161: Chapter 162 Self-Strategy

Meanwhile, in Jiang Jing and Wang Congcong's car.

Jiang Jing thought of Leng Ba's eager look and felt it would be better to finalize this matter sooner rather than later, so that silly girl wouldn't overthink things.

He didn't avoid Wang Congcong, who was sitting next to him, and directly took out his phone to call Jiang Yan.

The call connected quickly, and Jiang Yan's characteristically professional and cool voice came through: "President Jiang, please instruct me."

"Jiang Yan, prepare a brand agency contract for the huanyan beauty serum. The agent will be Leng Ba. You decide on the terms and make them generous. Send it to me tonight for review," Jiang Jing instructed concisely.

Jiang Yan on the other end paused noticeably, then quickly responded: "Understood, President Jiang. I will prepare it immediately and send it to your inbox within two hours at the latest."

Her voice remained steady, revealing no ripples of emotion.

However, Jiang Jing keenly caught that Jiang Yan muttered something afterward.

Jiang Jing's hearing was far superior to an ordinary person's; he clearly heard a sentence filled with a hint of complaint and jealousy: "Hmph... You are really good to Leng Ba..."

Jiang Jing was stunned for a moment, then the corners of his mouth uncontrollably curled upward.

Jealous?

Jiang Yan, who was always known for being professional, calm, and capable, could actually get jealous because he was good to someone else? This discovery made him feel amused and... secretly pleased.

He deliberately asked into the phone: "Hmm? Jiang Yan, what did you just say at the end? I didn't hear it clearly, the signal is a bit bad. Could you say it again?"

Jiang Yan on the other end clearly hadn't expected Jiang Jing's hearing to be so good, and she stammered as she covered it up:

"Ah? N-nothing! I said... I said I'd go prepare the contract right away! I guarantee... I guarantee the terms will be generous! Does President Jiang have any other instructions? If not, I'm hanging up!"

Her tone carried a hint of panic, and without waiting for Jiang Jing to respond, she hung up the phone in a rush.

Listening to the busy signal from the phone, Jiang Jing couldn't help but chuckle softly.

Wang Congcong, sitting nearby, felt that Jiang Jing not avoiding him while making that call was a sign of trust and closeness.

So he leaned forward, smiling as he joined the conversation, his tone carrying the banter between men: "Not bad! Brother, you are really good to that little girl Leng Ba. Giving her the agency rights so readily—won't the little girl be devoted to you now?"

Jiang Jing put away his phone, chuckled, and gave a "you know" look, patting Wang Congcong on the shoulder: "Leng Ba is quite likable; one has to take care of her a bit more, right?"

"Right, right, right! Exactly! Brother, you are truly a man of passion!" Wang Congcong nodded repeatedly, looking as if his heart had been touched.

"Hehe..."

Under Wang Congcong's lead, the motorcade drove into a more secluded private courtyard.

Rather than a restaurant, this place was more like a low-key, luxurious private club with blue bricks and dark tiles, winding paths, and secluded nooks. There wasn't even a conspicuous sign at the entrance, only two ancient stone lanterns emitting a soft glow.

Wang Congcong was clearly a regular here. As soon as the doorman saw his car, he immediately bowed and led the way, his attitude respectful but not fawning.

"The owner here is a buddy of mine. He used to race cars, but later got bored and opened this place. He's not looking to make money; he just wants a comfortable place for himself and his friends to eat."

Wang Congcong introduced as he expertly led everyone through the elegant courtyard, "The food is absolutely authentic, and the paperwork is all in order, so eat without worry."

Entering the reserved private room, the interior decoration was a combination of Chinese style and modern minimalism. The space was spacious and offered excellent privacy.

Just as everyone sat down, a middle-aged man wearing a Chinese-style jacket with frog buttons and exuding a capable air pushed the door open and entered with a smile.

"Young Master Wang, it's been a while!" The man's voice was loud and clear. He bumped fists familiarly with Wang Congcong, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the private room.

Seeing several actresses commonly seen on screen, his eyes flashed with only a slight surprise before returning to normal. He smiled and nodded in greeting, his sense of propriety perfectly judged. "Yo, so many big stars visiting, it really brings splendor to my humble dwelling!"

"Brother Qiang, cut the act; we're all our own people." Wang Congcong waved his hand with a smile and introduced, "This is Brother Qiang, the owner here. Brother Qiang, this is President Jiang Jing, my best brother! You don't need me to introduce these beauties, right?"

"President Jiang, I've long heard of your name!" Brother Qiang immediately stepped forward and shook Jiang Jing's hand with enthusiasm and composure. "Young Master Wang's friends are my friends. Come often in the future!"

He had clearly learned of Jiang Jing's extraordinary status, and his attitude was extremely respectful.

After a few pleasantries, Brother Qiang tactfully excused himself: "The dishes have been prepared according to Young Master Wang's usual rules. I'll have them served now. Everyone, please enjoy. If you need anything, just call me at any time."

Soon, the waiters filed in, and dish after dish of beautifully presented, fragrant food was served on the table.

Indeed, as Wang Congcong said, most were wild delicacies that were difficult to eat normally, but each dish was accompanied by relevant quarantine certificates and traceable source labels, making people feel at ease eating them.

"These are legally farmed musk deer ribs, slow-roasted over charcoal..."

"These are artificially raised deer tendons, braised in high-quality broth for ten hours..."

"Try this, a dessert made with snow frog, it's best for girls' beauty..."

Wang Congcong introduced them as if they were his own treasures, inviting everyone to eat.

Jiang Jing and the women were no longer polite and started tasting. The taste was indeed incredibly delicious, and the cooking time and seasoning were top-notch. Even though they were used to high-end restaurants, they couldn't help but praise it again and again.

During the meal, Jiang Jing and Wang Congcong sipped on his treasured fine wine, while the women substituted wine with freshly squeezed fruit juice. The atmosphere was harmonious and lively.

Everyone chatted about the fun things at the golf course just now, gossiped about the entertainment circle, and laughter was constant.

After they were full, the waiters cleared the dishes and replaced them with clear tea and fruit platters.

Jiang Jing sipped his tea and said with a smile: "Thank you, Principal Wang, for your generous hospitality today. I won't disturb your sister gathering tonight; I've already booked a hotel."

As soon as these words were spoken, the women were all stunned for a moment.

Leng Ba was the first to react and hurriedly said: "Ah? Brother Jiang Jing, why are you going to a hotel? I have plenty of rooms there, enough for you to stay!" Her face was full of reluctance and a desire for him to stay.

"Yeah, Brother Jiang Jing, why go to the trouble and expense of a hotel?" Nazha also chimed in.

Da Mimi and Tong Liya exchanged glances; although they didn't speak, their eyes revealed the same sentiment.

Jiang Jing looked at them and smiled: "I already intruded for one night yesterday. As a man, if I keep hanging around where you girls are staying, it won't look good for you if word gets out."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and continued: "You are all public figures, and your reputation and image are very important. I cannot, for the sake of temporary convenience, cause you to attract unnecessary controversy."

Although Jiang Jing wanted to stay, he also felt it would be troublesome if they were photographed.

Although he wasn't worried about anything, the others still had to work in the entertainment industry, so he couldn't ignore their well-being.

Moreover, he still had to stay in Hengdian for a few more days, and staying at a hotel would actually be more convenient...