Don't get married if you're reborn.

Chapter 436 A Mini Shura Field (5K)

Zeng Mi never expected that after Zeng Wenjie became the president of the Fengzhou Business Alliance, he could make a fortune by simply giving a suggestion to a member of the alliance.

It seems some people are truly born to do business!

Haidilao is still in the early stages of development, but Zeng Wenjie directly adopted their most mature approach and even implemented a rotating store manager system. No wonder the staff's service attitude is top-notch!
Nobody wants to be dragged down by a colleague during the week when they're getting their store manager performance bonus.

The hot pot uses a sour soup base, which is different from tomato soup, but it is made with fermented tomatoes and is considered a specialty of Niushou City, with a unique flavor.

No matter what kind of meat you cook, it tastes absolutely amazing when paired with chili paste dipping sauce.

It has a unique flavor but is also quite popular. Even tourists from other provinces will find it very good. There are no major flaws, making it suitable for nationwide promotion.

Zeng Mi unscrewed the bottle, poured it into a small glass, and pushed it in front of Zeng Wenjie.

This Maotai is probably quite old; the liquor has a slightly yellowish tint and is very viscous when poured out.

"Consider this a welcome back party for me!" Zeng Mi said with a smile, raising her wine glass.

"I should congratulate you on your new life," Zeng Wenjie said.

The two wine glasses lightly touched in the air, and then the two drank them down in one gulp. This cup of wine probably contained about four qian (a unit of weight).

Both of them let out a soft sigh, a sound unique to those who have drunk strong liquor, and then smiled at each other.

Zeng Mi said, "This wine is quite good; Yan Peng really went all out to treat you."

Zeng Wenjie said, "He should treat me well, I am his cash cow. As you can see, this branch is doing incredibly well. If he applies this model to other branches, he can achieve the same results."

Zeng Mi nodded and said, "The taste is good, and the method is correct. It is indeed easy to succeed."

The two men ate and drank strong liquor. After each of them had consumed about 5 ounces, their faces turned slightly red.

Zeng Wenjie thought he would go back and ask Yan Peng for a few more bottles to give to his grandfather so that he could have a drink or two during holidays.

Grandpa has given up drinking, but he still drinks a little on holidays.

After finishing his work, Yan Peng rushed into the private room and asked, "Chairman, do you like the food at this restaurant?"

Zeng Wenjie laughed and said, "I really like sour soup hot pot, and your restaurant's chili sauce is delicious. I'll pack some for you later."

People from Chongshan almost always serve hot pot with broth, along with a chili paste dipping sauce.

Some people don't use sesame oil when eating Chongqing hot pot; they just dip it in this chili sauce, which is extremely cruel to their skin.

"Ms. Zeng, what do you think?" Yan Peng asked with a smile.

"It's great. I've eaten here before, and the taste is good. The meat is fresh and the ingredients are varied. Now, the service is much better than before. The dining experience here is really great," Zeng Mi nodded in response.

Yan Peng was very pleased to hear this.

Zeng Wenjie said, "President Yan must ensure food safety. This is of utmost importance. If any problems arise in this area, it will be a fatal blow to any business owner in the catering industry."

Yan Peng said, "President Zeng, rest assured, I will not sacrifice the greater good for petty gains. Food is the most important thing for people, and I attach great importance to food safety. I will never allow rotten fish and shrimp to ruin my reputation."

As he spoke, Yan Peng glanced at the empty can of liquor.

He hurriedly said, "I'm late, I'll punish myself with three drinks first!"

As he spoke, he kept pouring himself drinks, and no one could stop him.

One cup costs four qian (approximately 10 grams), three cups cost one liang (approximately 30 grams). Then, Yan Peng felt comfortable and let out a satisfied sigh.

Zeng Mi couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, wondering if Yan Peng would still be so eager to punish himself by drinking three cups if she secretly replaced the wine with Qingchun.
Seeing this, Zeng Wenjie was both amused and exasperated. "President Yan really has a high alcohol tolerance!"

Yan Peng said, "Of course, if Chairman Zeng is not satisfied, I can punish myself with three cups."

Zeng Wenjie hurriedly took the wine bottle and poured a glass for Zeng Mi and himself, saying, "No, no, no, drink slowly. President Yan, please sit down. Let's drink and chat."

Three more cups as punishment and he'd lose another ounce and two ounces. This guy's got a good plan!
Zeng Wenjie was actually very happy to see Yan Peng's business grow bigger and stronger, so that the Fengzhou Business Alliance could continue to grow and expand, and have the opportunity to be promoted throughout the province.

Yan Peng had already drunk some before coming in, while Zeng Wenjie and Zeng Mi each drank five liang (250ml). The remaining bottle was just right for the three of them.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Yan Peng naturally refused to let Zeng Wenjie pay the bill.

Always happy to get something for free, he didn't stand on ceremony with Yan Peng and actually took a bag of chili dipping sauce with him.

Yan Peng was very happy to see Zeng Wenjie off. He now genuinely supported the Fengzhou Business Alliance. There was no other reason than that Zeng Wenjie could help him make more money!

Moreover, he also felt that with a young man like Zeng Wenjie sitting in the business alliance like a pillar of strength, the influence of the business alliance would eventually expand to the entire Chongshan Province! And one day, Chongshan merchants from other provinces would also eagerly join in.

Zeng Wenjie glanced at the oil stains on his shirt and couldn't help but feel helpless.

That's the downside of eating hot pot; it's easy to get all that stuff on your hands, especially if you've been drinking.

Zeng Mi has a high alcohol tolerance and wasn't drunk at all. She walked steadily and saw Zeng Wenjie rubbing the oil stains on his clothes. She couldn't help but say, "Go back and soak them in hot water, then I'll wash them for you."

Zeng Wenjie said politely, "Thank you for your trouble?"

Zeng Mi smiled slightly and extended her right hand to Zeng Wenjie.

Zeng Wenjie looked completely bewildered.

"Give me some money," Zeng Mi said.

Zeng Wenjie reached into his pocket for his wallet, and Zeng Mi said, "How can you buy the little box left by the previous homeowner if you don't have money?"

Zeng Wenjie shoved a wad of cash into her hand. She still had some uncollected royalties in her account, but she really didn't have a single penny on her.

Zeng Mi took the money, blushed, and ran into the adult products store.

When the boss saw that it was a great beauty who came in, he couldn't help but curse in his heart, feeling as if he had been fucked by a dog!
If Feng Xiao could hear his thoughts, she would probably give him a thumbs up from afar.

Judging from Zeng Mi's proactive attitude, it seems she really likes him...

"I bought three boxes," Zeng Mi said softly, her face flushed, as she walked back.

"Holy crap..." Even a nineteen-year-old college student couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. "Do we really need this much?"

He was genuinely afraid that Zeng Mi would use him up again, and he would be completely exhausted the next day. After being locked up in prison for a while, surely she wouldn't be so cruel?
Back in the teahouse, Zeng Mi picked out a few bottles of wine from the cabinet, intending to mix them for a drink later.

Then, her phone rang. Looking at the contact name, it was Ye Yixuan.

"Hello, Yixuan, long time no see." Zeng Mi answered immediately and greeted her in a relaxed tone.

"How are you feeling?" Ye Yixuan's voice was still a bit cold.

"It's alright. I plan to go to work tomorrow and finish drawing the remaining skins for 'Hero Kill'," Zeng Mi said.

Ye Yixuan said, "I just wanted to call and ask how you are doing. As a friend, I hope you can live a good life in the future."

Zeng Mi smiled after hearing this, her eyes gentle, and said, "Since you want to greet me, why don't you come and have a couple of drinks with me?"

Ye Yixuan sighed, "I'm in Guzhou County, just started my current job, and I'm still very busy. Once I'm done, I'll definitely come back and have a couple of drinks with you."

Zeng Mi said, "I'll wait for you."

Ye Yixuan was silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "Enjoy life."

Zeng Mi said, "Yes!"

After hanging up the phone, Zeng Mi said to Zeng Wenjie, "It was Yixuan who called."

Zeng Wenjie nodded and said, "I heard everything."

Because she heard it, she didn't dare to speak. Although Ye Yixuan knew exactly what kind of relationship existed between the two of them, she still felt a little scared whenever she thought about it.

Damn, could he be so foolish as to have some kind of fantasy about Ye Yixuan?

Zeng Wenjie shook his head slightly, just as Zeng Mi handed him a glass of mixed cocktail.

"I drank quite a bit of baijiu just now, so I should drink less now to avoid delaying things tomorrow," Zeng Wenjie said.

"Well, then let's drink less," Zeng Mi said with a smile.

The two sat on the sofa, slowly sipping their mixed drinks and chatting in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.

Zeng Mi felt a sense of joy; it seemed to be the first time she had ever drunk with Zeng Wenjie without any ulterior motives.

Zeng Mi said, "I plan to study game art design more in the future, so that I can keep making games with you."

Zeng Wenjie said, "Aren't you afraid of being exploited by me? The more you have nothing, the easier it is for me to squeeze you dry."

Zeng Mi then said, "Then I don't know how to get double back from somewhere else?" Zeng Wenjie's business was large and he was very rich, which was why Zeng Mi was able to calm down and not be too afraid of the future.

Even if she doesn't earn much money in the future, at least she won't have to worry about financial problems.

Moreover, the character illustrations in "Heroes of the Three Kingdoms" also provide her with a sustainable and considerable source of income.

She was completely like a young girl who had just fallen in love, not considering whether she would be disliked when she got old. All she thought about was that this man would take care of her and ensure her future.

Zeng Mi maintained a certain purity in some areas, and it was this purity that allowed her to quickly emerge from the darkness of her past.

And Zeng Wenjie certainly wouldn't take advantage of her.

After drinking quite a bit of alcohol, he carried Zeng Mi back to the bedroom, intending to examine the small box.

Zeng Mi developed the habit of waking up early while behind bars. Seeing that Zeng Wenjie was sleeping soundly, she didn't disturb him and got up on her own to wash up.

However, since the attic is a wooden structure, stepping on it can cause some noise.

Zeng Mi looked around at everything and still felt a sense of unease. The environment inside the iron bars had an exceptionally strong effect on taming people.

"Sister Zeng Mi," Zeng Wenjie called out lazily as he opened his eyes.

"Here!" Zeng Mi answered instinctively.

Both of them were stunned.

Then Zeng Mi shook her head with a wry smile.

Zeng Wenjie reached out and hugged her, saying, "After work today, I'll treat everyone to dinner so you can get to know your colleagues. Then, tonight I'll have Feng Xiao keep you company for a drink, and you can chat with her."

“Okay, I also miss Feng Xiao a little,” Zeng Mi replied.

Then, Zeng Mi turned to look at him and asked, "Do you call Feng Xiao 'sister' too?"

Zeng Wenjie said, "No, not at all."

Zeng Mi then said, "So you're reminding me that I'm getting older?"

Zeng Wenjie was dumbfounded and muttered, "What is all this about?"

Zeng Mi said, "Don't call me that in private, otherwise I'll always feel like you're reminding me of my age."

Zeng Wenjie said with a wry smile, "Cao Pi's father-in-law is not speaking."

Zeng Mi was taken aback and asked, "What the hell?"

“Zhen Ji’s father was speechless,” Zeng Wenjie said slowly.

"..." Zeng Mi couldn't help but punch him twice on the forehead.

The two went to the bathroom to wash up together. Zeng Mi looked at the reflection in the mirror and felt an extraordinary sense of peace.

This is a kind of life I've never experienced in my thirty years of life.

Zeng Wenjie said, "I arranged for Feng Xiao to be the secretary-general of the business alliance. Sometimes she has to go between the company and the business alliance. She should be at the company today. I'll give her a call to ask."

Zeng Mi said, "Okay."

She really wanted to meet Feng Xiao because she felt that she and Feng Xiao were good friends.

Feng Xiao played a crucial role in her change of mindset.

Although Zeng Mi was younger than Feng Xiao, she always felt that Feng Xiao was like her older sister.

After all, having been a caged bird for many years, his experience was limited to the circle he belonged to, so it's normal that he didn't live as open-mindedly and generously as Feng Xiao.

Looking at herself in the mirror with a calm, quiet, and gentle mindset, Zeng Mi felt less haggard and worried for the first time. This made her smile slightly, revealing her white teeth and two shallow dimples.

"I know you're happy to have me, a man whose looks are on par with Daniel Wu, but you don't have to be so obvious about it!" Zeng Wenjie said with a grin.

"You're such a smooth talker," Zeng Mi replied softly, then smiled and walked out of the bathroom.

Zeng Wenjie nodded with satisfaction. With this, the mutual redemption was considered to have come to an end.
He felt that should be the case.

Zeng Mi took the blame for him, and he saved Zeng Mi's fate.

Then, Zeng Mi stood in front of the wardrobe, struggling with what to wear. She couldn't help but ask, "Should I wear a uniform? I don't think I have a particularly formal uniform."

Zeng Wenjie said, "Our studio doesn't have many commuting requirements, and since you're an artist, it's better for artists to dress casually so that they can express their spirit."

Zeng Mi nodded thoughtfully, rummaged through her clothes, and then chased Zeng Wenjie out.

Although she has had many experiences of being completely honest with others, she is still very uncomfortable changing clothes in front of people.

When Zeng Mi came out after changing her clothes, Zeng Wenjie's eyes lit up. She was wearing a brightly colored skirt, a light yellow shirt, and a women's blazer with flared sleeves.

He gave a thumbs up and said, "You have excellent taste, Zeng Mi."

Zeng Mi took his arm and said, "Let's go, Wenjie!"

After leaving the teahouse, Zeng Mi naturally let go of his arm, maintaining a distance that did not appear ambiguous at first glance.

"Please get in the car," Zeng Wenjie said, opening the car door.

"Thank you." Zeng Mi smiled and climbed into the passenger seat.

Zeng Wenjie got into the driver's seat and, while driving, told Zeng Mi about the colleagues in the studio, their personalities and temperaments, and their respective roles.

Zeng Mi asked, "Yuan Xiuqin is the Chongqing University beauty you mentioned, right? You're quite capable, managing to recruit the Chongqing University beauty to work in the Feng Shui department!"

Zeng Wenjie said, "Of course."

Zeng Mi then said, "Isn't it possible that you have some bad intentions?"

Zeng Wenjie shook his head and said, "A rabbit doesn't eat the grass near its burrow, okay? I don't have any such thoughts. You're the one who's dirty."

Zeng Mi raised her hands in surrender and said, "Yes, yes, yes, um, that Feng Ji, you have a very high opinion of him. Is he really that talented?"

Zeng Wenjie said, "His talent is not yet apparent. Give him some more time to hone it, and he will bring us all surprises."

Zeng Mi seemed to be deep in thought, and before he knew it, he had already mentally sketched out portraits of his colleagues.

"Zeng Mi, by the way, did Feng Xiao teach you the highest etiquette for riding in an Audi A8?" Zeng Wenjie asked.

"What is the highest level of etiquette for riding in an Audi A8?" Zeng Mi asked, looking completely bewildered.

"Put your legs together and lean towards the driver's side," Zeng Wenjie said sternly.

Zeng Mi did as she was told, and then Zeng Wenjie naturally followed suit. Only then did she realize what kind of weird rule this was. She had never heard of it before!
If anyone dared to shift their leg to the other side, Zeng Wenjie would slam on the brakes, wave his hand, and tell them to get off the bus on their own.

Zeng Mi couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh. This guy only acted like a frivolous and arrogant young man at certain times. Most of the time, he was old-fashioned. Sometimes, when you looked into his eyes, you could always see a sense of vicissitude.

Especially last time, late at night in Studio 207, when they looked into each other's eyes, Zeng Mi felt as if his gaze had traveled through time and space and pierced her heart.

After arriving at the startup base by car, Feng Xiao heard a sound and came out of her office on the first floor.

Upon seeing Zeng Mi, she couldn't help but smile and said, "Sister Zeng Mi, it's been a long time."

Zeng Mi nodded to Feng Xiao and said, "Feng Xiao, I missed you too! Hmm... I still look pretty young today, right?"

Feng Xiao raised an eyebrow and said softly, "Looking young and being young in real age are two different things."

Zeng Mi's smile froze instantly, and she said, "But some people are not old, but they look quite old."

Feng Xiao puffed out her chest slightly and said, "C, not bad."

Zeng Wenjie felt that the moment the two met, it was as if a spark ignited and lightning flashed across their faces—they were anything but harmonious!
Previously, everything was still unsettled, and the two were able to coexist harmoniously.

But now, they both know the truth, so they've started to compete a bit?
"How about a couple of drinks tonight?" Zeng Mi asked, changing the subject.

"Okay, I also miss the drinks Sister Zeng Mi used to make." Feng Xiao nodded and happily agreed.

Fearing they might start arguing again, Zeng Wenjie said to Zeng Mi, "Sister Zeng Mi, let me take you upstairs to meet everyone first. You can talk to Feng Xiao later."

Zeng Mi said, "Okay, I'll come downstairs later to catch up with your sister Feng Xiao!"

The word "sister" was pronounced with exceptional emphasis, causing Feng Xiao's lips to tighten slightly upon hearing it.

(End of this chapter)