Chapter 324: Is This a Twenty-Year-Old?

Zhou Ming remembered asking a seasoned friend in his past life, "How can you drink less or avoid drinking at a banquet?" The friend's answer was simple and straightforward: "You take the initiative to drink first."

This principle is quite simple. At a drinking table, everyone wants to make others drink more while they themselves drink less. By proactively offering drinks, you give others the impression that you can drink a lot and might even persuade others to drink more. This way, people might subconsciously avoid you when toasting or team up with you to toast others, which can help you drink less.

This approach, which involves outwardly seeming generous while actually manipulating the situation, was what Zhou Ming employed at the dinner with the engineering bureau officials.

On the surface, the dinner appeared to be a gesture of thanks to Zhou Ming. However, the real intention was to secure his help in future encounters with local criminal forces.

While this tactic may seem shameless, it reflects a common human behavior. As a foreign proverb goes: "When you help others in their time of need, not only do you receive their gratitude, but you also become someone they will turn to for help in future difficulties."

Zhou Ming's assistance to Luo Wei was based on his conscience and his involvement with Dai Jinshan, who had been a thorn in his side. Zhou Ming didn't see himself as a savior of the masses or a saint. Such acts were exceptional and not something he could or would do repeatedly. He realized that frequently using military force to detain a city's deputy secretary would lead to chaos, which was unacceptable.

Moreover, Zhou Ming didn't have the capability to handle such situations regularly. His recent success in dealing with the local forces was thanks to General Cao Jianing's help, but even Cao wouldn't be willing to assist every time there was a political error. The army wasn't a private tool for anyone, and turning it into one would be politically unacceptable.

Despite the darkness of the political world, some principles still stand. Zhou Ming didn't want to refuse outright as it would sound unpleasant, so he devised a strategy to counteract the officials' attempts.

At the beginning of the dinner, Zhou Ming proactively offered drinks to all the engineering officials and made grand statements about his willingness to help them regardless of the difficulties. The officials could only respond by saying that help wasn't necessary. If they persisted, Zhou Ming had other methods in mind, but it seemed his approach was effective, or at least the officials were cooperating.

Zhou Ming didn't continue to boast or make grandiose claims. He agreed to the officials' words without altering the situation. His actions were for self-preservation, as dealing with these officials was no easy task, and he wasn't keen on being someone's servant.

The engineering bureau officials exchanged glances, seeing surprise and helplessness in each other's eyes. They were astonished by Zhou Ming's shrewdness and felt helpless in their attempts to manipulate him.

Initially, they planned to use this dinner to get Zhou Ming drunk and persuade him to help with local criminal threats. Although the local forces had become friendly after the public trial of the Jinning company, future problems were unpredictable. They worried that another company might face similar issues.

They believed that Zhou Ming, being young and successful, might be somewhat arrogant. By lowering their stance and flattering him, they hoped to persuade him to continue helping them. They had organized the dinner and instructed their team leaders to call Zhou Ming to create a favorable atmosphere, making him relax and eventually agree to help.

However, Zhou Ming reversed their tactics, assuming a role of self-sacrifice and righteousness, which put them in a passive position.

"Damn it, is this really a twenty-year-old? How is he so shrewd? More difficult to handle than some seasoned men in their thirties or forties!" The officials were increasingly frustrated.

As Zhou Ming spoke, the heads of engineering teams started toasting him, expressing their admiration for his actions and character.

"Mr. Zhou, your words were very inspiring. You are a great boss of the new era. I've heard about Engineer Luo's situation and felt outraged. Though I couldn't help him, I'm grateful for your assistance. Here's to you!"

Zhou Ming responded, "You're too kind. Engineer Luo's situation is something everyone would feel outraged about. Since he trusted me, I couldn't betray his trust. It's the least I could do."

Other engineers raised their glasses, moved by Zhou Ming's words, praising his altruism and revolutionary spirit.

When Engineering Bureau Director Ding Kai noticed Zhou Ming's control over the situation, he realized that the young man had effectively turned the tables, making himself appear generous while subtly manipulating the officials.

Ding Kai had intended to flatter Zhou Ming to gain his help but found himself and his colleagues being flattered instead.

"Mr. Zhou is really too kind. We're just ordinary workers. We don't deserve such high praise," Ding Kai said, trying to downplay the situation.

Ding Kai then shifted the conversation, expressing frustration about the ongoing threats from local criminal forces despite previous complaints and police reports.

Zhou Ming responded, "If you've reported it, why hasn't anything been done?"

Ding Kai thought angrily, "If reporting it would help, why would we need your assistance?"

Ding Kai tried to argue but found Zhou Ming's disinterest in taking responsibility for these issues frustrating. Other officials joined in, insisting that Zhou Ming shouldn't be bothered with their problems.

Zhou Ming raised his glass in a final toast, acknowledging the officials and their commendable work. Ding Kai could only lament in his mind: This is a true master of psychology.