125 A Stirring in the Heart

Since it was their good friend Li Wenxuan hosting, Xiao Yao arrived earlier, reaching the restaurant well before the agreed time of seven o’clock. Upon entering the private room, Li Wenxuan was already waiting inside.

More than three months had passed since they last met, and Li Wenxuan had clearly changed. Especially now, dressed in a full suit, the youthful awkwardness from their university days had vanished, replaced by the air of a consummate business elite.

The moment he saw Xiao Yao, Li Wenxuan was momentarily stunned; his old classmate had transformed remarkably. His face remained the same—still enviably handsome—but his attire and bearing were worlds apart.

October’s weather had turned chilly, and Xiao Yao wore a simple yet elegant casual suit that accentuated his tall, upright figure. Though the style was understated and Li Wenxuan couldn’t pinpoint the brand, it was obviously high-end—if not a top international label, then certainly a second-tier brand commanding a hefty price.

The clothing was one thing—Li Wenxuan knew his friend came from a well-off family, and it was natural to pay attention to one’s dress after stepping into society. What truly shocked him was the transformation in Xiao Yao’s aura; it was as if he had become a completely different person.

Li Wenxuan struggled to find words to describe this change. Standing at the door, Xiao Yao smiled faintly, his lips curving gently in a way that was warm and approachable, yet his posture was so imposing and dignified that it made one hesitant to draw near.

After a brief pause, Li Wenxuan hurried forward. He had intended to embrace him but somehow felt it wasn’t quite right, so he settled for a warm handshake instead. “Are you really Xiao Yao? I almost didn’t recognize you. You’ve changed so much! With your looks and that aura of refinement, you’d be wasting yourself if you didn’t enter the entertainment industry. I’m sure if you had a chance to play a noble scion or something like that, you’d become an instant sensation.”

“I know my face tends to stir envy among other men, but it can’t be helped—it’s just natural. Wanting to keep a low profile is impossible. I understand your jealousy and admiration,” Xiao Yao said with a touch of pride.

“Cut it out,” Li Wenxuan said, punching Xiao Yao lightly on the chest. “You’re still the same shameless Xiao Yao I know. You’ve matured a bit but haven’t lost your cheekiness. You praise me a little and act like you don’t know your own name. After leaving the ivory tower and entering the real world, who doesn’t change? Don’t you see I’ve become a business elite myself?”

“The suit isn’t bad, it does have some business flair, but your face is too ordinary. I suggest you aim to be the boss as soon as possible. Working for others with that looks might make it hard to get ahead,” Xiao Yao teased.

Of course, this was all in jest. Li Wenxuan was handsome in a sunny, boy-next-door way—though not quite on Xiao Yao’s level, he was well-liked by the ladies.

After exchanging a few playful jabs, Xiao Yao put the paper bag he was carrying down on the floor. Li Wenxuan’s eyes immediately caught sight of the bottles inside: Moutai aged 50 years. His heart was deeply touched.

He felt that although his professional skills weren’t exceptional, his taste in friends was indeed sharp.

After contacting Gao Yuanfeng, the second-generation wealthy friend, Gao had just briefly reviewed the product’s features and price before signing the purchase contract without hesitation.

Xiao Yao, knowing Li Wenxuan was hosting dinner that evening, had brought such a fine vintage liquor. The market value of these four bottles was nearly 80,000 yuan. Yet, Li Wenxuan’s recent deal had only earned him less than 70,000 yuan, meaning this dinner would cost him over 10,000 yuan out of pocket.

Though the bottles were brought by Xiao Yao, Li Wenxuan still felt a pang of guilt.

“Why did you bring four bottles of such fine liquor? Even big companies use these for entertaining important guests, right? Since we’re all classmates here tonight, there’s no need to use such expensive wine,” Li Wenxuan objected, reluctant to see such extravagance. “Before the others arrive, let’s just switch to ordinary Moutai. We’re all young after all; the regular stuff should suffice.”

“I’ve already brought them, so no swapping. These bottles were gifts from someone else. Gao Yuanfeng’s gesture was generous, so it’s only right to treat him well tonight,” Xiao Yao said firmly. “Besides, the classmates you invited all have some influence. If they enjoy tonight’s fine wine, they’ll be more sincere when introducing you or helping you make connections in the future.”

“That’s quite a grand gesture. Does Uncle Xiao know about this? Don’t keep it from him or you might get blamed later,” Li Wenxuan cautioned, assuming the wine was a gift for Xiao Zhenshan.

“These bottles are mine now. My father doesn’t get involved in such matters, so don’t worry,” Xiao Yao replied without elaborating further.

Since Xiao Yao insisted, Li Wenxuan said no more but made a mental note of the kindness.

Once seated, the two fell into easy conversation.

For an ordinary family, paying 800,000 yuan upfront as an agency fee was indeed a make-or-break decision. If this investment failed, not only would Li Wenxuan likely sink into despair, but his entire family would probably be plunged into hardship.

Knowing how crucial this was for Li Wenxuan, Xiao Yao listened carefully, asking detailed questions.

During university, Xiao Yao’s dorm housed six students, but only Li Wenxuan and Shi Feng were close friends.

Li Wenxuan was sunny and affable; Shi Feng was generous and carefree; and Xiao Yao himself was mature and somewhat aloof. Though their temperaments differed, all three were broad-minded and unpetty, forming a deep bond over four years.

After hearing Li Wenxuan’s account, Xiao Yao considered the water purifier manufacturer he had chosen quite trustworthy. Even without his help, Li Wenxuan should be able to make headway quickly.

“I didn’t expect Gao Yuanfeng to be so generous. Seems like your rich second-generation friend is worth keeping,” Xiao Yao remarked after hearing about Gao’s approach.

“Though Gao looks arrogant, he’s genuinely good-hearted and sincere with friends. No ill intentions at all,” Li Wenxuan said, freshly impressed after signing the contract.

“Since you two arrived early, the rest were a bit late,” came a loud voice as two more men entered the room.

Looking up, they saw Pan Xiaoliang and Wang Zhilie had arrived.

[PS: Thanks to Mo Kan Yanqian for the continuous support!]