128: Chapter 128 Setting the Stage

Chapter 126: Organizing a Gathering

Qiao Yichen glanced at the time and said to Li Yong, "I have something to attend to and need to leave early. Let the others know... if anything comes up, send a message in the group."

Li Yong made an OK gesture, his expression saying, "Go ahead, don't worry."

After speaking, Qiao Yichen headed out, messaging Liu Yanran as he walked: "Let's go home and change first."

By the time he finished sending it, he was already at the elevator entrance.

Liu Yanran replied a moment later: "Okay, I'm coming over now."

The two of them arrived at the parking lot one after another.

Qiao Yichen stood in front of the car waiting. Seeing Liu Yanran walking quickly toward him in high heels, he suddenly opened his arms.

Liu Yanran was stunned for a moment, then quickened her pace and threw herself directly into his arms.

Qiao Yichen caught her steadily, spun her around in his arms, and his laughter echoed in the empty underground garage.

"We both left work early," he teased with a smile. "The only thing left is to be late."

Liu Yanran rolled her eyes at him and poked his chest, her tone carrying a hint of playful annoyance: "It's all your fault."

Pausing, she stepped down from him and tidied her clothes. "Let's go, home."

It was already 5:40 by the time they got home.

Time was tight, so they didn't have time to shower and started changing immediately.

Liu Yanran opened the wardrobe, where rows of clothes hung neatly. She stood there picking and choosing, her brow slightly furrowed as if she were wrestling with a major decision.

Qiao Yichen didn't have many clothes. He flipped through them casually and picked out a decent shirt to put on. Liu Yanran glanced at him and asked, "Have you chosen?"

He nodded and looked over at her side.

Liu Yanran held a few pieces of clothing in her hand, turned to him, and asked with a questioning tone, "Which one do you think is better?"

Qiao Yichen looked seriously and pointed at one set: "The white ruffled shirt with the dark gray culottes—how about this set? It looks quite intellectual yet soft."

Liu Yanran looked at his choice and nodded, the corners of her mouth curling up slightly: "This set it is."

She changed quickly, and once they were both ready, they headed out toward Guiyu Shanfang.

It was exactly 6:45 when they arrived.

Just as they parked, another car arrived beside them. The door opened, and President Wu Guodong stepped out.

Qiao Yichen recognized him instantly, went up to meet him, and extended his hand with a warm tone: "President Wu, long time no see."

President Wu Guodong shook his hand, nodded with a smile, and looked him up and down: "Yes, long time no see. You look in good spirits."

Qiao Yichen turned to introduce Liu Yanran beside him: "This is my girlfriend, Liu Yanran."

He leaned in a bit closer and added in a low, teasing voice, "She's also our company's director, my direct superior."

President Wu Guodong understood, a flash of amusement in his eyes as he briefly shook hands with Liu Yanran: "Hello, Director Liu, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Liu Yanran shook his hand gracefully with a proper smile: "Hello, President Wu. I've heard Yichen mention you often, and I've finally met you today."

Qiao Yichen looked at the two of them and said with a smile, "Let's not just stand here. Let's head inside first."

The three of them walked into the restaurant together.

Qiao Yichen showed his reservation information, and the waiter led them into a reserved private booth.

After they were seated, someone immediately brought welcome tea and appetizers, pouring for the three of them.

Just after taking a sip of tea, Qiao Yichen's phone vibrated. He glanced down and looked up at President Wu Guodong, saying, "Teacher Song has arrived. I'll go out to meet him."

President Wu Guodong nodded and took a sip of tea, his tone matter-of-fact: "As you should."

Qiao Yichen walked quickly to the entrance and happened to see Teacher Song Qixiu and Zhou Huaiming walking over, chatting happily.

Teacher Song Qixiu saw him, and a kindly smile characteristic of an elder appeared on his face: "Little Qiao, long time no see."

Qiao Yichen hurried forward, maintaining a humble posture: "Teacher Song, long time no see. Was the journey smooth?"

He then looked at Zhou Huaiming beside him and nodded with a smile: "Mr. Zhou, it's been a few days, and you're as dashing as ever."

"

Zhou Huaiming laughed and waved his hand: "Not at all, not at all. Mr. Qiao is too polite."

Qiao Yichen led the two toward the private booth.

Pushing the door open, President Wu Guodong and Liu Yanran were chatting about something, and the atmosphere seemed quite harmonious. Seeing them enter, both stood up.

Qiao Yichen didn't hesitate and directly led Teacher Song Qixiu toward the seat of honor, his tone sincere: "Teacher Song, please sit here—"

.

Teacher Song Qixiu quickly waved his hand and declined: "This won't do. You organized today's gathering; how can I sit in the seat of honor?"

Qiao Yichen said with a smile and a firm attitude: "You are the elder among us; it's only right. Besides, without your help in making the connections, we wouldn't have been able to get everyone together for this meal today."

The others looked at each other and finally motioned for Teacher Song Qixiu to sit down.

Once everyone was seated, two waiters came over—one to pour tea and the other to hand out menus.

The menu was first presented to Teacher Song Qixiu. He didn't refuse, flipped through it, and casually ordered a few hot dishes: "Stewed River Eel with Fish Maw in Almond Juice, Angus Beef with Black Truffle... and let's have the longjing shrimp."

Qiao Yichen signaled the waiter to hand the menu to President Wu Guodong. President Wu Guodong took it and added a few more: "Moutai Apple with Mullet Roe—this cold dish is good—and then—" He paused and looked up to ask, "Was the Angus Beef with Black Truffle just ordered?"

Teacher Song Qixiu nodded and said with certainty: "It was ordered."

President Wu Guodong continued flipping: "Then something else—"

The menu passed to Zhou Huaiming, who ordered Sister Song's Fish Maw Soup and added several more dishes.

Finally, it was Liu Yanran's turn. She looked it over and added two desserts, her tone gentle: "Osmanthus Sugar Rice Cakes and Caramel Osmanthus Tea Curd."

Qiao Yichen finally took the menu and added a staple: "Crab Meat and Cabbage with Crispy Rice."

They had ordered about seventeen or eighteen dishes in total. Seeing it was enough, he handed the menu back to the waiter.

President Wu Guodong spoke with a smile, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "Since there's a lady present today, shall we skip the alcohol?"

Everyone nodded.

Zhou Huaiming added briskly, "We can have a proper drink another time when there's an opportunity. Let's eat first today."

Teacher Song nodded, his gaze falling on Liu Yanran beside Qiao Yichen, and he asked, "Little Qiao, this must be your girlfriend?"

Qiao Yichen nodded with a smile and gently put his arm around Liu Yanran's shoulder: "Yes, her name is Liu Yanran."

Teacher Song observed her for a moment, a common kindly elder's smile appearing on his face as he nodded: "A talented man and a beautiful woman—not bad, not bad. You look like a perfect match."

After saying that, he changed the subject back to the previous topic: "By the way, that huanghuali inlaid with hundred treasures flower and bird pattern square corner cabinet of yours—you've already transferred it to Huaiming, right?"

Zhou Huaiming took over the conversation, responding with a smile and a hint of pride: "Teacher Song, that was about ten days ago. The cabinet is currently sitting at my place, and the more I look at it, the more I like it."

Just as he finished speaking, the booth door was pushed open gently. A waiter entered with a tray, and four exquisite cold dishes were placed on the table one by one.

Though interrupted, Zhou Huaiming wasn't affected at all. Once the waiter retreated, he continued from where he left off, his tone carrying a bit of sentiment: "Speaking of which, it was also my good luck. Several groups were looking at it at the time, but Mr. Qiao ultimately transferred it to me."

Although Teacher Song Qixiu knew the item was in Zhou Huaiming's hands, he wasn't clear on the specific details, so he looked at Qiao Yichen with a questioning look in his eyes.

Qiao Yichen didn't beat around the bush and explained directly with an honest tone: "Teacher Song, here's the situation. The friends you introduced were all very capable, but I happened to encounter something at the time and needed to liquidate quickly for an investment. Mr. Zhou was the most straightforward among them, and his payment was prompt, so I gave it to him in the end."

After hearing this, Teacher Song Qixiu understood the underlying meaning—Qiao Yichen needed money urgently, and Zhou Huaiming paid quickly.

He nodded, his tone showing a bit more concern: "How did that investment turn out? No problems, I hope?"

Qiao Yichen smiled and said in a relaxed tone, "Thanks to you, it was a small investment of a few million, and the returns have been quite considerable."

Teacher Song Qixiu nodded, stopping there without probing deeper.

He turned to Zhou Huaiming and spoke about the cabinet with a certain conviction: "I had seen this cabinet at the Auction House before. Later, Little Qiao showed me the appraisal report. It is indeed a fine piece—Late Ming or Early Qing dynasty, a rare find."

Qiao Yichen quickly added in a humble manner, "It was mainly good luck, just good luck that I came across it."

Teacher Song Qixiu smiled and gave Zhou Huaiming a serious reminder: "Huaiming, there's no problem with keeping this piece for now. But if you want to sell it in the future, you should still go to a major Auction House; it will sell for a better price."

Zhou Huaiming nodded and said seriously, "That's what I was thinking too. I'll keep it for now, no rush. I'll wait for a suitable opportunity."

The subsequent topics naturally moved away from antiques.

After all, President Wu Guodong, who was present, wasn't very familiar with this field, and Teacher Song knew this, not to mention Liu Yanran's presence.

As the soups, hot dishes, and staples were served one after another, everyone's attention gradually shifted to the food before them.

The atmosphere in the booth became more and more relaxed. The conversation turned into leisurely lifestyle topics—tea tasting, chess, fishing, and occasional mentions of Hangzhou's recent weather and attractions.

They chatted about everything under the sun, and both host and guests were happy.

Unknowingly, the banquet reached its end.

Qiao Yichen glanced at the leftovers on the table and then at the elders who were chatting happily, realizing it was about time.

He gave the waiter a look, signaling to prepare for the conclusion. The waiter understood and soon brought out the final desserts and fruit.

After another ten minutes, Teacher Song Qixiu was the first to stand up, saying with a smile, "That's enough for today. If we keep talking, you youngsters will start thinking we're too long-winded."

President Wu Guodong also stood up and waved his hand, saying heartily, "Teacher Song, what are you saying? It's time for us to leave so we don't keep you young couple."

Zhou Huaiming smiled and didn't say much, following them up.

Qiao Yichen quickly stood up, and Liu Yanran followed suit. The two of them escorted the three to the restaurant entrance together.

The night was deep, and the lanterns at the entrance glowed with a warm yellow light, casting the shadows of the group.

Teacher Song Qixiu turned and nodded to Qiao Yichen, his tone full of approval: "Little Qiao, thank you for the hospitality today. If you need anything in the future, feel free to contact me."

Qiao Yichen replied with a smile and a respectful attitude: "Teacher Song is too polite; it's only right. Take care and have a safe trip back."

President Wu Guodong patted Qiao Yichen's shoulder with moderate force and nodded to Liu Yanran: "Director Liu, let's chat again next time."

Liu Yanran smiled gracefully: "Take care, President Wu. Let's gather again when there's an opportunity."

Zhou Huaiming was the last to get into his car. Before closing the door, he waved to Qiao Yichen and said warmly, "Mr. Qiao, see you around."

The cars started and gradually disappeared into the night.

Qiao Yichen stood there for a few seconds before turning to Liu Yanran: "Let's go settle the bill."

They returned to the booth, where the waiter had already prepared the bill.

Qiao Yichen took a look; the figure wasn't small, but he didn't hesitate and paid directly by card.

Liu Yanran waited quietly by his side. Only after he finished signing did she ask softly, "Are you tired?"

Qiao Yichen smiled and put his arm around her shoulder: "I'm okay. It's just that dealing with these old veterans requires keeping my brain spinning constantly." He paused. "Let's go, home."

The two walked out of the restaurant side by side.

Qiao Yichen drove while Liu Yanran leaned against the passenger seat, occasionally chatting about the evening's events and occasionally falling silent.

The streetlights outside the window flashed by one by one, reflecting on her face in alternating light and shadow.

The car drove into the residential complex and came to a steady stop.

They went upstairs together and opened the door. The light in the entryway turned on, and the familiar scent of home greeted them.

Qiao Yichen changed his shoes and collapsed onto the sofa, letting out a long breath: "Finally over."

Liu Yanran walked over, sat down beside him, and gently rubbed his hair: "You've worked hard."

Qiao Yichen held her hand and smiled, his eyes full of mirth: "Of course. I have to perform well with my girlfriend sitting right there."

Liu Yanran rolled her eyes at him, but the corners of her mouth curled up, and the smile in her eyes couldn't be hidden.

The night grew deeper.

The two leaned against each other, staying quiet for a while before getting up to wash and prepare for rest.