One side bustling, the other deserted.
One showered with flattery, the other left without inquiry.
Luo Qianhua and his three, in stark contrast to Xiao Zheng and his trio!
In truth, these bosses were all cunning, observantly watching Xiao Zheng while toasting. They had thought that in such a situation, Xiao Zheng would definitely feel extremely embarrassed.
They even expected him to make some improper actions, but they found they were mistaken, as Xiao Zheng appeared completely at ease at this time, busily demolishing the food on the table, truly as if he were just there to eat.
Seeing Xiao Zheng’s demeanor, Luo Yusheng and Yun Tianlong followed suit, focusing on their meal with great dedication.
Consequently, the lively side started to seem a bit odd. Gradually, everyone’s gaze shifted towards Xiao Zheng and his comrades, and their enthusiasm for toasting waned.
Luo Qianhua bore a smile on his face, yet annoyance festered in his heart. He had meticulously orchestrated this scene, hoping to embarrass Xiao Zheng, to show him who’s boss, yet it failed again.
For the man simply paid it no heed!
"Hmph, he was once the Sect Leader after all. Such a calm and composed spirit is not something ordinary people can match. However, I want to see how you’re going to keep up this act under these circumstances!"
Luo Qianhua thought coldly to himself.
Suddenly, he gave a meaningful glance to everyone, and the understanding bosses retreated. Then, raising his cup with a smile, Luo Qianhua said, "Brother Xiao, as well as Yusheng, Tianlong, don’t just focus on eating. We brothers are having a meal together, how can we not clink cups?"
In his glass was a full cup of baijiu, which Luo Qianhua drank down in one gulp, then inverted his glass to show everyone, as if it were nothing, "I’ll drink first as a gesture of my respect."
Most of those present belonged to underground organizations with ties to black powers. In these kinds of gatherings, a boisterous spirit was generally admired, and Luo Qianhua drinking an entire cup of baijiu in one go indeed won the crowd’s admiration.
Xiao Zheng glanced at Luo Qianhua.
That was Luo Qianhua carving out an escape route for himself!
In behaving this way, Luo Qianhua showcased a form of respect. If Xiao Zheng accepted it, he would owe Luo Qianhua a favor. If any conflict arose later, and Xiao Zheng came out on top, he would have to grant Luo Qianhua a way out. This was the interpersonal rule hidden within the exchange of drinks!
"Indeed, my former subordinate never lets anything slip through."
Xiao Zheng mused inwardly.
Immediately, he picked up his glass and drank it down in one go.
Seeing this, Luo Yusheng and Yun Tianlong also hurriedly downed a cup each.
They were all men with considerable capacity for drink; despite having swallowed a full cup of baijiu, they remained as if nothing had happened, without even a hint of red on their faces.
And here, the disparity was evident, Luo Qianhua had offered a toast, but Qing Liancheng remained unmoved, not even picking up his glass. Hua Shanjiu’s lips even bore a slight sneer.
Above the banquet table, toasts and laughter exchanged freely.
Yet the reality hid a lethal undercurrent!
Witnessing this scene, some of the bosses were sweating profusely.
"Hahaha, Mr. Xiao, it reminds me of the old days. Back then, I really didn’t know any better, thinking that with a minor family name, I could collide with the Tianji Sect.
"To tell the truth, if it weren’t for backing off in time, there probably wouldn’t be any Hua Family left in Zhonghai City by now." At this time, Hua Shanjiu spoke up with a smile.
"Looking back, it really feels like everything has changed. The once-mighty Tianji Sect has dissipated into the wind, and standing upon the giant’s body, four great powers have risen, dominating Zhonghai.
"Mr. Xiao, with your return this time, I wonder if you harbor the ambition to reinvigorate the Tianji Sect? I believe that if Mr. Xiao were simply to call to arms, there would surely be a throng of respondents. Unifying Zhonghai is not a wild dream."
As Hua Shanjiu finished speaking, the entire room fell silent; the bosses hardly dared to breathe, tense to the extreme.
Clearly, today, this banquet has reached its main event!
Luo Qianhua and the others, have started to cause trouble!
All the words spoken by Hua Shanjiu were obviously instigated by Luo Qianhua and his group!
And these words were clearly inquiring into Xiao Zheng’s intentions. Did he wish to compete with Luo Qianhua and the others for territory, or was he genuinely ready to retire and withdraw from worldly affairs?
Xiao Zheng’s response at this moment could well determine the future landscape of Zhonghai!
After all, despite being a lone wolf, neither Luo Yusheng nor Yun Tianlong were; they each controlled their own power.
However, if it really came to war, Xiao Zheng’s chances of winning were extremely slim. Due to the chaos caused by Yan Guanghui, the region now under Yun Tianlong’s command had not been thoroughly consolidated, and his forces were still weak, nowhere near a match for the strong and well-equipped Luo Qianhua of Qing Liancheng.
Xiao Zheng was in the midst of eating a chicken leg.
The room was silent, all eyes on Xiao Zheng.
But he was leisurely and focused, enjoying the chicken leg in his hands bit by bit, not even sparing the tiniest shred of meat on the bone.
The spectators watched.
The banquet suddenly fell into a strange atmosphere.
Hua Shanjiu still had a smile on his face, but now it was almost rigid.
Because Xiao Zheng hadn’t even glanced at him.
Just like that, Xiao Zheng slowly finished the entire chicken leg, took a napkin, wiped his mouth clean, and only then did he raise his head, smiling at Luo Qianhua, "We brothers are drinking here, but where did this trash fish come from, splashing around? Qianhua, as the host, this is somewhat inconsiderate of you."
Once Xiao Zheng uttered those words, the room erupted.
Everyone was startled, their hair standing on end.
This demeanor was outrageously high-profile!
Hua Shanjiu, now the spokesperson for Luo Qianhua and his group, was referred to as "trash fish" by Xiao Zheng; anyone with clear eyesight could directly see the attitude implied!
Luo Qianhua’s eyes narrowed slightly, and he kept silent.
Qing Liancheng let out a cold snort and said icily, "Xiao Zheng, aren’t you a bit too arrogant? We respect you as the former Sect Leader of the Tianji Sect, and have thus treated you with utmost respect. But I did not expect you to insult my guest!"
At this moment, Hua Shanjiu also felt a rush of blood to his head, his face turning red with the swelling sense of humiliation, being so disregarded by Xiao Zheng!
"What the hell do you think you are, Xiao Zheng!"
Hua Shanjiu slammed the table and stood up, cursing, "The Tianji Sect is long gone; you, a loner, what are you in Zhonghai City? What waves can you possibly create? Why the insolence?"
"Let me tell you, if you sit tight and quietly without blocking our way, all is well, and we’ll stay out of each other’s business. But if you really want to stir things up, remember this, don’t scorn the wine of respect, lest you’re forced to drink the wine of penalty!"
(Once again, I’m imploring for a recommendation ticket~ Aiming for over two hundred tickets today!)