Chapter 689: Chapter 348: Xu Hongzhu’s Observation
Everyone took their seats, and Xu Hongzhu made tea for them.
"I don’t know much about the tea ceremony, but my father loves drinking white tea, so I learned a bit. Please don’t mind."
As the aroma of the tea filled the air, Xu Hongzhu’s calm voice sounded.
Zhang Changhuai took a sip of the tea upon hearing this, savoring the flavor that lingered in his mouth.
"Hongzhu, you’re being too modest. Your skills are not inferior to those of the tea masters."
Zhang Changhuai gently praised her, then fell silent, as if still immersed in the experience.
"Hongzhu’s tea ceremony skills have been praised by the great Daoist. If it weren’t for her worldly attachments, she would have joined the Daoist Sect and become a hermit instead of being here with all you men."
Jin Chuchu shook her head proudly.
"Mr. Lin, don’t just sit there, have some tea."
Xu Hongzhu silently glanced at Lin Beichen, placing a cup of tea in front of him.
Since they entered, she had been observing this stranger.
"Thank you."
Lin Beichen accepted the cup, remaining calm.
Along the way, everything on the small island seemed to silently intimidate ordinary people, pressuring their spirits.
However, to Lin Beichen, these were but fleeting illusions, unworthy of mention.
No matter how formidable Xu Hongzhu’s identity was, she was just an ordinary person in his eyes. As for this cup of tea, it was exactly as Xu Hongzhu herself said, not worth praising, because when one disregarded her status, the tea was merely average.
Xu Hongzhu noticed Lin Beichen’s steady hands and smiled slightly.
As a close friend of Luo Meixiang, she paid great attention to her and knew Luo Meixiang’s secret.
Celestial Killer Lone Star Fate.
At first, she found it hard to believe, thinking Luo Meixiang’s family was too old-fashioned, but after the turmoil of the past few years, she had developed a certain respect for the idea of fate.
But respecting the concept of fate didn’t mean she trusted Lin Beichen.
There were countless Feng Shui swindlers in the world, and even so-called masters didn’t necessarily have true abilities.
Moreover, the Celestial Killer Lone Star fate was extremely ominous. Could an unknown young man like him really have the means to resolve it?
However, the test with the tea just now made Xu Hongzhu reassess him.
This Lin Beichen was too calm, to a degree that was difficult to understand.
Her Phoenix Club exuded oppressiveness from every corner; even billionaires felt pressured the first time they came, but this person remained completely at ease, even tranquil.
Such a person was either a hidden dragon in the depths or exceedingly arrogant.
Based on her assessment of human nature, this person likely belonged to the former category.
"Could it be that this person has a significant background but doesn’t belong to my circle?"
Xu Hongzhu frowned slightly, but only for a moment before relaxing.
Which circle Lin Beichen belonged to didn’t matter; as long as he was in the south, no circle was larger than hers.
And in her circle, she was at the highest level.
Various circles formed a power pyramid, and she was at the center of the top. No matter what means others used, they ultimately had to come and pay their respects to her if they wanted to establish themselves in the south.
If she didn’t nod, they couldn’t establish a foothold in the south.
"Mr. Lin, feel free to relax. This is our place, among our own people."
Xu Hongzhu casually said, then told everyone not to be restrained and to chat freely.
At Phoenix Club, Xu Hongzhu’s words were like an Imperial Decree. As soon as she spoke, everyone immediately relaxed.
Lin Beichen silently observed and found this circle very interesting.
Aside from Xu Hongzhu, Luo Meixiang and Zhang Changhuai held the highest statuses. Especially Zhang Changhuai, perhaps due to being male, had a deep-seated yearning for power. In any situation, he always wanted to assert his authority.
Even though Xu Hongzhu’s status was more prestigious, he always found ways to subtly hint at his presence, hoping to attract attention.
"Huadu wants to expand its territory. I heard they plan to expand. Can West Province be incorporated?"
"That’s unlikely. West Province is too close to Yunzhou and too far from Huadu. Forcibly taking it would still leave its economy under Yunzhou’s influence, ultimately benefitting Yunzhou instead."
"The authorities plan to rezone. Based on Huadu’s plans, expansion and mergers are inevitable. I have an uncle in the Imperial Capital; perhaps he can provide some updates."
The topics discussed here were unlike those in ordinary circles. They didn’t talk about women, sports cars, or property, but directly tackled high-level planning for the Dragon Country, even some confidential information.
Wang Tianbang’s discussions spanned strategic plans for the next decade, projecting an extraordinary presence.
Zheng Konglian spoke seldom, but each comment cut through the fog, presenting clear insights and occasionally revealing internal documents that hinted at deep mystery.
Zhou Yixian always connected his discussions to finance and economics, merging various perspectives that often led to moments of enlightenment for the listeners.
Zhang Changhuai spoke even less, but his few words commanded serious respect.
As for Xu Hongzhu, she said very little from beginning to end. But when she did speak, her words could immediately shift the atmosphere, clearly the true decision-maker of the group.
Seeing the topic shifting to high-level planning and finding no opening to interject, Lin Beichen sat quietly, sipping his tea.
Jin Chuchu glanced around, feeling a bit bored. She waved slightly and took the initiative to approach Lin Beichen.