As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store

Chapter 529: Meeting with Big Boss (3)

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation | Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Alright, I’m hanging up now,” Si Cong said before ending the call.

Looking at the now disconnected phone, Zhou Chao muttered softly, “I wonder if he called to thank me or discuss a collaboration. I could invite him to join the previous plan. I just don’t know if he’d be willing. Oh, and there’s also Zhang Liang next door; it seems like we can invite him over for tea.”

With these thoughts in mind, Zhou Chao called out, “Liu Zhi!”

“Boss, Sister Liu has gone shopping,” Tang Qin rushed to Zhou Chao’s side and explained.

“Oh, I forgot. I asked her to buy something for me earlier. Tang Qin, please go to the Zhang Mansion next door and tell them that I’ve invited Old Master Zhang to come for tea at ten.”

“The Zhang Mansion next door?” Tang Qin hesitated for a moment but quickly understood. “Alright, boss, I’ll go right away,” she said and headed towards the main gate.

After finishing breakfast, Zhou Chao prepared a bowl of tea for Jiang Li as well and had the maid take it to her room. He then moved the tea set to the garden pavilion, carefully selecting some rare tea leaves. By the time Zhou Chao had finished these preparations, it was almost ten o’clock, and he sat in the cool pavilion, waiting quietly for the arrival of his guests.

As Zhou Chao leisurely brewed tea, Liu Zhi hurriedly emerged from the house and announced, “Boss, Mr. Zhang has arrived.”

“Bring him over, and there will be more guests later. Just lead them here when they arrive,” Zhou Chao replied in a soft voice while sipping his tea.

“Of course, boss!” Liu Zhi nodded respectfully and went back inside.

A little while later, Liu Zhi appeared again, leading Zhang Liang towards Zhou Chao.

From a distance, Zhang Liang’s hearty voice could be heard, “Young Master Zhou, you truly have a taste for elegance. I could smell the fragrance of your tea from afar. Is this the Golden Melon Tribute Tea?”

“Haha, I didn’t expect Mr. Zhang to be knowledgeable about tea as well. Please have a taste; I just brewed it, and the flavor is exquisite.”

Zhang Liang, not one to be polite, sat directly across from Zhou Chao. As soon as he sat down, he noticed two extra teacups nearby and raised an eyebrow. “Young Master Zhou, do you have more guests?”

Zhou Chao nodded slightly. “They should be arriving soon, and you already know them.”

Seeing that Zhou Chao didn’t elaborate, Zhang Liang didn’t press further. Instead, he picked up the tea that Zhou Chao had brewed and savored it slowly.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had such good tea.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chao couldn’t help but chuckle. “Mr. Zhang, it seems you don’t want to wait long before having this tea again. How about taking some with you when you leave later?”

The two men exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

“Why do I hear laughter? Is there something enjoyable happening?” A deep and unmistakable voice came from nearby.

Both Zhou Chao and Zhang Liang turned their heads in the direction of the voice. It was Si Cong’s father, Wang Jianlin, who was accompanied by Si Cong, looking stern.

“Oh, it’s you, Lao Wang. I was wondering who Young Master Zhou was waiting for, and I didn’t expect it to be you, Old Man,” Zhang Liang, a prominent figure in the real estate industry, said with familiarity.

Upon hearing Zhang Liang’s address to Zhou Chao, a hint of curiosity flashed in his eyes, but his expression remained unchanged. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Hahaha, I live right next door; that’s what they call a convenient location!” Zhang Liang grinned with pride.

“Come on, let me introduce you. This is Zhou Chao, also known as Young Master Zhou.”

“Hello, Zhou Chao. I’ve heard Si Cong mention you many times. Today, I finally have the chance to meet you in person. I didn’t expect you to be so handsome!” Wang Jianlin greeted Zhou Chao and shook his hand enthusiastically.

“Seeing is believing, Director Wang. You have an even more imposing presence in person than what I’ve seen online,” Zhou Chao replied nonchalantly.

“Please, have a seat. The tea will get cold if we wait too long.” Zhang Liang, sensing the atmosphere, interjected at the right moment. He understood Zhou Chao’s purpose in inviting him – to keep the atmosphere lively and prevent any awkward silences between two people meeting for the first time.

The four of them took their seats, and Zhou Chao couldn’t help but smile at Si Cong, who had been quiet the whole time. In Zhou Chao’s eyes, there was amusement, while Si Cong’s expression revealed a sense of helplessness. In such a formal setting, Si Cong couldn’t speak freely and could only signal Zhou Chao with his eyes for help.

However, Si Cong’s subtle gesture coincidentally caught Wang Jianlin’s sharp gaze, causing him to instantly become reserved and just sip his tea slowly, unable to speak.

“Young Master Zhou, the main reason I’m here today is to thank you. First, for agreeing to take my somewhat unruly son under your wing, and second, for your previous advice. I’ve now let go of all the burdens associated with Yida.”

“Si Cong has been working hard lately. Despite the tabloid news, his businesses are still profitable,”

Hearing Zhou Chao’s praise, Si Cong straightened his posture and even gave Wang Jianlin a smug look, making Zhou Chao want to laugh.

Wang Jianlin glanced at Si Cong and commented, “His little ventures can only be considered small-scale. After all these years, he hasn’t achieved anything significant.”

Just as Si Cong was about to argue, Wang Jianlin’s stern look silenced him.

“Jianlin, I envy you. Look at my lousy son. He can’t be compared to Si Cong who is like a shining star. At least your son is standing on his own two feet now.” Zhang Liang sighed, thinking of his own son, Zhang Wenxuan.

There was no harm in comparison. While Si Cong was doing well, having Zhou Chao as a benchmark would naturally overshadow his achievements, no matter how impressive they were.