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

"High pressure is normal. You have to prioritize things," Gong Yuelong said.

Hearing this almost pointless consolation, Lin Wei let out a long sigh of relief, seemingly feeling a bit more at ease.

Gong Yuelong picked up the glass of wine that Lin Wei had pushed towards him.

He didn't know much about red wine, but the rich and complex aroma that filled his nostrils told him that this bottle was quite expensive.

Lin Wei brought it specifically, which in itself is a signal.

He took a sip, the wine sliding down his throat, leaving a lingering sweet aftertaste.

"This wine has been stored for quite a few years," Lin Wei said casually, swirling her glass.

"My uncle brought it back from France a few years ago, and he likes to drink it himself. As for me, I usually have a lot of social engagements, so I can't really tell the difference between good and bad, and it's just sitting there anyway."

Uncle. The one in charge of urban construction in the city?

Gong Yuelong's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm.

She mentioned it casually, but in fact she inadvertently revealed her hand and explained the origin of the wine. It was not a business wine, but a family collection, and it was a sharing with a touch of personal friendship.

"When I bring it out today, I feel like... it needs to be accompanied by a different kind of conversation."

Lin Wei looked up at him, a smile playing on her lips, "Brother Gong, to be honest, I've been feeling quite emotional watching you lately."

She rested her elbows on the edge of the table, a posture that reduced the sense of distance between them.

"In this industry, many people would love to have my connections written all over their foreheads if they get even a chance."

You, on the other hand, keep a low profile and do things one step at a time.

"I know Sun Wukong's temper when it comes to jobs in the High-tech Zone. The fact that he approves isn't because you're lucky, but because your work is truly impeccable."

She paused, as if carefully choosing her words.

"I've seen too many people who get carried away with a little success and think they're someone important just because they land a big deal."

You took the job, immersed yourself in it, and once it was done, you divided the money and spent it as you pleased. I didn't see you become arrogant, nor did I see you shrink back.

Gong Yuelong put down his wine glass; he knew what Lin Wei was talking about.

She was labeling him: reliable, steady, and capable.

This also suggests her value: she has more than just superficial relationships; she also has deeper, more personal connections.

At the same time, she revealed a hint of vulnerability and appreciation.

"Mr. Lin, you flatter me," he said, his voice steady.

"I'm just a worker, I know my own limitations. Relationships are other people's business, but how well I do my job is what matters to me. It's good that Engineer Sun approves, but it's just the beginning."

The smile in Lin Wei's eyes deepened.

He understood, but he wasn't blinded by it.

In her view, this restraint is a more worthwhile investment than any impassioned statement.

"Yes, it's a good start." She followed his words, raising her glass. "So, this glass is a toast to this good start, and also a toast to... that we can walk together more steadily in the future."

With a soft clink, the glasses bumped together.

Gong Yuelong put down his wine cup and suddenly said:

"Mr. Lin, have you heard of this saying?"

"Um?"

"If you want someone to always remember you," he looked up, his gaze calm, "the best way is to lend them money."

Lin Wei raised an eyebrow slightly, her smile undiminished, but her eyes deepened: "That's an interesting way of putting it."

"When you lend money, you create a chain. The lender has to consider your situation and assess your capabilities. Lending money is about assessing the person; sometimes it's an investment. It's an investment in the future."

Lin Wei paused for two seconds, then burst out laughing:

"Brother Gong, are you lecturing me, or paving the way for my future?"

"Yes, we have both." Gong Yuelong laughed. "The road ahead is long, and we never know when we'll have to ask for it."

Lin Wei nodded and picked up her wine glass:

"Okay. If that day ever comes, just say the word."

Thanks.

Gong Yuelong refilled their glasses with wine and casually said:

"Mr. Lin has a good alcohol tolerance."

Lin Wei chuckled: "To survive in this industry, you have to have some influence."

Gong Yuelong nodded, as if remembering something: "Similar to Jiang Yan."

Lin Wei paused for a moment as she raised her glass.

Jiang Yan.

The way the name came out of Gong Yuelong's mouth so naturally touched a chord in her heart.

Jiang Yan's alcohol tolerance, the occasions Jiang Yan was in, Jiang Yan and him... when and under what circumstances did they drink together?

To what extent must one drink for him to so naturally use alcohol tolerance to evaluate and compare?

Her eyes brightened, and after taking a sip of her drink, she casually asked, "President Jiang... she's known for her high alcohol tolerance. Do you drink together often?"

"Occasionally," Gong Yuelong replied briefly, without elaborating.

But those two words, spoken only occasionally, carried weight in Lin Wei's ears.

"Our relationship is that of drinking together. This goes beyond ordinary business dealings and reveals a close personal bond."

She suddenly remembered some rumors about Jiang Yan in the industry, her decisive and unpredictable style, and that she had indeed given some opportunities to the man in front of her.

I initially thought Jiang Yan was just casually helping me out, but now it seems... the strength and manner of her help were probably more direct and profound than I imagined.

A hint of envy, mixed with a touch of competitive spirit, quietly swept through my mind.

What Jiang Yan can give, Lin Wei may be able to give as well.

Perhaps she can offer something different.

"President Jiang has a sharp eye; she's good at judging people," Lin Wei said with a smile, smoothly steer the conversation back on track.

"The fact that she can drink with you proves I didn't misjudge her. Come on, Brother Gong, this toast is for you—and also for us in the future, maybe we can drink together a few more times."

She raised her glass, looking at him with bright eyes.

Gong Yuelong clinked glasses with her, said nothing, and simply drank the wine in one gulp.

Some things are best left unsaid.

Some comparisons are unspoken.

The balance of the relationship has been subtly adjusted again, without anyone knowing.

……

Gong Yuelong returned to the house in the courtyard and closed the door.

"Yu Yue has 200,000, Lin Wei has made an appointment, and Jiang Yan's line is still hot."

Money is like flowing water, connections are like roads, and foresight is like the wind.

I lit a cigarette, and the smoke rose in the dim light.

"The cards aren't great, but at least we have cards to play."

The cigarette butt flickered.

But the feeling of having food in hand and a clear path in mind is solid.

The intelligence system alerted that the decision-making process had been completed.

[Thinking complete]

[Project Positioning: Standardized factory building on plot B-7 in the High-tech Zone, with a building area of ​​approximately 3200㎡]

[Optimal Contact Person: Yang Ruyan]

Gong Yuelong stared at the words solidified from the blue light in his mind, his brows furrowing deeply.

Yang Ruyan?

The girl who buys cigarettes at the construction site's convenience store, and who also works overtime at night to sell wontons? She has a slightly shy smile.

This is even more unbelievable than when Jiang Yan casually mentioned Director Wang. One is in the heavens, the other is in the fireworks; they have absolutely nothing in common.

but……

The system has never made things up.

The base price for ten tons of steel bars, and Engineer Zhao's eccentric hobbies—every single detail was later confirmed to be absolutely accurate.

Should we believe the facts of the system, or the logic of common sense?

He closed his eyes, and the image flashed before his eyes: a greasy little table, bustling coworkers, and Yang Ruyan holding a long spoon, ladling an extra half spoonful of oily bone broth into his bowl.

Her father would occasionally mutter, "Ruyan, don't let that construction vehicle block the way at the entrance."

The girl replied crisply, "I know, Dad said the construction site entrance is crowded and noisy, we can't cause trouble."

The construction site entrance was crowded with vehicles and people.

Supervisors, drivers, material handlers, project office clerks, people coming to collect payments, people secretly smoking... all sorts of people meet and chat over this bowl of hot wontons.

Complaining about the client's strictness, grumbling about the lax acceptance process, cursing the supplier's slippery tactics, and lamenting the tastes of a certain leader...

Gong Yuelong lit a cigarette and took a deep drag.

"They dared to owe Jiang Yan money, so why would they be afraid to trust a wonton seller?"

He recalled the day the system awakened, the cold, physical threat of disappearance in his mind, and the trouble and opportunity hidden in Jiang Yan's words about counting me.

I won't go to the construction site tomorrow morning.

Go find Yang Ruyan first and have a bowl of wontons.