Chapter 11 Strategy_1

In the private room, a middle-aged man with a slicked-back hairdo, dressed in a black suit, and radiating a strong masculine charm stood up from the head seat.

"Ms. Ye, you finally made it, much to my relief. If you had stood me up, there'd be no point in discussing our financial issues. After all, integrity is the most important aspect of doing business," he said.

This man with the slicked-back hair was Xu Gang.

Yet, the so-called issue of integrity mentioned by Xu Gang made Jiang Chen scoff silently.

How could such a hypocrite, spouting righteousness and morality, be fit to talk about integrity?

Absolutely not!

However, Jiang Chen did not reveal his thoughts at that moment.

He was still waiting for the right opportunity.

"Sorry for the delay. I ran into some troubles on the way and nearly didn't make it," Ye Jingyi quickly replied, as she couldn't afford to slight someone who could solve her major financial dilemma.

But on seeing Jiang Chen follow her into the private room, her annoyance showed: "What are you doing here? Wait for me at the door."

She feared that Jiang Chen might disrupt her important negotiations, which could give her a reason to kill him if he botched the deal.

Jiang Chen just smiled, staying silent and refusing to leave.

"Since he's with Ms. Ye, let him stay here for now," Xu Gang, who had also noticed Jiang Chen, didn't pay much attention, considering him to be nothing more than Ye Jingyi's bodyguard or driver.

Such people were mere ants in his eyes, insignificant and not worth much attention.

When it came time to discuss important matters, he could simply have someone take care of Jiang Chen.

With no other option, Ye Jingyi could only shoot a warning glance at Jiang Chen before turning to sit at the table.

"Clap, clap—"

At Xu Gang's signal, the waiters, who had prepared for a long time, brought in one delicious dish after another to the table in the private room.

Lobster, deep-sea abalone, shark fin…

A variety of exquisite delicacies were brought in, creating a dazzling array that filled the entire table.

However, faced with such an array of foods, Ye Jingyi had no appetite whatsoever. How could she enjoy these when her company's problems were yet unresolved?

"Mr. Xu, I'm here to talk about the financial issues, not to indulge in a gourmet feast," she said, clearly displeased.

"Ms. Ye, life is about enjoying fine food while discussing business. Don't worry, I'll take care of the bill," Xu Gang said in a carefree manner, displaying a generous spirit.

At those words, Ye Jingyi couldn't very well continue to protest and instead began to eat while discussing ways to resolve the financial shortfall with him.

Jiang Chen, who was watching discreetly, listened carefully and discovered that Xu Gang was indeed seriously discussing business, not even serving any liquor.

Ye Jingyi's expression had also gradually relaxed, as the negotiations were clearly going smoothly.

But this felt wrong. It must be a scheme of that old fox.

Where was the drug-laced alcohol that had cost Ye Jingyi her innocence?

Thinking this, Jiang Chen shifted his focus from Xu Gang, surveying the surroundings. After observing for a while, he noticed a bodyguard-like person quietly slipping out of the room.

With quick reflexes, Jiang Chen discreetly followed.

Both Ye Jingyi and Xu Gang were oblivious to Jiang Chen's sudden departure.

Ye Jingyi was still fully hopeful of successfully negotiating and resolving the company's financial troubles.

Xu Gang's eyes sparkled with excitement, a smug sense of triumph brewing within.

Before him, this ravishing beauty was about to become his fine Pan Yan Country feast.

This was a true delicacy.

Especially since she was still a naive young thing. The mere thought of it was tantalizing.

Xu Gang's heart pounded with anticipation.

At that moment, Jiang Chen had already quietly followed the guard dressed in black formalwear, who looked quite decent, outside and watched him speak with someone dressed like a waiter in a black vest.

Jiang Chen hid in a corner, pricking up his ears to listen.

"Is it taken care of?" the guard asked.

"All set. I've dosed the red wine and champagne with enough of the drug, it's powerful stuff. Even the most virtuous woman would become..." The man leered.

"Shut up."

The guard chided sharply, then quickly glanced around to make sure they were alone, before glaring at the man, "Watch your mouth. If you mess up the boss's plan, you'd better watch your head."

The man hastened to nod his agreement, daring not to say more, and handed over the two bottles of wine.

The guard took the bottles, examined them, and returned them, instructing the other man before turning to head back to the private room.

Jiang Chen, watching everything from the shadows, smirked coldly and quickly slipped out of the corner to follow the man with the wine.

Inside the private room, Ye Jingyi had nearly finished negotiating with Xu Gang. He was like a walking treasure trove, agreeing to all of Ye Jingyi's terms without any harsh conditions.

Ye Jingyi was over the moon, her joy clearly written all over her face.

"Ms. Ye, to celebrate our successful contract signing, a celebratory drink is in order," Xu Gang said smiling, revealing his teeth. He was in an exceptionally delighted mood, beaming with joy.

For he had noticed Ye Jingyi had let her guard down entirely, and the guard who had just returned gave him a sign that everything was ready.

Now, this beautiful businesswoman of Jinhai was as good as in his pocket.

Ye Jingyi had no escape!

"Clap clap—"

Without waiting for Ye Jingyi's agreement, Xu Gang clapped his hands, and a male waiter in a black vest appeared, pushing a small cart.

Three bottles of wine sat on the cart.

"Mr. Xu, I'm not very good at drinking, and besides, I drove here..." Ye Jingyi showed a troubled expression, furrowing her brows like willow leaves, appearing to decline, though not resolutely.

"Ms. Ye, it's customary to have a drink in celebration of a contract signing,"

Xu Gang smiled slightly, the picture of gentlemanliness: "Besides, rest assured Ms. Ye, I'll be having the liquor. I happen to love strong spirits. You, being a lady, should not have to drink like this rough gentleman. Choose between the red wine and the champagne, just a symbolical sip will do. A few sips, that shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Having said all this, it was hard for Ye Jingyi to refuse.

Drinking a celebratory toast after a business agreement was an inescapable convention, a situation she had encountered more than once or twice.

Plus, Xu Gang had just helped her solve a significant problem, and his demeanor had been quite gentlemanly.

Afterwards, Ye Jingyi still opted for what she felt was the safer choice, the champagne, and let the waiter deftly open it.

The moment the bottle was opened, a heady fragrance of champagne permeated the air inside the room.