Chapter Ninety-Three: The Consequences of Surrender
Halfway through the banquet, Xiaoxiao spoke hesitantly, “To be honest, today’s gathering is really about that piece of land.”
“Xiaoxiao!” Lin Shuo interrupted her. “It’s not really appropriate for you to broach this subject. Let me say it.” He turned to Xi Mintang. “I know how hard you’ve worked to get where you are. As far as I know, the main office of Shenghua isn’t happy with your unilateral decision this time. Why not take this opportunity to change jobs? Come to Maoyuan and work with me. No matter what, you won’t be worse off than you are now.”
Xiaoxiao had never expected Lin Shuo to make such a move. She thought he would try to persuade Xi Mintang to let go, but his real aim was to poach Shenghua’s talent outright. Back when Xi Mintang exploited the rivalry between the two young masters in Shundu, Lin Shuo was now using the same tactic. Lin Shuo wasn’t exaggerating; Shenghua had indeed repeatedly reprimanded Xi Mintang for acting on his own. Only his persistent insistence and promise to deliver results had temporarily appeased the head office’s dissatisfaction.
“Recruiting the enemy?” Xi Mintang found it amusing. “Anyone who’s read ‘Water Margin’ knows what comes of being recruited by the government.”
“From another perspective, wasn’t everything Song Jiang did just an attempt to win the court’s attention?” Lin Shuo tried to use this shift in viewpoint to show his sincerity.
At this moment, Xiaoxiao felt increasingly uneasy. She didn’t understand the world of business, only that she didn’t want to see either of these men hurt. If the atmosphere couldn’t lighten up, then her gathering today would be utterly pointless.
“Let’s set aside the idea of changing jobs for now,” she stepped in to mediate. “Why not talk about the current predicament? This rivalry will benefit neither of you.”
Lin Shuo’s words didn’t really affect Xi Mintang, but Xiaoxiao’s intervention made things clear to him. In her heart, Lin Shuo probably mattered more than anyone else; no matter how hard he tried, he could never earn her special regard.
“Sorry, I have some business to attend to. I’ll leave now,” Xi Mintang said at last. Almost as if he was unwilling, seeking to provoke Lin Shuo, he smiled at Xiaoxiao: “I appreciate your kindness. I know you care for me—I understand.”
Lin Shuo’s hand resting lightly on her shoulder suddenly tightened. Her back stiffened uncomfortably. It was obvious Lin Shuo disliked Xi Mintang flirting with Xiaoxiao right in front of him. He pressed on, “You appreciate it? So there’s nothing to discuss?”
Xi Mintang sat unmoving, his face maintaining a gentlemanly smile. Lin Shuo withdrew his arm from behind Xiaoxiao, poured a drink himself, and offered it to him, his words implying more than they said: “Opportunities like this don’t come often. Wouldn’t it be a shame to miss it?”
“I’ve already had too much,” Xi Mintang declined politely. “Forgive me, I can’t hold my liquor.”
Xiaoxiao’s heart was lodged in her throat; things had clearly taken a turn for the worse. With Lin Shuo’s hand still raised, his eyebrow arched and the mocking smile at his lips returned. She wanted to intervene, but it was already too late. In a flash, dark red liquid splashed across Xi Mintang’s expensive suit, staining his face, dripping from his handsome jaw onto the floor. Her fright didn’t subside with the shattering of the glass.
The entire movement was so smooth, it seemed perfectly accidental.
A waiter outside heard the commotion, knocked, and entered, then retreated at the sight.
“My apologies, my hand slipped. I’ll compensate you for the suit,” Lin Shuo frowned, feigning regret, but inwardly felt immensely satisfied.