Gu Qinglan stood outside the glass window and saw the harmonious atmosphere in the reception room. Several middle-aged men in suits nodded and smiled frequently. On the table, there were more than a dozen bottles of red wine and various types of wine glasses. It was evident that this collaboration was important. Zhong Qi and the department managers were all present, and both parties seemed to be satisfied.

After unremitting efforts during these days, Gu Qinglan finally memorized the stack of documents given to him by the secretary. If he wasn't mistaken, the executive from the Hengxing Hotel should be coming. AL had previously collaborated with them several times. Although the Hengxing Hotel was not a five-star hotel, it had numerous chain hotels nationwide. Once the contract was successful, the demand for orders would not be a small number.

The conversation was pleasant, but whether the two parties will renew the contract was ultimately not able to be finalized. Heng Xing expressed that the decision will be made next week.

Sure, here's the translation of the paragraph you provided: "Indeed, what Mr. Yan said was right. Hengxing is just here to put on a show... Gu Qinglan thought to herself."

After seeing off the clients, Nicole, the manager of the marketing department, said, "Judging from their expressions, Keep must have offered them a huge discount. Hengxing is still on the sidelines. If we don't make concessions... they will take away the order."

Gu Qinglan knew that the "Keep" she mentioned was also a well-known wine industry, and it had been AL's old rival. It's a case of "frenemies" in the same trade. The two companies have been competing since the previous generation, unwilling to give in to each other. However, it can be considered as healthy competition. But since the young owner, Zhai Shenshen, took over Keep, the situation has become severe.

Zhai Shenshen is known for his ruthless actions and strong business acumen. It is said that he is very formidable.

Sales Manager An from the sales department said again, "I can clearly see that they want to take a bite out of us."

Zhong Qi remained composed and said, "Don't worry. AL's wines have had stable sales for many years at the Hengxing Hotel, especially GC and PC's dry red and sweet white wines, which are the best sellers. Even if the guests can accept the taste from the new production area, they still need a large and continuous supply of these types of wines from the suppliers. And most of the red wines that Ke has exported from the winery this year are precisely these types. I don't think their current stock of mature red wines has the capacity to supply the Hengxing Hotel unless Zhai Shenshen willingly gives up their long-term cooperation with the loyal customers. Those people at Hengxing know more about this than we do."

"Why does Keep still dare to compete with AL for this contract? Isn't he afraid that Blood Star will really sign with him?"

Zhong Qi said, "If she didn't do that, she wouldn't be Zhai Shenshen."

Gu Qinglan listened to them talk on and on, feeling confused and drowsy, realizing that she indeed had a simple mind and had no idea what they were talking about...

"Qinglan?" Mr. Zhong finally noticed Gu Qinglan waiting outside when he entered the office.

Gu Qinglan lowered her head and looked at the meal card in her hand. Everyone was working hard and striving to create value for the company. In this case, it would really be embarrassing to ask the general manager to recharge her meal card.

Gu Qinglan, oh Gu Qinglan, why do you only know how to eat?

Mr. Yan is so well-protected that not even a pebble can fly towards him. He even has all his meals taken care of. This bodyguard job of his is truly relaxing. As for topping up his meal card, he'll have to handle that himself.

Zhongqi looked at the little bodyguard standing in front of him, dazed for half a minute. Then, as if suddenly enlightened, his eyes lit up, "Mr. Zhong, I'm alright now." After that, he swiftly left like the wind.

So, Zhong Qi made a phone call to Mr. Yan.

"Your little bodyguard just came and left with the meal card."

"...Mm, that's it."

It was indeed in perfect harmony, as Zhong Qi smiled with profound meaning, "You know that he is an Omega?"

Mr. Yan fell silent for a moment, then said, "Whether he is an Omega or a Beta, it doesn't affect his position in the company."

Zhong Qi's tone was soft as he said, "Mmmhmm, alright then."

"Don't try to be cute just because you're an Alpha."

Zhong Qiqing cleared his throat and lowered his voice, saying, "Please, this is called acting cute, William. You should go online and learn."

Mr. Yan has already hung up the phone.

The two of them have been good friends since they were young. Their mothers were close friends, so they became close friends as well. They even used the same brand of diapers. They were classmates in high school and remained so until they graduated from college. They could be called kindred spirits who truly understood each other.

The elders had originally planned for the two of them to get married if they both became Alpha and Omega. It was expected that Mr. Yan would transform into an Alpha, but surprisingly, the refined and gentle Mr. Zhong also transformed into an Alpha.

The elders' illusions were shattered. It is said that people of the same sex repel each other while opposite sexes attract each other. However, the relationship between Zhong Qi and Mr. Yan has become even closer. Perhaps without the gender barrier, their unrestrained friendship seems to indirectly imply that there truly is no possibility of emotional development between two Alphas.

Is that really the case?

As soon as Zhong Qi hung up the phone, his cellphone rang again with an unidentified incoming call.

"Hello." Zhong Qi's voice was gentle and soft.

"It's me." The cold and chilling voice sounded slightly muffled in the influence of electromagnetic waves.

Zhong Qi furrowed his brows and exclaimed, "Zhai Shenshen?"

"Um." The other party seems quite satisfied with being addressed like that.

"Do you need something?"

Mr. Zhong is a kind-hearted person, always meeting like-minded individuals wherever he goes. Can't I just greet him for a moment?

Zhong Qi helplessly said, "Mr. Zhai, it seems like our company and your company haven't had any collaborations before." Not only have they not collaborated, but the two of them often clashed due to business competition. In Zhong Qi's opinion, Zhai Shen Shen's methods were too ruthless and heartless, contradicting his own style.

"Today, it was you who went to AL to negotiate the contract on behalf of Heng Xing."

"I don't think I need to report to you." Zhong Qi's voice was somewhat indifferent, and he certainly didn't like Zhai Shen's arrogant attitude.

After a moment of silence, Zhong Qi was about to hang up the phone when he heard him say, "Save my number."

"No need, right? Unless something unexpected happens, I won't be calling you anymore."

"If nothing unexpected happens? Hehe, I'm afraid Mr. Zhong doesn't have a say in that."

Zhong Qi furrowed his brows, then hung up the phone.

Zhai Shenshen put down her phone and leaned back on the sofa, her elbow resting on the armrest. She absentmindedly rubbed her index finger between her thin lips, a touch of icy contentment appearing in her deep grey eyes. "Come on, my Mr. Zhong," she said with a hint of disdain.

"Huijie, could you please help me top up 500 yuan?" Gu Qinglan went to the office of the restaurant to find the cashier Auntie and give her the money.

Sister Hui glanced at him through her glasses and laughed, "Will this 500 yuan be enough for you to eat?"

"Top up first. We'll receive our salary in a few days, all because the master chef in the kitchen makes such delicious dishes."

"Alright then!" Sister Hui took the card and swiped it, looking at the computer screen. "What are you trying to top up with this card? It's already full!"

"Ah?" Gu Qinglan was taken aback. "What do you mean by 'it's full'?"

"The limit has been reached, no need to top up." Sister Hui returned the five hundred yuan to him.

Gù Qīnglán walked out of the cafeteria with a confused look on her face, wondering how her meal card could be fully loaded. She was certain that Mr. Zhong must have helped her with it.

Mr. Zhong is so righteous. I, Gu, am deeply moved, feeling all tingly inside.

Note: Both the Pearl Winery and the Flame Winery are fictional.

GC: Grand Crus, refers to the legally designated vineyards.

PC: Premier Crus, refers to the first class vineyard designated appellation.