192: Chapter 192 Refusing a toast means having to drink a forfeit
The female salesperson carrying functional drinks arrived on the third floor. As soon as she got upstairs, they were snapped up, and many people still didn't manage to grab one.
The female salespeople at the Fitness Club seemed to have unlocked some hidden potential; they immediately started promoting weight loss nutritional meals.
Carrying the menus upstairs to promote them room by room, sure enough, over 100 servings of low-sugar, low-calorie fat-reducing meals were sold.
More than 20 people hadn't ordered lunch because they decided not to eat during noon break for dieting purposes.
Soon it was lunchtime. The Models arrived on the first floor in a large group to eat, and the salespeople started selling yoga sets in the dining area.
Good heavens, they were truly treating this place like a shopping mall.
Of course, the Models all knew that when wearing yoga sets, besides body measurements, they wouldn't need to undress completely, as yoga sets were already quite form-fitting.
Just like that, over 40 yoga sets were sold during the lunch hour.
Even Chen Hao’s brilliant planning had its flaws. Although the Models bought over 40 yoga sets, more than 60 of them purchased bikini swimsuits instead.
When Chen Hao heard this news, he slapped his forehead and suddenly realized the reason.
The Fitness Club's main focus was swimming fitness. With such a professional swimming pool in the facility, the Models all wanted to experience the joy of swimming after their lunch break.
Furthermore, wearing a bikini, compared to yoga attire, better showcased a perfect figure, especially since the Victorias Secret Show was about to be held.
“It's just moving money from the left hand to the right hand; this money isn't flowing out of the company anyway. I must pay closer attention next time.”
Chen Hao kept reminding himself that his thinking had to keep up with the trends; he absolutely could not make such a judgment error again.
Aside from the yoga wear miscalculation, Chen Hao’s other predictions were largely accurate.
Because during the lunch break, the Models filtered out in small groups for fresh air, with most gathering near the entrance of the Fitness Club. Coupled with the city-wide trending promotion, the hype from the Fitness Challenge attracted quite a few nearby residents to come and watch.
At noon, some men were indeed drawn in by the sight of the Models and were persuaded by the salespeople to sign up for fitness memberships.
With income finally exceeding expenses, Chen Hao's mood significantly improved.
In the afternoon, work resumed with the interview process. Chen Hao was pulled into a room again by Qian Zhaodi and forced to score the Models.
Chen Hao endured the afternoon, feeling both pain and pleasure during this wonderful time.
After all the interviews concluded and while Qian Zhaodi and the others were calculating scores, Chen Hao unexpectedly received a call. It was Manager Huang.
“Hello? What is it?”
“Chen Hao, I only found out today that you brat can actually afford a Ferrari. You’ve been playing the pig to eat the tiger here for several days. What are you planning?”
Chen Hao sounded impatient.
“If you have something to say, say it.”
“Nothing major. I just want to invite you to dinner. Will you give me that much face?”
This was definitely a Hongmen Banquet. Chen Hao clearly remembered their previous plan was to break his third leg.
“What if I refuse to give you face?”
Huang Tao sneered.
“It’s fine if you don’t come, but I happen to have an installment loan contract here. The borrower seems to have some connection to you. Don't you want to come see who owes the debt?”
The installment loan contract he mentioned was likely Lin Xiaomeng’s, but Chen Hao also thought of another person—Cai Fenghua also owed loan sharks.
After careful consideration, even if it wasn't for Lin Xiaomeng, he had to meet them for Cai Fenghua’s sake.
“Chen Hao, if you’re a real man, come over and let’s talk. It’s better to reconcile than to make enemies. We don't have any deep-seated hatred between us.”
“Fine, I’ll go.”
After a long pause on the other end, Huang Tao finally reacted.
“Then let’s meet at 6 PM, the old spot. Don’t be late.”
After hanging up, Chen Hao checked the time; it was already 5 o’clock. Huang Tao hadn't given himself much extra time to prepare.
Chen Hao said to the busy Qian Zhaodi,
“I need to take care of something. You all carry on.”
With that, Chen Hao left, hailed a taxi, and headed straight for the suburban entertainment club.
When he got out of the car, Chen Hao sensed several pairs of eyes secretly observing him.
Chen Hao was highly skilled and bold. If a fight truly broke out, with his current abilities, as long as the opponent didn't use a gun, he could slaughter many more and cause massive chaos.
Chen Hao strode purposefully through the club doors. In a car on the street, a subordinate reported into his walkie-talkie.
“He came alone, didn't bring anyone, and didn't drive. No tails behind him either.”
“He’s quite daring.”
Under the guidance of the club manager, Chen Hao went directly upstairs to the private dining room on the top floor. It was a room full of familiar faces.
Manager Huang Tao, the restaurant owner Brother Li, Boss Qiu, and Boss Wu were all present. Surprisingly, there were no hostesses, which was a big surprise.
“Chen Hao is here, come sit down.”
Brother Li warmly invited Chen Hao to sit. Huang Tao lit a cigarette and questioned him.
“Why didn’t you drive your Ferrari today? You rented it, didn’t you?”
“I see plenty of people like you who rent cars to pick up girls, puffing up their chests to look important. What’s the use of just showing off?”
Chen Hao really couldn't stand listening anymore and shot back,
“Did you call me here just to chat about this nonsense? Manager Huang, you can’t be that idle, can you?”
Huang Tao suddenly put on a stern face, adopting a superior posture.
“Chen Hao, times have changed. Yesterday I was Manager Huang; in a few days, I might be a shareholder of Xinglong Real Estate. You better be polite when talking to me, or you’ll be refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a penalty.”
“Heh.”
Chen Hao directly inverted his wine glass onto the table.
“I’m not drinking. Let’s see who can force me.”
Brother Li said with sarcasm,
“Young man, don't be so arrogant. Everyone at this table has eaten more salt than you have walked roads.”
Chen Hao retorted sharply.
“No wonder all of you are so idle. Have you all grown so much free time that you’re bored out of your minds?”
Brother Li’s face also darkened, and he stared fiercely at Chen Hao.
Huang Tao said coldly.
“You brat are indeed arrogant. Fine, I won’t beat around the bush with you anymore.”
He took out a contract from the side and slapped it onto the table with a 'pa' sound.
“This installment loan—the first payment due last month never arrived. As her ex-boyfriend, shouldn't you help her share the burden?”
Chen Hao crossed his arms and said coldly,
“You just said I was the ex-boyfriend. Why should I help her share the burden?”
Huang Tao’s face stiffened, and the temperature in the room plummeted.
“So, you intend to default on the debt!”
Chen Hao rested both arms on the table.
“If it’s not my debt, why should I acknowledge it?”
“Then there’s nothing more to discuss!”
Huang Tao waved his hand and knocked his wine glass to the floor.
Smashing the glass was the signal.
The door to the private room suddenly opened, and a crowd of fierce-looking men rushed in—clearly not people to be trifled with.
Huang Tao stood up solemnly.
“This is what’s called refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a penalty. Hold him down!”
The group lunged forward to attack, but when Chen Hao stood up and looked at them, these men suddenly slammed on the brakes, freezing in shock and fear.
Chen Hao also found these faces familiar. With a moment’s thought, he remembered: these were the underlings who followed Cobra after Boss Jiang Tao was apprehended last time.
“Hey, you few small fry dare to fight me? Are you looking to die?!”
Chen Hao reprimanded them, releasing his imposing aura. Not a single one of these thugs dared to approach.