And his delivery of that toast was simply masterful.
"In terms of age, you are of my father's generation. In terms of wealth, you possess many tis more than I do. In terms of our relationship, we are partners who achieve success together.
By both sentint and reason, we are like family. How could it be right for you to toast alone while I rely watch?
Co! Let's drink together and toast in advance to our grand future!"
Damn!
Now *that's* what you call emotional intelligence!
See? You all get it, don't you?
Everyone, hurry up and give my Brother Lie a round of applause!
Watching Han Lie speak with such earnestness and down his drink with such presence, Gu Yong was stunned for a mont, then his eyes involuntarily reddened.
Truly, in that instant, he was deeply moved by the young man before him.
He didn't take credit for his contributions, nor did he boast of his achievents. He maintained his dignity, unswayed by flattery. And the most terrifying part? He's only nineteen! How the hell is one supposed to describe that?!
A natural-born achiever of great things, a leader endowed with innate charisma, a role model for the younger generation!
Inexplicably, Gu Yong subconsciously turned to look at his daughter.
Gu Tian rested her cheek on one hand, a wine glass in the other, her eyes shining with a fascinated glint, as if she were utterly smitten with Han Lie.
And in that instant, an overwhelming anger surged through Gu Yong. He hated himself for not having been stricter with her upbringing—if he had disciplined and educated her sternly years ago, perhaps she might have stood a chance now.
Too bad, it's too late!
Gu Yong knew exactly what kind of person his daughter was. He hadn't seen any problem with her before, so he had indulged her excessively.
It wasn't until this mont, witnessing Han Lie and being stunned by the capabilities and vision of a true young prodigy, that he realized the grave mistake he had made.
His mistake was shortsightedness, arrogance, and the foolish belief that as long as he was around, his daughter could get by no matter how wantonly she behaved.
Sigh... So it was all because I'd never encountered true genius before...
Gu Yong no longer harbored any hope that Gu Tian could possess abilities like Han Lie's—talent couldn't be forced. However, if she had been virtuous and kind, at least she wouldn't have fallen so dramatically short of her top-tier peers.
And you still have the nerve to look at him!
You want to associate with soone of his caliber, but do you really think he'd give you the ti of day?! Sigh!
Gu Yong's emotions were incredibly complex, and Gao Diaomao's were as well.
When Han Lie began to speak with utmost sincerity, the entire table had fallen silent. By the ti he tilted his head back and drained his glass, everyone erupted in applause, accompanied by cheers.
Gao Diaomao was the most enthusiastic.
"Not only is Mr. Han unparalleled in his professional abilities, but his personal character is also a model for our generation! No, no, I must join you in this drink!"
He chugged his drink, then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Gao Shen "grinning foolishly," which instantly infuriated him.
SLAP!
A heavy slap landed on the back of Gao Shen's head. Gao Diaomao berated him, "Can't you be a little more observant? Don't you even know to stand up and drink with everyone?!"
A searing pain shot through the back of Gao Shen's head, and he was imdiately bewildered.
What? What did I do wrong?!
In truth, he hadn't been grinning foolishly; he was rely smiling in accord with the mood.
Nor was he daydreaming. He was holding his wine glass, his heart pounding with excitent, thinking: As soon as Father finishes his drink, I have to offer so flattery too!
Yes, I need to choose my words carefully... Just you wait and see!
Gao Shen's behavior wasn't truly embarrassing. However, comparisons are odious. Seeing Han Lie's performance had shattered Gao Diaomao's composure, and now, no matter what his own son did, it seed inadequate.
Tsk tsk, what bad luck for the little greenhorn!
Gao Shen rose, feeling aggrieved. With a petulant tilt of his head, he downed his drink first, then began to speak.
"Mr. Han, I'm not very good at giving complints. For you, I have only one word—admiration! If you think well of , let's keep in touch more often. If there are any errands or tasks that require a bit of legwork, please don't hesitate to assign them to . Then you can see how I perform!"
GLUG GLUG GLUG. He poured another full glass of wine, then tugged at Bai Yuqiu.
"Co, Mr. Han, my wife and I would like to offer you a drink together, to sincerely welco you to visit our ho. I will certainly ensure everything is perfectly prepared for your arrival."
The mont Gao Shen finished his impassioned declaration, Bai Yuxue, who had been cool and composed, abruptly lowered her head, pressing it down hard.
Oh my god!
'Ensure everything is perfectly prepared for your arrival'... you really know how to use that idiom, don't you...
She found it so absurd that she almost burst out laughing. For her, this was quite a rare reaction.
Even more absurdly, Bai Yuqiu, with a dignified expression, respectfully yet with a touch of aloofness, chid in, "Teacher Han, my husband's sentints are my own. It would be Gao Shen's greatest honor if we were fortunate enough to have you visit our ho..."
Good heavens!
What kind of cheesy drama script are these lines from?!
Bai Yuxue felt completely flabbergasted, thinking her sister was being far too bold and presumptuous.
However, not only did Gao Shen show no reaction, but the others also failed to sense anything amiss.
Oh!
Right, I was jumping to conclusions. For those who don't know their relationship, it's indeed hard to pick up on any undertones, isn't it?
Bai Yuxue dismissed her unnecessary worries and then, under everyone's gaze, raised her glass to offer a toast. It was very special.
"An accomplished gentleman, refined as by carving and polishing, perfected as by chiseling and grinding. How serene, how dignified, how splendid, how glorious! Such an accomplished gentleman, truly unforgettable."
She looked steadily at Han Lie with her clear eyes, her voice flowing like spring water into the hearts of those present.
"I have never seen what the jade-like gentlen of ancient tis were like, but in my heart, Teacher Han, you are a virtuous gentleman. Little Xue wishes you success in all your endeavors and abundant happiness and peace."
"Well said!"
Amidst the thunderous applause, Han Lie's eyes flickered. He watched her seriously as she finished a glass of baijiu.
Then he said softly, "I dare not call myself a gentleman; I only strive to be a man of deep affection and unwavering faith."
A radiant smile suddenly blossod on Bai Yuxue's face, as beautiful and captivating as a lotus in full bloom.
So beautiful, and with such a gentle and discerning heart—who could not be chard?
"The Ballad of the Accomplished Gentleman" is from *The Book of Songs*. The verse Bai Yuxue quoted roughly ans:
A refined gentleman, his character and talents polished like ivory through cutting and filing, like jade through carving and grinding. He is dignified and imposing, his presence majestic and brilliant. Such a gentleman, once seen, is never forgotten!
It was an incredibly elegant way to praise soone.
Those who didn't understand the allusion might find it baffling, but for those who did, it was an exceptionally high-level complint.
And her subsequent remark, "Teacher Han, in my heart, you are a virtuous gentleman," served as both a reminder and an expression of her hopes.
She hoped Han Lie would repay the admiration of her and her sister with virtuous conduct.
That was why Han Lie responded with "a man of deep affection and unwavering faith"—a very clear promise: I will honor my commitnts, and I will take utmost care of those who are good to .
With the unspoken understanding established between them, Bai Yuxue felt a great weight lift from her heart, and she finally let out a genuine, heartfelt smile.
The outsiders couldn't grasp the subtle exchange, rely assuming the two had taken a liking to each other. They began to cheer boisterously, each with their own thoughts.
Gao Diaomao was the happiest, absolutely ecstatic.
See?
I knew it! To handle a young genius like Han Lie, you need a Diao Chan!
Gao Shen was the next happiest, but amidst his joy, he couldn't help feeling a twinge of regret. Ah, Little Xue is completely out of reach for now...
However, he quickly ca to terms with it.
Judging by her performance today, Bai Yuxue was clearly no ordinary girl he could ever hope to win over. Han Lie or no Han Lie, she was unlikely to have been his.
Since that's the case, why dwell on it?
Better to spend my ti thinking about the outgoing and lively Bai Yushuang...
Gu Yong's regret was even deeper than Gao Shen's. After all, he had a daughter, and her age difference with Han Lie was only four years; they were practically peers.
It was just a pity her upbringing had gone astray.
Comparing Gu Tian with Bai Yuxue was simply an exercise in overestimation—though, in truth, Gu Tian's overall qualities weren't bad; it was her personality that was a major drawback.
Even though she was the typical wealthy and beautiful young woman—in fact, most such young won couldn't even graduate from the Wharton School of Business—her 'princess syndro,' characterized by capriciousness, playfulness, and a love for drama, was enough to eliminate her from the running.
Gu Yong suddenly felt a pang of envy towards Old Gao.
His daughter-in-law's sister was so outstanding. Although her family background was practically nil, Han Lie probably wouldn't care. He was clearly capable of helping her rise.
The phrase "helping her rise" correctly ant that Han Lie had the ability to support Bai Yuxue, and Bai Yuxue herself was a fine young woman capable of standing on her own.
So, even without discussing marriage, the probability of them developing a deeply affectionate relationship was very high.
In a few years, the Gao Family might just advance to an even higher level!
As these thoughts raced through Gu Yong's mind, he decided he absolutely had to put in a good word for Gao Yijun later and foster a beneficial connection beforehand.
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