Chapter 521: Chapter 521: The Big Spender
Zhu Qinglong internally exclaimed that things weren’t good. He knew that even if he drove out his subordinates, he couldn’t fool Manager Zhang.
However, Zhu Qinglong wasn’t a simple character. He immediately used his other hand to grasp the hand that Lin Fei was holding.
It looked as if Zhu Qinglong was holding Lin Fei’s hand with both of his.
Zhu Qinglong said to Lin Fei, “Lin Fei, this is all a misunderstanding. It’s my son who was reckless and offended you.”
As he said this, Zhu Qinglong wore a face full of apology as if he was sincerely apologizing to Lin Fei.
Seeing this, Lin Fei realized that Zhu Qinglong wanted to downplay the conflict between them to avoid Manager Zhang’s wrath.
“Zhu Qinglong, don’t you owe me an explanation?” Manager Zhang didn’t care what Zhu Qinglong said to Lin Fei, pointing at the people Zhu Qinglong brought.
At this moment, Zhang Da no longer respectfully referred to Zhu Qinglong as Mr. Zhu, but rather called his name directly.
This showed that he was truly angry.
Zhu Qinglong looked at Zhang Da, his face still carrying an apologetic smile, and said, “Manager Zhang, I’m truly sorry! My son Zirui and this Lin Fei, Young Master Lin, had a misunderstanding some time ago at the Dragon Association.
When they met at the party today, my good-for-nothing son, while I was not paying attention, brought bodyguards here intending to fight Lin Fei. I quickly intervened to stop it and managed to resolve the misunderstanding with Lin Fei. I have already reprimanded my son and was just about to drive these bodyguards out.
Unfortunately, Manager Zhang, you saw it, and it’s truly embarrassing. It’s all my fault for not disciplining my son properly, leading him to cause such a huge trouble. Manager Zhang, it’s all my fault!”
After saying this, Zhu Qinglong looked at Lin Fei, also full of regret and guilt, and said, “Lin Fei, it’s all my fault. I hope you can forgive my mistake in teaching my son!” Lin Fei watched Zhu Qinglong’s performance, and he had to admit that this old fox’s acting was superb.
Zhu Qinglong’s act of backing down was ultimately to avoid angering Zhang Da, fearing the Chen Biao behind Zhang Da.
Thus, he described the conflict with Lin Fei in the best possible light, portraying himself as a righteous father who not only stopped the thugs from harming Lin Fei and resolved the misunderstanding but also reprimanded his son.
The surrounding Su Zhenjiang and Zheng Guozhu with their daughters, as well as Yang Jiahao with his siblings, and all the wealthy merchants were stunned by Zhu Qinglong’s performance.
It was akin to turning black into white.
What does it mean to be cunning? This is cunning.
But nobody dared to expose Zhu Qinglong’s lies.
Zhang Da listened to Zhu Qinglong’s explanation, equally half believing and half doubting, and looked at Lin Fei.
He was surprised to see that Lin Fei, who looked about twenty and just like a college student, was actually the one who invested billions in Baoli and became the third shareholder.
Truly, talents emerge generation after generation, and this applies to the business world as well.
When Zhu Qinglong called out Lin Fei’s name, Zhang Da already knew that Lin Fei was the important guest he was to specially entertain today.
Having previously ignored Lin Fei due to entertaining Mayor Yang, he had already planned to sincerely apologize to Lin Fei later on.
“Mr. Lin, is what Zhu Qinglong said true?” Zhang Da then asked Lin Fei, his anger already subsiding, and his tone even carried respect.
This stunned Zhu Qinglong: why did this seemingly difficult Baoli Vice President Zhang Da treat Lin Fei as if he were a superior?
Could it be my own misconception?
Similarly, the surrounding wealthy merchants were puzzled: someone who could make Zhang Da so respectful was likely only President Yang of Baoli Group. Being able to speak on the same level with him was already an immense respect, and talking to Lin Fei with such respect was definitely reserved for President Yang.
This made everyone curious about Lin Fei’s background.
How could he make Zhang Da respect him like President Yang?
Lin Fei saw Zhang Da asking him, then looked at Zhu Qinglong’s fawning smile.
He then said to Zhang Da, “Mr. Zhu’s words aren’t wrong; this is just a misunderstanding.”
Having said this, Lin Fei released Zhu Qinglong’s hand.
The reason Lin Fei chose to downplay the situation was that, as a Baoli shareholder, fighting with gangsters at such an important party wasn’t respectable.
So, he took the chance to find an excuse to step back.
Zhu Qinglong felt relieved after hearing Lin Fei’s words and quickly said to Zhang Da, “Manager Zhang, I’m truly sorry! I’m willing to compensate for any losses from today’s party!”
But Zhang Da looked at Lin Fei and said, “Mr. Lin, if you need Zhu Qinglong to compensate for anything, feel free to ask.”
Zhu Qinglong didn’t expect Zhang Da to care so much about Lin Fei’s losses, which made him really unable to understand why the Baoli Vice President Zhang Da would be so courteous to Lin Fei.
Lin Fei thought for a moment and came up with an idea, saying, “Manager Zhang, although it’s a misunderstanding, Mr. Zhu’s son brought a group of bodyguards that disrupted the party and disturbed the guests, so they bear undeniable responsibility.”
Hearing this, Zhu Qinglong had a bad premonition.
Sure enough, Lin Fei paused for a moment and then continued, “I see Mr. Zhu feels very guilty and eager to make amends to Manager Zhang and everyone else. So, I think all the expenses of today’s party should be covered by Mr. Zhu.
This way, Mr. Zhu won’t have to blame himself, and everyone else’s losses today can be compensated.”
At this point, Lin Fei smiled and looked at Zhu Qinglong and said, “Mr. Zhu, wouldn’t you agree?”
Zhu Qinglong wished he could tear Lin Fei to pieces. This party, with the champagne and wines all being top-notch, and the lobsters being several pounds each, cost at least a million.
Now, with just a word from Lin Fei, he was expected to cover the million-dollar expenses of the party.
Could Zhu Qinglong not gnash his teeth with hatred towards Lin Fei?
“Mr. Lin, I agree with your suggestion.” Zhang Da nodded approvingly at Lin Fei.
Then, he turned to Zhu Qinglong and said, “Zhu Qinglong, I believe you wouldn’t have any objections, would you?”
If it weren’t for Lin Fei, Zhang Da would never let Zhu Qinglong off so easily today.
He was even prepared to directly seek assistance from Chen Biao.
Despite not wanting to be the victim, Zhu Qinglong knew his people had disrupted the party today.
Zhang Da not holding him accountable and not calling for troops was already a blessing.
If he didn’t make any substantial amends to express his apology, Zhang Da might not let him off so easily.
For the first time, Zhu Qinglong was forced to compromise by Lin Fei and a businessman.
“Of course, no objections, I’ll cover all today’s party expenses; I hope all of you enjoy to your heart’s content!” Zhu Qinglong swallowed his rage and shame, wearing a bright smile and a hearty disposition, as he addressed everyone at the party.
All the wealthy merchants, hearing this, were already preparing to eat and drink to their heart’s content, ready to make Zhu Qinglong, who had exploited them for who knew how much, bleed for once!
Only after hearing this did Manager Zhang’s expression ease a little, as he said to all the wealthy merchants, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m sure you’ve all secured satisfactory villas. Now, please help yourself to the food!”
All the wealthy merchants responded and then seized their plates and cutlery, heading straight for the large lobsters and the most expensive wines.
Zhu Qinglong was completely dumbfounded!