Chapter 131: Viagra

"This woman is a top-tier figure even within the high-society circles; one could say she is practically a princess. As long as you manage to enter those circles, you will eventually make her acquaintance." Fatty Zhou gave Zhang Wei a meaningful look, patted him on the shoulder, and chuckled.

Hearing this, Zhang Wei’s heart stirred. Fatty Zhou’s words carried two layers of meaning: first, he highlighted the woman's noble status; second, he implied that once Zhang Wei ascended to those same circles, he would naturally discover her identity.

However, there was also an underlying note of advice. As long as Zhang Wei had not yet entered that world, there was no need to know who she was, because the gap between their stations was too vast—even if he knew, their paths would never cross.

Zhang Wei understood this well. Society is inherently stratified; people from vastly different worlds rarely have much contact, and this truth even holds between friends.

If Zhang Wei hadn't told Fatty Zhou about his proficiency in micro-expression analysis—his ability to tell whether someone was lying—Fatty Zhou might not have been so close to him, nor would he have invited him to dinner this time.

It wasn't that Fatty Zhou was a snob; it was simply that they lived in different worlds. It was hard for them to find common topics. Only by demonstrating one's value and making a friend feel that your presence is beneficial can a long-lasting relationship be established. Otherwise, even the closest friends will eventually drift apart due to time and distance.

Setting aside these distracting thoughts, Zhang Wei followed Fatty Zhou into the Jingxuan Zhai restaurant. Guided by a hostess, they reached a private dining room. The table was already set with an array of dishes: steamed, fried, stir-fried, boiled, braised, stewed, and roasted—a dazzling, fragrant feast.

Two bottles stood on the table: one was aged Moutai, the other authentic Shanxi aged vinegar. To an observer, the pairing seemed quite mismatched, but Zhang Wei didn't stand on ceremony and sat down right next to Fatty Zhou.

"Distinguished guests, is there anything else you need?" the hostess asked with a faint smile.

"No, that’s all. You may head out. We’ll call you if we need to order more," Fatty Zhou said, scrutinizing the dishes carefully before giving a silent nod of approval.

"Very well. Please enjoy your meal." The hostess bowed and exited the room.

"Brother, don't be shy, start eating," Fatty Zhou said, reaching for the Moutai to pour a drink for Zhang Wei.

"Fatty, let me handle that," Zhang Wei said, taking the bottle from him.

Regardless of age or status, Fatty Zhou was his senior, and Zhang Wei would not let him pour his drink. Though he hadn't spent much time in social drinking circles, he knew the basic etiquette.

"Alright."

Fatty Zhou didn't insist. He handed the bottle over, then reached for the Shanxi aged vinegar, pouring himself half a bowl before asking, "Brother, want some? This Shanxi vinegar has a real kick!"

"I'll have some." Zhang Wei held out his porcelain bowl with both hands, letting Fatty Zhou pour him half a bowl. He, too, was fond of the sharp, complex flavor of the vinegar.

"After eating too much greasy food, I really can't get a meal down without this stuff," Fatty Zhou said, patting his round belly with a laugh.

"Fatty, I’d like to propose a toast to you," Zhang Wei said, lifting his glass with both hands.

"Alright, let’s have one!" Fatty Zhou replied heartily, draining his glass in one go.

They toasted each other several times. Though it was just the two of them, the atmosphere wasn't cold. After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Zhang Wei set down his chopsticks and asked, "Fatty, what was the main reason you asked me here today?"

"Brother, you know we're in the 21st century now. China has successfully bid for the Olympics, and we're integrating more closely with the international community. Many industries are facing restructuring, and the coal business is getting harder and harder to manage," Fatty Zhou said with a sigh, pouring himself another drink.

"Fatty, no matter how much they restructure, people still need coal, right? As long as you have coal mines, why worry about not making money?" Zhang Wei asked.

"Accidents happen frequently in the mines now. In the past, I could smooth things over with connections, but the state is tightening regulations and limiting the number of mines. If policy changes one day, I might find myself out of a job," Fatty Zhou said, looking troubled. "If I'm truly forced to that point, it won't be easy to get out, and I might lose a fortune. While it's still early, I must pivot."

"Fatty, have you decided to go into real estate?" Zhang Wei asked.

Fatty Zhou had mentioned his desire to transition before, and Zhang Wei supported the move—it would only bring them closer.

"How should I put it? I am optimistic about real estate. With housing prices rising so fast, who wouldn't want to get in on it? The key is..." Fatty Zhou hesitated. "The stakes are too high, and the competition is too fierce. It’s hard to break into."

"Fatty, you’re so wealthy—what are you afraid of?" Zhang Wei asked, confused.

"Brother, don't look at the world so simply. My money is nothing in the eyes of those with real power. Besides, money can't solve everything. Sometimes, experience and connections matter more," Fatty Zhou said, shaking his head. "Never mind, it’s useless to talk about this now. You'll understand once you truly enter those circles."

"Fatty, if there’s anything I can do to help, just say the word. I’m with you all the way," Zhang Wei said.

"Brother, I’ve registered a real estate company. I’m currently in the middle of critical negotiations to purchase a plot of land. I want you to join the negotiation team and use your micro-expression analysis to see if the other side is lying or playing games," Fatty Zhou said.

"Fatty, you move fast! You’ve already set up the company?" Zhang Wei said, surprised.

"I just spent the money to register the shell; I don't even have an office yet. I just want to secure the land early—I can develop it myself or sell it off once the value appreciates," Fatty Zhou explained.

"That’s a bold move, Fatty!" Zhang Wei praised. "Are you bidding through the government, or buying from another developer?"

"I’d like to bid, but I don't have the connections yet. I have to buy from a developer I know; his company is in urgent need of cash, otherwise, he wouldn't be willing to part with that land."

"Fatty, that must involve a lot of professional expertise. Do you know how to handle it?"

"Know what? I’ve hired a veteran real estate marketer; otherwise, I wouldn't even know what paperwork to file. I’ll have to learn as I go," Fatty Zhou sighed.

"Alright then. Just let me know when the negotiations are. I’ll take time off to accompany you," Zhang Wei agreed readily.

"Great. Once the deal is done, there will definitely be a big red envelope for you," Fatty Zhou chuckled.

"Then I thank you in advance, Fatty." Zhang Wei didn't stand on ceremony. Fatty Zhou was wealthy; a "tip" from him would be more than Zhang Wei's entire net worth, so he’d treat it as a consultancy fee.

As they continued to eat and discuss real estate, Zhang Wei learned many things he hadn't been exposed to before. He could see that Fatty Zhou was still hesitant about entering the industry, worried about whether he could gain a foothold.

This long conversation was a great help to Zhang Wei; it strengthened his resolve to take things one step at a time, eliminating any urge to use his mind-reading ability to take reckless risks for overnight wealth.

They talked for over three hours. For Fatty Zhou, the conversation was a way to release the immense pressure of moving into an unknown industry.

When leaving the restaurant, Zhang Wei hoped to see the woman from the sports car again, but the world isn't filled with so many coincidences. The white car was still parked outside, but the woman was nowhere to be seen, leaving him with a faint sense of disappointment.

After parting ways with Fatty Zhou, Zhang Wei returned to the real estate branch. As he reached the entrance, Guo Bin, who was sitting at the front desk, straightened up instantly and shouted, "Brother Wei, hello!"

Zhang Wei smiled. He actually enjoyed this display of sycophancy from Guo Bin. Zhang Wei was a practical, rational man. Although there had been friction before, he believed in the saying, "A leader's heart is broad enough to sail a boat." As long as Guo Bin stayed in line, followed orders, worked hard, and produced results, Zhang Wei wouldn't make things difficult for him without cause.

More importantly, he only had three agents under him. If he drove Guo Bin away, he’d only have Li Lin and Wang Jianfa left, which would make his job as store manager quite boring.

"Brother Wei! Hahaha!" Hearing how Guo Bin addressed him, Liu Ziqi, sitting in the back, burst into laughter and cupped her hands in a mock salute. "That title is so hilarious, I truly admire you!"

Though Zhang Wei was the manager of the Yayuan branch's first team, Liu Ziqi belonged to Su Ning's second team. Even as store manager, he didn't technically manage her, so she remained as cheeky as ever.

"Tsk, what kind of messy thoughts are in your head all day?" Zhang Wei shook his head, scoffing at her ambiguous remark.

"Pfft, what’s the big deal? Just because you men use it, doesn't mean we women can't say it!" Liu Ziqi replied with the air of a rogue, without a hint of a blush.