Leila was sitting next to Charles. During the gap between two courses being served, Charles would talk to Mr. Xu, and occasionally Leila would also join in and bring up the cooperation between the two companies. The atmosphere was warm and optimistic, but only Charles knew that Mr. Xu was avoiding the substantive issues. He was like an old fox who would not lose sight of the falcon until he saw the hare.
As the wine was being poured, Mr. Xu declined the offer as he said he could not drink wine unexpected, which made Charles anxious. Charles had read the information of Mr. Xu. He had a strange habit. If he disliked a partner, he would definitely not consume alcohol. But if he would join them for a drink, then... the deal would be in their favor.
So he must get Mr. Xu to drink his wine.
"Mr. Xu, I reaally appreciate that you have come from so far to join the party. There are some misunderstandings between us, and I'd like to take this opportunity to clear them. I'll drink three glasses of wine first." Charles gulped down three glasses of liquor, and then said to Mr. Xu, "You see how sincere I am, and now it's your turn. How about doing me a favor and taking a sip?"
Mr. Xu maintained a cool composure as he said to Charles, "Mr. Lu, it's not my intention to let you down, but..."
He sighed and added, "I've struggling with poor health and high blood pressure for years now, so my wife doesn't like me drinking at all. You can afford to ignore others, but you still have to listen to your wife, am I right?"
Leila Looked at Mr. Xu, as she thought that this old fox was just looking for an excuse to avoid drinking with them.
Leila then looked at Charles, who looked so embarrassed for struggling so much for striking a deal. Leila knew he was very enthusiastic to work with Mr. Xu's company, so she also made her mind upon recalling his interest and said to the waiter, "I need the glass with the maximum capacity, please."
Leila could not hold a drink, but during her employment at the Shining Company, she had learned to socialize with the partners from time to time doing whatever the situation called for. Now she developed a stronger capacity for liquor, so today... In order to show their sincerity to Mr. Xu, she would take the challenge. However, the liquor Charles had ordered.... was very strong and would make even the strong hearts weak in their knees.
Leila even wanted to cry at the idea of chugging that beverage, but when she thought of Charles, her spirit rose to fight the apprehensions away. Anyway, she had to let Charles realize that she was an indispensable asset to him and would always help him with every one of her endeavors.
All the people started to look in her direction once they heard what she said. Charles could not help frowning ever so slightly, thinking how she would manage herself, when he saw her holding a large glass of red wine.
He resisted the impulse to stop her, as this was her job, and also the reason why he brought her here in this first place.
Leila was very unhappy when she saw that Charles turned away to avoid looking at her, but refocused her priorities only to realize that if only landed the contract, Charles would definitely think highly of her. With that thought, she realized all would be well as long as she took it slow.
"Mr. Xu..." She laid focus on his name as she said it aloud and walked towards Mr. Xu delicately yet seductively and said, "You said you didn't drink. What a coincident that I don't drink, either. But today... in order to show you my sincerity, I am making an exception especially for you as I drink this glass of wine. So why don't you drink yours if you are pleased by my dedication?"
"Really? So what kind of liquor do you like to consume?" Mr. Xu was amused by her, as he took a glance at Leila's empty glass. Leila picked up the liquor bottle which was resting on the table and poured an entire glass. She then said to Mr. Xu, "Mr. Xu, this is what my sincerity looks like."
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