Chapter 206 Truly in Awe (1/2)
A really powerful man would stay low-profile to the core. No matter which part of the social ladder he was at, he would be compliant and respectful to those above him and would make himself easily approachable by those below them and stay humble. He would not boast proudly over a small achievement and would not cry over a bit of spilled milk. He who can achieve these things would have an upward journey in life.
However, most people could only do one of the two. There were very few people that could do all. Hence, this was why the society was in the shape of a pyramid and the people are divided by the social ladder. Everything stems from the seed you planted for yourself. It would eventually grow into a flower and bear fruits.
Since Uncle Zhuang introduced Qin Sheng to Cao Da, Qin Sheng believed that Mr. Cao's character would not be bad. However, it was up to him to figure out if Mr. Cao was suitable for him. It was not up to Uncle Zhuang to tell him, nor was it based on the words that Mr. Cao says. After all, there were too many people in the society that was 'No Action, Talk Only'. Eventually, you have to treat each matter individually. You could not just rely on talking, you must produce results.
Hence, Qin Sheng was carefully observing and evaluating Mr. Cao's each and every move.
At this current moment, Mr. Cao and Mr. Liu's different reactions that happened at the same time caused the atmosphere to become awkward. The table was filled with smart people, it was impossible for them to not understand such an obvious meaning. No one had expected Cao Da to stand up, including the old man and Mr. Liu. Mr. Liu suddenly realized what was going on and since he has already embarrassed himself, he could only follow suit.
At this instant, the manager who was standing at a side and offering his service immediately realized what was going on. He secretly scolded this waiter for being brainless. Before everyone else snapped back from their thoughts, the manager quickly walked over and said with smiling eyes, ”This Huangqi wormwood black chicken soup is very good for the elderly. Elder He, please give us some feedback on our soup.”
This sentence managed to alleviate the situation. Mr. Liu swiftly took over the bowl of soup handed to him by the waiter and placed it in front of the old man and said, ”Elder He, please try this. If it is to your liking, I will get them to make some more for you to bring home.”
Although Elder He was very unhappy, he still put on a smile and said, ”Okay, okay, okay.”
Everything happened in a split moment and was solved in the blink of an eye. Cao Da accepted the fact and sat down with a smile on his face and did not say a word. However, he was scolding Mr. Liu in his heart because he was basically a selfish man that got his way. ”You're just a selfish man.”
The person who felt the most upset today was undeniably the old man. He let out a sigh and could not help but feel that he had made a wrong judgment. Back then, there were so many things he did for him. Now that he was no longer as powerful, he no longer treated him seriously. The old man felt like he deserved it today, but this was definitely the last time.
After this small interlude, Mr. Liu did not manage to change his attitude. He was still yearning to do something to make himself look good. The other guests all cooperated with him. Cao Da and the old man were already not talking much.
Witnessing the whole dinner, Qin Sheng felt that it was really awkward. He could barely continue watching. At this moment, Mr. Liu started to recount the old man's embarrassing stories. Qin Sheng could feel that Mr. Cao was starting to get nervous. Mr. Cao was probably waiting for the dinner to end soon. Otherwise, something bad might happen.
Fruits were served before the dinner came to an end. With the previous lesson in mind, no one dared to move before the old man did. Hence, the old man smiled faintly and said, ”My stomach is too cold, I'll give it a pass.”
After everyone took a piece, at this moment, Mr. Liu spoke again. He lifted up the plate of watermelon and said cheerfully, ”Come, come. Do not waste food. It is shameful to waste food.”
After which, he started distributing the watermelon slices to everyone. Two of them landed on Elder He's plate. His facial expression immediately showed how awkward he was. Until the end, he never touched those watermelon slices.
Cao Da finally understood what this dinner was for. ”Damn, can't you afford to play? It's not like you didn't receive anything after your sacrifices. Why are you being so selfish and despicable today?” Cao Da made a decision to never come for such dinner gatherings again after this meal
Hence, Cao Da called the manager over in a soft voice and said, ”Bill please.”
At the same time, he bowed towards the old man and asked, ”You had more praises for how well they cooked the fish. I've already asked them to do another one the same way and packaged it such that you can bring it back and have it tomorrow. Is that fine with you?”
Elder He was obviously moved. He quickly replied, ”Thank you.”
At this point in time, Mr. Liu's face color was very ugly. Yet, he still smiled and said, ”Lao Cao, I invited everyone to come over and catch up, why are you paying the bill? Aren't you disrespecting me?”
Cao Da laughed and said, ”Lao Liu, it's all the same. I move fast, first come first serve. Take it as my blessing to you for your company's listing. Hope everyone can give me this chance.”
Actually, it was because he could not talk with them any longer. Mr. Liu also sensed that the atmosphere of tonight's dinner was not quite right and gave up eventually.
After the dinner ended, the manager packaged the fish and brought it over. Qin Sheng quickly took over and helped to carry it. Everyone smiled as they sent the old man out and onto his car. They no longer dared to be obnoxious like before.
After Elder He left, that Mr. Liu walked over excitedly and said to Cao Da, ”Lao Cao, round two, a round of cigar?”
Cao Da threw him a glare and said, ”I can't afford to smoke your cigar, how about a rain check?”
After that, Cao Da went to the car with Qin Sheng and left right away. He did not care about how the rest were to comment on his behavior today, but this was his way of doing things.
After leaving Meijiawu, Qin Sheng focused on driving while his mind recalled every detail at tonight's dinner, especially what Mr. Cao said and did. Even though he was just an observer today and the main character was Cao Da, he still managed to learn a lot. Just from this matter alone, Qin Sheng could tell them Cao Da was an upright person. He also understood why he said that he had several enemies. With a temper like his, it was impossible to not have enemies.
Out of a sudden, Cao Da, who had been resting his eyes, suddenly said, ”I do tend to follow the rich and powerful people, but at least I know how to be a decent man. You can only laugh and let go of some of the maliciousness. You sacrificed back then and now have rewards. When you're in trouble, whether or not people will help you depend on whether you have the capabilities. Now that you've some achievements, everyone is happy, but there is no need to do this. I have always been interacting with Mr. Liu ever since he became who he is today. But it's time I put a stop to this whole respecting him but not being able to get closer to him.”
This was naturally meant for Qin Sheng to hear. He made Qin Sheng follow him to see how despicable one could become and how cold the world could be. Those who were powerful could also have small hearts.
He could not be bothered to care if Qin Sheng understood him. He could only touch and go.
”What you've done today has caused Mr. Liu to develop hatred towards you,” Qin Sheng said casually. He naturally understood what Mr. Cao was trying to say.