If you're not familiar with the insider tricks here, you might think Old Zou's proposal is a great opportunity. After all, being an official in the Fishing Association is something many people would go to great lengths for.
But to Zhang Yang, this invitation seemed a bit fishy.
Because Zhang Yang's business is in the fishing gear industry.
You have to understand, the local Fishing Association, in strict terms, is a civilian organization under the leadership of the relevant national departments, not really associated with any administrative level.
Since it's a civilian organization, issues like organizational structure and funding become problems the leader must face.
How to solve this issue? The usual method is corporate sponsorship, membership fees, plus a bit of revenue from commercial events.
It sounds fancy, but it's actually a low-ranking government office. The so-called official position is often nominal, without much tangible benefit.
Zou Zhaokun inviting Zhang Yang to join the local Chinese Fishing Association clearly had an intention of soliciting funds, pulling in sponsorships, and exchanging benefits like titles or association certifications.
If Zhang Yang were the Zhang Yang from his past life, he definitely wouldn't miss this opportunity, but having lived another lifetime, Zhang Yang was now quite clear-headed.
It's fine to have a meal and get to know the relevant 'Fishing Association leaders,' but getting too involved isn't necessary.
If I give in now, it will be hard to refuse when I'm more entangled later.
Based on this consideration, Zhang Yang pretended to hesitate for three seconds, then shook his head slightly embarrassed: "Uncle Zou, you're too kind! I don't have big ambitions, nor do I understand how to be an official, so I'd rather not take a position unnecessarily!"
"What? You look down on a Fishing Association position?"
Zou Zhaokun was a bit surprised by Zhang Yang's polite refusal. Before coming, he had pondered for a long time, thinking that given Zhang Yang's age and experience, he should not refuse the offer he made.
Zhang Yang chuckled and raised his glass: "Since it's about taking a position, it's naturally for serving fellow fishing enthusiasts!
I can manage fishing, but when it comes to dealing with people, I'm not very good at it.
Wear the pants that fit your behind; my abilities are limited, and standing out will only bring shame!
Thank you for the opportunity, Uncle Zou, but I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you! I'll drink this as a penalty!"
Saying this, Zhang Yang picked up the beer glass in front of him and drank it in one go!
This self-imposed penalty drink gave Zou Zhaokun a way out and also showed Zhang Yang's stance.
Old Zou and the other two Fishing Association leaders, seeing Zhang Yang's firm attitude, quickly moved past the topic. For original chapters go to NoveI★Fire.net
The subsequent activities were quite relaxed. Everyone chatted and drank, discussed matters within their circle, and the time passed unnoticed. Before long, it was past eight in the evening.
With their appetites sated and drinks finished, everyone took the opportunity to leave their seats, as Zhang Yang and his brother Meng Fan escorted the leaders and judges to the parking lot before leisurely making their way back.
On the way back upstairs, Liu Zi, who had been silent the whole night serving drinks, curiously asked: "Brother Yang, why didn't you accept such a good thing? Being an official in the Fishing Association sounds pretty impressive!"
Zhang Yang grinned and said meaningfully: "What use is being impressive! Would a good thing come looking for us? They're just trying to play the rich card and take my share! Right, Xiao Fan?"
Meng Fan, having driven for leaders for a long time and mingled in the system, had a sense of sensitivity.
After hearing Zhang Yang's words, he nodded: "It's just exchanging a false reputation for real benefits! Our self-media is doing so well, and the company operations are quite stable, there's no need to expend too much energy on this!"
"See, Liu Zi, learn from Brother Fan! Let's go, upstairs, Wang Yan and the others are still waiting for us!" Zhang Yang waved his hand, leading the brothers back to another private room.
In the other private room, Old Zhao and the team, along with a few female colleagues from the operations department, were already having a great time.
Zhang Yang declared he was hosting a team event, and these guys already ordered four sets of 368 yuan lobster extravaganza, with heaps of lobster shells piled on the table even if not much alcohol was consumed.
"Ah, we finally sent off those Fishing Association leaders! Sorry everyone, for being late!" Zhang Yang laughed as he entered, preparing to squeeze next to Old Zhao.
"Go, go, to that side! You're the host, we saved the main spot for you! Xiao Lin, arrange a chair!"
Old Zhao waved his hand, directly pushing Zhang Yang to the main seat opposite the door.
"How much did you drink? What was that old fox Zou Zhaokun after?" As soon as he sat down, Zhao Bingguang asked.
Zhang Yang grinned: "Nothing big, he wanted to pull me into the Fishing Association for a position, but I turned him down!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Yan and Han Qiang, sitting nearby, glanced at each other and exaggeratedly clutched their chests in mock agony.
"Oh my God! Old Zhao, you nailed it!"
Old Zhao chuckled: "Haha, didn't I call it? Wang Yan, Han Qiang, pay up, one Blue Eight each! A bet's a bet!"
Zhang Yang then realized that his mischievous friends had been betting on this outcome, with each Blue Eight worth over two hundred yuan, letting Old Zhao win again.
"Don't cry poor, a bet's a bet! Otherwise, I won't play with you guys next time!
Now that we're all here, it's been a while since we've all been together, let's have a round!"
Old Zhao gave Liu Zi a knowing look, and Liu Zi slickly opened a new case of Tsingtao beer.
Zhang Yang's entrance was like reigniting the party, and besides the designated drivers, everyone filled up their beers again. The atmosphere in the room quickly heated up, becoming lively once more.