After my divorce at thirty, I developed an intelligence network.

Zhao Hongyuan, with his keenest eyes, noticed the atmosphere had reached a comfortable level and smiled as he spoke:

"President Liu, President Lin, why don't we ask President Gong to bring out the real Buddha and let us see it for ourselves? We can also share in the joy."

Lin Wei didn't speak, she just looked over.

Gong Yuelong smiled and did not refuse.

He took out the "Construction Enterprise Qualification Certificate (Labor Subcontracting)" from his personal document bag.

The cover is blue with the national emblem embossed, and when unfolded, it reveals neat tables and a clear red seal.

He placed the certificate flat on the turntable and gave it a gentle spin.

Zhao Hongyuan leaned forward, his gaze intense, scanning each section and each seal.

Liu Jing took a slight breath. Lin Wei watched intently.

Gong Yuelong leaned back in his chair, watching as that thin sheet of paper became the focus of the entire room.

Just for this piece of paper.

This thought rolled silently through his mind; he forced a smile, stayed up all night, and meticulously calculated every penny.

I navigated and tested the waters at countless drinking parties like today.

It wasn't the end, but it marked the turning point for Gong Yuelong, from a foreman to a small business owner.

The turntable stopped, and the certificate was facing Lin Wei directly.

She reached out and touched it; the texture felt real.

Finally, Zhao Hongyuan returned the certificate with both hands, and smiled as he went along with the atmosphere:

"If you ask me, the real deal was when President Gong settled things with Zhao Siyan in the north of the city last time. Now, in that area, your name carries more weight than any contract."

Liu Jing lightly covered her lips: "I've heard about this too, it's been rumored to be incredible. They all say... it was done bare-handed?"

Lin Wei's fingertips trembled slightly. The feeling was completely different now that Zhao Hongyuan was mentioning it at the dinner table, using such an almost praising tone.

That wasn't a street brawl; it was more like... an efficient problem-solving operation.

Gong Yuelong said calmly, "When you're cornered, you have to give an explanation. Sometimes strength is more effective than reason."

These words may seem light, but they carry a heavy weight.

Looking at Gong Yuelong's handsome, rugged, and calm profile, Lin Wei recalled that she occasionally went to the gym to hit the punching bag, mostly to relieve stress and shape her body.

She suddenly realized that her fancy skills might be no match for a real accident.

For a single woman working in this industry, there are some situations where drinking ability and a smile alone might not be enough.

"No wonder... I sometimes practice it for self-defense. But if something really happens... what's the most important thing?"

"Mr. Gong, I sometimes practice martial arts too, just for exercise."

But when you really encounter a problem... what do you think is the most important thing? Is it strength, or...?" She couldn't find the right words.

"Don't panic." Gong Yuelong glanced at her. "Also, know where to hit. No matter how strong you are, if you don't hit the vital points, it's all for nothing."

He picked up a piece of fish with steady, precise movements.

Lin Wei's heart skipped a beat. The blow that struck a vital point seemed to travel through her mind, drifting away from the fist and foot to somewhere else.

After this incident, perhaps... I should really find an opportunity to ask him for some practical advice. Not just about the application materials, but also other things.

Lin Wei looked up at Gong Yuelong's calm face.

Where did I go wrong? I only knew how to be anxious, how to ask for favors, and how to complain about the difficult service window.

Once I understood this, the pent-up frustration in my chest suddenly dissipated.

It's not admitting defeat, it's finding the right direction.

She even found her previous defeat somewhat laughable—compared to someone like this, she hadn't lost unjustly, but she had learned something.

She picked up the wine bottle, but this time she didn't let the waiter do it. She got up herself and went around to Gong Yuelong's side.

"Brother Gong," he called out naturally, "I'll toast you again. Not for anything else, but because today's lesson was worthwhile."

She filled her own glass and raised it: "I admit I didn't do a good job with the materials. From now on... if you don't mind my lack of skill, I really need to ask you for your detailed advice."

After she finished speaking, she tilted her head back and downed the drink in one gulp. Her movements were swift and decisive.

Zhao Hongyuan and Liu Jing exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised by Lin Wei's rapid change, but then they both smiled.

That's more like it. Isn't this the purpose of this dinner party?

Gong Yuelong raised his glass in a gesture of respect and downed his drink as well.

He put down his cup before speaking, "They have an unwritten template. Next time you go, be polite and ask them for advice; they'll most likely give you some pointers."

His words were simple, yet every sentence was true and meaningful.

Lin Wei nodded emphatically, "Understood. Thank you, Brother Gong."

When Lin Wei called him "Brother Gong," Gong Yuelong's heart trembled slightly.

There was a time when even senior executives in construction companies wouldn't give a second glance to a contractor like him.

Now, however, he takes the initiative to offer a toast, speaking in a friendly tone. That slightly tipsy feeling of being pampered quietly creeps into my heart.

Don't get dizzy. He immediately suppressed his slight elation.

The "brother" address and the drinks at this table are for his qualifications and the potential behind them, not for him as a person.

The sugar contains a weight; you have to weigh it carefully.

He raised his glass, his smile unchanged: "Mr. Lin, you're too kind. Let's learn from each other."

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became relaxed.

Lin Wei put down her chopsticks and naturally brought the topic to the forefront:

"Brother Gong, now that you have the qualifications, you're all set. Next... what are your plans for finding work?"

Gong Yuelong shook his head and said honestly, "I'm completely clueless. I used to work at the labor market, but now... I have to find somewhere else to work."

This was exactly what Lin Wei was waiting for.

She leaned forward slightly. "I do know a few project managers, and we're fairly close. Sometimes they have odd jobs, or they need qualifications to go through some formalities... and then they charge a fee."

She paused for a moment, then said, "I... can help make the connection."

She didn't say everything explicitly, but her meaning was clear: I have some connections and channels at the grassroots level, though they're not high-end.

But perhaps I can help you get through the time after you get the qualifications and start earning affiliation fees, and I might also get some favor or indirect benefit from it.

Gong Yuelong understood.

He didn't respond immediately. What Lin Wei offered wasn't a gold mine, but rather a few stones to step on.

Rough, but real.

For someone like him, a nobody with no connections or resources, every stepping stone is precious.

Gong Yuelong readily agreed, his voice ringing out:

"Whether there are fees or not is not a problem! Mr. Lin, the people you introduced are our own people."

Market price? We don't deal with that. Lowest price in the city! Just say the word, and we'll waive all fees!

These words were resounding and full of boldness.

Zhao Hongyuan and Liu Jing were both taken aback, then revealed knowing smiles – this President Gong certainly knew how to put things nicely.

Lin Wei's cheeks flushed slightly, feeling pleased, but she also understood that this was just the opening act.

She quickly said, "That won't do! The amount should be exactly what it should be; the rules can't be broken."

Gong Yuelong waved his hand, but he knew perfectly well what was going on in his mind.

Lowest price, free of charge—these are just empty promises.

In this industry, every penny counts, even the smallest amount.

His statement served two purposes: firstly, to repay Lin Wei for extending the olive branch, and to demonstrate his loyalty. This positive impression was far more valuable than the meager affiliation fee.

Secondly, the power of choice and pricing was cleverly thrown back to Lin Wei and potential customers in a high-handed manner—I've been so generous, how dare you still try to drive the price down to the bone?

When it comes to specific projects, there are naturally specific algorithms, but this reputation for being straightforward and efficient has already been established.

"Then it's settled!" Lin Wei didn't press the matter, smiling as she raised her glass.

"With Brother Gong's words, I feel reassured. I'll contact you immediately if I get any news."

"No problem." Gong Yuelong raised his glass to clink glasses with Gong Yuelong, his smile unchanged.

Even after the party ended, Lin Wei felt warm inside, thinking that this Brother Gong was honest, generous, and handsome.