Chapter 434 - 433: Meeting the In-laws, Jun Xinghe is Nervous

Chapter 434: Chapter 433: Meeting the In-laws, Jun Xinghe is Nervous

Everyone was laughing happily, especially the shareholders.

As the absolute authority at Huaxia Pharmaceutical, Jun Xinghe basically held all the power.

The problem was, this President Jun’s presence was far, far too intimidating.

Moreover, he was stern and humorless, wearing a stony expression every day.

This caused everyone’s moods to be constantly suppressed, with no outlet. Every time they came to the company, they were on pins and needles, afraid for their lives.

But things were better now. Thanks to Boss Jiang, in everyone’s eyes, Jun Xinghe had gained a bit of a human touch.

They weren’t quite so terrified anymore.

Chairman Lin asked again, "What do you all think of the food service project Boss Jiang is collaborating on with our company?"

"Personally, I feel that given Boss Jiang’s principle of pursuing quality above all else, his company probably won’t last long. That’s just my personal opinion."

Chairman Lin admired Jiang Liu’s abilities.

He also often secretly disguised himself to go wait in line for a meal. It wasn’t just that the food at Boss Jiang’s restaurant was delicious; the atmosphere was also incredibly pleasant.

It was like returning to the eighties or nineties, with everyone gathered together in a lively, bustling atmosphere.

But.

The food was delicious, yes, but Boss Jiang was only one person. While Chairman Lin believed the restaurant under Jiang Liu’s control would do better and better, that didn’t mean he believed a company founded by Jiang Liu could do just as well.

Because in his view, Jiang Liu was capable and skilled, but his personality was too straightforward!

He wasn’t suited to managing a restaurant chain model.

He was too focused on quality, too concerned with what the customers thought.

A female executive nodded. "I agree with Chairman Lin’s assessment. I’m also not optimistic about the company Boss Jiang is founding."

"However, I do think he can probably do reasonably well, but that’s it. He won’t be able to truly scale up. It’ll just be small-time stuff."

"Exactly. I heard from a friend, didn’t Boss Jiang and President Jun invest over ten million?"

"I’m not sure, but over ten million is too little. It’s just a small splash. In a market as big as the food industry, that amount of money is useless. It’s fine for making a little pocket money, though."

"That makes sense. A lot of restaurants have been losing money in recent years."

Just then, a young female manager spoke up. "Why are none of you optimistic about Boss Jiang? I think he’s very steady and smart. He wouldn’t fight a battle he wasn’t confident of winning, would he?"

"Xiao You, you should stop talking. Who doesn’t know you’ve got a thing for Boss Jiang? You’re so boy-crazy."

"Heh, a lot of the young girls at our company like Boss Jiang. No idea where they even got his picture. Kids these days," a senior executive said, shaking his head.

Everyone chimed in, discussing animatedly.

The basic consensus was that they were not optimistic about Jiang Liu entering the restaurant chain business.

It was too difficult.

Restaurants failed one after another. It was no use.

"Alright!" Chairman Lin rapped the table. "Break’s over. Let’s get back to our previous topic."

Jun Xinghe eavesdropped at the door for a little while before leaving.

Back in his office, he was in a good mood. In a rare display, he sent a text to Jun Qingmeng: "You did very well! I’m very pleased."

*

The blue SUV moved with the flow of traffic.

Jun Qingmeng looked at the text on her phone, her expression complex.

In her entire life, this was the first time she had ever been praised by Jun Xinghe.

Before, she had worked hard to study business management, strived to better herself, and tried to understand the company’s macro-level structure.

But no matter how hard she tried, Jun Xinghe would always find fault and scold her.

Jun Qingmeng replied: "Mm, it was fine."

Unwittingly, their relationship had eased ever so slightly because of Jiang Liu’s presence.

Jun Qingmeng looked at Jiang Liu, her expression softening. "Hubby."

"Hm? What is it, babe?"

’Babe...?’

Jun Qingmeng paused for a moment, then asked, a little embarrassed, "Today... your mother and father are coming over. Should I have my dad come meet them?"

’We’re already married. Our parents should meet soon, and then we can set a date for the wedding.’

"Sure," Jiang Liu nodded. "Go ahead and tell your dad. Oh, right, ask him where he’d like to meet."

"No need to ask him. Our restaurant will be fine."

"Alright, you can make the arrangements then."

"Mhm!"

Jun Qingmeng sent a message to Jun Xinghe: "Jiang Liu’s parents are coming to the restaurant tonight. Can you come?"

Jun Xinghe replied instantly: "I can be there!"

Jun Xinghe: "Where are they now? I’ll head out right now, I can get there quickly."

Jun Qingmeng: "They’re almost here. No rush. You should wait until Jiang Liu is done with business hours before you come. Don’t disturb him while he’s working. He’ll probably be finished around 8:30 today."

Jun Xinghe: "Okay, that’s plenty of time."

After replying, Jun Xinghe put down his phone, his heart burning with anxiety. He paced back and forth in his office like an ant on a hot pan.

’First time meeting them, what should I prepare?... I can’t think of anything! I have no experience with this.’

’No, is this outfit too business-like?’

’Right! The cigarettes and liquor Jiang Liu brought me last time, and those homemade almond crisps, were all pretty good. I liked them. Should I... no, that won’t work. I’m so rich. If I bring things like that, what if Xiao Jiang’s parents think I’m cheap?’

Jun Xinghe was dying of anxiety.

It was his first time at the rodeo.

"Secretary Wang, come to my office. I have to ask you something!"

He sent the message.

Jun Xinghe lit a cigarette. He rarely smoked.

But he was just too nervous right now.

Secretary Wang was a bit baffled. ’What is it now?’

He pushed open the door and entered the office.

The smell of smoke hit him as soon as he walked in.

"Uh, President Jun, is something wrong?"

Jun Xinghe was about to speak, but then he stopped himself.

"Ah, forget it. With your IQ, it’s useless to ask you anyway."

He suddenly remembered that the first time this guy met his father-in-law, they had gotten into a fight over the bride price.

He really was grasping at straws.

??? Secretary Wang clenched his fists, struggling to keep himself from exploding.

’I was taking a fucking shit, and you called me here in such a rush just for this? Just to insult me?’

Secretary Wang frowned and said, "President Jun, what is it? You can tell me. Maybe I can give you some advice."

Jun Xinghe said bluntly, "I’m going to meet Xiao Jiang’s parents in a bit, and I don’t know what to bring. You think asking you will help?"

"With your track record? You can’t even handle your own family matters. If I listen to your advice, won’t I just screw things up?"

Secretary Wang took a deep breath.

"President Jun, regardless, I’ve been to my fair share of friends’ weddings. I know a thing or two about this stuff. Besides, you... you’re practically a hermit. You definitely don’t know as much about this as I do, right?"

He retorted sarcastically.

’So annoying! Why does he look down on me? This President Jun has probably never even been to a wedding. All you know is your stupid company business. You’re not even as good as me in this regard!’

Jun Xinghe’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous light glinting within them. "Secretary Wang, have you ever heard of a midlife crisis?"

"Aren’t you afraid of being unemployed?"

"Ah! President Jun, I was wrong! You’re right, I really don’t know anything! I was wrong!"

Utterly spineless, Secretary Wang immediately kowtowed.

"Hmph."

Jun Xinghe snorted coldly and sat back down in his office chair.

Looking at the meek and obedient expression on Secretary Wang’s face, he hesitated for a moment before asking:

"I’ll ask you, what do you think of this outfit?"

...