When the taxi arrived at the Heguang Hotel, they could already see Manager Wang standing at the entrance from afar.
The moment he saw Jiang Chen, he rushed forward and warmly extended his hand."Mr. Jiang, you really honored me by coming!" he said while shaking hands, his eyes drifting over to Wen-xian. "Ms. Wen, I was worried you wouldn't come…"
Wen-xian noticed his gaze sweep across her chest, and a wave of heat rose from her collarbones to her breasts.
She proudly straightened her back, letting her figure stand out even more. With a smile, she replied, "Manager Wang, if I didn't come, I'd be afraid you'd lead my Jiang Chen into trouble."
"Hahaha!" Manager Wang burst into laughter. "With a wife as beautiful as you, what man would bother looking at other women?"
It was a fair point—though it usually only held true during the honeymoon phase.
Right now, Jiang Chen was very much in that phase. He was deeply enamored with Wen-xian, clinging to her every night and reluctant to let go. He had no desire or energy to look at anyone else.
But… who could say what might happen in the future?
Men were like that—keeping the flag flying at home while letting colorful banners flutter outside.
Seeing Wen-xian place both hands modestly over her flat lower abdomen, looking a bit shy, Jiang Chen chuckled and said,"She's the boss at home. I don't do anything without her approval."
Wen-xian laughed to herself: If you ever want another woman… let's see whether I approve or not.
"Same at my house," Manager Wang grinned as he led them into a private dining room.
Inside, a few people immediately stood up when they entered.
Manager Wang made introductions one by one. "This is Foreman Li from Site One, this is Mr. Zhang from Site Three, and this is Engineer Zhao…"
Jiang Chen greeted them politely, shaking hands all around. After a few pleasantries, everyone sat down.
The waiters moved quickly, and within minutes, the table was full of dishes and drinks.
Manager Wang stood up with a beaming smile, holding his glass."Mr. Jiang, you've been the Party A representative at our site for a while now, but I've never had the chance to give you a proper welcome. Tonight, I must give you a few toasts!"
With that, he tilted his head back and emptied his glass.
The others followed suit, raising their glasses and chiming in:
"Mr. Jiang, we'll be counting on you for the project. If anything's not up to standard, please go easy on us!"
"Yes, yes, Mr. Jiang, when you're inspecting the work, please be kind!"
Jiang Chen knew very well—being the Party A representative meant the contractors were all trying to win him over.
He smiled, raised his glass, and responded calmly,"You're all too kind. We're all here to make the project a success. I'll be fair and just. As long as the work meets quality standards and the schedule is on track, I'll support you where it counts."
With that, he drank the wine in one gulp.
They ate and drank, all smiles on the surface, but Jiang Chen was well aware of the unspoken messages behind their words.
After a few rounds of toasts, the meal came to an end. One by one, the guests brought out the gifts they had prepared for Jiang Chen—fine liquor, premium cigarettes, and local specialties.
Jiang Chen smiled and accepted them politely.
Once the others had all left and driven off, Manager Wang pulled Jiang Chen aside and said mysteriously,"Brother Jiang, now that they're gone, there's something else I'd like to show you."
Jiang Chen was a little puzzled but nodded.
Manager Wang led Jiang Chen and Wen-xian toward a nearby car dealership.
Once inside, Jiang Chen couldn't help but ask,"Manager Wang, what are we doing here?"
Manager Wang only grinned and walked up to a blue Chevrolet sedan. He pointed at it."Mr. Jiang, how do you like this domestic-made Chevrolet?"
Jiang Chen's eyes lit up the moment he saw it.
He remembered telling Zhao Liang during a casual chat how much he liked this exact model in blue.
Before Jiang Chen could say anything, Manager Wang explained with a smile,"President Zhao told me. He said he wants to gift you this car. You can drive it away today!"
Jiang Chen was both surprised and delighted. He hadn't expected Zhao Liang to give him such a generous gift.
He looked at Manager Wang and asked with a smile, somewhat uncertain,"Did President Zhao really send this? I mean, as the Party A rep, isn't this a little… bribe-y?"
Manager Wang patted his chest and vowed,"Of course it's real! He gave specific instructions. You can take it with a clear conscience."
Jiang Chen walked around the car twice, grinning with joy.
Wen-xian watched from the side, feeling genuinely happy for him.
Manager Wang smiled. "Mr. Jiang, this car is well-equipped. It'll make business trips much easier."
Jiang Chen came back to his senses and said,"Manager Wang, then I'll accept it."
Manager Wang quickly helped him complete the registration paperwork.
Once it was all done, Manager Wang said goodbye and left.
Jiang Chen sat in the driver's seat and turned to Wen-xian."Wen-jie, dreams are coming true a little fast, huh?"
Wen-xian leaned against him, smiling."That's because my husband is so capable!"
"Let's hit the highway and test her out."
"Sure, just don't drive too fast."
Jiang Chen smirked and replied with a double meaning,"I may not be an old driver, but when I'm on you, I don't exactly go slow."
"You're so bad!" Wen-xian gave his shoulder a playful punch.
Jiang Chen stepped on the gas, pulling the car out of the dealership, and with a few swift turns, they were already cruising on the highway.