“Lu Nan, have you encountered any problems at work recently?” When dealing with female subordinates, Manager Wang usually had a kind tone. 

“Thank you for your concern, Manager Wang,” Lu Nan shook her head. “No issues.” 

“Then you need to pick up the pace on securing sponsorship from the municipal government. I specifically assigned you to handle the most important district in Hailin City. You can’t be the only one lagging behind while the other districts are already taken care of.” His words were firm but not too harsh. 

Lu Nan hesitated for a moment before deciding to share her thoughts. “Director Chen’s attitude is rather cold. He not only declined my request to visit in person but also rejected a private wine gift I offered, as Manager Li had suggested. Manager Wang, from the way things are going, I don’t think it’s likely we’ll get sponsorship approval for the banquet wine this year.” 

Wang Xinglong clearly did not agree with Lu Nan’s conclusion. In his view, while the young woman in front of him was highly capable at work, she still lacked social experience and didn’t fully understand how things operated. 

To him, Director Chen was simply putting on airs. 

So, he said, “How about this—if you think this is too difficult, you can consult Manager Li for advice.” 

Lu Nan knew that there was no need to continue the conversation—the other party clearly wasn’t going to listen. 

Since her suggestion had been ignored, she remained calm. Leaving the office, she nodded in greeting to Li Li, who was approaching. 

As she passed by Chen Xiao’s office, he called out to her. “Lu Nan, come here for a moment. How has the recent shipment situation been with Feixiang?” 

Not long ago, Lu Nan had conducted an inventory check and already reported the details to Chen Xiao via email. She wasn’t sure why he was asking again, but her memory was sharp. Even after several days, she could still recall the exact figures. 

Chen Xiao nodded, then asked, “Regarding the liquor sponsorship for the Two Conferences… do you have a different opinion on it?” 

Lu Nan wasn’t surprised that he brought it up. She thought for a moment. Earlier, she had shared her thoughts with Manager Wang, but he didn’t take them seriously. If she told Chen Xiao and he dismissed them as well, then she wouldn’t bother putting in extra effort. 

“Because of anti-corruption policies,” Lu Nan explained simply. “I think that starting this year, the Two Conferences—the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference—won’t accept sponsorships from liquor companies anymore. They might even switch to a buffet-style arrangement.” 

She wasn’t just making baseless claims. 

The government’s commitment to anti-corruption was evident—just look at how the navy leadership handled matters in July. Given that, it was only natural for local governments to follow suit. 

Chen Xiao, being young, was much more sensitive to political trends compared to leaders like Director Xiang and Wang Xinglong, who had risen through the ranks during the early, more loosely regulated years of the liquor industry. 

After a moment of thought, he said, “So you believe this outreach effort is pointless.” It wasn’t a question—it was a statement. 

Lu Nan nodded but added, “Don’t worry, Brother Xiao. I won’t slack off because of this. I’ll still do my best to communicate with Director Chen.” After all, it was her job. 

“You handle work matters as you see fit.” Chen Xiao paused briefly before adding, “This weekend, Director Tong and Liu Tao are coming to Hailin City.” 

Lu Nan raised an eyebrow. And? 

Tapping his pen against the desk, Chen Xiao hesitated before saying, “…Never mind. Get back to work.” 

— 

The next morning, after the team meeting, Li Li called Lu Nan over. 

She inwardly sighed. Why does it feel like every manager has been looking for her lately? 

“I called Director Chen last night,” Li Li said. “We scheduled a meeting at his office this morning at ten. You’ll come with me.” 

Lu Nan nodded. 

As they headed downstairs, Li Li casually glanced at the red Mercedes parked in the lot and said, implying something, “Let’s take my car. Yours… might not leave the best impression when visiting the government offices.” 

Lu Nan didn’t mind. She nodded and got into the car, fastening her seatbelt as usual while making small talk with Li Li. 

When they arrived, she didn’t ask whether they should bring a gift for their visit. 

Li Li gave her a quick look, unsure if Lu Nan intentionally refrained from bringing anything or simply forgot to ask. 

At Director Chen’s office, Lu Nan stood quietly behind Li Li, watching her warmly exchange greetings with Director Chen, who kept deflecting everything with vague answers. 

After about ten minutes, he served them tea. 

Realizing they weren’t making any progress, Li Li had no choice but to wrap things up. Before leaving, she subtly mentioned an upcoming tasting event and invited him to attend, but his response remained lukewarm. 

Once back in the car, Li Li fastened her seatbelt and told Lu Nan, “You need to keep a close eye on Director Chen. Call him again in the evening.” 

“Got it.” 

Returning to the office, Lu Nan found an excuse to ask Jiang Xiaoyun for some reporting forms and lingered a bit longer before it was finally lunchtime. 

Back at the dormitory, she found that Xiang Feifei and the others had already eaten. 

“You just got back?” Xiang Feifei called out. “Come have a bite.” 

Lu Nan didn’t hold back and took out the pickled chicken feet she had bought yesterday from the fridge. “Then I’ll add a dish and join in.” 

After lunch, everyone went to take a short nap. 

It was Xiang Feifei’s turn to wash the dishes today, and Lu Nan helped clean up the table. 

After tidying up, Lu Nan wiped the table twice with a cloth. While rinsing the cloth on the other side of the kitchen’s double sink, Xiang Feifei casually asked, “Did you offend Li Li recently?” 

“No,” Lu Nan shook her head. “Why?” 

“It was Sister Lu who mentioned it. You know Yin Qingqing and Luo Yajun from their dorm? They work shifts at the product store. A few days ago, Li Li went there to return some supplies and asked Luo Yajun to write a receipt. She got stuck, probably because the format wasn’t quite right. Because of that, Li Li specifically called a meeting for the two of them, saying that not only did they lack professionalism, but they couldn’t even write a basic office receipt… She was pretty harsh about it.” 

“During the meeting, she also made some indirect remarks about how newcomers these days have a problematic work attitude. She said that even though they just graduated from college, they don’t hesitate to spend money on new clothes, gym memberships, and other expenses. Even the cars they buy are all luxury ones. But in reality, they’re just spending their family’s money. Only when they can afford such a lifestyle with their own skills can they truly be considered capable. That’s more or less what she said.” 

After finishing, Xiang Feifei glanced at Lu Nan. “Although Sun Bo also bought a car, his clothes have always been simple, and judging by his physique, he doesn’t seem like the type who goes to the gym. So among those in our city office who can afford this kind of lifestyle, it’s basically just Pan Sasha and you. And you only just bought a car…” 

“Ah, that feels like an arrow to the knee,” Lu Nan said with a slightly troubled expression, though her tone didn’t match her face at all. It was clear she didn’t really care about what Xiang Feifei was saying. 

“Although Li Li isn’t our direct supervisor, as the provincial group purchasing manager, she does have the authority to give scores during the year-end evaluations,” Xiang Feifei advised kindly. “I think Sister Lu brought this up to me partly as a way to remind you. Just be mindful of it. Li Li used to think quite highly of you, but things change. Your car is even better than hers, so it might have struck a nerve.” 

Lu Nan nodded knowingly. She had already considered this possibility before buying the car. 

However, she couldn’t just lower her standards and buy a cheaper car just to make the leaders at the office feel better, right? 

Besides, in her past life, the car she bought only cost a little over 200,000 yuan—it wasn’t expensive. Yet, people still found reasons to be envious. 

Li Li had said something similar to others before, and back then, there was even Dong Hui stirring up trouble… 

Regardless, Lu Nan still appreciated Chen Lu and Xiang Feifei’s kindness. 

In the afternoon, Lu Nan sent a message to Director Chen, expressing that the company was still very eager to secure an opportunity to sponsor the event’s wine. More than half an hour later, Director Chen replied: “I still need to consider this matter further.” 

It was the response Lu Nan had expected. As for making a phone call? There was no need at all—a text message was enough to fulfill the task. 

At the next morning’s meeting, Manager Wang didn’t publicly press Lu Nan for progress, likely because Li Li had already communicated with him the day before. 

However, after the meeting, Lu Nan was called into the office. 

Inside, there were already three people—besides Manager Wang, there were also Chen Xiao and Li Li. 

“Have a seat,” Manager Wang gestured toward a chair. 

Lu Nan sat down and waited for the leaders to speak. 

Li Li was the first to speak. “Lu Nan, I asked you to follow up with Director Chen yesterday. How did it go?” 

Lu Nan looked troubled. “I contacted Director Chen a little after 4 p.m. yesterday, but he still refused to give a definite answer.” 

“Did you mention the quality of the sponsored wine? We’re offering a 20-year classic selection,” Manager Wang asked. 

Lu Nan nodded. “I mentioned it right from the start, and Manager Li also reiterated it to Director Chen yesterday.” 

Manager Wang, with a somewhat brash tone, said, “Doesn’t make sense. He won’t even accept free wine? The leaders in Hailin are acting like they’re more high and mighty than our own Sichuan leaders.” 

Chen Xiao cleared his throat. 

Li Li also gave Manager Wang a disapproving look. 

Realizing his misstep, Manager Wang coughed lightly and adjusted his tone. “How about this—we can offer other materials as well, like calendars, leather notebooks, and gel pens. Since they’re holding meetings, they’ll definitely need these. We could even offer insulated cups.” 

What kind of ridiculous suggestion is that? I don’t even want to comment on it. 

Lu Nan felt a bit awkward and glanced at Chen Xiao subtly. 

Understanding Lu Nan’s silent message, Chen Xiao interrupted Manager Wang’s train of thought. “Brother Wang, the key issue right now is figuring out whether Director Chen’s attitude is directed only at Yuan Chuan or if he’s treating all liquor companies the same way. As far as I know, the national liquor brand isn’t planning to sponsor the Two Conferences this year.” 

He dropped a major piece of news—something he had only found out last night. 

Manager Wang looked doubtful. “The national liquor brand isn’t doing sponsorships anymore? Is that for real?” 

“The source seems reliable,” Chen Xiao added. “If that’s the case, we’d better quickly find out what our competitors are planning.”