"Aren’t we supposed to not air dirty laundry in public?"

A perfectly calculated look of astonishment appeared on Lin Chu’s face before he quickly smiled. "Right, right. My apologies, I misspoke. I sincerely apologize."

"You’re being too polite."

"Alright, let’s move on. Speaking of which, this club used to be called Celebrities, didn’t it? We actually have some history going back a few years. The hotel operations for the Celebrities Club were always outsourced to hotel groups, and one year, Wanhao won the bid. The very next year, however, we were pushed out by another company that used some nasty, underhanded tricks."

Having steered the conversation to this point, Liao Haixiang watched Lin Chu with a calm, composed smile.

Lin Chu genuinely had no idea about this.

After all, it was a minor incident from a long time ago.

Looking at her, Lin Chu naturally understood what she was getting at. But after a moment’s thought, he didn’t take the bait, simply smiling as he said, "Ah, let’s let bygones be bygones. I’ve already met with the senior managers. I don’t care how much they skimmed off the top before, but from now on, I can guarantee no one will dare try anything like that again."

’Don’t even think about it.’

’At least, not for now.’

Business is business.

Lin Chu’s stance was crystal clear.

Dating her daughter was no reason to just hand over the club’s hotel contract.

Liao Haixiang just smiled when she heard this. After all, she was only testing the waters, and it wasn’t in her nature to be too aggressive.

"Xiaolin, you have a very methodical and measured way of doing things. You’re very mature. You’ve only just taken over the club and are still getting familiar with everything, so this is the right approach. You’ve given your subordinates a warning without putting them under undue pressure to keep working. Otherwise, keeping that kind of pressure on for too long can cause problems."

She praised him casually.

But then Liao Meili chimed in, pouting a little. "Honey, why don’t you just give the club’s hotel business to Wanhao? It’s not that much money, right? We’re under a lot of pressure to meet our targets this year, and my mom is running all over visiting major clients. You’re not even going to help..."

She suddenly understood her mother’s intentions.

And she’d also understood Lin Chu’s refusal.

But she didn’t think it was a big deal. ’Time to work my charms!’

Lin Chu glanced at her, then nodded with a smile. "Alright, of course, that’s no problem. But how about we wait until the current company’s contract is up? It’s only two or three more months."

"Mhm, hehe. I knew you were the best!"

Liao Meili beamed with a charmingly innocent smile. She had sorted out something even her mom couldn’t handle, just by acting a little cute. It gave her a great sense of accomplishment and made her feel important.

Liao Haixiang glanced at Lin Chu, thinking once again that this young man wasn’t just good at business; he was also very good at handling women.

And, of course, he treated her daughter quite well.

Objectively speaking, he had basically passed her test.

’As for how far things go from here, we’ll just have to see how he performs.’

’This young man is quite good in all respects.’

’It’s just that his family background is a major weakness.’

’From an ordinary family?’

...

The meal ended on a high note, with both host and guests thoroughly pleased.

Lin Chu personally walked the two of them to their car.

"Honey, I love Xiangyun Sha! I just bought two outfits! Make sure you tell them to hurry up and make them. I’ll model them for you when they’re done."

Once in the car, Liao Meili seemed reluctant to leave, but she still hurried him along.

Lin Chu smiled and waved. "Of course, no problem. I’ll stand behind them with a whip to make sure they finish it for you as fast as possible."

"Don’t buy any next time. Just tell me what pattern and style you want, and I’ll have them make it for you directly. We’re the ones who make it, after all. You’ve got unlimited Xiangyun Sha access now."

Liao Meili shook her head, pursed her lips nonchalantly, and blew him a kiss. "Okay!"

"Alright, you two drive safe. I have to get back for a meeting, so I won’t see you all the way out."

Lin Chu added, politely bidding them farewell.

As he watched the car leave the parking lot, the smile vanished from Lin Chu’s face. Only then did he light a cigarette, exhaling a long plume of smoke.

He’d been holding back the entire time.

...

...