Chen Fan entered with a slightly apologetic smile, "Apologies for being late, everyone, please excuse me!"
He had lent his car to Wang Dongdong and only realized he had no transportation when he was about to leave. He had asked Jiang Tiansheng to send one over, which caused a slight delay.
However, he was wearing casual wear designed by Su Yingxue for him today, which was not as laid-back as usual. To Miao's father and mother, it was quite presentable.
It was just a pity that their daughter's boyfriend wasn't Chen Fan, or they would have agreed on the spot.
In the eyes of the Miao family, Wang Dongdong was merely an subordinate working for Chen Fan.
Wang Dongdong's future depended on Chen Fan.
As for Chen Fan's true identity and capabilities, that was something they needed to investigate.
However, merely being of average caliber wouldn't suffice. Chen Fan had to be an esteemed figure, someone of great standing, to ensure Wang Dongdong had a bright future.
Therefore, even though Chen Fan's initial appearance left a good impression, it still didn't meet their expectations.
"Mr. Chen has arrived, please have a seat!"
Out of courtesy, Miao Gang, Miao's father, and the others stood up and gestured for him to sit.
Chen Fan smiled, nodded in acknowledgement, and then sat down.
"Mr. Chen, please don't find us too direct and impolite. It's just that we have a daughter, and naturally, we have many considerations," Miao Gang said. "Especially as elders, we must consider our children's lifelong happiness. May I ask Mr. Chen, what industry are you in, and what is the scale of your assets?"
Chen Fan smiled and nodded, signaling Wang Dongdong to serve the dishes. He then said, "Mr. Miao, your concerns are understandable."
"However, my industry is quite diversified, and it's difficult to explain in detail."
"Let me put it this way, you must all know of Shengshi Group. I have shares in it. My assets are varied, and their precise scale is difficult to calculate. But I can guarantee that Wang Dongdong will have no worries about food and clothing."
"Of course, I am merely providing him opportunities. The extent of his achievements will still depend on himself."
Chen Fan's words caused Miao Gang and Miao's father to exchange glances.
Chen Fan was downplaying his own status, as they wouldn't believe him if he told them the truth.
Yet, even what he said sounded unbelievable to them, more like boasting.
A shareholder of Shengshi Group?
That was truly remarkable. Shengshi Group was a top-tier enterprise in Hang Jiang, with a vast scale.
If he were a shareholder of Shengshi, that would indeed be extraordinary.
But Chen Fan looked so young, with a calm demeanor and no entourage, which made the Miao family skeptical.
Moreover, his explanation about his assets was vague, further arousing their suspicion.
However, they were well-mannered and did not directly challenge him.
Miao's father smiled, "I didn't expect Mr. Chen to be so young and accomplished. May I ask about your family background?"
"I don't have any family background," Chen Fan replied with a smile.
The Miao family members, except for Miao Wenwen, became even more disbelieving.
"Then I am very curious about Mr. Chen's entrepreneurial journey. You are so young, yet already a shareholder of Shengshi. Starting from scratch, it's truly legendary. I particularly enjoy such stories. Perhaps Mr. Chen could share one..."
Miao Gang felt a hint of disdain, but his face showed a smile as he spoke.
The food and drinks had already been ordered. After Chen Fan indicated he wouldn't be drinking, he began chatting with Miao Gang.
Entrepreneurship was a difficult endeavor for ordinary people, but Chen Fan had a wealth of experience and countless stories to tell.
The title "Mr. Long" alone represented a legend. Even a few fragmented anecdotes he casually shared were astonishing.
The atmosphere at the table became cordial, or at least appeared to be so.
After a few drinks, Miao Gang excused himself and went to the restroom.
Miao's father understood and followed him after exchanging a greeting.
Chen Fan didn't mind. He turned to Miao's mother and said, "Auntie, Wenwen is a good girl. It's Wang Dongdong's good fortune to have Wenwen as his girlfriend."
Miao's mother nodded, but remained silent.
"Wang Dongdong indeed has his flaws, but his heart is good," Chen Fan said with a smile. "If he can gain your approval, that would be wonderful. If not this time, it's also fine."
Hearing this, Wang Dongdong became a little anxious.
Why was Big Brother undermining him?
"But I hope, Uncle and Auntie, you can give him a chance," Chen Fan continued. "Both Wang Dongdong and Wenwen are still young. Give them opportunities to improve and grow. I believe you won't be disappointed!"
Miao's mother looked at Wang Dongdong thoughtfully and said, "Mr. Chen, this matter must be decided by Wenwen's father. As a woman, I can't decide anything."
This was clearly a way to defer the decision.
Chen Fan smiled and didn't say anything more.
In the restroom, Miao's father asked, "Brother, what do you think?"
"His speech, demeanor, and knowledge are all decent. Even if much of what he said was heard from somewhere else, he's still an exceptionally outstanding young man."
"So you agree?" Miao's father asked.
"No, absolutely not!" Miao Gang snorted. "If Wenwen were dating this man, I would never object; in fact, I would be happy to support him!"
"But Wang Dongdong is different. His education and abilities are very limited. He seems to have a good relationship with Chen Fan, but Chen Fan's capabilities are not enough to elevate him to elite status!"
Miao's father nodded slightly upon hearing this. "This Wang Dongdong is incapable himself, and his boss is just getting by. He truly doesn't deserve our Wenwen!"
"It's that stubborn girl Wenwen, who knows what she's thinking, to be so devoted to Wang Dongdong. It seems we need to keep a close eye on her and not allow them to see each other anymore!"
After conferring, the two emerged from the restroom.
Not long after walking out, they bumped into two people.
Miao Gang's body trembled upon recognizing them. He bowed and greeted them, "Director He, are you dining here too?"
The person in front, slightly tipsy, glanced at Miao Gang and smiled, "Oh, isn't this Director Miao? What a coincidence!"
He looked around the private rooms and asked, "Are you entertaining distinguished guests?"
"Ah, not really distinguished guests. The children in the family have found boyfriends, so we're treating them to dinner here!" Miao Gang quickly replied.
"That's wonderful news!"
Director He, a bit drunk, swayed slightly and asked, "The other party must have a prominent background, right? Which family is the prospective son-in-law from?"
Miao Gang wasn't at the pinnacle of power in the municipal government, but he held a significant position. Director He didn't mind chatting a bit more, offering a small gesture of goodwill and alliance.
Of course, he was a bit drunk and used this as an opportunity to sober up.
"Alas, don't mention it. He's just an ordinary young man. He claims to have an incredible boss, but in my opinion, that boss is nothing special."
Miao Gang said.
"Is that so? Then why did Director Miao attend the banquet?" Director He asked casually.
"We weren't sure before the meeting, were we?" Miao Gang replied. "Besides, my niece is a bit stubborn; we have to make her give up, don't we?"
"That's true, children grow up and become troublesome!"
Director He sighed and said, "Alright, you can go back!"
Miao Gang nodded. As he was leaving, he extended an invitation, "Director He, would you like to come to my place for a drink?"
"No... wouldn't that be inappropriate?"
Director He initially intended to refuse, but the words changed on his lips.
He was truly quite drunk, and it wasn't ideal to be avoiding people outside. Perhaps going to Miao Gang's place to evade more drinking would be a good idea, with a sufficient excuse?
Although he was the Director of Hang Jiang, there were still higher-ranking individuals above him.
No one was forcing him, but once a toast was made, it would be difficult for him to refuse.
Seeing Director He's reaction, Miao Gang understood immediately. He quickly said, "How could it be inappropriate? Your status is far more authoritative than mine. It would also be good to guide the younger generation, wouldn't it?"
Director He chuckled and immediately instructed someone behind him to return and explain, then entered the Bai He Hall with Miao Gang.
Miao Gang and Miao's father were both overjoyed.
Director He showing them such respect was an honor for them.
Inside the private room, the atmosphere had been a bit subdued. As the three of them entered, the atmosphere became lively again.
Director He paid no attention to the young people present and, under Miao Gang's enthusiastic guidance, took the main seat.
However, as soon as he sat down and his gaze swept across the room, he saw a face he could never forget. His expression immediately changed.