134: Chapter 134 Night Gathering in Mingzhou

Pushing open the carved wooden door, Cao Yong was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, holding a teacup inside the private room.

Hearing the commotion, he turned around and revealed a pleasantly surprised smile: "Third Young Master! I've finally been waiting for you to arrive."

His gaze swept to Su Wu behind Li Dakang, and he asked in a friendly manner: "Who is this?"

"This is my driver, Su Wu."

Li Dakang took off his coat and handed it to the attendant, then said to Su Wu: "This is President Cao, my friend."

"Hello, President Cao." Su Wu stood straight, his voice neither servile nor overbearing.

"Hello, Su Wu."

Cao Yong reached out his hand enthusiastically, not slighting him in the least because he was a driver.

In the officialdom circles that emphasize human relationships and worldly wisdom, the weight of a driver can never be underestimated; it all depends on whose driver it is.

Today's gathering was originally a private get-together between him and Li Dakang; the fact that Li Dakang brought Su Wu along meant the weight of this trust was self-evident.

Moreover, with a backer like Li Dakang, Su Wu's future prospects would naturally be bright.

Cao Yong understood this well.

He was all too clear about the special bond between a driver and a leader, just like his father Vice Governor Cao Jianhui's personal driver, Old Wang, who had followed the old man for over twenty years, spending more time with him day and night than he, his own son, did.

When it came to matters big or small in the family, the person who knew first was often not him, but Old Wang.

During holidays, Old Wang always had a seat at the Cao family dining table, practically like a member of the family.

Thinking of this, Cao Yong looked at Su Wu with a few more degrees of respect.

He personally poured a cup of tea for Su Wu and said kindly: "Don't be reserved, Su Wu, we are all our own people."

This gesture was not only a sign of respect for Li Dakang but also a profound understanding of the special identity of a "driver."

In this circle, sometimes the influence of a driver is far greater than it appears on the surface.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere in the private room gradually warmed up.

The light from the crystal chandelier shone on the exquisite tableware, refracting brilliant halos.

"Third Young Master."

Cao Yong picked up a piece of steamed sea bass with his chopsticks and asked seemingly casually: "Coming to Mingzhou this time, it's not just to catch up with me, right?"

Li Dakang took a sip of wine, the corners of his mouth slightly raised: "As expected, I can't hide anything from you. I plan to find a school in Jiang Province to study for an in-service postgraduate degree. Do you have any connections here?"

Cao Yong put down his chopsticks and pondered for a moment: "Jiang University's School of Management is quite good; it ranks among the best in the country. It just so happens that I have some friendship with Vice Principal Zhang, who is in charge of teaching there. It shouldn't be a problem to put in a word."

Having said this, he changed the subject: "However, Third Young Master, an in-service postgraduate degree is not like those gold-plated diplomas from the Party School; it really requires effort."

"The coursework and thesis are just as rigorous; can you find the time?"

"Time can always be squeezed out."

Li Dakang swirled his wine glass, his eyes firm: "No matter when, if you don't study, you fall behind. Besides, I do indeed want to systematically recharge."

Upon hearing this, admiration flashed in Cao Yong's eyes, and he raised his glass: "As expected of Third Young Master, this ambition is truly admirable! Come, let's have a drink to your studies!"

Amidst the clinking of glasses, the three of them drained their cups.

After the meal, Cao Yong suggested going to relax. Li Dakang looked at his watch, thought for a moment, and nodded in agreement.

Under the cover of night, the Dihao Clubhouse was brightly lit, its gilded sign shining brilliantly under the reflection of neon lights.

This newly completed building complex was magnificent; in front of the porch supported by Roman columns, security guards in uniforms stood straight, revealing an extraordinary level of class everywhere.

The car slowly came to a stop. Su Wu looked through the car window at this golden den of iniquity rumored to have deep connections, his Adam's apple bobbing unconsciously.

He turned around and said respectfully: "Secretary, I had better wait for you outside. If you need anything, just call me."

As a leader's personal driver, Su Wu was well-versed in the art of knowing when to advance or retreat.

He knew that in some situations, a leader needs private space, and if a driver never leaves their side, it would appear tactless.

This grasp of propriety often reflects a driver's professional quality more than driving skills do.

Upon hearing this, a trace of admiration flashed in Li Dakang's eyes.

"That's fine, you wait for me outside."

Watching Li Dakang and Cao Yong walk into the clubhouse led by the receptionist, Su Wu gently pressed the accelerator and slowly drove the car toward a nearby parking lot.

In the rearview mirror, the golden gate of the Dihao Clubhouse slowly closed, as if separating two completely different worlds.

Walking into the clubhouse, the fragrant scent of precious sandalwood mixed with fresh flowers rushed to meet them.

A crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling of the hall, casting tiny spots of light onto the Italian imported marble floor.

The receptionist in a cheongsam bowed slightly, her perfectly appropriate smile making people feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

"This place is quite unique."

Li Dakang's gaze swept over the contemporary famous calligraphy and paintings hanging on the wall, and then over the Steinway grand piano in the corner, his tone carrying a touch of appreciation.

A proud expression appeared on Cao Yong's face: "Third Young Master has a good eye. The boss here has a significant background and has connections in the province."

He lowered his voice and added: "From the decoration to the service, everything was handled by Hong Kong designers; even the faucets in the restrooms are imported from Germany."

As he spoke, Cao Yong familiarly showed his membership card to the front desk.

Upon seeing Cao Yong, the reception manager immediately came forward with a smile: "President Cao, the VIP suite you booked is ready. Please follow me."