First spoiled, then love

Chapter 607 Wine Bureau
Two days later, Ren Furong arrived at Tang Xiaoru's home, clutching a bank card and five carefully prepared contracts.

With a serious expression, she gathered Yang Bingbing, Xiao Yuan, and Ni Shengnan together, saying that they were going to formally sign the shareholding agreement.

Tang Xiaoru looked at the contract in her hand and said, both amused and exasperated, "Furong, isn't this a bit too much trouble? Didn't we already agree on this? Why are we having to make a contract?"

Ren Furong, however, insisted. She shook her head and said seriously, "Sister Xiaoru, let's sign it. As the old saying goes, even close brothers keep clear accounts. We're doing big business here, so we can't be vague. Besides, we have so many original shareholders. If we don't sign a contract, it could easily damage our relationship if something goes wrong."

Upon hearing this, Tang Xiaoru exchanged glances with Yang Bingbing, Xiaoyuan, and Ni Shengnan, and they all understood Furong's intention.

Although they have a close relationship, it is indeed necessary to clarify responsibilities in business to avoid unnecessary disputes in the future.

They exchanged a smile and nodded in agreement.

The contract signing process went smoothly. Everyone carefully read the terms and then solemnly signed their names.

After signing the contract, Ren Furong and Ni Shengnan, two young women who didn't have children yet, were immediately drawn to the two little babies, Chen Ning and Chen Xi, in the crib. They played with the children and had a great time.

Yang Bingbing looked at them and joked, "It's better for you two who haven't had children before. You're more passionate about taking care of kids. I'm too lazy to take care of them. I'm busy as a bee every day."

Upon hearing this, Ni Shengnan laughed and retorted, "Why would I be too lazy to take care of them? I think taking care of kids is a lot of fun. Look how cute they are!"

Yang Bingbing rolled her eyes at her and said with feigned helplessness, "That's because you only wear it occasionally and find it novel. If you wore it every day, you would try it. I guarantee you would be exhausted."

Upon hearing this, Ni Shengnan stuck out his tongue and stopped arguing.

At this moment, Xiaoyuan suddenly suggested, "I think we should take advantage of the fact that it's not yet winter and the weather isn't too cold, and go out for a team-building activity. We can all have some fun and relax."

The suggestion was immediately met with a positive response.

Tang Xiaoru snapped her fingers and said excitedly, "This is a great plan! Just the girls will go, without our men, and we can enjoy some time together."

Yang Bingbing nodded enthusiastically, agreeing, "Right! No men, just our group of girlfriends going out. But Xiaoru, why did your man get off work so late today? Isn't he worried?"

Tang Xiaoru helplessly shrugged and explained, "Something came up at the construction site today, and he really couldn't leave. He probably has a drinking party tonight and won't be back until very late."

At this point, she couldn't help but sigh softly. Although she understood her husband's hard work and busy schedule, she still couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.

After all, who wouldn't want their partner to spend more time with them?
Seeing this, Xiaoyuan quickly interjected, "Oh, Sister Xiaoru, don't take it too seriously. Making money is indeed not easy. Look at us women, although we each have our own careers and are busy, aren't we all trying to make our lives a little better?"

Her words immediately resonated with everyone. Ni Shengnan nodded and said with emotion, "Yes, yes. We are all working hard to earn money for our future and the happiness of our families. Although we sometimes feel tired, when we think about the wonderful life ahead, we feel that it's all worth it."

Ren Furong chimed in, "That's right, that's right. Besides, we have each other. No matter what difficulties and setbacks we encounter, as long as we are united, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome."

Tang Xiaoru felt a warm current surge in her heart after hearing their words.

She looked at her good sisters with gratitude, knowing that they were not only her business partners, but also indispensable friends in her life.

She smiled and said, "Thank you all. With you here, I feel full of hope. Making money is indeed not easy, but with you by my side, it's all worth it, no matter how hard or tiring it is."

As soon as he finished speaking, a burst of laughter rang out in the room.

On the other hand, Chen Qingrong was always exceptionally attentive when inspecting the construction site.

He knew that every detail could affect the quality and progress of the entire project.

Therefore, he not only had to inspect the overall construction situation, but also delve into every corner to ensure that every part met the standards.

That afternoon, wearing a safety helmet and overalls, he moved steadily through the various areas of the construction site. When the workers saw him, they all stopped what they were doing and greeted him warmly.

Chen Qingrong responded with a smile, occasionally asking about specific construction details, which the workers readily answered.

After going around in circles, Chen Qingrong had a clearer plan in mind.

He took out his phone, dialed Gao Qiang's number, and told him that he would come over to discuss something with him right away.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Qingrong drove to the branch office.

Throughout the journey, he kept thinking about how to better advance the company's warehouse expansion.

He knew that this was not just an engineering problem, but also involved communication and coordination with various departments.

The land department, in particular, is a crucial link.

Upon arriving at the branch office, Chen Qingrong went straight to Gao Qiang's office.

When Gao Qiang saw him, he laughed and said, "Old Chen, you came too fast!"

Chen Qingrong patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile, "I just finished inspecting the construction site and came over to discuss something with you."

Gao Qiang poured him a glass of water and asked, "What's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?"

Chen Qingrong took a sip of water and said slowly, "Regarding the warehouse expansion, didn't I say before that I planned to expand the warehouses of both the head office and the branch offices? Things have progressed now, but we still need to maintain a good relationship with the leaders of the land department."

Upon hearing this, Gao Qiang raised an eyebrow: "A leader from the land department? That's a tough one to deal with."

Chen Qingrong gave a wry smile: "Yes, that's why I came to discuss this with you. I'm planning to treat them to dinner tonight, and you'd like to come with me."

Upon hearing this, Gao Qiang's face turned green: "Drinking? But I promised Su Su I wouldn't drink!"

Chen Qingrong rolled his eyes: "This is a work matter, not something you're doing in private. If your wife scolds you, you're just using me as a shield. Besides, I can't handle it myself."

Gao Qiang sighed helplessly: "Then why did you come to me? Isn't Tianyi here too? Can't he go with you?"

Chen Qingrong shook his head: "Tianyi has other tasks. He has to be our driver tonight, so he can't drink."

Upon hearing this, Gao Qiang became even more helpless: "Then which leader should we drink with?"

Chen Qingrong said seriously, "I've already had several meetings with Director Li and his team from the land department, and they seemed to be doing quite well. If we can manage to appease them this time, the warehouse expansion project should proceed smoothly."

Gao Qiang listened, remained silent for a moment, and then nodded: "Alright, then I'll go all out. Tonight, we have to drink those leaders to death."

Chen Qingrong laughed heartily: "No need for that. Who's going to sign off on it if they drink themselves to death? We just need to keep them entertained and make them happy."

Gao Qiang smiled and asked, "When are you planning to go?" Chen Qingrong checked the time and replied, "Around 8 p.m. You can get ready now, and I'll come pick you up then."

Gao Qiang nodded: "Alright, then I'll risk my life to keep you company tonight."

Chen Qingrong stood up and patted Gao Qiang on the shoulder: "Don't worry, I won't leave you to handle it all alone. I'll do my best too."

After saying that, Chen Qingrong left the branch office and drove back to the head office.

All the way there, he was thinking about how to arrange the dinner party that evening, how to satisfy Director Li and the others, and how not to put himself and Gao Qiang in too much of a difficult position.

Upon returning to headquarters, Chen Qingrong immediately got to work.

He first confirmed the location and time of the dinner with his secretary, and then personally selected several drinks suitable for entertaining leaders.

Then, he called Tianyi to confirm his plans for the evening and reminded him to stay alert and do his job as a driver.

After everything was ready, Chen Qingrong checked the time; it was almost 6 p.m.

He took a deep breath, knowing that the next few hours would be a tough battle.

However, for the company's future and for the expansion of the warehouse, he had to go all out.

At 7 p.m., Chen Qingrong picked up Gao Qiang and Zhou Tianyi, and then they went to the restaurant they had booked together.

After arriving at the restaurant, Chen Qingrong said to Zhou Tianyi, "Tianyi, just wait for us in the car. We'll call you before we come out after we've had enough to drink. Thank you for taking Gao Qiang and me home tonight."

Zhou Tianyi said with a guilty look, "Brother Chen, please don't say that. You two went in to drink about company matters, and I could only sit outside and worry. I feel really bad about it."

Gao Qiang glanced at him and said, "How about I give you this glorious mission?"

Zhou Tianyi quickly waved his hand, "No, no, I'd better drive. I haven't drunk heavily in a long time, I can't take it anymore."

"Depend on!"

Afterwards, Chen Qingrong and Gao Qiang walked into the restaurant side by side, their steps carrying an indescribable sense of steadiness and anticipation.

The restaurant was warmly and elegantly lit, and the air was filled with the enticing aroma of food.

They had barely sat down in their reserved private room when they heard footsteps outside the door.

Immediately afterwards, a middle-aged man with a beer belly, wearing a sharp suit but unable to hide his sleazy demeanor, walked in, followed by a young and beautiful female secretary in professional attire.

The man was Director Li from the land department. His slightly greasy face was full of smiles, and his eyes were narrowed into slits, as if he could squeeze out a sly smile at any moment.

His belly resembled that of a woman about to give birth; he walked with a swaying gait, yet each step appeared so "steady."

Upon seeing this, Chen Qingrong immediately went to greet him, his face beaming with smiles: "Oh, Director Li, you've finally arrived! We've been waiting for you for so long!" As he spoke, he warmly shook Director Li's hand, as if he were seeing a long-lost old friend.

Director Li responded with a smile, "President Chen, I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting. This is my secretary, Xiao Li. She'll be driving me home tonight, so she can't drink."

Upon hearing this, Chen Qingrong immediately turned to his female secretary, Xiao Li, and smiled and greeted her: "Hello, Secretary Xiao Li! Thank you for your hard work tonight. We will finish as soon as possible so you won't have to wait too long."

Secretary Li smiled politely and nodded.

Then, the group entered the private room under Chen Qingrong's guidance.

The private room was elegantly decorated with soft lighting, and a large round table was set with exquisite tableware and drinks.

Chen Qingrong instructed the waiters to serve the wine and dishes, while he personally pulled out a chair for Director Li and invited him to sit down.

After several rounds of drinks, the dishes were almost all served.

Chen Qingrong raised his glass, stood up, and said to Director Li, "Director Li, it's truly an honor for us to have you here for dinner today. Let me toast you, wishing you success in your work and good health!"

Gao Qiang immediately stood up as well, raising his glass and echoing, "Yes, Director Li, our General Manager Chen specially prepared this meal for you. Come, let me toast you too!"

Director Li smiled, raised his glass, clinked glasses with them, and then drank it all in one gulp.

He wiped the wine stains from the corner of his mouth and laughed, "Oh, you two are too kind. I know what you want to talk to me about, it's the warehouse expansion. That's easy to do, easy to do."

Upon hearing this, Chen Qingrong and Gao Qiang's eyes immediately lit up. Chen Qingrong seized the opportunity to refill Director Li's glass and said with a smile, "Director Li, you're such a straightforward person! So, what do you think about our matter..."

Director Li waved his hand, signaling him not to rush: "Oh, Mr. Chen, don't worry. As long as your application is compliant and legal, I will definitely sign it. However, you should know the 'rules' involved, right?"

Chen Qingrong and Gao Qiang exchanged a smile, already understanding each other's intentions.

Chen Qingrong immediately said, "Director Li, please rest assured, we will definitely follow the rules. We will absolutely not make things difficult for you."

As he spoke, he offered Director Li another glass of wine.

Gao Qiang was not to be outdone, and kept serving food and toasting Director Li, while also saying flattering things.

Director Li was flattered by their praise, and his smile grew brighter and brighter.

After a hearty meal and drinks, Director Li finally relented: "Alright, since you're so sincere, I'll agree. Bring the application to me tomorrow for my signature, and I guarantee I'll handle it perfectly."

Upon hearing this, Chen Qingrong and Gao Qiang were overjoyed. They thanked him repeatedly, toasted Director Li several times, and then reluctantly saw him off.

Watching Director Li and his secretary walk away, Chen Qingrong and Gao Qiang both breathed a sigh of relief.

Although they put in a lot of effort and persuasion tonight, it was all worth it as long as the warehouse expansion could proceed smoothly.

Back in the private room, Chen Qingrong looked at the leftover food on the table and was filled with mixed emotions.

He knew that this meal was not just a simple gathering, but a crucial opportunity concerning the company's future development.

He turned to Gao Qiang and said, "Gao Qiang, thank you for your hard work tonight. But our efforts have paid off. Tomorrow, we'll send the application to Director Li for his signature, and then our warehouse expansion plan can officially begin!"

Gao Qiang smiled and nodded, "Yes, Lao Chen, although I drank quite a bit tonight, hearing Director Li say those words makes it all worthwhile!"

(End of this chapter)