Return of the Celestial King

Chapter 72: Chapter 72: Stood Up

However, Qin Tuo immediately shot her a look.

The beautiful receptionist instantly understood what he meant—don’t make a scene—and quickly dispelled the awkwardness with a slight smile.

But she couldn’t help but wonder.

’What is Mr. Qin doing? Why is he being so low-key?’

One call from Wang Lei was all it took for a crowd from the sales department to show up.

The two families had just reached the hotel entrance when the group of colleagues arrived.

As soon as they met, they all looked at Qin Tuo with mischievous smiles.

Everyone knew the plan: they were going to fleece Qin Tuo for all he was worth tonight!

"Well, well. I thought you weren’t treating us. What made you change your mind?"

"Yeah, I guess miracles do happen!"

A few of the salespeople chimed in, their voices dripping with sarcasm.

Liu Ping was there too, but being the timid type, he just stood in the crowd, not daring to speak.

Seeing their son’s colleagues, Qin Hongguo and Luo Xianglan hurried over to greet them warmly.

Seeing how plainly Qin Hongguo and Luo Xianglan were dressed, looking like a pair of country bumpkins, the colleagues couldn’t hide the disdain on their faces.

Wang Lei announced loudly,

"So, where are we all going? Let’s pick a place!"

One of the salespeople gave it a moment’s thought, then immediately suggested,

"In that case, let’s go to Huayue Club. Their KTV is great, but... it’s a little pricey!"

As he spoke, he shot Qin Tuo a teasing glance.

"Oh, Huayue Club sounds great! Let’s go there!"

Everyone immediately agreed, and they all started getting ready to drive to Huayue Club.

Qin Tuo was surprised. ’Of all places,’ he thought, ’they chose my own turf.’

He didn’t plan on revealing anything, though, especially not with his parents around.

"Son, come here a second..."

Qin Hongguo pulled Qin Tuo aside, his voice low.

"Dad, what is it?"

Qin Tuo was confused, but then Qin Hongguo suddenly pulled a few hundred-yuan bills from his pocket.

Making sure no one was looking, he quickly stuffed them into Qin Tuo’s hand.

"Son, I’m worried you won’t have enough money later. Take this. If it’s not enough, just call me. Your mom and I will scrape some more together and bring it over."

Qin Tuo gave a wry smile and shook his head.

"Dad, I can’t take your money. Besides, I have enough!"

"Ah, son, don’t be so stubborn."

Just as Qin Hongguo was about to argue further, Zhou Dahai furtively came over.

"Qin Tuo, are you a little short? Your uncle here has a bit, you take it and use it first!"

Zhou Dahai was a perceptive man; he could tell at a glance that Wang Lei and the colleagues planned to run up a huge bill.

He knew his old squad leader’s family wasn’t well-off, so he wanted to give Qin Tuo a hand.

Watching the two older men secretly try to give him money, Qin Tuo was deeply moved.

But before he could refuse, Wu Qingmei noticed something was up and hurried over.

"Hey, Dahai, what do you think you’re doing? Whose side are you on, anyway?"

Wu Qingmei shrieked.

Zhou Dahai quickly waved his hands, gesturing for her to keep her voice down.

Wu Qingmei shot him an annoyed glare and snatched the money right out of his hand.

"Qingmei, what are you doing?"

Zhou Dahai was suddenly furious.

Wu Qingmei sneered,

"Your old squad leader’s son is in his twenties. He should be able to stand on his own two feet by now. Surely he doesn’t need an outsider like you to pay for his dinner party!"

"Qingmei, what are you saying? Watch your mouth!"

Mortified, Zhou Dahai shot an apologetic look at Qin Hongguo.

But looking at Qin Tuo and his father, Wu Qingmei only grew more incensed.

She snorted coldly.

"I’m not trying to pick on you, Qin Tuo, but look at my son-in-law, Wang Lei. He’s about your age, and he’s already built a successful career, made it to sales manager, and don’t even get me started on his connections. Now, look at yourself. What do you have?"

The words were harsh, and Qin Hongguo felt deeply humiliated, but he couldn’t bring himself to say anything.

After all, his old classmate’s family had helped his son a great deal; he could only endure a few sharp words.

Qin Tuo just smiled and said,

"Dad, Uncle Haide, don’t worry. I have enough money, so you don’t need to trouble yourselves."

With that, he shot a cold glance at Wu Qingmei and walked over to his colleagues.

"Hmph, the nerve of that kid, glaring at me!"

Wu Qingmei muttered under her breath.

She had already made up her mind. From now on, she would watch her husband like a hawk and make sure he didn’t give away a single cent of their family’s money.

"Qin Tuo, you bring enough cash? Can we go now?"

Seeing Qin Tuo approach, the salespeople couldn’t resist jeering.

"Let’s go. You’ll get what you want today."

Qin Tuo’s face was a mask of indifference.

One of the salesmen said with a sneer,

"Well, well, look at him! Must have brought a fat wallet. Alright everyone, don’t go easy on him later. Make sure you eat, drink, and have a great time!"

"Haha, you can count on it!"

The group erupted in laughter again, no longer even trying to hide their intentions.

In the crowd, the timid Liu Ping saw what was happening and couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat for Qin Tuo.

He remembered how they had once fleeced him for two months’ salary. He could only imagine they would treat Qin Tuo even more ruthlessly.

Just then, Qin Tuo’s phone rang. It was a call from Han Zilin.

"Hey, Zilin, what’s up?"

Qin Tuo asked.

Han Zilin sounded confused.

"Brother Tu, I just stopped by your place, but you weren’t home."

Qin Tuo smiled and explained,

"Yeah, Zilin, I’m heading out with some colleagues from work."

"Oh, I see. Well, okay then, Brother Tu. Have a good time!"

There was a slight note of disappointment in Han Zilin’s voice.

Then, an idea suddenly struck Qin Tuo, and he quickly asked,

"Zilin, do you want to come hang out with us?"

He thought, ’This is a perfect chance for Han Zilin to get to know some people from the company. It’ll make things easier when I bring her on board later.’

Han Zilin was hesitant and about to refuse, but Qin Tuo added with a laugh,

"Come on, Zilin, if you’re not busy, just come hang out. It’s always good to make new friends. How about I come pick you up?"

Hearing that, Han Zilin hesitated for a moment before agreeing.

After hanging up, Qin Tuo said to Wang Lei,

"You guys head to Huayue Club first. I’m going to pick someone up; I’ll be there shortly."

Hearing this, Wang Lei immediately looked suspicious.

"Qin Tuo, you’re not trying to bail on us now, are you?"

All the other salespeople were looking at him, their eyes full of doubt.

Qin Tuo was speechless.

"Don’t worry, I wouldn’t stoop that low."

With that, he left to go pick up Han Zilin.

’Hmph, that kid... I don’t think he’d dare pull something like that,’

Wang Lei snorted to himself.

He decided that if Qin Tuo really did stand them up, he’d tell Zhou Dahai and have them go rub it in Qin Tuo’s parents’ faces.

"Let’s go, boys! Time to party!"

With a wave of his hand, Wang Lei led the group to Huayue Club, where they immediately booked the most expensive VIP booth.