Chapter 319: Win-Win

Zhou Shaoqi found a mirror, straightened his clothes, cleared his throat, and confidently walked towards that girl while holding a stemmed wine glass.

Zhou Shaoqi was excited.

He didn't expect to find such a graceful and charming girl in the small town of Yebai.

"Oh, isn't this Brother Zhou?"

"Which young lady have you taken a fancy to this time? Acting so dignified?"

A man wearing a dark blue suit walked over with a smile.

Zhou Shaoqi's actions of straightening his collar and clearing his throat were clearly captured by Lu Zhe.

Lu Zhe and Zhou Shaoqi were birds of a feather, both having flown in from Shanghu.

However, his profession was different from Zhou Shaoqi's.

As a top-tier Sommelier in the country, Lu Zhe had already won countless domestic and international honors by the age of thirty-two, making a name for himself across the country.

Lu Zhe's background was slightly more noble than Zhou Shaoqi's; his parents ran some wine businesses in Shanghu, earning some hard-earned money.

Although it wasn't exactly wealthy, Lu Zhe never had to worry about food or clothing growing up, had a good upbringing, and belonged to the petty bourgeoisie class.

Lu Zhe graduated from Shanghu Railway College, an eighteen-tier third-rate university. His solid family background meant Lu Zhe didn't have to worry about rent, utilities, or other expenses, and could work whatever job he wanted.

Because he loved nightclubs, Lu Zhe worked as a Sommelier for a long time.

It was also at that time that he got to know Zhou Shaoqi.

Zhou Shaoqi had already started to build his fortune back then. Their acquaintance during humble beginnings made their relationship very good.

Plus, the two were like-minded, calling each other confidants in private.

The two made "hunting" beautiful girls their goal, competing every year to see who could woo more girls.

However, their tastes were different; Zhou Shaoqi liked young girls, while Lu Zhe preferred girls who were slightly more mature and had that "older sister" vibe.

"Damn, why are you in Yebai too?" Zhou Shaoqi was slightly surprised when he saw Lu Zhe.

Why did he run into this guy everywhere he went?

Lu Zhe wasn't going to compete with him for girls in Yebai, was he?

"What's wrong? Only you, the agent, are allowed to come, and I'm not?"

"Of course, of course. You are a top-tier Sommelier renowned both domestically and internationally; this small temple cannot accommodate a big Buddha like you."

"I suggest you leave quickly; otherwise, if you get photographed by the media, not only will you lower your own status, but you'll also end up with the reputation of a socialite." Zhou Shaoqi made up an excuse on the spot, wanting to scare Lu Zhe away.

"I'm different. I'm not as famous as you. If you threw a brick in Shanghu, you might not even hit me, hehe."

"Stop trying to fool me." Lu Zhe scoffed with a laugh.

He swirled the red wine glass in his hand: "Don't I know what you're thinking?"

"I'm telling you, that girl is not easy to woo. The Cui Family is the big princess of a local power; her connections are no lower than yours or mine."

"Otherwise, how could such a large international wine tasting be held in Yebai in the first place!"

"If you want to hit on the joint organizer, shouldn't you weigh your own worth?"

Zhou Shaoqi felt a tremor in his heart.

Good grief, this guy had already scouted out that girl's background?

The big princess of the joint organizer?

What was Lu Zhe's game plan?

"How did you find out so much detail, you brat? What do you want?" Zhou Shaoqi asked with a huff.

"Hehe." Lu Zhe raised his eyebrows and gave a silly smile.

"Same as before, fair competition!"

"We are all brothers; let's rely on our own skills. Neither of us should slap the other's face. What do you think?"

Zhou Shaoqi sighed.

There was really no helping him.

Originally, he had already set his sights on that girl, but he didn't expect Lu Zhe to cut in halfway.

When the two were in Shanghu, they often exchanged girl resources.

Although they often pushed them to each other, they also competed for them quite often.

However, most of the time it was fair competition.

On this point, the two still had a consensus.

Zhou Shaoqi felt that Lu Zhe suddenly appearing wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

After all, he had already figured out the girl's background.

It saved him from having to ask around.

Through Lu Zhe's introduction, Zhou Shaoqi finally understood the background of the girl he had taken a fancy to.

Her name was Cui Ziqing. The Cui Family did a lot of business in Yezhou, and it was rumored that they owned many bars.

Both quickly chose to start from the aspect of wine and spirits.

As one of the largest agents in the country, Zhou Shaoqi had a natural advantage compared to Lu Zhe; his purchase price was lower, and his order volume was larger.

Cui Ziqing would definitely prefer to cooperate with him.

"That's not necessarily true."

"What if she appreciates talent?"

"Besides, I know many winery owners. As long as I say a few good words for them at the international wine tasting, it will be simple for them to supply goods to Cui Ziqing at a low price, right?"

"Just wait and see."

Saying this, Lu Zhe casually picked up a Bordeaux glass from a passing waiter's tray.

Lu Zhe took a small sip, curled his tongue to taste it carefully, and made a sound of admiration.

"Good wine!"

"This glass of wine is mellow and fragrant, with a delicate mouthfeel. If I'm not mistaken, it should be a red wine produced in Ezhou, France."

Lu Zhe deliberately raised his voice, attracting the attention of many people around him.

Zhou Shaoqi scoffed.

Hmph.

Doing that act again.

Truly a social terrorist!

"Hey, isn't that international Sommelier, Lu Zhe?"

"It really seems to be him!"

"Brother Lu Zhe, can you give me an autograph?"

"Brother Lu Zhe, can we take a photo together?"

People who mingle in high society basically know that it takes three generations to produce a Sommelier, not to mention that Lu Zhe has a very deep study of wine and enjoys a great reputation both domestically and internationally.

The influence of a Sommelier in the circle is no less than that of a second-tier minor celebrity.

Although Lu Zhe is not very well-known in the general public circle, that low level of public popularity is exactly what he wants.

If you don't understand, it just makes their circle seem more high-end.

When passersby recognized Lu Zhe's identity, a smug smile appeared on his face.

This was exactly the effect he wanted.

"Sure, sure, a photo is fine." Lu Zhe feigned an approachable and easygoing appearance.

His momentum attracted many people.

Among them was Cui Ziqing.

Cui Ziqing took a look.

Isn't this Lu Zhe?

In high-society circles, the status of a Sommelier is equivalent to that of a pianist, musician, or rock star; they are very popular.

This wine tasting was arranged in a small place like Yebai because she persuaded her family, used a lot of connections, and promised the organizer that she would cover all the hosting expenses.

Cui Ziqing's goal was very simple: she wanted to gain some face for Zheng Qian.

To get Zheng Qian's Xunnidi into such an international wine tasting, invite top Sommeliers to taste and comment, and actively open up the market for Zheng Qian's Xunnidi.

Lu Zhe's status in the Sommelier circle could be described as first-class.

If she could get him to comment on it, that would be a win-win!