Zhou Maoda was in his forties, slightly overweight.
Perhaps it was the alcohol, or perhaps he was shaken by Shen Xi’s steady words, but he suddenly stumbled slightly and reached out to steady himself against the wall.
He slowly turned around, his gaze fixed directly on the woman in front of him, and walked towards the table.
Seeing that the dishes were already laid out on the table but untouched, he couldn't help but lower his gaze to Shen Xi in confusion, "You prepared this entire table of food, and you weren't waiting for me, were you?"
"You guessed correctly." Shen Xi smiled slightly and said warmly, "Director Zhou, please have a seat."
A hint of wariness flickered in Zhou Maoda's eyes as he slowly sat down opposite Shen Xi. "May I ask your surname, Miss?"
Taking out a business card from her bag, Shen Xi had Jian Fan hand it to him. Zhou Maoda took it and looked at it, then looked up at Shen Xi in surprise.
Indeed, one should not judge a book by its cover.
This plain-looking, slender, and tall young woman, who appeared to be no older than twenty, was actually the internationally renowned investor, Mia.
"My apologies, Miss Mia. I was disrespectful just now. Please forgive me!" Zhou Maoda stood up, bowing and scraping.
It seemed he had really drunk too much. How could he have made such a mistake earlier, judging a person's ability solely by their appearance?
"It's alright. Director Zhou, let's talk while we eat." Shen Xi smiled and raised her wine glass to him.
After Jian Fan poured the wine, she sat down on a chair near the door.
"I apologize, Miss Mia. I've already had quite a bit to drink tonight, and I fear if I continue drinking, I won't be able to discuss business with you properly," Zhou Maoda said with sincere eyes.
With his many years of business experience, he knew that when investors actively sought out investees, besides potential profits, there were usually other motives. He had to maintain some clarity.
"Alright. Then you drink water, and I'll drink wine." Shen Xi's eyes were clear as she readily raised her glass and took a small sip of white wine.
This sincerity moved Zhou Maoda greatly, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of solemn respect for her.
As they ate and talked, the two quickly got down to business.
"Director Zhou, I know your Kaifeng Group has been facing financial problems recently. I am willing to invest 30 million to help you through this difficult period." Shen Xi put down her chopsticks, her expression calm as she looked at him.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Maoda was so excited he almost fell off his chair, "Miss Mia, are you serious?"
"Of course, I'm always serious about investments. Moreover, I am very optimistic about the new energy industry," Shen Xi said with a slight smile.
"That's wonderful! Let me tell you, the new energy products our company produces..." Zhou Maoda enthusiastically introduced his company's products and development prospects to her.
Shen Xi listened to him very seriously. "Director Zhou, let's be direct. The reason I'm choosing to help your company at this time is that I have something I'd like to ask for your help with."
At this moment, Zhou Maoda, who was already dizzy from the unexpected windfall, quickly said, "Miss Mia, please just say it. As long as I can do it, I will absolutely go through fire and water without hesitation."
"Good." Shen Xi looked at him with bright eyes. "I want to know what exactly happened inside the company on the day that Hongrui Group's CEO, Yin Yuan, had his car accident five years ago."
As soon as these words were spoken, the water glass in Zhou Maoda's hand trembled, and a few drops of tea spilled onto the tablecloth, forming several round spots.
His mind immediately cleared up a bit. It seemed this Miss Mia was well-prepared and had done her homework on him.
"Miss Mia, may I ask what your relationship is with the Yin family, and why are you inquiring about this matter?"
Just then, Shen Xi's phone suddenly rang. She took it out and said to Zhou Maoda, "Director Zhou, excuse me, I need to take a call."
"Hello? What's wrong?"