In the evening, Lu Lijun headed out for a dinner meeting with Jared Magnus. They arrived at the luxury hotel in the city, where a private room had been reserved for them in the restaurant. Both Jared and Lu Lijun were accompanied by their assistants. After exchanging greetings, the four of them settled at the dining table.
"It's a pleasure to be able to have dinner with you, President Lu," Jared stated.
"The pleasure is mine," Lu Lijun replied.
Both men maintained a professional demeanor despite the underlying enmity they shared. As dinner began, drinks were served.
"Let me make a toast to President Lu to celebrate today's project win," Jared said, his demeanor calm and composed.
Lu Lijun picked up his wine glass but then set it back down on the table. Jared and the two assistants emptied their glasses in one go. Jared looked at Lu Lijun and remarked, "I forgot, you do not drink alcohol."
Lu Lijun nodded. "Good to know you know me that well."