As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store - Chapter 336:

Chapter 336: You Have to Drink When You’re Inviting Someone to Do Something!

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Zhou Chao opened the door and looked inside, and realized quite a few people were standing at the door.

In addition to Yu Qian and Ma Wei, there were also Wu Jing and Xiao Yue. At this moment, Xiao Yue was carrying several bags of fruit.

“Hey, how come you guys gathered here? Did you hear that 1 was going to invite you for dinner and came prepared to feast on me? Come on in!” Zhou Chao said with a smile on his face.

“It just happened that way. Today, Wu Jing and Xiao Yue happened to go to Lao Ma’s place to drink, and when they heard that we were having dinner here tonight, they shamelessly tagged along,” Yu Qian said, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“The more, the merrier. 1 actually have something to ask you guys. Two heads are better than one. Let’s discuss it.” Zhou Chao didn’t pay much attention to these details. After all, he had a good impression of both Wu Jing and Xiao Yue.

“Young Master Zhou, sorry for the intrusion today,” Wu Jing said, also feeling a bit embarrassed.

“No problem. If you ever need someone to play the role of a rich second generation in your movie, remember to cast me. 1 can play the part authentically!” Everyone laughed at Zhou Chao’s remark.

After all, when Wu Jing was filming a movie before, there was a role that required a rich second-generation character. It was rumored that they initially approached Si Cong for the role but were turned down. They had to find someone else later on. Of course, this was just an internet rumor, and the exact details remain unknown.

As Zhou Chao and the group passed through the front courtyard, Wu Jing seemed fine, having experience with large-scale productions. However, Xiao Yue was different. As soon as he entered the house, he started looking around, taking in the pavilions, towers, small bridges, and flowing water. For a moment, he seemed quite mesmerized.

“Watch your step; you’re almost falling into the water!” Wu Jing reminded Xiao Yue, who was so engrossed in the scenery that he didn’t notice where he was stepping.

“Uncle Jing, how much do you think this house costs? I’ve never seen such a beautiful house!” Although Wu Jing was only a few years older than Xiao Yue, he had a higher status, and Xiao Yue didn’t address him as “Brother Jing” casually.

It’s probably worth several billion,” Wu Jing replied, although he wasn’t very clear about these matters. After all, his wife was the one who managed their finances, and he didn’t pay much attention to property-related issues.

“What are you two chatting about? Come in already!” By this time, Yu Qian had reached the entrance of the inner room and saw Wu Jing and Xiao Yue discussing something while looking around.

“We’re coming!”

As they entered the room, Xiao Yue placed the bags of fruit on the coffee table, and everyone took their seats.

“While we’re waiting for dinner, let’s talk business. Help yourselves to the cigarettes!” Zhou Chao took out two packs of premium cigarettes from his pocket and placed them on the table.

Wu Jing was surprised to see the cigarettes on the table. He had seen them before, but they were usually smoked by big shots.

Yu Qian and Ma Wei didn’t hesitate and each took a cigarette to smoke.

“Young Master Zhou, what’s the matter?”

“There’s a highly respected old man who’s about to celebrate his birthday, so 1 wanted to ask if you guys have any suitable calligraphy or paintings as gifts.”

As soon as they heard this, everyone fell silent, especially Yu Qian and Ma Wei. They knew that the person in front of them had once given a painting worth over a hundred million as a gift. This time, they needed something valuable with profound meaning, which would be quite challenging.

“Young Master Zhou, this might be a bit difficult. Many meaningful artworks are either in museums or held in private collections. If we want to buy one, it might take a lot of effort, and it also depends on whether someone is willing to sell. It’s a matter of chance.”

Zhou Chao nodded in response to their words. He knew that finding a suitable calligraphy or painting as a birthday gift was indeed challenging.

“Yeah, I understand. That’s why i called you all here to discuss and see if there might be better alternatives.”

Upon hearing this, everyone fell into silence again. After a while, Yu Qian spoke up, “Buddy, if it’s just a simple birthday wish, a well-chosen gift would be sufficient. Sometimes, extravagant gifts can backfire.”

Yu Qian’s words seemed to open a window for Zhou Chao, and suddenly his mind was filled with ideas.

“You’re right. Why have 1 been agonizing over expensive calligraphy and paintings? If I end up gifting a multi-million-dollar artwork, people might think I’m trying to bribe them!” Zhou Chao realized, and a smile appeared on his face.

“Master Qian, you’re absolutely right. I was overthinking it. The cost of the painting doesn’t matter as long as it’s appropriate for the occasion. 1 believe Master Ma won’t mind.”

“No problem. 1 have some calligraphy and paintings at home that can be used as birthday gifts. It’s just a Ming Dynasty piece. 1 hope you don’t mind,” Ma Wei said. He knew that his painting wouldn’t fetch much in the market, maybe a few hundred thousand at most, but he was willing to offer it as a gesture of goodwill.

“Well, let’s not put it that way!” Zhou Chao, now feeling more optimistic, said.

The conversation then turned to more casual topics, and Zhou Chao learned that everyone had been relatively free lately and didn’t have much to do.

“Mr. Zhou, dinner is ready!” Just as they were engrossed in conversation, Aunt Wang walked up to Zhou Chao and whispered.

“Alright, I got it.” Zhou Chao nodded and then looked at everyone.

“Let’s go. Let’s have a good meal tonight!” They all headed toward the dining table, and Zhou Chao went into his room and came out with a box of Mao tai liquor.

For Yu Qian, Ma Wei, and Wu Jing, who loved liquor dearly, seeing the box of liquor Zhou Chao was carrying made their eyes light up.

“Is this the Maotai ‘Fifty-Six Ethnic Groups’ edition?” Yu Qian felt like his tongue was tying itself in knots.

“Yes, it is. An authentic set of it. So, tonight, we drink to our heart’s content!”

“Man, this collection is quite valuable. Maybe we should drink something else!” Yu Qian, succumbing to the temptation of the fine liquor, couldn’t help but suggest an alternative.

Zhou Chao gave Yu Qian a somewhat annoyed look, thinking about drinking but being stubborn with his words.

“Is that what you all want?” Zhou Chao glanced at the other three, as if he were about to move the box back inside.

“Young Master Zhou, the food is getting cold. Later, after drinking, we might not even feel like eating. How about we just go with this for now?” Unable to resist the allure of the fine liquor, Wu Jing couldn’t help but speak up.

“Yeah, that’s true. It’s a hassle to carry it up and down!” Zhou Chao looked at Yu Qian, Ma Wei, and the others who were all fixated on the box in his hands.

I’ll do it, I’ll do it!” Unexpectedly, Ma Wei quickly came forward and took the box from Zhou Chao, carrying it towards the dining table. Yu Qian, Wu Jing, and the others also followed suit.

“Heh, they say one thing but do another. Their bodies are honest when it comes to alcohol!” Zhou Chao glanced at Yu Qian, who was the fastest to run, and silently criticized him.

Afterward, everyone began to eat, and it turned out that Aunt Wang was quite skilled in the kitchen. The flavors of the dishes were well-balanced, consisting of home-cooked dishes that were perfect for accompanying drinks.

They started drinking as well.

Xiao Yue was having his first meal with Zhou Chao, and he was the first to make a move. He raised a full glass and toasted Zhou Chao. Zhou Chao didn’t hesitate and raised his own glass, taking a sip.

They continued to drink until past n o’clock when they finally dispersed. Xiao Yue was the most affected, having drunk to the point of passing out. The other three weren’t much better; they were all a bit unsteady on their feet.

After sending them off to their cars, Zhou Chao returned to his house.

“Aunt Wang, thank you for your hard work. You can rest early after cleaning up!” Due to the spacious courtyard, there was even a maid’s room on the first floor, and Aunt Wang usually slept there.

After Zhou Chao had taken a shower and had some hangover tea brewed by Aunt Wang, he lay down on his bed.

“Meow, meow!” A series of cat meows came from the window, and Zhou Chao got up to see that Shoufu, the cat, was sprawled on the bedroom balcony, pawing at the window.

“Oh, it’s my big orange cat from home. It finally decided to come back! Look how late it is. Which little beauty from someone else’s house has captured your attention? Have you gained weight again?!” Zhou Chao picked up Shoufu and rubbed its big head.

“Meow.” Feeling Zhou Chao’s caress, Shoufu snuggled up in Zhou Chao’s arms and enjoyed the attention.

“You sure love to be pampered. Let’s see how 1’11 deal with you tomorrow!” Zhou Chao said as he carried Shoufu downstairs and placed it in its cat bed, giving it a pat on the head.

“Mr. Zhou, is something wrong?” Aunt Wang appeared beside Zhou Chao, seemingly out of nowhere.

“Oh, Aunt Wang, you haven’t rested yet? Shoufu just came back from wandering around, so I’m giving it a little lesson. By the way, please take it for a bath tomorrow!”

“Sure, Mr. Zhou!”

Zhou Chao then went upstairs.

The next morning, he woke up early and did some exercise to clear his head. After having a few drinks the night before, he felt a bit groggy. Running a few laps outside, he worked up a sweat and felt much fresher.

“Young Master Zhou, breakfast is ready just in time!”

“Yeah, Aunt Wang, I’ll take a shower first!”

When Zhou Chao came downstairs after his shower, Aunt Wang had already set the breakfast on the table.

Zhou Chao looked around but didn’t see Aunt Wang. He also checked the cat bed, and Shoufu was gone. He figured that Aunt Wang must have taken Shoufu for a bath.

“Ding dong!” He glanced at his phone and found a message from Jiang Li.

“Brother Chao, I’m landing at io o’clock, Capital Airport. Remember to pick me up!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll freshen up and head out in a bit!” Zhou Chao checked the time and saw that it was still before 9 o’clock. He had plenty of time and wasn’t in a rush.

After finishing breakfast, Zhou Chao lay down on the sofa to rest. The morning jog had made him feel a bit tired.

Time passed without him realizing, and it was already past 11 o’clock when he suddenly looked at the time. He jumped up from the sofa, grabbed his keys, and headed out.

“Wow, 1 just checked my social media for a bit, and more than two hours have gone by!” He had just started the car when he encountered Aunt Wang returning with Shoufu on her back.

“Young Master Zhou, are you going out?”

“Yeah, Aunt Wang, I won’t be back for lunch today. Can you give me Shoufu? I’ll take it out for a walk!”

Aunt Wang quickly placed Shoufu’s carrier in the passenger seat, and Zhou Chao released Shoufu.

“Let’s go, big chubby orange!”