Rebirth 1990: Rise of the Tycoon

You owe me an apology.Part 17

Lu Feng looked at her and extended his hand, saying, "Hello!"

"No need for introductions. Just sit down!" Wang Lan turned her head away, not even sparing Lu Feng a glance.

Jiang Xiaoyan glanced at Lu Feng and whispered, "Don't cause any trouble for me, alright?"

After saying that, she sat next to Xiao Li, holding Duo Duo in her arms. Lu Feng noticed Wang Lan's attitude and thought to himself, So what if you have a bit of money? In my previous life, I had billions and didn't act this arrogant.

Still, considering Jiang Xiaoyan's position, since Wang Lan was her factory supervisor, he didn't want to make things difficult for her. He said nothing and quietly took a seat.

"Xiaoyan, you should toast Sister Lan later. This is a good opportunity, understand?" Xiao Li whispered.

Jiang Xiaoyan nodded and thanked her. She hadn't even been invited to today's gathering; it was Xiao Li who had taken the liberty to bring her along.

The women chatted quietly, occasionally casting glances toward Lu Feng. The table was already set with some cold dishes. Duo Duo, wide-eyed, stared at the sea buckthorn pear dessert in front of her and kept tugging at Jiang Xiaoyan's clothes.

"You need to behave yourself," Jiang Xiaoyan scolded her.

Duo Duo obediently stopped fidgeting, simply staring at the dessert. Lu Feng, seeing her eager expression, reached over and picked her up.

"Do you want to eat this?" Lu Feng asked.

Duo Duo looked at the dessert and nodded, then shook her head.

"Do you want it or not?"

"I want it, but Mom won't let me. I have to be good," Duo Duo said as she leaned her little head against Lu Feng's chest.

Lu Feng chuckled, picked up his chopsticks, and fed her a piece. The others at the table frowned and whispered among themselves.

"What poor manners!"

"What kind of behavior can you expect from a nobody like him?"

"If I'd known this family was coming, I wouldn't have bothered showing up. It's so degrading!"

"Exactly. Why don't we pack them some leftovers and send them home to eat?"

The snide remarks reached Jiang Xiaoyan's ears. She turned and lightly slapped Lu Feng, apologizing to the group with an embarrassed expression.

At that moment, a man in his thirties, dressed in a suit and exuding authority, walked up the stairs.

"My husband is here," He Zhen said, standing up and waving.

The man approached and greeted Wang Lan politely, "Sister Lan, you're here too."

"Let me introduce everyone. This is my husband; he's a section chief at a state-owned enterprise—nothing too impressive!" He Zhen said modestly, though her face radiated pride. Her demeanor grew even more smug when she looked at Jiang Xiaoyan.

He Zhen introduced everyone one by one. When it came to Lu Feng, she dismissively said, "This is the husband of one of our factory workers. Let's sit."

Section Chief Niu glanced at Lu Feng, his expression revealing curiosity. It was clear He Zhen had spoken about Lu Feng at home more than once.

"Director Sun and General Manager Zheng are also coming. Let's have the hot dishes served. It's rare to get together like this," Section Chief Niu said, then turned to Wang Lan and asked, "Why isn't Director Zhao here?"

"He's been busy at the company these days. He'll probably arrive a bit later."

Before long, two men arrived. One was burly—Director Sun, Li Jiaoyue's husband. The other was shorter with a large belly—General Manager Zhao, Wei Jiajia's husband.

With the arrival of their spouses, the table grew lively, filled with small talk and pleasantries. Only Jiang Xiaoyan, Xiao Li, and Lu Feng seemed out of place.

"What's General Manager Zhao's business?"

"Not much of a business. I'm close to losing tens of thousands this year. Director Sun's business, on the other hand, is a sure thing."

"Is that Jiang Xiaoyan's husband? Dressed like that? I heard he's completely supported by his wife."

"Still shameless enough to come and freeload. People like him have thick skin."

Their muttered remarks weren't loud, but at a table this size, everyone could hear them. Jiang Xiaoyan's face turned pale. She lowered her head, pretending not to hear. Lu Feng, holding Duo Duo, leaned back in his chair, watching the group coldly. He was curious to see how much of a sense of superiority these so-called bosses had.

"What are you all talking about, gentlemen?" Lu Feng suddenly asked.

The group froze, surprised that Lu Feng had dared to speak, especially with such an assertive tone.

General Manager Zheng sneered, the fat on his face trembling as he said, "Just talking about some business matters. Where does Mr. Lu make his fortune?"

The women burst into laughter at the sarcastic use of "Mr. Lu," as if it were the funniest joke they'd heard all night.

"Not much of a fortune. I just started a small factory," Lu Feng replied casually.

"Pfft!"

He Zhen couldn't help but laugh. The others chuckled too, and the atmosphere at the table turned jovial. Even Xiao Li frowned and whispered, "Xiaoyan, tell your husband to say less. Don't embarrass himself."

Jiang Xiaoyan quietly pinched Lu Feng's hand, giving him a warning look, but he acted as if he didn't notice.

"Mr. Lu sure is ambitious. I've heard so much about you. With someone like you starting a factory, it must mean even a dog with a bone could start one too," Director Sun said with a smirk.

The table erupted in laughter again. Xiao Li joined in awkwardly, unwilling to offend the group for Jiang Xiaoyan's sake. Wang Lan smiled at Lu Feng as though he were the evening's biggest joke.

Lu Feng's face darkened. Staring at Director Sun, he said, "You owe me an apology. Take back what you just said."

The laughter abruptly stopped, leaving an awkward silence. Li Jiaoyue was the first to feel embarrassed. Her husband had merely been teasing; how dare this man demand an apology?

"What did you just say?" Director Sun asked, furious. "Say that again if you've got the guts."

Jiang Xiaoyan panicked, gripping Lu Feng's hand tightly and whispering, "What are you saying? Apologize quickly! These people aren't the kind we can afford to provoke."

Lu Feng ignored her, looking calm as he raised his hand and pointed at Director Sun. "You owe me an apology. Take back what you said."

"You're asking for it, aren't you?" Director Sun roared, standing up. "Who the hell do you think you are, pointing your finger at me? You're just a poor nobody!"

"Jiang Xiaoyan, what's the meaning of this?" Li Jiaoyue snapped.

Jiang Xiaoyan was on the verge of tears. She stood and bowed repeatedly. "I'm so sorry. He...he's had a bit to drink. Please don't mind him..."

Lu Feng pushed Jiang Xiaoyan back into her seat and said, "I haven't had anything to drink. So what? Does being poor mean I deserve your ridicule?"

"Oh, you're quite bold, eating at someone else's table and acting all high and mighty, huh, Mr. Lu?" Wang Lan chimed in. "Let's hear more about your factory. How big is it? What does it produce? Enlighten us. Everyone, let's give Mr. Lu a round of applause."

Wang Lan's words set the tone, and Director Sun couldn't help but follow her lead. The table filled with sarcastic clapping and mocking laughter.

Jiang Xiaoyan was on edge, feeling like she was sitting on pins and needles. Calling him "Mr. Lu" was clearly setting him up for public humiliation.