Zheng Ci became agitated. "Ah, they, how could they do this? The Gao family people are truly despicable! To slander Gao Meng like this, to throw mud at her! All for money, truly..."
As she spoke, she looked at Gao Meng. "They treat you like this, and you're not surprised or worried?"
Indeed, Gao Meng hadn't mentioned anything about this on the way, so it seemed she was unaware.
However, now that she knew, she remained calm, maintaining a composed demeanor, which was hard to comprehend.
Gao Meng, however, smiled calmly. "Actually, I had anticipated their actions, but I didn't expect it to be so fast. Even if they take bigger actions or use more malicious methods, I wouldn't be surprised. After all, sometimes, some people's bottom lines are exceptionally low when it comes to money."
"But this is good too. I don't want to involve a friend like Xiao Shao in this."
Xiao Shao spoke apologetically. "Miss Gao, I'm sorry, I'm truly powerless in this matter!"
Although he found Gao Meng attractive and her personality quite good, and they chatted well, that was all. He saw no need to wade into this murky water for Gao Meng, especially since the Gao family was a top conglomerate in Modu.
Gao Meng smiled freely, unconcerned, as if nothing had happened.
Zheng Ci wanted to speak but stopped. She looked at Gao Meng again, her eyes full of apology.
Gao Meng, however, smiled at her. "It's okay, don't worry about me."
Then, she turned her gaze to Xiao Shao. "Xiao Shao, there's no need for that, I understand your difficulties."
Xiao Shao merely shook his head with a wry smile and said to Gao Meng, "Miss Gao, I'm truly sorry about this matter..."
However, Gao Meng's expression remained unchanged. "It's not your fault, you really shouldn't be dragged into this. I'll find a way to resolve it myself. Let's not talk about these unpleasant things. I'm very happy to have met you today. Come, I'll toast you!"
Saying this, Gao Meng raised her wine glass and clinked it with Xiao Ye, whose expression was somewhat awkward.
Xiao Ye drank it down in one gulp.
Gao Meng did the same.
However, her demeanor appeared more natural, even a bit spirited.
Song Qiao also maintained a neutral expression.
Their performance left Xiao Shao and Zheng Ci somewhat bewildered.
Moreover, looking at Gao Meng now, Zheng Ci felt she had suddenly become very imposing, not like a young girl, but like a female general.
Perhaps this was what they meant by 'women are no less capable than men.'
Meanwhile, Song Qiao, who had been quietly eating to the side, raised his assessment of this Xiao Shao a notch.
He wasn't the typical ostentatious, obnoxious second-generation rich kid, nor did he make empty promises. Instead, he was measured, calm, and polite, giving off a sense of composure.
Suddenly, the private room door was knocked again.
Then, a loud voice entered.
The newcomers must be foreigners, as they heard the broken Chinese.
As expected, the person who entered with Xiao Shao was none other than Li Junhao of a Korean conglomerate.
Song Qiao didn't have a good impression of people from Korean conglomerates.
He still remembered how Mrs. Shen harbored resentment towards him and used various means to vex him.
Seeing this Li Junhao now, he felt the same.
He silently wondered if this guy had any connection to Mrs. Shen.
However, it didn't matter.
If the other party didn't provoke him, so be it. If they dared to provoke him, he'd make them pay, considering it collecting some interest.
He let out a cold snort, his gaze towards the newcomer was frigid.
Li Junhao, accompanied by Xiao Shao, walked directly to the table. He merely nodded at everyone present and then immediately sat down.
Then, he beckoned to everyone. "Please continue eating, don't stop. You're making me feel embarrassed, like an unwelcome guest!"
He said this without a hint of embarrassment, treating himself as the host.
Xiao Shao sat to the side, looking apologetic and helpless towards Gao Meng, Zheng Ci, and Song Qiao.
But he couldn't do anything about it, as the Xiao family was now primarily focused on technology and needed to cooperate with Korean conglomerates for high-tech materials. In this cooperation, Korea undoubtedly held the advantage.
Consequently, the Koreans acted even more unscrupulously.
Comparing Xiao Shao and Li Junhao now, it was immediately clear that Xiao Shao was truly a gentleman.
Li Junhao, even before sitting down, appeared exceptionally arrogant and boisterous.
Upon seeing Zheng Ci, his expression changed.
And after clearly seeing Gao Meng, his gaze completely shifted.
It was filled with debauchery, lust, and a lecherous glint.
Both Zheng Ci and Gao Meng felt uncomfortable with his behavior; his gaze was like a dirty fly trying to alight on them.
Li Junhao licked his uneven yellow teeth with his thick tongue. He turned to Xiao Shao, first gesturing towards Gao Meng, then asked, "Is this your woman? She's quite beautiful! Especially her figure, it's truly..."
As he spoke, he made a gesture with his hand.
This action further changed the expressions of everyone present.
How vulgar!
Xiao Shao actually disliked this Li Junhao, but due to their business relationship, he could only feign politeness and wished to send the guy away quickly.
Now that he asked, this was an opportunity.
So, he stated solemnly, "Mr. Li, allow me to introduce you. This is Gao Meng, from the Gao family of Modu!"
Upon hearing this, Li Junhao immediately sat up straight.
The Gao family was a top conglomerate in Modu, someone he absolutely couldn't afford to offend.
If they were to be compared, it would be similar to Korean conglomerates.
He was about to say a few respectful words to Gao Meng.
However, he suddenly froze.
Where had he heard this name before?
Yes, he had just seen it on the news, and looking at the photo, wasn't it this woman right in front of him?
He directly said, "Oh, Gao Meng, I know you. You were just on the news, extensively reported, right? You're that woman in the news, the promiscuous one?"
Gao Meng was taken aback by Li Junhao's public statement about her news.
Did this guy have no social etiquette at all?
Xiao Shao also grew anxious. Li Junhao was treating his friend this way. Yes, although this was their first meeting, he felt he could be friends with Gao Meng.
He stood up, intending to stop Li Junhao from spewing more nonsense.
However, Li Junhao, driven by lust, actually stood up and staggered towards Gao Meng.
"Haha, you're here! Perfect, come, have a couple of drinks with me!"
Saying this, he reached out to put his arm around Gao Meng.
At this moment, Zheng Ci finally reacted.
She quickly stood up and blocked Li Junhao. "You can't do this! Don't touch my cousin!"
Even though the other party was Korean and highly regarded in China, she couldn't stand by and watch her cousin be humiliated.
Besides, she felt that she had brought Gao Meng here and had an obligation to protect her.
Her cousin had such a tragic background, and now she was encountering so many distressing things. She had to do her best to protect her.
Li Junhao seemed to notice Zheng Ci only now.
His eyes lit up again; this was another type of beauty.
"Heh heh, there are really quite a few beautiful Chinese women, that's great, I'm so lucky. Cousin and cousin, oh, sisters! Even better!"
Saying this, he also reached out towards Zheng Ci, his target being her chest.
But his hand would never touch there.
Bang!
"Ah..." Amidst a scream of pain, Li Junhao knelt on the ground.
He remained kneeling, tears and snot streaming down his face.
It was Gao Meng who suddenly attacked, delivering a swift groin kick.
One decisive blow!