Leveling Up With My Pet

Zhao Yanhong's eyes widened in astonishment as she observed Manager Du engrossed in conversation with Liu Yong, his enthusiasm palpable. The sudden transformation left her perplexed, her mind racing with questions.

But apart from this bewildering scenario, her thoughts were an empty canvas, devoid of clarity or direction. She couldn't fathom the reason behind Manager Du's animated discussion with Liu Yong, nor could she discern the underlying motives.

However, for Liu Yong, comprehending Manager Du's intentions was a walk in the park. To him, it was a step-down, a downgrade he couldn't afford to take. A subtle smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he replied, "No, I find it more convenient to use my private plane."

Manager Du was momentarily taken aback, a brief lapse in his cognitive faculties before fully processing the implication of Liu Yong's response. His inner turmoil was evident, the realization that he might have just hosted guests with private jets dawning on him.

Regaining his composure, Manager Du ventured, "Mr. Liu, do you have any particular preferences when it comes to tour guides?"

Liu Yong, on the other hand, remained unfazed, suggesting, "I think Xiao Ai would be an excellent choice for our journey."

This recommendation caught Manager Du off guard once more, and he was tempted to caution Liu Yong about Xiao Ai's relatively young age and potentially limited experience.

But Liu Yong preempted him, his tone unwavering, "Is there an issue? If Xiao Ai agrees to be our tour guide, I'd be more than willing to tip her 50,000 yuan personally."

Fifty thousand yuan, a substantial sum to most, was a trifle to Liu Yong. He believed it was a modest investment to secure Xiao Ai's unwavering commitment and enthusiasm throughout their journey.

Manager Du and Xiao Ai found themselves in a state of disbelief. Xiao Ai, in particular, was overcome with gratitude and astonishment as she replied, "Mr. Liu, thank you! I promise to make your journey unforgettable."

Seeing the situation unfold, Manager Du interjected, "Mr. Liu, Xiao Ai is an excellent choice. She led a group on a successful tour of Tibet last year."

With no objections, Liu Yong sealed the deal, producing a substantial bundle of crisp banknotes from his bag. A hundred thousand yuan in total, of which he promptly handed half to Xiao Ai, saying, "This is for you, Xiao Ai."

Xiao Ai accepted the 50,000 yuan with excitement and gratitude, the most substantial tip she had ever received in her two-year career as a tour guide. "Thank you so much, Mr. Liu! I'm genuinely thrilled!"

Liu Yong then handed the remaining 50,000 yuan to Manager Du, declaring it a deposit. This financial assurance left Manager Du overjoyed, reinforcing his belief that he was dealing with a man who owned a private jet.

As Liu Yong departed with Li Changle, the youth travel agency buzzed with commotion. Conversations erupted among the staff.

"It's incredible, a true high-roller! Money's no object to him!"

"Xiao Ai hit the jackpot with that 50,000 yuan tip!"

"I wish I had that kind of luck!"

Such discussions inevitably reached Zhao Yanhong's ears, making her uneasy and regretful. She had initially assumed that the 50,000 yuan would come her way, but instead, it had slipped through her fingers and into Xiao Ai's hands.

The change in her colleagues' attitudes added to Zhao Yanhong's discomfort. Their once enthusiastic greetings had evolved into curious, probing glances.

In a different part of the city, at the port, the "Blue Whale" ship completed its voyage successfully, securing its place at the pier's edge. Crew members began unloading the black alloy rods onto awaiting trucks.

Xin Feiwen, standing tall and proud, observed the operation with a sense of accomplishment. He was joined by several key figures from the Global Specialty Materials Group, all of whom couldn't contain their excitement.

"Mr. Xin, there are 200 pieces in total, a whopping 4,000 tons! This is exhilarating!"

"I can already imagine how word will spread, and tool manufacturers will flock here once they learn the news!"

"Let's do the math: at 10 million yuan per ton, that's 40 billion yuan! Such a windfall!"

Xin Feiwen, grinning broadly, waved his hand dismissively. "Once these 4,000 tons of large bars are unloaded, we'll initiate the smelting and processing immediately."

One of his colleagues inquired, "Should we announce this news?"

Xin Feiwen leaned in, replying, "No need to announce it. They'll come running like moths to a flame."

His prediction proved remarkably accurate.

The following morning, Su Jie from the Huanghe Alloy Cutting Tool Group and his team arrived at the Global Special Materials Group headquarters. It seemed they had received wind of the situation.

"President Su, your information is remarkably up-to-date!"

Su Jie beamed, "We've been eagerly anticipating this moment. You finally have the goods we've been waiting for. We didn't need any invitation; we're here to purchase 300 tons!"

Xin Feiwen playfully quipped, "Boss Su, you don't find the price too steep, do you?"

Su Jie, momentarily taken aback, managed to hide his embarrassment, "Mr. Xin, you certainly have a sense of humor."

After some light banter, they got down to business. Xin Feiwen signaled for the contract, which was handed to Su Jie immediately. These contracts were standardized, used by all domestic tool manufacturers when purchasing black alloy, and required only signatures and seals to complete.

Su Jie perused the contract briefly, then signed and stamped it without hesitation. The sight of Xin Feiwen's signature and the official seal of the Universal Special Materials Group left him resolute in his decision.

Finally, he had acquired the elusive black alloy of his dreams.

Meanwhile, Xiao Ai, whose real name was Ailan and who had graduated from Huahai Tourism College, couldn't shake the surreal feeling that had engulfed her. Receiving a 50,000 yuan tip from a generous stranger had left her colleagues green with envy.

Today was the day of their departure, and she had become WeChat friends with Liu Yong, who had arranged for someone to escort her to the airport's Terminal 2 entrance.

Ailan arrived at the designated meeting point 20 minutes ahead of schedule.

"Are you Ms. Ailan?"

"Yes, I'm Ailan, Mr. Liu's tour guide."

"Follow me, Mr. Liu will join us shortly, and we can board the plane in the meantime."

As Ailan followed the airport staff member, her mind raced with anticipation.

"Mr. Liu really has a private jet. I wonder what kind of plane it is. Perhaps a small one, or maybe even a Gulfstream? China has quite a few Gulfstream private jets, reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Mr. Liu's plane might not be a Gulfstream, but it's surely impressive..."

She contemplated the possibilities as they entered the airport, with a whirlwind of thoughts filling her mind.