In Manager Zhao's view, if Director Liu had really come, he would be in VIP Room 1 at the very least. How could he possibly be in Room 10?

That damned dog… Manager Zhao spat viciously at Chen Zheng's departing figure. He loves to brag. If he could really dine with Director Liu, then I could have tea with the president! What a useless piece of trash!

Chen Zheng entered Room 10, where Liu Zhengguo was waiting, sitting respectfully in his chair. The dishes had already been served, and the wine was poured.

"Grand Marshal, is there a problem?" Liu Zhengguo asked with concern, seeing Chen Zheng's grim expression.

"It's nothing. Let's drink," Chen Zheng said. The two began to chat as they drank.

"Do you really plan to dissolve the association and merge it into the Alliance?" Chen Zheng brought up while they were drinking.

"To be honest, my hands are tied," Liu Zhengguo said with a hint of helplessness. As he spoke, a trace of worry crossed his face. "Grand Marshal, you've always been on the border, so you're unaware of many things. The Alliance was originally an organization started in the south.

"No one expected them to grow so rapidly over the past two years. They've already penetrated political and business circles and can even influence high-level decisions!

"Especially this Liu Changyun. Many children of influential officials, as well as prominent businessmen, are his disciples. Sometimes, even I have no choice but to compromise!

"Take this martial arts tournament they're hosting. If our side wins, that's one thing. But if the Alliance wins, I'm afraid my hands will be tied even if I want to help!" Liu Zhengguo sighed and explained.

"I see…" Chen Zheng nodded slowly, seeing the difficult position Liu Zhengguo was in.

The most crucial point is… I always had a feeling that a mysterious force was pushing the Alliance from behind. It's definitely not as simple as it looks on the surface. This force has great ambitions, far beyond just taking over an association. I'll have to keep a close eye on them from now on.

"By the way, Grand Marshal, there's one more thing… I must impose on you and ask for a favor," Liu Zhengguo suddenly said in a low voice.

"What is it?" Chen Zheng waved his hand dismissively. Their relationship was such that they didn't need such polite words.

"You've probably heard of the Fan Family, haven't you?" Liu Zhengguo asked.

Chen Zheng's brows furrowed slightly as he immediately understood the implication. "Are you talking about Zhao Dabao?"

Other than the incident with Tianxing Company, what else could it be? As for Fan Xukun being completely blacklisted, they shouldn't have been able to trace that back to me.

Liu Zhengguo shook his head bitterly. "The political circle is only so big. It's full of acquaintances, both inside and out. Oftentimes, my hands are tied!"

"Old Liu," Chen Zheng said, looking at him meaningfully, "we've only had two glasses of wine, yet you've already said your hands are tied several times. It sounds like things haven't been going well for you lately."

"Grand Marshal, please don't tease me," Liu Zhengguo said, shaking his head bitterly. "As for Zhao Dabao, the Fan Family is willing to offer ten percent of their shares as an apology to you. Perhaps…"

"Alright," Chen Zheng hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. "Out of respect for you, I'll agree. You can arrange the rest."

Liu Zhengguo has never asked me for something like this before. I should help him.

"Excellent!" Liu Zhengguo immediately raised his glass respectfully. "Since you've agreed, Grand Marshal, then it's settled. I'll have them prepare, and Old Fan himself will come to apologize to you personally!"

"Old Liu, you're asking me for a favor, and you think one drink is enough?"

"Fine, fine, five drinks…"

Nearly half an hour later, Chen Zheng and Liu Zhengguo were about finished with their discussion and called the waiter over to settle the bill.

"Old Liu, isn't this one of your subordinate units? You're not putting this on a tab?" Chen Zheng asked, looking at him meaningfully.

"Grand Marshal, today is my personal treat. How could I put it on a tab?" Liu Zhengguo said righteously. "I'm not the kind of person who fishes in troubled waters or takes advantage of my position for petty gains!"

Chen Zheng nodded in satisfaction and patted his shoulder. "Spoken like a true subordinate of mine. That integrity is commendable!"

"However, today's meal should still be on me."

I know my subordinate's temperament. Even in such a high position, he wouldn't stoop to taking petty advantages. A meal like this would be a significant expense for him.

"Grand Marshal, you're being too formal. Are you afraid I can't cover a simple meal?" Liu Zhengguo's brow furrowed at once.

"Sir, your table's total comes to 1,010,000. Would you like to pay with cash or card?" the waiter said with a smile, approaching with the bill.

Hearing that figure, Liu Zhengguo was stunned.

What the hell? 1,010,000? If I remember correctly, we didn't eat much. We just had a few extra drinks. How could that cost over a million?

"Are you mistaken? Is there some kind of problem?" Liu Zhengguo frowned tightly.

"Sir, there's no mistake. This gentleman here," the waiter said, glancing cautiously at Chen Zheng, "broke a glass in Room 3. Our manager says that glass costs one million."

After hearing this explanation, Liu Zhengguo's face darkened.

"Old Liu," Chen Zheng joked, "I never expected that the prices at your subordinate's establishment are so much higher than outside!"

Liu Zhengguo's face burned with humiliation. This was a complete embarrassment in front of Chen Zheng.

"Get your manager in here!" Liu Zhengguo said coldly.

"See our manager?" The waiter's expression changed, and he looked at the two men with a sneer. "You think you can see him just because you say so? Who knows if you'll try to run off? You'd better settle the bill first!"

Liu Zhengguo's face was as dark as the bottom of a pot.

I'm a dignified director, and they suspect me of trying to skip out on the bill? Over a single meal?

"Get your manager in here for me right now! For every second you're late, I'll have all of you fired!" Liu Zhengguo could not hold back any longer and slammed his hand on the table.

Having held a high position for many years, Liu Zhengguo possessed a commanding presence when angered that ordinary people could not match. The waiter was so frightened that he turned and scrambled to find the manager without another moment's hesitation.

Before long, Manager Zhao arrived at Room 10 with some of his staff. "I say, kid… it's just a broken cup, isn't it? You even dared to yell at my staff? Looking for trouble, are you?" Manager Zhao said, his gaze icy.

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