385: The guests and hosts had a great time.

Wang Xing's heart skipped a beat, and a layer of cold sweat instantly broke out on his back.

He was now completely sober from the alcohol.

He worried that he had overreached; not only failing to secure a partnership, but also souring the newly softened relationship, perhaps even making the other party feel that the Ugly Group was 'ungrateful' or 'harboring ulterior motives.'

That would truly be a case of going out for wool and coming home shorn!

The deputy beside him also sensed the wrong atmosphere and lightly nudged Wang Xing's shin with his foot under the table, signaling him with his eyes to stop immediately.

Wang Xing jolted and instantly snapped out of it.

He forced a smile onto his face, though it looked somewhat stiff, and hurriedly spoke up.

"Yes, yes, yes! Miss Lei Jun is right! I was too impatient and didn't consider things thoroughly! There's no rush for cooperation, no rush at all! Everything will follow your pace and plans!"

His tone carried a clear sense of damage control and sycophancy.

He paused, raised his wine glass again, and spoke with even greater sincerity.

"Miss Lei Jun, my main point was... the Ugly Group, including myself, Wang Xing, poses absolutely no threat to you or your business empire, and we will never become an obstacle to you.

What we hope for... is an environment of mutual understanding and non-interference... uh, environment.

Of course, if there is ever an opportunity to provide you with any convenience or service, it would be our honor!"

His words were almost a veiled plea for a 'non-aggression pact,' implying a willingness to provide 'conveniences' in certain areas in exchange for peace.

Watching Wang Xing go from excitement to urgency, then to panic and cautiousness, the slight displeasure in Lei Jun's heart dissipated.

The man had been genuinely spooked.

She hadn't planned on doing anything to the Ugly Group anyway, and since he was being so sensible and putting himself so low, there was no need for her to maintain a cold front.

She thought about it; she truly didn't have the energy or the necessity to move against the Ugly Group right now.

Rather than letting them stay on edge all day, snooping around or making irrational defensive moves, it was better to give a clear signal to stabilize them.

Thus, her expression softened slightly as she picked up her red wine glass again, raised it slightly toward Wang Xing, and spoke in her original calm tone: "Director Wang, you worry too much. As long as the Ugly Group handles its own business well, we will naturally remain at peace."

To Wang Xing and his deputy, these words sounded like heavenly music!

It put them more at ease than the earlier statement of 'no acquisition plans'!

This was a clear, promissory statement!

It meant that Lei Jun would not view the Ugly Group as a target or an opponent for the time being!

Pure ecstasy!

The heavy stone in Wang Xing's heart completely fell away, and he even felt a surge of relief as if he had survived a disaster.

His hands shook with excitement as he said repeatedly, "Thank you! Thank you, Miss Lei Jun! With those words from you, I am completely at ease! I... I'll toast you again!"

Without another word, he filled his glass with baijiu and downed it in one go.

Then, as if feeling that one glass wasn't enough to express his gratitude and sincerity, he downed two more in succession!

With three glasses of high-proof baijiu in his stomach, his face turned even redder, but his spirit was exceptionally high, his eyes filled with gratitude and relief.

Lei Jun found his display of heavy drinking as a form of thanks a bit amusing, but she understood his excitement after the release of such pressure.

She again only took a small sip of her red wine, then waved her hand and said calmly, "Director Wang, there's no need for this."

"It's only right! Only right!" Wang Xing wiped his mouth, a bright smile on his face, and poured himself another glass.

"Miss Lei Jun understands our difficulties and has given such a clear answer. This kindness, I, Wang Xing, will remember! If you ever need anything in the Imperial Capital, just say the word! This glass, on behalf of everyone at the Ugly Group, is to thank you once again!"

With that, another glass was drained.

For the rest of the meal, the atmosphere completely relaxed.

Wang Xing stopped mentioning any partnerships or sensitive topics, instead attentively recommending dishes and sharing anecdotes from the Imperial Capital and industry trends, maintaining a respectful and warm attitude.

Lei Jun responded occasionally; host and guest were both pleased, at least on the surface.

When the banquet ended, Wang Xing personally escorted Lei Jun downstairs and watched her motorcade depart. Only when the taillights disappeared into the night did he let out a long, thorough sigh of relief, feeling as if his whole body had lightened.

He turned to his deputy and said, "Notify the core team immediately: the alarm is lifted. Also, from now on, all information regarding Miss Lei Jun and her affiliates is to be categorized as the highest priority, but limited only to information gathering and analysis. Absolutely no proactive provocation or probing is allowed. Understood?"

"Understood, President Wang!" The deputy nodded immediately.

On the way back to the hotel, Lei Jun leaned back in her seat, gazing at the glittering night view of the Imperial Capital outside the window.

Her meeting with Wang Xing, though brief, was very representative.

It marked the point where the top domestic business powers had begun to acknowledge her existence, approaching her with an attitude bordering on 'wariness' and 'testing.'

This was both a manifestation of pressure and a symbol of status.

In the future, such meetings would likely not be few... The next day, after returning home, Su Ya immediately and skillfully began organizing everyone's clothes and personal belongings, arranging each person's items neatly according to her professional standards.

Su Qing went straight into the kitchen and began preparing warm water and meals, busying herself with agile movements.

After checking the home security system and confirming that all surveillance and access controls were functioning normally, Lei Ying walked over to Lei Jun's side and reported in a low voice.

"Miss, home security is all normal; no abnormalities found."

Lei Jun waved her hand. "Good work. You go rest too, no need to keep watching constantly. Call me if anything happens."

She leaned back on the living room sofa and closed her eyes, her mind still replaying the entire process of the meeting with Wang Xing.

From Wang Xing's tension and probing to his final ecstasy and gratitude, she knew clearly that this was the reality of the business world: the law of the jungle. Only by being strong enough can one command the respect and awe of others.

Lei Yue placed a tablet on the table and sat beside Lei Jun.

"Miss, I've confirmed the time and agenda for tomorrow afternoon's meeting with President Ma, President Lei, and the others. The relevant materials are also ready. Once you've rested, I'll go over them with you."

As a top lawyer, Lei Yue always did things thoroughly, never missing any detail.

"Alright, we'll talk about it tomorrow." Lei Jun opened her eyes, took a sip of the warm water on the table, and felt a strange sense of emptiness welling up inside her.

During this time, she had met various business tycoons and bought countless luxury goods. She seemed to be at the height of glory, but her heart felt increasingly bored and empty.

Su Qing walked over with a bowl of light White Fungus Soup and placed it before Lei Jun. "Miss, have some White Fungus Soup; it's good for calming the mind and nourishing the stomach."

Lei Jun took the soup, said a soft "thank you," and drank it slowly.

The White Fungus Soup was cooked until soft and sweet, exactly the taste she liked, but at this moment, she felt it had little flavor.