He Qing accompanied Xu Ke as they made a few rounds at the banquet. Those who previously showed little interest in Xu Ke now sward around him like bees to nectar, with smiles blossoming on their faces like flowers in full bloom.
No one dared to underestimate Xu Ke any longer. Regardless of their private thoughts, the way they looked at Xu Ke made him feel above it all, especially if it was one’s first encounter with such a circle.
Xu Ke could easily gauge their thoughts at a glance, knowing well that even though they secretly looked down on him, they had no choice but to feign deference because of the He Family, feeling quite stifled.
While they felt stifled, Xu Ke found himself in high spirits.
With He Qing leading him around, Xu Ke collected business cards from many people, each promising to support his venture at the Sainthill.
Xu Ke mused that if he were a gigolo, business would already be booming. However, as rely a lobby manager, no matter how successful, he was ultimately working for others. Still, he accepted the business cards, believing that having more friends ant more opportunities.
No one ever feels they have too many friends, and who knows when they might need help in tis of need?
As He Qing guided Xu Ke around, He Qing’s father’s secretary called Xu Ke away.
Nobody knew what they discussed that evening. All that was known was that Xu Ke’s status rose further, and within Ning City’s business circles, anyone who wanted to work with the He Family, or avoid offending them, treated Xu Ke with utmost respect and attentiveness.
This included mbers of the He Family’s branches, which commanded both admiration and envy.
"It seems you are destined to lose this bet," said a man with an honest deanor, adjusting his glasses as he spoke.
The sa people, in the sa room as before, but now with diverse expressions. Nobody expected Xu Ke to actually gain the He Family’s trust and truly board their ship.
With this turn of events, not only did they lose the bet, but they also gained a brother now standing as their equal.
They were resistant to Xu Ke’s arrival, especially two n with prickly hearts and thorns on their faces, who felt intense dislike for Xu Ke.
In other words, everyone in the room, regardless of their outward behavior, likely felt greatly uneasy, unwilling to welco Xu Ke into their fold.
If Xu Ke had not joined them, they could have shared his business among themselves. But now that he was in, they had to share their already acquired benefits.
For them, this was no different from cutting off a piece of their own flesh. No one wants to give back what they’ve already consud.
However, they were not petty people who went back on their word. Xu Ke t their demands, so they had no reason to oppose Brother Xiong promoting him to their level.
Since Xu Ke fulfilled their requirents, they had to honor the agreent and share part of their interests with him.
A simple bet had caused them to lose substantial interests forcibly, and with such cause-and-effect in play, could anyone truly welco Xu Ke? Simply not undermining him was already considered generous.
They received the news, and naturally, so did Brother Xiong.
At this mont, Xu Ke’s achievents were laid bare, and Brother Xiong felt delighted, as Xu Ke’s success affird his judgnt.
From the first mont he t Xu Ke, Brother Xiong believed he was no ordinary person, destined to beco a dragon. He didn’t expect Xu Ke’s payoff to co so swiftly.
Brother Xiong quickly convened a eting for Xu Ke, calling Lu Xun and others over.
Upon seeing Xu Ke present, they understood the situation. Regardless of their private thoughts, they maintained impeccable appearances.
They looked at Xu Ke with approving and gratified smiles, appearing like approachable seniors ready to welco Xu Ke with opened hearts.
Seeing their Oscar-worthy performances, Xu Ke realized he still had much to learn and much room for growth from these individuals.
He should remain humble and continue to forge ahead.
With a serene smile, Xu Ke composedly regarded them all, concealing his thoughts and feelings beyond their grasp.
No one in this private room could be considered poor in acting skills or simple in character.
"Your intelligence network is always the sharpest. I’m sure you know better than what’s been happening lately. So, you certainly understand why I’ve called you here today? I hope none of you forget the bets and promises we’ve made before," Brother Xiong stated to those seated nearby.
"Given that you already know my intentions, you can start fulfilling the bet now by handing over the parts that belong to Xu Ke. If any of you disagree with my arrangents, please voice it now. Otherwise, once it becos fact, if anyone questions it, I won’t take it lightly."
Though Brother Xiong said this with a smile, no one took his words as a joke, and when faced with Brother Xiong’s suddenly assertive stance, everyone complied.
"Since you have your venture to pursue, the lobby manager position at Sainthill is no longer suitable for you. From today, start the resignation process and head to the new place I arranged for you to hone your skills," Brother Xiong instructed.
"Thank you for your arrangent, Brother Xiong. I will certainly do my best," Xu Ke replied.
Hearing Xu Ke’s response, Brother Xiong laughed heartily, "It’s great that you have this determination. I hope you continue to maintain your vitality and excel in the role I gave you."
Brother Xiong patted Xu Ke’s shoulder, expressing a bit of intimacy, while also signifying to others that Xu Ke was under his protection, warning them to behave or else face him.
After all, as their Boss, Brother Xiong’s support made it perilous for anyone to harbor ill will toward Xu Ke, especially since opposing Xu Ke would an challenging Brother Xiong’s prestige.
As the saying goes, one must respect not just the monk but also the Buddha. Out of deference to Brother Xiong, offending Xu Ke lightly was not an option. After all, rising from the bottom required considerable skill, didn’t it?
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