Jenny exchanged pleasantries and saw the investors off. They quickly dispersed.
Zheng Jianshi, a friend of Ding Yuanying, though living in the same city as Jenny, was not familiar with her. It was the private equity fund that brought them together. He courteously said to Jenny, "Miss Jenny, we're leaving too. I'm hosting a farewell dinner for Yuanying tonight and would be honored if you could join us."
Jenny politely declined, "Thank you, but I have other engagements tonight. I will see him off at the airport tomorrow."
Zheng Jianshi nodded, "Very well, see you tomorrow then. We'll take our leave."
With that, Zheng Jianshi, Li Zhijiang, and an assistant left.
Jenny quietly instructed her assistant, who also departed.
The meeting room was left with only Jenny, Ding Yuanying, and Xiao Yawen.
Jenny suggested, "Let's go to the bar."
As they walked to the bar, Jenny asked, "Are you buying records this time?"
Ding Yuanying replied, "I bought over sixty."
Jenny asked, "Can you remember all the records you have?"
Ding Yuanying shrugged, "I often buy duplicates, but it's my only hobby, so it doesn't matter."
Talking, they arrived at the bar on the fourth floor, a place best described by two words: luxurious.
This bar, consisting of six themed sections like the art bar and the passion bar, offered diverse atmospheres through design, decor, and music. Each section was distinct yet harmoniously integrated, making it a delightful experience to sip European wine amidst such elegant, romantic, and opulent surroundings.
At this hour, the bar was not crowded. Jenny chose a secluded spot for the three of them. A waiter in his thirties approached, and Jenny gave him a few instructions. Shortly after, he brought the wine and glassware, along with a box of ladies' cigarettes and an exquisite lighter.
Seeing the bottle, Ding Yuanying casually asked, "What's the occasion?"
The bottle, priced over 10,000 Deutsche Marks (around 40,000 RMB), was a Louis XIII Diamond Brandy by Remy Martin, a prized vintage in a crystal-engraved decanter, with a diamond embedded in the crystal stopper, symbolizing its collection value and the owner's prestige.
Jenny opened the bottle and poured three glasses, saying, "I'm sorry, but I have to follow the rules."
Ding Yuanying lit a cigarette from a pack of 555 and said, "If it's the rule, there's no need to apologize. I should thank you. Without your guarantee, I wouldn't have raised a single Mark."
Jenny, also lighting a cigarette, replied, "If I thought there was a risk, I wouldn't have guaranteed it, nor would Han Chufeng and the others. You made us all money; that's what matters."
Jenny, holding her cigarette in her left hand, raised her glass with her right and gestured to Ding Yuanying and Xiao Yawen. Ding Yuanying raised his glass in return, and the three of them took a sip.
Thus, this cherished bottle of wine fulfilled its purpose in the most unceremonious manner.
At that moment, Jenny's assistant approached, placing an envelope on the table and saying, "Eight thousand dollars."
Jenny nodded and dismissed the assistant.
Refilling their glasses, Jenny asked, "Why are you doing this?"
Ding Yuanying, apologetic, replied, "No particular reason. I just want some peace for a while... It even sounds like an excuse to me."
Jenny laughed, "You're not as talkative as you were at Berlin University."
Ding Yuanying said, "I don't want people to see me as a lunatic. Besides, this is a topic I, as a Chinese, am reluctant to discuss with foreigners. Please forgive me."
Jenny, with her cigarette between her lips, looked at Ding Yuanying, her fingers pressed to her mouth. Her gaze remained puzzled, still a question mark she couldn't resolve.