179: Chapter 179 Let's Get to Know Each Other Better

Miss Xing had chosen a private kitchen restaurant. While not cheap, it was still far more affordable than those high-end Western or Japanese establishments.

However, Miss Xing was very fond of the flavors here; it was the kind of place she would visit whenever she had the time.

Recently, Zhao Xiaoshuai had also been eating his way through various international cuisines, but when it came to true flavor, nothing beat his own country's culinary traditions. Those foreign dishes were fine for a change of pace, but that was about it.

He arrived at the location on time, but Miss Xing was nowhere to be seen. Logically, she didn't seem like the type to be late.

Then again, it was understandable. A CEO like Miss Xing, who had countless responsibilities weighing on her, was certainly different from a hands-off boss like Zhao Xiaoshuai.

He pulled out his phone and took a quick look at the game he kept running for passive income.

He and his alt account were putting on a show, belonging to two rival guilds that were already clashing within the game's zone.

Recently, he had just been topping up and hiring others to play; he only hopped on occasionally to have some fun.

The game's returns weren't particularly high anymore, but the benefit was their stability. Using specialized free cards daily generated fifty or sixty thousand in returns, which basically covered his daily miscellaneous expenses.

The alt account's returns weren't very high either, as the company was quite cautious with resource support. Even though he had bought a finished account that was significantly stronger than his main one, it was now nearly being caught up.

Although two slots were open now, he hadn't decided what to play yet.

His initial intention was to find games that offered exclusive VIP customer service and allowed for large-sum top-ups. After all, his base cashback rate was very high now, and topping up in 648-yuan increments was honestly a bit of a loss.

He had only learned this recently. Previously, due to his limited experience, he had assumed that since the maximum single transaction was capped at 648, all games followed that rule...

He put his phone away, no longer paying attention to it, as he heard someone walking toward the private room.

"My apologies, Mr. Zhao. I was held up by some company business."

"It's fine. I just arrived as well."

Ordering the waiter to start serving the dishes, Miss Xing sat down directly opposite Zhao Xiaoshuai.

She was still dressed in a business style today, very much carrying the air of a female CEO.

"I only recently saw the news about you, Mr. Zhao. That was quite the grand gesture—personally funding a seventy-million charity foundation. I believe all the patients in Chuncheng who cannot afford medical care will be very grateful to you."

"Just a little pocket money. I'm merely contributing some effort and taking on some responsibility."

"I wonder, what is the reason for Mr. Zhao inviting me out today?"

"Why? Can't I invite you out without a reason?"

Miss Xing smiled slightly, her heart remaining calm. After all, the number of people pursuing her was like carp crossing a river; she had seen far too many.

"I pushed aside several important social engagements to keep this appointment with you, Mr. Zhao. If you keep teasing me like this, I'm going to be sad."

"I know you're a busy person. I invited you today for both business and personal reasons."

"Then shall we discuss the business matter first?"

Looking at the business-minded career woman before him, Zhao Xiaoshuai felt it was a bit tricky. They had met a few times before, but her favorability rating remained stuck at 111 (Acquainted).

It hadn't increased at all since they met today; she wasn't an easy target to win over.

"I have a friend named Xiong Xiqu. I wonder if Miss Xing has heard of him?"

Miss Xing roughly understood what the other party was seeking today. Xiong Xiqu had secured investment and wanted to make a comeback, intending to rent space in their soon-to-be-completed May Plaza. She was the one who had personally blocked this matter.

"Of course I have. He and his Donglai Supermarket are quite famous."

"Old Xiong wants to rent a sufficiently good storefront in May Plaza recently. I wonder if Miss Xing could make an exception."

"I'm afraid that won't be possible. I personally rejected that request."

"Does Miss Xing have some grudge against Old Xiong?"

"Not at all. It's strictly business."

"If it's not a trade secret, I'd like to hear the details."

There were no trade secrets involved. After inviting Zhao Xiaoshuai to eat a few bites, Miss Xing finally spoke:

"If I may be so bold as to ask, does Mr. Xiong still intend to stick to his old business model for his comeback?"

"Of course."

"Then that is the problem."

"What problem? Old Xiong's previous supermarkets were very popular; they will definitely bring in a large volume of customer traffic."

"I don't deny Mr. Xiong's success, but his model makes too many enemies. It will inevitably be besieged by rival capital again, and I'm afraid he will repeat his past mistakes."

"May Plaza is our flagship project, and I cannot accept the risk of a large supermarket failing quickly."

Zhao Xiaoshuai leaned back slightly. "What if I say I can guarantee this supermarket will never go under?"

"The marketplace is like a battlefield. His model uprooted his competitors; Mr. Zhao, you might be underestimating those capitalists. They will certainly band together to suppress Mr. Xiong."

"Isn't it just a matter of money? To me, anything that can be solved with money is not a problem."

"So the financial backer behind Mr. Xiong is indeed you, Mr. Zhao. Forgive my bluntness, but if he faces a siege from competitors, how much confidence do you have in protecting Mr. Xiong?"

Looking at the deposit of just over one hundred million in his system, Zhao Xiaoshuai said without blushing or panting:

"The storefront in May Plaza is just the beginning. In the future, Old Xiong will rebuild his lifestyle plaza, and for that, I have prepared over 7 billion in liquid capital for him."

"..."

A long silence followed, with only the sound of Zhao Xiaoshuai eating heartily at the table.

"Mr. Zhao is not joking, are you? 7 billion in liquid capital?"

"I never joke when I'm discussing serious business."

Such an exaggerated amount made it hard for Miss Xing to believe, so she couldn't help but confirm a second time.

If their Hengtian could secure this money, then regardless of what underlying issues the group had, they would be able to turn things around.

She couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.

"Although I have repeatedly raised my estimation of Mr. Zhao's financial strength, it seems I still underestimated you."

[Xing Huiqiong Favorability +30]

Zhao Xiaoshuai glanced at the system notification. 'What a pragmatic woman. In her world, there are probably only two types of people: those who are valuable and those who are not.'

"If we can have Mr. Zhao's full guarantee, then Mr. Xiong's comeback will certainly not be empty talk. I can take the initiative to rent the best plot of land to Mr. Xiong, and I am sure it will satisfy him."

"However, since Mr. Xiong plans to build his own lifestyle plaza, I wonder if this construction project could be entrusted to us, Hengtian?"

It seemed Miss Xing didn't fully believe his empty words. This cooperation was both a confirmation of their strength and an exchange of benefits.

"Of course. You can just discuss the specific details with Old Xiong. I'm just a walking ATM; once things are settled, just come to me for the money."

"Mr. Zhao, you are truly humorous. The trust between you and Mr. Xiong is also enviable. Then, let's settle this matter for now. Does Mr. Zhao have any other business?"

"No, that's all."

Having seen Zhao Xiaoshuai's strength, and with Hengtian facing a crisis, she decided to deepen her acquaintance with him. If they could become friends, she would try to secure his investment later on.

She didn't dare to hope for as much as Xiong Xiqu's 7 billion, but if she could get two or three billion, she was confident she could generate several times that in returns.

Miss Xing smiled beautifully. "Then let's talk about personal matters next. We need to settle the score regarding Mr. Zhao teasing my younger brother in the game."