Chapter 540 Basic Manners
Seeing that Nan Chen was going ballistic again, Ning Ran tried to appease the situation.
“I didn’t mean to say that you are narrow-minded. If that’s the case, you wouldn’t be where you are today. How could you reach the pinnacle of your career by being conventional, right? I was saying that those who don’t know you would misunderstand your actions and have the perception that you have a parochial attitude toward things and people.”
Luckily, she justified herself in time and managed to calm Nan Chen down.
“I’m not competing with Huang Zichao. How can I possibly do so when he’s not even worth it?” Nan Chen denied it resolutely.
Clapping, Ning Ran assured him, “That’s right! He’s only an actor, whereas you’re his boss. Both of you are clearly not from the same level. There’s no need for you to compare yourself to him. If you do so, people will really think that you’re narrow-minded and lack confidence.”
“Stop saying I lack confidence!” Nan Chen roared as he felt infuriated.
“You’re confident! Relax, I’m just stating an example.” Ning Ran smiled while he remained silent.
Actually, he really took her words to heart, for she was very convincing.
Although Nan Chen was a domineering person who set his sights on big goals, he knew very well that an exceptional leader had to exemplify humility and be willing to listen to advice. To him, that was basic mannerism.
No one was perfect. No matter how brilliant a leader was, he might have moments where he failed to think things through or resolved a matter poorly.
Hence, it was important for the leader to accept other suggestions and alternatives in order to break through his own limitations.
Nan Chen knew that if he ignored the advice, he would bear negative consequences.
All in all, he was not the type who was unreasonable and as stubborn as a mule.
However, his high self-esteem did not allow him to change his mind immediately, even though he was already convinced.
In the end, he chose to be silent, like how he always acted.
Ning Ran knew him like the palm of her hand. She could sense that his stance had already been shaken.
“Please let the scriptwriter make amendments to it. You gave me this golden opportunity to star in a movie, so I really don’t want my first to be my last. How embarrassing can that be!” Ning Ran said with emotions.
Saying nothing, Nan Chen waved his hands to get her to leave the room.
Had it been someone else, they might continue to argue with him until he said yes.
However, Ning Ran was smart enough to know when to push the button and when to stop. She knew that he would make his own decision soon.
Whatever it is, I don’t want to keep bugging him and annoy him at my own expense. It’s best I just leave it like that.
Nan Xing accompanied Ouyang Qing to have fun at the Orchid Club without knowing that the club was the Ouyang family’s headquarters in Flower City.
The latter invited several of her friends from Flower City to the club in order to prove that the former was her boyfriend.
Tang Jing was not invited because Ouyang Qing treated her as a follower, not even an acquaintance.
All those who were present came from well-to-do families.
Nan Xing did not mind a gathering like that since he liked to have a jolly good time anyway, regardless of the place.
While they were having fun, Ouyang Qing approached him unexpectedly and dropped him a bombshell. “My dad wants to meet you.”
Taken aback, he asked, “You bring your dad along to parties? Are you looking for a mistress for him?”
“Shut up! Stop spewing nonsense. You are my boyfriend, so isn’t it natural for my dad to want to see you?” Ouyang Qing was mad.
“I’m not close to your dad. Also, he doesn’t seem to like me. I don’t think there’s a need for us to meet up, right?” Nan Xing asked.
“We’re going to be together for a long time, so meeting my family is part of the package. My dad came all the way to see you, and yet you’re unwilling to meet up with him?”
Nan Xing was tremendously surprised. “He’s already here?”
“Yes. In fact, he’s here at the club. There’s someone waiting for you outside. Once you head out, my dad’s subordinate will lead you to him.”
After mulling over, Nan Xing stood up and replied casually, “All right, please excuse me now, for I need to go meet Mr. Ouyang.”
“Wow, your father-in-law is here? Is it time for marriage talks?” One of Ouyang Qing’s friends posted a question that made her blush instantly.
“It’s nothing serious and only a casual meet-up. It’s too early, anyway.”
Nan Xing ignored Ouyang Qing’s coquettish reaction and stepped out of the room.
Just as he was told, a man-in-black was already waiting for him at the entrance. “Mr. Xing, this way, please.”
Upon going through the complicated passageway, they arrived at another door.
Two young men wearing the staff uniform gestured for him to enter the room behind them.
Nan Xing pushed the door open and stepped foot into a humongous lounge. The layout and interior design were simply magnificent, giving the impression that he was in a palace.
Nan Xing was no stranger to Orchid Club, the vintage club in Flower City. Though he had been there way too many times, he had never once come across such a spacious and luxurious lounge.
Ouyang Duo wore a white shirt and a black waistcoat, looking dapper on the black leather couch.
“Hi, Mr. Ouyang.” Nan Xing bowed and greeted his senior respectfully.
“Yes. Are you Nan Chen or Nan Xing?” Ouyang Duo queried.
Duh! Isn’t that obvious? He’s the one who wants to see me. I’m sure he knows if I’m Nan Chen or Nan Xing.
Nonetheless, he answered succinctly, “Nan Xing.”
“I see. Please have a seat. What drink would you like?” Ouyang Duo asked.
“Red wine, please,” Nan Xing blurted.
“Youngsters should drink hard liquor. The brandy is quite nice. Here, try some.”
As he spoke, he poured a glass for Nan Xing.
According to social norms, Nan Xing should be the one serving his elder instead of the other way around. This made him feel uneasy.
Is he planning on poisoning me because I caused his daughter to be sad?
“Actually, Mr. Ouyang, I already have a lot to drink just now. Moreover, I don’t drink white cognac,” Nan Xing declined politely.
“Are you rejecting the liquor I serve you?” Ouyang Duo questioned him.
Must I drink what you prepare for me? What if you put poison in it? Must I bottoms up?
“That’s not what I meant. It’s just that I had downed a lot of glasses, and I can’t have anymore. If I were to continue drinking, it’d be the end of me. I’d humiliate myself by puking in front of you.” Nan Xing chuckled.
“That’s fine. Just have a little bit as we chit-chat. Oh, you aren’t worried about being poisoned, are you?” Ouyang Duo arched his brow.
“Absolutely not! Why would such a silly thing come across my mind.” Nan Xing quickly waved his hands.
“Then, drink it.” Ouyang Duo pointed at the wine glass.
“I really can’t drink anymore. Plus, this is too much. Mr. Ouyang, could you help me with it?”
He took an empty glass and distributed the drink evenly into two glasses.
If you dare to drink it, I promise to do the same. If you don’t, then why should I? Do you think that I was born yesterday?
Suddenly, Ouyang Duo broke out into laughter, which confused Nan Xing.
“Rumor has it that Nan Chen is the only outstanding man in the Nan family. I bet you’re not too bad if compared to him. After going in circles, you still hold your suspicions strongly. That’s fantastic! It’s not a bad thing to be alert and keep your guards up. Leave it if you don’t feel like drinking.” Ouyang Duo smirked.
“I wasn’t wary of you. Honestly speaking, I’ve reached my drinking limits for the day. The next time we meet, I’ll definitely treat you to a drink, Mr. Ouyang.” Nan Xing tried his best to cover up his embarrassment.
“Sure! Let’s get into the topic. What’s your plan for the future?”
