Chapter 596 - 596 585


596: Chapter 585 596: Chapter 585 After chatting with everyone on stage for a bit, Xu Hongxing had someone move the chairs to one side, and the central area was suddenly cleared.


Those who had been playing music on the deck now entered, and they joined up with those playing music in the hall to form a small symphony orchestra.


In no time, the sound of singing filled the air.


In the center of the hall, many young men dressed in little vests and white shirts stepped up, as well as some women who, despite wearing the same type of little vests, were in short skirts.


These were professional dancers, hired especially to liven up the atmosphere.


Anyone who felt like dancing could get up and join them.


Of course, if your skills were good enough, or if you were charming enough, taking one of them home for a ‘personal encore’ at the end of the evening wasn’t impossible.


However, any overly bold moves at this point would be considered disrespectful to Xu Hongxing.


Song Yun was led to one side by Xu Hongxing, where the pillar of Sunan was chatting with a few people.


“Zhang SJ, thanks so much for coming tonight,” Xu Hongxing said with a smile.


“Zhang SJ?


Mr.


Xu, how many times must I tell you?


I’m one of your juniors.


You were fighting on the battlefield when I was still just a little brat.


Just call me Xiao Zhang,” Zhang Jakuo said earnestly as he took Xu Hongxing’s hand.


“Haha, we must have the proper manners.


Song Yun, you really should thank him.


He’s been a big help to you.”


Song Yun, of course, knew what Xu Hongxing meant by a big help and nodded, saying, “Thank you for your help, Zhang SJ.


I certainly won’t let you down.”


“Haha, are you calling me that too?


Just call me Uncle Zhang, or Uncle Zhang; we’re not strangers here.


I was good brothers with your dad,” said Zhang Jakuo, releasing Xu Hongxing’s hand and grasping Song Yun’s instead.


This made Song Yun wonder if all these big shots liked to shake hands.


The people around had thought that Song Yun represented the Song Family’s influence, and Zhang Jakuo was a local big shot.


Both were big figures, and there could have been a spark of tension between them.


Yet, the big shot Zhang unexpectedly showed a lot of support for Song Yun, even proactively reaching out to shake his hand.


Although it was a simple gesture, the goodwill it conveyed was felt by many.


“In that case, I’ll call you Uncle Zhang.


I’m still young after all.


Calling you ‘Uncle’ might make you feel younger,” Song Yun said, chuckling.


“Oh?


Is it bad for me to be younger?


Or are you cursing me for being old?” Zhang Jakuo feigned anger.


“In our circles, people aim to be ‘energetic despite old age,’ right?


Youthfulness indicates inexperience,” Song Yun explained.


“Haha, why do you say that?” asked Zhang Jakuo.


“Didn’t a 29-year-old city manager just get appointed recently?


Some think he’s too young and must have strong connections or background.


Yet many of these ideas are baseless assumptions.


Maybe he’s genuinely outstanding and has earned his position through merit.


Without proper investigation, people shouldn’t make accusations.


I think it’s quite unfair to him.


If he were 39, no one would be spreading these rumors.


To some, youthfulness seems unreliable and inexperienced,” Song Yun said.


“You have a point there,” acknowledged Zhang Jakuo.


“Looks like the young man has his own thoughts.


I remember when I first saw you, you were just a greenhorn.


It’s only been a few months, and you’ve grown so much.


There’s a saying that ‘the Song Family produces prodigies,’ and it seems to be true, haha.”


“It’s all thanks to your caring mentorship that I’ve achieved even this little,” Song Yun said modestly.


“Hehe, young man, too much humility is pride.


Alright, I have to go now.


Mr.


Xu, you guys keep talking.”


“There you go, leaving after just saying that.


Well, you’ve said so much to Song Yun, let’s not be strangers.


From now on, I’ll call you Xiao Zhang, is that fine?”


“Of course, of course, haha, Mr.


Xu, I’m leaving,” Zhang Jakuo said as he walked out.


Naturally, Xu Hongxing accompanied him, along with other big shots.


Their boss had left, so it wasn’t proper for them to stay around either.


“How do you feel, Song Yun?” Li Shishi walked over and asked with a smile.


“Not bad.


I find the Sunan locals quite agreeable—nothing overwhelming or terribly imposing,” Song Yun said.


“And of course, I don’t feel nervous or pressured in their presence.”


“Hehe, Zhang Jakuo is actually still quite youthful.


My grandfather and Mr.


Song really value him,” Li Shishi said.


“Zhang Jakuo is from our area?” Song Yun asked.


“No.”


“Then why do they value him so much?”


“My grandfather and Mr.


Song are much more broad-minded and tolerant than you.


Even though Zhang Jakuo isn’t exactly one of us, Mr.


Song had gone to great lengths to cultivate him.


He’s known for getting real work done, you understand?” Li Shishi explained.


“Oh!


I get it,” Song Yun nodded.


As they were chatting, Xu Hongxing returned.


However, this time he was accompanied by a man in his forties, dressed in extraordinarily simple clothing—so plain that it was almost modest.


On the man’s feet were a pair of rubber-soled liberation shoes, now rarely seen.


Strangely, around his neck hung a thick gold chain, one that seemed more like a shackle than a piece of jewelry.


All of the guests could afford such a gold chain, but to wear it to such an event, especially one so crude and heavy, was odd.


If this man hadn’t entered with Xu Hongxing, someone would likely have burst into laughter.


“Song Yun, come, let me introduce you,” Xu Hongxing said.


“This is the person from the Song Family whom Mr.


Song has sent to assist you in managing the Song Family’s industries.”


“Haha, Song Yun, I’ve been wanting to meet you,” the newcomer said with a laugh as he stepped forward and hugged Song Yun.


Song Yun was taken aback by the man’s enthusiasm and stammered, “Uh, who are you?”


“Me?


Although you haven’t seen me, I’m sure you’ve heard of me!” said the man with the gold chain, smiling.


“Some of your business dealings were instructed by me and conducted with that kid Zhao Yan.”


“You are!!!” Song Yun’s eyes widened, “Song Tieniu?”


“Haha, that’s right, it’s me.


How about that, my reputation precedes me, huh?!!” Song Tieniu laughed proudly.


“Indeed, it’s thunderous!” Song Yun said sincerely.