40: Chapter 40 Heroic Spirit

When Chen Hao and Zhang Menglu returned to the private room, Qian Zhaodi was helping Xiao Li fasten the buttons of her bra, muttering as she did so.

"You earn quite a bit in a month, yet you still come to a nightclub for part-time work. I don't get you. How much money is enough?"

Factory Director Qiu chimed in, holding his wine glass to the side.

"That's not entirely true. The salary you give looks like a lot, but it's actually not enough to live in Guangcheng. No matter how much Director Qian gives, it won't compare to what one earns at a nightclub, right?"

Xiao Li nodded, acknowledging Factory Director Qiu's point.

"Suit yourself then."

Qian Zhaodi stopped dwelling on the matter and beckoned, asking Zhang Menglu to come over and look at the product line.

"I've only recently taken over the factory. I've designed a total of three sets; this is the second set. Director Zhang, could you give me some input?"

Zhang Menglu nervously stepped forward and circled Xiao Li once.

"The styles you designed are all 'pure desire' style?"

This remark made Qian Zhaodi frown. Chen Hao quickly stepped in to explain.

"Because we are aiming for a high-end brand line, the 'pure desire' style sells well and has excellent market prospects."

Director Qiu also supported the statement.

"That's right. Although I'm not in this business, I know that if you want to go high-end, you can't target the ordinary mass market."

Qian Zhaodi took over the conversation, taking out her phone to show product images.

"Director Zhang, look, this pure cotton one is very common. The market is full of these products, selling for 10 yuan apiece in markets and stalls, and at most 50 yuan in large department stores. But the 'pure desire' style is different. It looks high-end, and selling it for less than 100 yuan is hard to justify."

Zhang Menglu nodded.

"That makes sense."

Director Qiu interjected with a laugh.

"The key is that with the same production cost and time, this style can earn more money. Why wouldn't we do it?"

"Understood."

Zhang Menglu blurted out tentatively.

"So what is the ex-factory price?"

"That depends on how we cooperate."

Qian Zhaodi picked up her wine glass and began a detailed discussion with Zhang Menglu, outlining her ideal partnership model.

Chen Hao listened for a while; it was mostly in line with what he expected. As long as Zhang Menglu didn't reveal the inside story, there was a high probability of securing the exclusive brand partnership.

During the detailed discussion, Xiao Li had completely adapted to her role as a Model, posing when asked and walking a few steps when directed, changing into the third outfit in public without hesitation.

Chen Hao glanced at the ten thousand yuan on the coffee table. As long as money was involved, she would do anything. Obtaining the keepsake bra was practically guaranteed.

Coincidentally, Xiao Li's discarded bra was right beside him. The moment Chen Hao touched it, a system prompt popped up: Exchange now?

Her Favorability was only 20; how could he exchange now?

To maximize profit, it was time to increase her Favorability.

As he took out his phone to order more drinks, he accidentally saw a message from Zhu Shasha on WeChat, asking what he was doing.

Chen Hao recorded the entire process of ordering the wine, spending 88,000 yuan for a set of 'Great Dragon'.

The whole room cheered in celebration.

The nightclub manager entered the room with the hostesses to deliver the wine, offering a string of flattering compliments.

"Congratulations to Director Chen for increasing blessings, longevity, and wealth; adding glory, splendor, and auspiciousness. May your business flourish eternally, and your life be as long as the South Mountain's ageless pine!"

After the applause, the hostesses left.

Qian Zhaodi asked, puzzled.

"Director Chen, you ordered a 'Great Dragon' without a word. What does this mean?"

"A preliminary toast to a successful collaboration."

Chen Hao said with a smile, simultaneously sending the recording to Zhu Shasha—killing two birds with one stone.

"Director Chen is so generous! Come, let's drink. I toast you, Director Chen!"

Factory Director Qiu smiled like a blooming flower and lavished compliments on Chen Hao.

Before leaving, the nightclub manager whispered something to Xiao Li. Her expression was priceless. She then picked up her wine glass and toasted Chen Hao.

"Director Chen, I toast you as well."

"Favorability +20, Current Favorability 40."

It wasn't strange that her Favorability skyrocketed; when ordering the wine, Chen Hao had deliberately put this order under Xiao Li's name, meaning the rebate from the 'Great Dragon' went to her.

Zhang Menglu had never seen such a grand ceremony for a congratulatory toast. While the display of status was maximized, she couldn't help but be curious about the price of the 'Great Dragon'.

She took out her phone, scanned the QR code, and gasped when she saw the price, immediately covering her mouth.

88,000 yuan!

Unbelievable! The price of these few bottles of wine was comparable to her entire savings!

Even if Chen Hao was rich, he couldn't be this wasteful!

It wasn't just Zhang Menglu who was surprised; even Factory Director Qiu and Director Qian were astonished.

The 'Great Dragon' sold at nightclubs was about status, marketing, and ultimately, a gimmick.

They weren't unable to afford 88,000 yuan, but they couldn't spend it like this.

In normal business dealings, eating and drinking were fine; ten or eight thousand was acceptable. But casually taking out 88,000 yuan just for status—wasn't that like throwing money into the water?

Even someone worth a million wouldn't be this wasteful, right?

Little did they know, Chen Hao's extravagance was just beginning. He casually pointed at a bottle of Ace of Spades and said:

"We can't drink this much anyway. Xiao Li, I'll make a deal with you. Give me your bra, and I'll give you this bottle of wine. How about it?"

"Wang Lichun Favorability +30, Current Favorability 70."

"Of course, no problem! Thank you for the gift, Director Chen, I am extremely grateful."

Xiao Li was deeply thankful, clutching the Ace of Spades tightly.

She was a nightclub employee, so giving her alcohol was equivalent to giving her a monetary tip. The value of a bottle of Ace of Spades didn't need to be mentioned; this was all her rebate.

Factory Director Qiu, an old fox, kept his eyes on Chen Hao and Zhang Menglu, saying with a smile.

"Director Chen is truly considerate of his subordinate. I admire that; I've learned something today. Come, drink, taste this very expensive 'Great Dragon'."

Xiao Li personally poured wine for the four bosses. When she handed the glass to Qian Zhaodi, she suppressed her shock and leaned toward Chen Hao to toast him.

"Director Chen, I toast you. Wishing us a successful cooperation."

Chen Hao took the opportunity to press his advantage.

"My girlfriend just started in this industry and needs channels. Coincidentally, she met Director Qian today—this is fate. I hope Director Qian can offer more guidance in the future."

"Definitely, definitely."

After drinking together, Factory Director Qiu said with a laugh.

"The taste is indeed different, huh."

Qian Zhaodi thought for a moment and said.

"How about this: tomorrow, come visit my factory. I have many design concepts, and I'd like Director Chen and Director Zhang to offer some guidance."

"Of course, no problem."

Thus, with continuous toasting and drinking, time flew by. Around eleven at night, the banquet was nearing its end.

Qian Zhaodi claimed she needed to go back and prepare. Before leaving, she asked Xiao Li.

"Are you coming with me?"

According to normal logic, since the money had been spent, anyone with a bit of sense would know what to do about accompanying them after the party ended.

But in this situation, Chen Hao, the one who paid, was here with his girlfriend. If she eagerly offered herself, wouldn't she clearly be creating conflict for Director Chen's relationship?

"If Director Chen has no other plans, then I will leave with Director Qian."

"Let's go, we're leaving too."

Chen Hao glanced at the unfinished wine. A set of 'Great Dragon' contained 6 bottles of Ace of Spades; 3 bottles were drunk tonight, one was given to Xiao Li, and two remained unopened.

Chen Hao generously pointed and said.

"I'll give you these last two bottles as well."

"Wang Lichun Favorability +20, Current Favorability 90."

"Thank you for the gift, Director Chen, I am extremely grateful."