Chapter 13: The Embarrassing Tongkat Ali

Section 1/3

“Section Chief Wang is straightforward. When feelings run deep, you down it in one gulp; when shallow, just a lick. Come, to deepen our bond, cheers.”

Having said that, He Shinian drained both glasses in one fierce swallow.

After finishing, he flipped the cups upside down—no drop escaped.

Seeing He Shinian so vigorous, Wang Dongge felt some regret for provoking him.

Wang Dongge’s expression soured, but after biting his lip, he also downed two glasses.

Immediately, his once flushed face turned purple, his complexion becoming unpleasant.

He hurriedly rose and dashed wildly toward the restroom.

Everyone present burst into hearty laughter.

“Everyone, focus on the dishes, not just watching us drink,” He Shinian calmly remarked without changing expression.

Wang Dongge retched in the restroom for more than ten minutes before the sounds gradually ceased.

When he emerged, his face had gone from purple to deathly pale.

In contrast, He Shinian remained composed and carefree, chatting with ease.

Watching this unfold, Meng Fan, who had been observing quietly, couldn’t help but think to himself before saying, “Secretary He, I’ll also toast to you.”

“First, thank you for treating us all to dinner.”

“Second, welcome to the County Party Committee. Now that you’re here, the burden on my shoulders will lighten.”

He Shinian poured himself more wine and replied, “Section Chief Meng is a senior; the work of Section One can’t do without you. I’m just a newcomer here to learn and improve.”

As He Shinian had anticipated, everyone except Tian Mi returned the toast.

Including what he had returned, He Shinian had already consumed about half a liter.

Even with his strong tolerance, he was slightly tipsy.

Meanwhile, Wang Dongge reclined in his chair, utterly unwilling to continue.

The banquet lasted over an hour, leaving everyone feeling warmed and closer.

At the same time, the group gained a new understanding and opinion of He Shinian: formidable drinking capacity, calm and steady, neither rushed nor irritable.

When they went downstairs to pay, Wang Dongge was mostly sober.

He approached, draping an arm over He Shinian’s shoulder.

From his pocket, he produced a black card and proudly waved it before He Shinian’s eyes.

“Secretary He, I won’t take advantage of you today. I have a Silver Dragon VIP card here, which gets me a 30% discount.”

Section 2/3

Without waiting for a reply, he slammed the Silver Dragon card onto the cashier’s counter and shouted, “Settle the bill.”

The beautiful cashier, seeing the card, immediately adopted a respectful attitude and swiped it through the machine.

Beep!

She swiped it again; the same sound echoed.

“I’m sorry, sir, your Silver Dragon card has expired and cannot be used for discounts.”

“What?”

Wang Dongge’s eyes widened, his face turning sour. He scolded, “Impossible! I’ve only used this card for three months. How could it expire? Is your machine broken?”

The cashier replied coolly, “It shows here the card was canceled a week ago.”

At this, Wang Dongge’s eyes bulged.

A week ago was precisely when his position as the County Party Committee Secretary’s aide was revoked.

Those sons of bitches—when I was powerful, they fawned over me.

Now that I’ve lost favor, they cancel my Silver Dragon card immediately.

He now understood the situation.

But with so many watching, if he let it go, he would lose face completely today.

Embarrassed by drinking!

Embarrassed at paying the bill!

With this thought, Wang Dongge promptly called the manager, barking, “Ma Sanyou, what’s your meaning? Why cancel my Silver Dragon card?”

On the other end, the manager said something, but Wang Dongge, growing impatient, shouted, “I don’t want to hear your excuses. Come to the front desk now.”

He hung up with a bang.

Soon after, Ma Sanyou waddled over, his large belly leading the way.

“Ma Sanyou, I’ve only had this card for three months. What right do you have to cancel it? Restore it immediately!”

Ma Sanyou regarded him as if he were a fool.

“It’s like this,” he explained, “we have issued too many Silver Dragon cards, exceeding the system’s limit. Hence, some had to be canceled. We hope you understand, Section Chief Wang.”

Hearing this, everyone realized what was going on, and Wang Dongge’s face darkened.

When he was still the secretary, he enjoyed the Silver Dragon card.

Now that he’s not, naturally, he cannot have those privileges.

Ma Sanyou’s words were tactful, giving Wang a face-saving exit without being blunt.

But Wang Dongge, fueled by alcohol, continued cursing, “Ma Sanyou, cut the crap. I only want to know if I can get that 30% discount today.”

Ma Sanyou shook his head. “Sorry, Section Chief Wang. This is company policy; I’m powerless.”

Section 3/3

“You…” Wang Dongge’s face flushed red instantly.

Since He Shinian was treating, not wanting to embarrass everyone, he stepped forward and said, “Let’s pay the bill without a discount.”

Then he took out his bank card and handed it over.

But he kept cursing, “Son of a bitch, opportunist, sycophant…”

Ma Sanyou’s expression changed, saying, “Section Chief Wang, please watch your words. Dongling Pavilion is not a place where anyone can act unruly.”

Wang Dongge wanted to continue his tirade but was stopped by He Shinian.

“Section Chief Wang, I’m treating today. If I say no discount, then no discount. I appreciate your kindness.”

At that moment, Wang Dongge suddenly remembered something.

He continued, “Ma Sanyou, open your eyes wide and take a good look. This gentleman here is the new County Party Committee Secretary’s aide, He Shinian. If you won’t show me face, what about his?”

Hearing this, Ma Sanyou was startled and looked at He Shinian, instantly beaming with joy.

“Ah, Secretary He, my apologies. I’m Ma Sanyou, the manager here.”

He Shinian wanted to keep a low profile and finish paying quickly.

Being watched by so many, it wouldn’t look good if this got out.

“Bill, swipe the card.”

Ma Sanyou stepped forward immediately.

“Secretary He, since this is your first visit to Dongling Pavilion, please forgive our oversight. Today’s meal is on me.”

He then told the beautiful cashier, “Make this gentleman a Silver Dragon card. In the future, all projects and services here will be at a 30% discount.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Dongge’s face turned as black as coal.

He once enjoyed such lofty treatment too.

But He Shinian’s arrival completely shattered his vanity and dignity.

At this thought, a look of bitter resentment and hatred toward He Shinian appeared in Wang Dongge’s eyes.

He Shinian, however, was unmoved.

“No need. I can afford this meal myself, so there’s no need for Manager Ma to spend extra. Just charge the full amount.”

In the end, under He Shinian’s insistence, Dongling Pavilion charged the full price.

They offered He Shinian a Silver Dragon card, but he, adhering to the principle of no reward without merit, declined.

Some people carry a big ego, like Wang Dongge.

But today’s events taught He Shinian a lesson: what truly makes someone arrogant is the power they wield or the power behind them.

The person alone is nothing.