The world of film and television begins in the ideal city

Chapter 26 begins

The lighting in the private room was soft and just right, the large mahogany round table was polished to a shine, and several signature dishes had just been served, their steam rising and their aroma filling the room, creating a harmonious and respectable atmosphere. Zhao Xiankun sat in the main seat, holding a glass of white wine in his hand, his gaze slowly sweeping over the people at the table.

He stood up, picked up his cup, and raised it to the three of them from afar.

"Yinghai's development to where it is today is thanks to the outstanding contributions of you all. I, Zhao Xiankun, would like to offer you all a toast first!" Zhao Xiankun said in a loud voice, downing a glass of baijiu in one gulp.

Gao Jin, Xu Zhiping, and Lin Xiaomin also quickly got up and followed Zhao Xiankun to finish their bottles of baijiu.

Zhao Xiankun then gestured for the three of them to sit down.

"The company has been so busy lately that we haven't had a chance to get together properly. Let me make it clear that today there are no superiors or subordinates, so let's all just have a chat."

Xu Zhiping quickly picked up his cup and stood up, his face displaying just the right amount of respect.

"You're too kind, Chairman."

"We should be toasting the chairman. Let me toast the chairman again."

Zhao Xiankun quickly pressed his hand down, saying, "Sit down, Lao Xu. You're getting old, you can't drink like this anymore!"

He gestured for Xu Zhiping to sit down, his gaze falling on Xu Zhiping, his tone softening, and he spoke with a hint of reminiscence:

"Old Xu, when we first started working together, Yinghai was just a small shop with few qualifications and a small team. We built our projects entirely on a drink and a few words. Back then, you were in charge of finances, and you were very careful with every penny. Without you guarding that purse, Yinghai wouldn't be where it is today."

Xu Zhiping quickly bowed and said, "It's all thanks to the chairman's excellent leadership. I'm just doing my job."

Zhao Xiankun waved his hand and said, "Today is a gathering of old brothers, no need to just say good things about me. Everyone can see your contributions, Lao Xu, and no one can deny them."

He then looked at Gao Jin: "Gao Jin, you came from the state-owned enterprise with me. We've been through thick and thin together all these years, from a small decoration company to today's Yinghai Group. You've also risen step by step to become the group's vice president. You're steady in your work, have strong execution capabilities, and are reliable in critical moments. I've always known who is truly dedicated to the group and who is genuinely following me forward."

Gao Jin immediately sat up straighter and said solemnly, "I will remember the Chairman's kindness for the rest of my life. Wherever the Chairman points, I will go."

Zhao Xiankun nodded slightly, a hint of emotion on his face, and then said to Lin Xiaomin, "Xiaomin, the real estate company's success over the years is all thanks to you. Back when I promoted you to general manager, Wang Mingyu and his ilk strongly opposed it. I told them they were short-sighted and couldn't see the potential in talented young people!"

"I'm getting old and my energy is waning. I can't work for many more years! After our Gongyinghai goes public, you will become the CEO."

Lin Xiaomin immediately stood up in surprise and said, "Chairman! This... I'm afraid..."

"Sit down, sit down and talk. This is what you deserve."

"Our generation has endured hardship, struggled through storms, and overcome numerous obstacles. Yinghai is not just my Yinghai; it is a family business built by a group of old brothers, brick by brick. Now, there is a commotion outside. Some people are watching the excitement, while others are scheming in their hearts. I see all of this."

He paused, then changed his tone, raising his voice with great persuasiveness:

"But let me make this clear—the current turmoil is only temporary. Going public is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Yinghai. Once we get through it, we'll soar to new heights, and it's not an exaggeration to say that our market value will increase several times or even ten times. When that happens, those who have stood by me through thick and thin will receive the same treatment, status, and influence. I, Zhao Xiankun, will never shortchange you on what is due."

"The group's scale will only grow larger in the future. Real estate, municipal projects, infrastructure, capital operations, the entire chain will be expanded. Everyone here will be a part of Yinghai's history."

His tone grew increasingly serious, and increasingly sincere:

"I know that recently, everyone has been feeling uneasy, unstable, and uneasy. Some are afraid of choosing the wrong side, some are afraid of taking the wrong path, and some are afraid that after working hard all their lives, they will end up with nothing. Let me make it clear today—as long as you are loyal to the group and loyal to me, Zhao Xiankun, I guarantee that after the listing, everyone will be better off."

I haven't forgotten the friendship we shared. I haven't forgotten your contributions. And I won't forget you in the good days to come.

After speaking, he raised his glass again, his eyes gleaming, exuding an aura of authority:

"Come on, let's drink to our old brotherhood, to Yinghai's listing, and to our shared future!"

"Dry!"

"Respectfully, Chairman!"

May your voyage be smooth sailing!

The atmosphere at the table instantly reached its peak. Everyone raised their glasses and drank together, their faces showing a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a touch of solemnity from being moved. Glasses clinked, laughter and chatter filled the air, and after several rounds of dishes and drinks, the atmosphere became warm and harmonious.

Xu Zhiping raised his glass, a gentle smile on his face, but a calm look in his eyes. Gao Jin, full of vigor, was completely swayed by these words. Lin Xiaomin was also moved by Zhao Xiankun's words and couldn't help but drink a few more glasses.

After the dinner party ended, every cell in Lin Xiaomin's body was filled with joy.

During the dinner that afternoon, Zhao Xiankun reminisced about old friendships, won people over, and outlined his grand plans for the company's IPO. This concrete promise, coupled with his words, propelled him to the peak of excitement. He was already a heavy drinker, and during the meal, he was repeatedly urged to drink. After a few glasses of baijiu, his head was spinning, leaving him only with overwhelming pride and exhilaration.

He felt that his luck had turned around, that things were about to get better, and that good days were just around the corner.

I had just gotten into the car when my phone rang.

Upon checking the number, it turned out to be one of those "young masters" I'd been hanging out with every day lately, surnamed Wang, who was supposedly the son or nephew of a high-ranking official in Shanghai.

"Mr. Lin, where are you? Are you coming today? Everything's arranged. Let's play ball first, then have some late-night snacks, and then relax at our usual spot?"

Lin Xiaomin was in a great mood, and with the effects of the alcohol rising, he agreed without thinking:

"Go! I absolutely have to go! I'm having a great time today, I'll give you guys a good time!"

He's now completely absorbed in the promise of being a CEO and the promise of a lucrative IPO. He's practically floating on air, with no sense of caution whatsoever.

The private room was dimly lit, the music was deafening, and bottle after bottle of liquor was being opened. Beautiful women were keeping him company, the atmosphere was lively, and the sounds of flattery, urging to drink, and laughter mingled together. Lin Xiaomin completely let loose, accepting everything offered and emptying every glass. His mind was already a blur of intoxication, leaving only instinctive excitement and indulgence.

He was still muttering to himself, "CEO... Yinghai CEO... the chairman promised me..." "From now on... the entire group... I'll be in charge..."

The people next to them exchanged glances, a glint of shrewdness flashing in their eyes, and continued to pour drinks without making a sound.

By the middle of the night, Lin Xiaomin was completely drunk, unable to stand, his eyes unfocused, and he had almost forgotten his own name.

"Mr. Lin, we've booked a room for you. Go up and rest for a while."

"Don't worry, everything is arranged. It will be absolutely quiet and safe."

A waitress half-supported, half-carried the disoriented Lin Xiaomin into a pre-arranged private room.

Late at night.

"Bang—bang—bang!"

A sudden, urgent, heavy knocking sounded at the door.

"Open the door! Police!"

Lin Xiaomin froze, instantly sobering up considerably.

He had barely scrambled to his feet when several police officers burst through the door. Behind them followed the waitress. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and her clothes were disheveled. She insisted that Lin Xiaomin had assaulted her.

"Lin Xiaomin, you are suspected of rape, and we are summoning you in accordance with the law."

After witnessing everything, the young man surnamed Wang called Shen Xuan. "Brother Xuan, it's done. Caught red-handed, they'll definitely get what's coming to them!"

"Okay, remember to pay the full amount, and make sure you keep the man under control. Don't give up halfway!"

Shen Xuan gave Lin Chen a few more detailed instructions and then sent him a message.