Zhou Yi and Kong Xiaohe ascended the stairs together, heading toward Suite 1.
The door to the private room stood ajar, revealing five people seated within.
Kong Huaijin lingered near a bespectacled middle-aged man, whose presence exuded an air of quiet sophistication.
Drawing from his prior research online, Zhou Yi recognized him instantly—this was none other than Kong Weizheng, father of Kong Xiaohe and the wealthiest man in Huaihai.
Rather than resembling a shrewd businessman, Kong Weizheng carried himself with the composed deanor of a scholar, his every movent imbued with grace.
In addition to the Kong family mbers, two other n occupied seats across from them.
One bore a long white beard, his gaunt fra contrasting sharply with his piercing eyes that glead with vitality.
The second man possessed a robust build, his ruddy complexion and slicked-back hair marking him as soone accustod to authority—a self-made tycoon through and through.
When Zhou Yi and Kong Xiaohe entered, none of the n rose to greet them. After all, they were juniors, and it would be improper for elders to stand for such introductions.
Moreover, Zhou Yi was still a relative unknown, lacking both influence and reputation among these titans of industry.
Instead, the n offered polite smiles, their expressions hinting at cautious curiosity.
Upon entering, Kong Xiaohe did not imdiately take her seat but instead approached Kong Weizheng.
"Brother Yi," she said, gesturing toward the elder, "this is my father."
Zhou Yi stepped forward with a asured smile, bowing slightly as he greeted, "Uncle Kong, it's a pleasure to et you. My na is Zhou Yi."
His deanor struck a perfect balance—not overly deferential yet respectful, confident without arrogance.
At this mont, Kong Weizheng rose gracefully, extending his hand to clasp Zhou Yi's firmly while patting it warmly.
"Ah, Zhou Yi, I must express my deepest gratitude. My son Xiaohe has suffered poor health for years, and despite countless treatnts, nothing seed to help until now. If not for your efforts, this old man would still be burdened with endless worry."
"Uncle, there's no need for such formality," Zhou Yi replied smoothly. "Xiaohe is my friend, and helping him brought genuine satisfaction. Gratitude feels unnecessary between friends."
Kong Weizheng chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling with amusent. This young man certainly knew how to speak!
With a light pat on Zhou Yi's shoulder, he gestured for him to sit.
"Allow to introduce our guests today. This is Uncle Dong."
Zhou Yi promptly stood again, offering a respectful nod. "Good evening, Uncle Dong."
Uncle Dong grinned broadly, his voice carrying a jovial tone. "Dong and I go way back—he runs a logistics empire and dabbles in various ventures. Should any promising opportunities arise, don't forget to bring us along!"
"It would be my honor to learn from you, Uncle," Zhou Yi responded humbly. "Collaborating with esteed individuals like yourself would be a privilege indeed."
Wang Dong laughed heartily. "Such modesty! I hear you've already started your own company while still in university? Remarkable! When I was your age, I was too busy chasing girls to think about business."
Kong Weizheng chid in, pointing to the white-bearded man. "And this is Zhang Ming, another old friend of mine. He heads a pharmaceutical company and was so impressed by your treatnt of Xiaohe that he insisted on eting you personally."
Zhang Ming exuded an almost ethereal aura, his calm deanor making him seem more like a wandering sage than a corporate magnate.
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady. "Young man, have you studied dicine?"
Caught off guard, Zhou Yi fabricated a plausible response. "Yes, Uncle Zhang. I apprenticed under a traditional Chinese physician during my studies."
"Which school of thought does your master follow?" Zhang Ming pressed gently.
"I'm afraid I don't know, Uncle. My teacher was a humble practitioner who never spoke much about such matters."
"And may I ask your master's na? Is he still alive?"
"He passed away so ti ago. His na was Feng Yi."
Zhang Ming furrowed his brow, releasing a soft sigh. "What a sha. To produce a disciple like you, he must have been truly extraordinary."
Zhou Yi nodded politely, inwardly relieved that his fabricated story held up under scrutiny.
Suddenly, Zhang Ming shifted topics. "I heard you're seeking funding for a film project?"
Zhou Yi nodded. Just then, Kong Xiaohe excused himself to retrieve the script from Jiang Ruolan.
"The production budget is fifty million USD," Zhou Yi explained, "with an additional twenty million required for completion."
Rather than addressing the investnt directly, Zhang Ming broached another subject.
"Young man, I have an acquaintance whose elderly father suffers from a chronic ailnt. Despite consulting nurous traditional doctors, no cure has been found. I wonder if you might consider taking a look when you have ti."
The implication was clear: assist in this matter, and Zhang Ming would commit to the investnt.
Zhou Yi, ever perceptive, understood the subtext. With a confident smile, he replied, "Of course, Uncle Zhang. Please let know whenever you arrange it—I'll make myself available."
Zhang Ming's grin widened. "Splendid! Such straightforwardness is refreshing. Let's drink to that later."
The atmosphere in the room remained convivial as Kong Xiaohe returned with the script. Placing it on the table, Kong Weizheng reviewed it briefly before announcing his decision to invest ten million.
It wasn't that he lacked the ans to contribute more; rather, he wished to leave room for collaboration between Zhou Yi and the others.
anwhile, Wang Dong expressed disinterest in the film industry, deferring the opportunity to Zhang Ming. Should Zhang decline, he would reconsider.
As the evening wore on, drinking beca inevitable. Zhou Yi, blessed with a decent tolerance, matched the older n glass for glass.
To his surprise, Kong Huaijin proved exceptionally skilled at holding her liquor. Throughout the al, she had remained silent, listening intently to the conversation. Yet when the drinking comnced, she joined in, subtly shielding Zhou Yi from excessive toasts.
By the end of the night, everyone was mildly tipsy but still lucid. Before departing, Zhou Yi exchanged contact information with the group. At his request, Jiang Ruolan presented the assistants of the two bosses with ginseng—a rare variety enhanced by Zhou Yi's Attribute Points, certain to impress once consud.
For the Kong family, Zhou Yi prepared gifts of fine wine and premium ginseng, striking the appropriate balance between familiarity and respect. As for Kong Xiaohe's sister, Jiang Ruolan selected a Bulgari necklace valued at seventy thousand dollars—a thoughtful choice that conveyed neither stinginess nor undue extravagance.
Reflecting on the evening, Kong Weizheng remarked approvingly to his children on the ride ho.
"Zhou Yi is a remarkable young man. Mark my words—he's destined for greatness."
Kong Huaijin, having observed Zhou Yi closely throughout the dinner, found herself equally impressed. For soone barely twenty, his poise and composure were remarkable. While not overtly charismatic, his quiet confidence left a lasting impression.
She mused aloud, "There's sothing intriguing about Zhou Yi's background. Judging by his bearing, he doesn't strike as soone from an ordinary family. Starting a company and investing thirty million in films while still in university suggests significant resources behind him."
Kong Xiaohe smirked teasingly. "Sister, why are you so curious about him? Could it be that you've taken a liking to him?"
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