Hennessey, Lin Beichen downed five glasses in one go, not showing any expression at all—he didn’t even spill a drop. His drinking prowess shocked everyone present.
"Ruan Yunyun, your boyfriend is something else."
Zhu Zhiyong gave a thumbs up, his face full of admiration.
"Professor Lin, you must be the God of Wine, right? We’re no match for you at all!"
Many classmates smiled wryly.
Ruan Yunyun’s eyes sparkled with stars; she was nearly worshipping Lin Beichen.
Lin Beichen acted like a general in a drinking contest, not at all like a refined researcher.
Seeing that they couldn’t outdrink Lin Beichen, everyone naturally was unwilling to continue drinking, fearing they might end up puking while Lin Beichen remained sober.
Drinking is only fun when everyone gets drunk together. If one side gets wasted while the other drinks like it’s water, only an idiot would keep drinking.
After a few rounds of drinks and dishes, people started to socialize a bit and soon shifted their focus to a few standout individuals at the table.
There was no need to mention Zhu Zhiyong, a big shot in the official Management Association, born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He would never need to work a day in his life. He casually takes up management titles in two companies, making at least millions a year—a level ordinary people couldn’t reach even if they worked themselves to death.
Next in line was naturally Yun Qingdie’s husband, Zhang Qingxian.
"Yun Qingdie, I heard your husband is already a top executive at a big company at such a young age, making over a million a year. He’s definitely a golden catch!"
A young lady with wavy hair and flashy attire looked at Yun Qingdie enviously.
Zhang Qingxian had been drinking more and speaking less since sitting down. As eyes turned to him, a smile crept onto his lips.
It seemed Yun Qingdie had been waiting for this moment. Like a proud peacock, she said gleefully:
"Oh, you guys are too much. I try to keep a low profile for my man, but you keep forcing him into the spotlight."
"But there’s really not much to say. He’s just become the Chief Financial Officer within three years of joining the Bai Family."
Her words brought an instant wave of amazement.
Even Lin Beichen couldn’t help but look a bit surprised.
Lin Beichen wasn’t surprised by Zhang Qingxian’s rapid rise but by their connection.
Ever since Bai Yunfei took charge in the South, Bai Group was clearly divided into two parts.
Traditional industries remained under the Northern Bai Family, while finance and innovative industries were given to Bai Yunfei in the South.
This section was under Lin Beichen’s control.
With Bai Yunfei managing based on his directions, the entire Southern Bai Family essentially became Lin Beichen’s company.
Was Zhang Qingxian’s rapid promotion because he was Bai Yunfei’s close confidant?
"Bai Group is a famous multinational corporation. Though it’s just starting in the South, its strength isn’t any less than the old Southern Group."
"I’ve heard that recently, Bai Group in the South has been very active, involving not only in the emerging internet industry but even local infrastructure projects."
"As CFO, Zhang controls the company’s finances. This position is arguably second to none, even above the General Manager in importance!"
Everyone looked at Zhang Qingxian with envy and respect.
Being the financial director in a major corporation is an unreachable height for many.
"But that’s nothing. My husband has been so impressive recently that I’ve heard the company will reward him with a million-dollar sports car."
Yun Qingdie said proudly, glancing at Ruan Yunyun with a mocking smile.
Ruan Yunyun turned pale with anger.
"Yun Qingdie, you don’t have to share everything."
Zhang Qingxian’s expression changed slightly, but he couldn’t hide his pride, evident from his beaming face.
After all, his current achievements were indeed remarkable for someone his age.
"Zhang Qingxian, let’s toast to you. My husband rarely speaks and is bullied at work; if things don’t go well, you have to help him out."
The lady in the trench coat said softly, raising her glass.
The suited man beside her turned slightly pale, clearly annoyed but too fearful to speak.
"Don’t worry, since you’re friends with my wife, how could I not help? Let’s get closer in the future!"
Zhang Qingxian smiled mischievously, his touch when clinking glasses filled with flirtation.
Many people toasted to Zhang Qingxian, and he soon got drunk.
"Zhang Qingxian, I heard Bai Group is competing with the Zhang Family for the Mingzhu Port land. Is that true?"
The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to Zhang Qingxian, eager and hopeful.
As young professionals, they didn’t want to miss any opportunities.
The hottest topic in Huadu is the commercial competition for Mingzhu Port.
Bai Group and Songqiao Group are fiercely battling over this land, with investments reportedly reaching hundreds of billions. How could it not attract attention?
"Zhang Songqiao is the richest man in Huadu, and one of the wealthiest in Jiangnan. While the Bai Family is also incredibly rich, they’re no match for the Zhang Family in the South."
Someone asserted.
"Don’t worry; Bai Group may not have deep roots in the South, but they have allies, like the Zhou Family in the South and Zhongcheng Hall in the North."
Zhang Qingxian said mysteriously, smiling slightly.
Everyone was just curious and didn’t probe further. After all, both Bai Group and Songqiao Group were massive companies, far removed from their daily lives.
Having drunk plenty, Zhang Qingxian became a bit unsteady. He suddenly eyed Lin Beichen and said:
"Professor Lin, I’ve despised you scholarly types since school days, always acting all high and mighty, pretending to be refined but filthy inside, greedy for money."
"Zhang Qingxian, you’ve had too much, stop talking."
A classmate, looking anxious, tried to intervene.
But Zhang Qingxian pushed him away and sneered coldly:
"I’ve only had a few drinks. I’m telling the truth—don’t you get it?
These professors barely earn enough to live on. If they were really capable, why’d they care about a pittance from teaching? They couldn’t make it in the market, so they retreated to academia, putting on airs but being utterly bitter inside!"
Zhang Qingxian laughed, giving Lin Beichen a look filled with contempt.
"Professor Lin, don’t hate me for speaking harshly. I’m just being honest!
I may have graduated from a lesser-known school, but with a wave of my hand, I can earn millions a year. This is just my main job; there are plenty who want to kiss up to me, but I don’t even bother with them!"
"Zhang Qingxian, you’ve had enough, go rest."
He was still hurling insults when a sudden roar made him jump.
Zhang Qingxian’s face changed. Just as he was about to spit back, he realized it was Zhu Zhiyong speaking, and it instantly sobered him up—as cold sweat formed on his forehead.
In this room, he could despise anyone, but he couldn’t afford to offend Zhu Zhiyong.
Though he was at the top for most, he knew that in Zhu Zhiyong’s eyes, he was barely anything.
"You all continue, don’t strain the camaraderie. I’ll take him out for tea to sober up."
Zhu Zhiyong stood up, dragging Zhang Qingxian out.
"Though my husband was harsh, he wasn’t wrong, Ruan Yunyun. Sure, a professor’s title is noble, but it doesn’t pay well.
When I arrived, I saw he drove a five- or six-year-old second-hand car. With that financial capability, how many years would it take to settle in Huadu and support you and your child?"
Yun Qingdie said with a smile, hiding sarcasm in her words.
Ruan Yunyun snorted, face stern and silent.
She fumed inside, feeling the urge to boast: earning a few million and flaunting before Lin Beichen? Did they know what his research achievements were?
The second generation of Life Spirit Liquid alone had regional sales rights worth billions, which Mr. Lin didn’t even consider.
If she exposed this, wouldn’t it scare them to death?