The following afternoon, Fu Hanzheng accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Wilson to the residence of Ming Zongyuan.
Ming Zongyuan was a leading figure in the Chinese art world, and both he and the Wilsons were fans of Priyan's paintings. The group chatted amiably. Fu Hanzheng
not only presented the Wilsons with a painting by Priyan but also invited them to afternoon tea at the Ming's home.
Mrs. Wilson praised the desserts prepared by the Ming family, and even asked for a portion to take back to her hotel before leaving.
Until dark, before getting into his car, Mr. Wilson said in somewhat broken Mandarin,
"Mr. Fu, today... has truly brought us so many surprises. I hope we can have a pleasant collaboration."
"I look forward to our collaboration," Fu Hanzheng replied with a slight smile.
"Also, the desserts today were delicious; my wife thoroughly enjoyed them,"
Mr. Wilson said, shaking hands with Fu Hanzheng.
"Then see you tomorrow," Fu Hanzheng said, shaking hands with him as they got into their car and drove away. Fu
Shiqin, on the other hand, looked with a pained expression at the half-eaten cake that Wilson's assistant had taken away; this cake was his favorite, a sweet tooth's delight.
He was planning to leave the Ming family home and treat himself,
but Mrs. Wilson stole his food, leaving him heartbroken.
Seeing the Wilsons' car leave, Meng Ruya smiled and said,
"Since Mr. Wilson just said that, the collaboration must be done, right?"
"If it doesn't, how can we justify the paintings and food they received?" Fu Shiqin scoffed. "
He who eats another's bread sings his song."
They received their favorite paintings and enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea; how could they refuse?
Fu Hanzheng glanced at Meng Ruya. "Your arrangements today are excellent."
Meng Ruya smiled gently. "The painting issue arose because of me; this is just making amends."
"You've worked hard these past two days; you can take some time off," Fu Hanzheng said.
The subsequent collaboration meeting didn't require the public relations department's involvement.
"Let's wait until after the formal signing. It's more convenient
for me to communicate with Mrs. Wilson." Today's events had given her a good impression of Fu Hanzheng, so she wanted to capitalize on the momentum to further their relationship.
Mrs. Fu really liked her, as long as her relationship with Fu Hanzheng progressed further.
The position of Mrs. Fu would be hers for sure.
It was all thanks to that idiot Mu Weiwei who discovered the painting was fake.
Instead, she persuaded Old Master Ming to arrange afternoon tea today, which impressed Fu Hanzheng and the entire company.
"That's good too." Fu Hanzheng nodded, glancing at Fu Shiqin. "Have you prepared anything for Old Master Ming?"
"It's ready."
Fu Shiqin took the prepared antiques from the car and followed his older brother into the Ming family home to thank Ming Zongyuan.
The group found the old man feeding the fish in the Ming family's traditional Chinese garden.
"Old Master Ming, we are extremely grateful for today's help. Please accept this small gift."
"After seeing your painting and eating your cake, their attitude has changed so much."
Fu Shiqin was thrilled. This collaboration was crucial for the Fu Group's ability to establish itself in the S country market.
Ming Zongyuan finished feeding the fish and wiped his hands.
"No need for a thank-you gift. Mu already gave me one; she even sent the cake. If you want to thank someone, thank her." Fu Hanzheng's sharp eyes narrowed
slightly. "You mean... Mu Weiwei?"