You want to offer her a toast? Are you even worthy?

As soon as these words were uttered, the private room fell silent enough to hear a pin drop.

"Lin Mu, watch your mouth!" Wei Shiman was starting to regret bringing Lin Mu along.

Tan Lun had already gotten the hotel manager to come and personally apologize, on top of having the bill waived and receiving complimentary wine. In Zun City, this was a display of immense face. Besides, Tan Lun was developing his career in River City, where he had founded his own company and business was booming.

So what if he wanted to offer a toast to the President of Qin Corporation upon meeting her in a business setting?

What does it have to do with you, Lin Mu? Luo Li? You say her name so intimately, as if you're talking about your wife? Wei Shiman instantly felt like she had shot herself in the foot.

"Hmph!" Tan Lun glanced at Lin Mu with disdain. "What right do you have to judge me, you who won't even say what you do for a living? I may not be the most talented, but I've at least started my own company in River City and have some business dealings with the Qin Corporation. When I encounter President Qin, it's only natural to exchange greetings."

Tan Lun waved his hand dismissively. "There's nothing to say to someone like you. If it weren't for Shiman, I wouldn't even spare you a second glance if I saw you on the street."

"Some people think that just because they're failures, everyone else must be too."

"Exactly. So arrogant and full of himself."

"Sour grapes."

Tan Lun's juniors chimed in, one after another, their impression of Lin Mu worsening with each taunt.

Wei Shiman said coldly, "Lin Mu, that's enough out of you. You can't afford to offend Tan Lun. Don't come crying to me for help when you get into trouble." Her tone dripped with an even deeper disgust for him.

"Haha." Lin Mu just scoffed. "Don't worry. No matter what happens, I won't need a woman's help."

"As for this friend of yours," he continued, "not only is he a hypocrite, but he also runs his mouth. Be careful you don't get dragged down by him without even realizing it."

With that, Lin Mu stood up and walked straight toward the door. "Enjoy your meal. Please excuse me."

Everyone was surprised to see him leaving. This guy can't even take a few words of mockery?

"Go on, then! Miss this chance, and you'll regret it for the rest of your life. The Phoenix Grand Hotel isn't a place just anyone can come to!"

"Get out, get out! We can't eat with you here anyway!"

Wei Shiman simply sat there, making no effort to persuade Lin Mu to stay.

Tan Lun remarked, "Shiman, that classmate of yours really is something else."

With a helpless expression, Wei Shiman said, "Sigh, I don't know what happened to him. I haven't seen him in years, and he's turned into this. Thank goodness I didn't accept his confession back then, or I'd be dying of embarrassment right now." Her voice was filled with a palpable sense of relief.

The others continued to badmouth Lin Mu, their tones thick with disdain.

As the dishes arrived, the atmosphere in the room grew lively again. During the meal, the plump, middle-aged manager of the hotel personally came to their room to propose a toast to Tan Lun. This gesture greatly satisfied Tan Lun, who beamed with pride, his face flush and his eyes full of smugness. The others looked at him with even greater admiration.

As Wei Shiman watched Tan Lun, an extra sparkle appeared in her eyes. Compared to him, Lin Mu was truly nothing.

"Mr. Tan, everyone, please eat and drink well. Pardon my poor hospitality, but I must step out to welcome a distinguished guest, so I'll be on my way," the plump man said, setting down his glass and leaving the room.

"Hey, Manager Liu." Tan Lun, who had had a bit to drink, had already forgotten the manager's earlier warning. He chased after him, grabbing his arm. "Manager Liu, considering the relationship between our families, just give me a little hint. Who is this distinguished guest that requires your personal attention to welcome?"

The plump man's face darkened. "Tan Lun, I told you, don't go prying! This is someone you can't afford to provoke!"

Tan Lun hurriedly offered him a cigarette. "Manager Liu, what are you thinking? I'm not some reckless kid who doesn't know his limits. I'm just curious."

The plump man took a drag from the cigarette. "You should just stop asking, because even I don't know who the person is. All I can say is that even Xiao Qian, the most powerful man in Zun City, speaks of this individual with extreme reverence. He doesn't even dare to utter his name."

Tan Lun's pupils shrank. Xiao Qian? He's the true Taishan of Zun City. Even he doesn't dare to speak this person's name? Just who the hell is this guy to be so incredibly powerful!

The plump man lowered his voice. "Xiao Qian is a big deal in Zun City, right?"

Tan Lun nodded like a chicken pecking at grain. "Of course. If he doesn't count as a big shot, then no one in Zun City does."

The plump man gave a bitter smile. "And yet, in front of that esteemed person—no, even in front of his disciples—Xiao Qian acts meekly and doesn't dare to speak loudly, just like a grandson!"

Having said that much, the plump man quickly clamped a hand over his mouth, his face turning deathly pale.

Tan Lun was even more profoundly shocked. Just one of his disciples is enough to make Xiao Qian act like a grandson?

GULP. Tan Lun couldn't help but swallow hard, suppressing the burning excitement in his heart. "Manager Liu, Brother Liu," he said, his breathing quickening, "do you think I could go and offer that person a toast later?"

The plump man's expression twisted in horror. He yanked Tan Lun aside and growled, "If you're looking to get yourself killed, don't drag me down with you!"

"Brother Liu, don't worry! I promise I won't cause you any trouble," Tan Lun quickly assured him. "I'll simply offer a toast, I swear I won't say a word out of line!"

"Brother Liu, if you do this little favor for me, I can have a word with my grandfather about that piece of land out west," Tan Lun added, dangling the bait.

The plump man's eyes lit up. He had relied on his own abilities and methods to build his business in Zun City, but the land Tan Lun mentioned was a tough nut he couldn't crack because it was in the hands of the Tan Family.

If he agreed to Tan Lun's request...

"Young Master Tan, this is no joking matter," the plump man said, trying to remain level-headed.

Tan Lun slapped his chest. "I, Tan Lun, value my reputation. My word is my bond!"

"Alright. I'll text you in a bit, and then you can go over." The plump man gripped Tan Lun's arm tightly and warned him sternly, "Remember, just offer the toast. Don't say anything else!"

A wide smile spread across Tan Lun's face. "Brother Liu, my dear brother, I know, I know!"

"Manager Liu, the distinguished guest has arrived. You..." Just then, the manager walked over, his face pale. Upon seeing Tan Lun, his attitude became even more respectful. "Young Master Tan!"

The plump manager's expression changed drastically. "When did they arrive? Why didn't I see them?"

"Just now," the manager said nervously. "The guest got lost, so you must have missed each other."

"You bunch of idiots! Didn't I tell you to stand watch downstairs? Just wait and see how I deal with you later!" Without waiting for the manager to reply, the plump man turned to Tan Lun. "Brother, the distinguished guest is here. Let's go over now."

"Right, right."

The two of them went up to the top floor of the hotel, home to the Phoenix Grand Hotel's Sky-Class Private Room. To call it a room was an understatement; the entire top floor constituted the Sky-Class Private Room. Overhead, a dome of bulletproof glass offered a stunning view of the starry night sky. Across the entire floor, there was only a single table in the center where five people sat with reverent expressions.

A lone figure stood in the middle of the hall, looking as if he had entered just a second before them.

"Brother, listen to me. Later, do not say a word out of place. Offer your toast and leave immediately!" the plump man whispered, his throat slightly hoarse. He was extremely tense.

However, Tan Lun didn't answer him. His eyes were locked on the figure in the center.

That person... he had just seen him!

Tan Lun had already had a lot to drink. When he saw the man standing dazedly in the hall, the shock sent the alcohol rushing to his head.

To everyone's horror, he strode forward abruptly, pointed at the young man, and roared, "What are you doing here? Is this a place for someone like you? Get the hell out of here now!"

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