Chapter 804 385: Sorry, Old Zeng—I'm Definitely Stealing Your Girl!

Around 2 PM.

The banquet inside "Listening to the Pine Pavilion" was nearing its end.

Every dish on the rosewood round table was worth a fortune, yet each plate still had plenty left over.

The air retained the lingering aroma of delicacies, mixed with a faint scent of tea and wine, creating a uniquely lazy atmosphere that follows a feast.

For people like Duan Hongming and Jiang Tao at their level, dining wasn't merely about eating; it was more about socializing.

"Young Friend Jiang, I must say, lately I've been seeing a lot of news about you online."

Duan Hongming spoke slowly, his voice carrying the calmness typical of a senior, his gaze towards Jiang Tao full of appreciation.

Of course, his words carried some exaggeration.

He only had someone look up Jiang Tao's background this morning, which gave him more understanding of him.

For a big shot like Duan Hongming, how could they normally spend time browsing through short video apps?

Time is money for them; seconds translate to tens of thousands, which seems exaggerated to ordinary people but is a fact for them.

"Haha, I didn't expect someone insignificant like me to catch Old Master Duan's attention. I'm deeply honored."

Jiang Tao smiled in agreement, behaving very courteously.

Duan Hongming paused for a moment, then continued with a smiling expression:

"Your courage and skill in handling that knife-wielding desperado singlehandedly in the supermarket are impressive."

"And hitting more than a dozen hole-in-ones in a single match at the Huabin Golf Course is simply unbelievable."

"I've played golf for most of my life and know that it requires more than just luck."

Duan Hongming's words were calm without the slightest exaggeration, yet the unmistakable admiration in his voice made Yuan Mengqi's heart stir.

She glanced sneakily at Jiang Tao, seeing his calm expression, a slight nod, and the unchanged faint smile on his face without a hint of pride.

Duan Hongming's gaze was distant, tinged with emotion: "To be honest, seeing Young Friend Jiang and learning about your deeds reminds me of some old acquaintances from my youth. You've got a sense of heroism, daring to act against injustice, and possess remarkable skills without being ostentatious… Seeing you, I truly feel the sentiment of meeting a kindred spirit late."

Zeng Lingyun, next to him, upon hearing his boss say "meeting a kindred spirit late," immediately raised his evaluation of Jiang Tao to a higher level.

There were few young people who had ever received such praise from his boss over the years.

Jiang Tao could sense the sincerity in Duan Hongming's words.

This elder was not just the owner of Jinghua Pavilion but had an extraordinary background in Beijing.

Building a relationship with such a person was naturally nothing but beneficial for him.

Having had a meal with this elder, he also found him to have a straightforward personality, broad knowledge, and a pleasing disposition.

Jiang Tao's thoughts flickered briefly, and a faint smile appeared on his face:

"It's an honor for a junior like me to know a senior like Old Master Duan in my lifetime."

As he spoke, his right hand casually reached into his pocket.

His thoughts sank into the Sumeru Space Ring on his fingertip, instantly locking onto an item.

With a flick of his finger, a warm and smooth small porcelain bottle appeared in his palm.

This bottle had an antique style, simple in design, without any labels, yet it exuded an indescribable charm.

"Old Master Duan, it's our first meeting, and I'm deeply honored by your graciousness. Here's a little something, no great respect but consider it a token of thanks."

Jiang Tao said with a smile, gently placing the small porcelain bottle on the table and pushing it towards Duan Hongming:

"This medicine has some special effects on nourishing vitality and strengthening the foundation, you might want to try it in your leisure time."

He didn't elaborate on the miraculous properties of the "Divine Five Sons Inheriting Pill."

He only mentioned in passing, "great for replenishing the body."

But everyone present wasn't a fool; something given so ceremoniously by Jiang Tao in such a setting was naturally no ordinary health product.

Duan Hongming's gaze fell on the small porcelain bottle, his eyes slightly narrowed.

He had lived for most of his life, seen countless rare things; his intuition told him this bottle of medicine was no simple thing.

"Hahaha, good, good. It's only polite to reciprocate; I'll accept your gift then."

Duan Hongming accepted without the slightest hesitation, nor did he inquire about the specifics of the medicine's effects.

He just laughed heartily, reached out, and received the porcelain bottle, tucking it securely into the inside pocket of his jacket.

With their exchange of gifts between the elder and the younger, the atmosphere at the table became more harmonious and congenial due to this small episode.

As the banquet concluded, Zeng Lingyun personally escorted Jiang Tao and Yuan Mengqi out of "Listening to the Pine Pavilion."

Passing through winding corridors, they arrived at the grand yet refined entrance of Jinghua Pavilion.

"President Jiang, Miss Yuan, the car is ready."

Zeng Lingyun slightly bowed, pointing to a black Mercedes S-Class sedan parked by the entrance.

A young man in a sleek driver's uniform was standing respectfully by the car, and upon seeing them come out, he immediately opened the rear door.

"Manager Zeng, thank you for your trouble."

Jiang Tao nodded as acknowledgement.

Just as Jiang Tao was protecting Yuan Mengqi and preparing to bend down to get into the car,

his gaze unintentionally swept across the driver's face.

It was a face showing signs of life's fatigue but still had some familiar contours.

Almost simultaneously, the driver happened to look up, meeting Jiang Tao's gaze.

In an instant, the professional courtesy on the driver's face froze, replaced by tremendous shock and disbelief.

"Jiang... Jiang Tao?"

Li Fei greeted Jiang Tao with a bit of uncertainty.