Chapter 1030: Chapter 1030

Liu Yuan and Mu Qingrong sat down, and the atmosphere immediately became a bit awkward. After all, these two were considered honored guests of Zhou Yong, who was relying on them to help with his project. Moreover, in terms of their status, both of them were far superior to Ye Qing's classmates in the room, yet they sat right next to Ye Qing, which left no room for others to sit.

Zhou Yong, being a clever person, could tell at a glance that Liu Yuan and Mu Qingrong were here for Ye Qing. Although he was unaware of the relationship between Liu Yuan, Mu Qingrong, and Ye Qing, it was clear that Ye Qing held a significant position in their eyes. If Ye Qing didn't take a seat, these two surely wouldn't either. So, Zhou Yong straightforwardly pulled a chair at the head of the table and smiled at Ye Qing, saying, "Old classmate, why don't you come and sit here? Let Director Mu and Manager Liu join us."

"No need to be so formal," Ye Qing said with a smile. "We're all our own people, it doesn't matter where we sit. Come on, everyone sit wherever you like!"

In just a few words, Ye Qing transformed from being looked down upon as a nobody to seemingly becoming the host of this banquet. All eyes were on him now, and those who previously disregarded him deeply regretted their actions, though most were relieved they hadn't gotten involved in the matter between Ye Qing and Lin Haoqi. This way, they still had a chance to mend their relationship with Ye Qing.

Of course, those who had spoken up for Lin Haoqi were now filled with regret. Especially the female classmate who had mocked Ye Qing for not being able to find a woman; her husband was currently striving to win a bid for a project with Lin Corporation. She hadn't expected to meet the higher-ups from Lin Corporation today, only to have offended them firsthand.

She could tell that Ye Qing certainly had influence with Mu Qingrong and Liu Yuan, but the issue was, thinking back to the mockery she had just directed at Ye Qing, even she felt it was over the line. At this point, she wanted to ask Ye Qing for help, but she couldn't bring herself to speak.

Ding Yue, sitting across the table, was even more embarrassed. She had met Liu Yuan once and knew well enough that the man sitting next to Ye Qing, who was calling Ye Qing brother, was none other than Liu Yuan, the renovation mogul of Shenchuan City. If it weren't for what had just happened with Ye Qing, given her usual networking skills, she surely would have tried to establish some relationship with Liu Yuan. However, now she didn't even have the opportunity to speak. Trying to network with Liu Yuan now was pure folly.

Zhou Yong was the happiest person there, as he had never dreamed that Ye Qing had such a good relationship with Mu Qingrong and Liu Yuan. The fact that Mu Qingrong and Liu Yuan could come meant a great deal for him, whether or not his project succeeded. This way, in the future, it would be as though they were acquainted, and contacting Lin Corporation for funding would be easier. After all, Lin Corporation had many significant projects in the Capital, and many people there were eyeing them, eager to be involved for the profits, and Zhou Yong also wanted to ride Lin Corporation's coattails to earn a little.

In fact, the funding his projects required was nothing to Lin Corporation. Just a small amount from them would suffice for his project. But the issue was, with so many people in the Capital wanting Lin Corporation's support, why would Lin Corporation choose him? Having Ye Qing's relationship made a difference; it allowed him direct dialogue with Lin Corporation's higher-ups, which greatly increased his chances.

Moreover, with Ye Qing's connection, Lin Corporation was bound to prioritize his project. After all, it seemed like Mu Qingrong and Liu Yuan had a really good relationship with Ye Qing!

Zhou Yong, being sharp, recognized the key issue, so he insisted on having Ye Qing take the main seat. Ye Qing, unable to refuse, ended up at the main seat. Of course, Gao Shibao followed suit. Liu Yuan and Mu Qingrong sat on either side of Ye Qing, just like before. For them, being here was entirely because of Ye Qing.

The main seat initially belonged to Zhou Yong and his wife, with Lin Haoqi and Ding Yue sitting beside them. But now, Ye Qing and his group took over, pushing Lin Haoqi and Ding Yue aside.

Lin Haoqi had already drunk himself into a stupor under the table, and naturally, no one paid him any mind. Ding Yue, still sober, was moved from the main seat to the side, feeling quite displeased. However, no matter how unhappy she was, she dared not show it. She knew Lin Haoqi's family was trying to build connections with Lin Corporation; offending anyone from Lin Corporation could lead to her being ousted by Lin Haoqi's family.

Though filled with discontent, Ding Yue could only keep a smiling face. Several classmates nearby noticed her demeanor and chuckled quietly, thinking she was reaping what she sowed. As for Ding Yue, she dared not make eye contact with anyone, knowing the looks she'd receive from them wouldn't be friendly.

Finally, everyone was seated. Zhou Yong promptly ordered a few more dishes and treated Mu Qingrong and Liu Yuan as the most esteemed guests. Yet, wisely, he did not directly focus on entertaining these two but mainly attended to Ye Qing, which included entertaining Mu Qingrong and Liu Yuan.

Zhou Yong knew well that Mu Qingrong and Liu Yuan were no fools; it was too late to try to forge a bond with them now. Thus, he made Ye Qing the main focus, leading Mu Qingrong and Liu Yuan to wonder if he and Ye Qing had a close relationship. Having this connection would benefit him in the future.

And indeed, that was the case. Mu Qingrong didn't enjoy speaking much in settings like these, while Liu Yuan was more genial. After a few drinks, he was acquainted with most people around. Seeing Zhou Yong's attitude towards Ye Qing, he genuinely thought Zhou Yong and Ye Qing were on good terms, so he was relatively courteous to Zhou Yong.

Befriending Liu Yuan made Zhou Yong's heart burst with joy. He dared not even consider Mu Qingrong, but if he could grasp Liu Yuan, the renovation king of Shenchuan City, his future would change for the better.

Ye Qing, sitting near them, did not interfere with the connection between Zhou Yong and Liu Yuan. He knew Liu Yuan was no fool and wouldn't be easily tricked by Zhou Yong. Moreover, upon seeing him, Zhou Yong had immediately invited him to the banquet, showing that Zhou Yong valued old classmates. Thus, he helped Zhou Yong with this small task, returning the favor of their old classmates' bond. Honestly, among all the classmates in the room, the one with the best relationship with Ye Qing was still Gao Shibao.

Gao Shibao was a reserved, earnest person. Seeing that two notable figures like Mu Qingrong and Liu Yuan had such a good relationship with Ye Qing, he knew Ye Qing's life in Shenchuan City couldn't be bad. So, genuinely happy for Ye Qing, his previous gloom disappeared as he continuously drank with Ye Qing.

The meal lasted nearly two hours, with Mu Qingrong and Liu Yuan staying in the private room for almost the entire time. Halfway through the drinking, Zhou Yong discreetly mentioned his project to Liu Yuan. Liu Yuan, being astute, instantly understood what Zhou Yong was hinting at. He made no commitments on the spot but suggested they discuss the matter in detail at the hotel the next morning.

In truth, Liu Yuan was giving Zhou Yong an opportunity. Knowing Liu Yuan's limited time in the Capital, his agenda would likely be booked solid by people wanting to meet him. For Liu Yuan to spare time for Zhou Yong now was purely out of respect for Ye Qing.

Zhou Yong was fully aware that he was entirely riding on Ye Qing's coattails to gain this opportunity, and he was immensely grateful to Ye Qing for it.

After the meal, most of Ye Qing's classmates seized the opportunity to toast him, except for those who had expressed support for Lin Haoqi earlier. They wanted to mend fences with Ye Qing but were too embarrassed to start. Ye Qing, remaining composed, shared a few drinks with everyone. By the end of the session, Ye Qing had drunk over three jin but appeared only mildly flushed, with no other signs of excess.

This drinking capacity amazed everyone, especially Gao Shibao, who couldn't handle his alcohol well. Seeing Ye Qing drink so effortlessly made his eyes widen in surprise. He often attended drinking events and accompanied leaders for drinks in his workplace, yet always faltered at critical moments. Watching Ye Qing's drinking capacity filled him with envy; having a drinking capacity like Ye Qing's, or even half of it, would suffice for him!

After the meal, despite Zhou Yong's repeated insistence, Mu Qingrong and Yuan decided not to join them for karaoke. In fact, just as they stepped out of the private room, they noticed three people waiting outside.

Recognizing these three, Zhou Yong was momentarily taken aback, for he knew two of them, who were CEOs of companies in the Capital. One of them was Lin Haoqi's uncle, Lin Jiantao, a significant business figure in the Capital, so what was he doing here at the door?

When the trio at the door saw Liu Yuan and Mu Qingrong come out, they hurried to greet them. Lin Jiantao smilingly said, "Director Mu, Manager Liu, I apologize for bothering you. A few managers from Lin Corporation upstairs said there's something that requires Director Mu's personal decision. Director Mu, could you perhaps spare ten minutes to discuss this project once more?"

Hearing this, Zhou Yong finally understood that Lin Jiantao and the three were waiting at the door for Mu Qingrong and Liu Yuan to come out. It seemed that earlier, Mu Qingrong and Liu Yuan were upstairs discussing projects with several company heads from the Capital. Who knew that with just one phone call from Ye Qing, the two would just leave those CEOs and come down to sit for two hours? Ye Qing's influence was truly remarkable!