Chapter 33: The New Generation God of Wine

Although Zhang Zhiyong said this, Bai Renzong was completely at a loss: What job was he supposed to take on? Drinking wine?

At this moment, Zhang Zhiyong continued, “Among the nine bottles of red wine you just tasted, which one did you think had the best flavor?”

Bai Renzong thought for a moment, then walked over to the fifth row. “This one… Its grapes are of the highest quality. The balance of acidity and sweetness is just right, and its unique astringency mingles perfectly with the taste of alcohol. In terms of flavor alone, it is undoubtedly the best.”

Zhang Zhiyong nodded in satisfaction, but Bai Renzong continued, “However…”

He moved to the four glasses of wine in the seventh row. “If you ask me, this is the one I like the most. The grapes may not be as fine as the one in the fifth row, and it’s a little more acidic, but it has a unique fragrance, somewhat reminiscent of a hint of lavender. After drinking it, the aroma of wine, grapes, and lavender linger in the mouth like a melody that refuses to fade—a subtle and wonderful experience. Even a layman like me can tell that this wine is truly superb.”

“Is that so?” Zhang Zhiyong smiled. “Thank you for your kind words. In that case, let me present this bottle of wine to you as a gift.”

He waved to his assistant and then handed the bottle to Bai Renzong. “This bottle is originally priced at 7,299. It was made by our company using Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from 2004, which was an excellent year for that varietal.”

“So expensive? I can’t possibly accept it!” Bai Renzong was taken aback. He hated owing people favors. As a mere attendee at the exhibition who hadn’t bought anything, how could he accept a bottle of wine worth over seven thousand? It was far too embarrassing.

“I insist, please do accept it,” Zhang Zhiyong said with a smile. “Wine and wine lovers are like Boya and Ziqi—only those who truly understand can appreciate. So I hope you will accept it.”

“Ah… well, if you insist.” Bai Renzong replied, taking the wine. “In that case, let me buy a few extra bottles as well.”

He couldn’t bear to leave empty-handed—it felt shameless to him, and he simply couldn’t do it.

So he bought two more bottles, each worth over two thousand—one red and one white.

But the crowd that had gathered didn’t disperse; instead, they lingered, discussing Bai Renzong’s tasting experience with keen interest, and began to stroll around the ZY Wines booth.

Just as Bai Renzong was preparing to leave, another manager from a different wine brand approached him with a smile. “Excuse me, would you be interested in tasting our wines? Our Dorothy Estate is world-renowned. We’re not asking you to advertise for us—we just saw your expertise and would love for you to appreciate our wines.”

“Huh?” Bai Renzong raised an eyebrow. “No, really, I’m a complete amateur. I barely drink red wine. My sense of taste is just a bit more sensitive than most, that’s all…”

“That’s all the more reason you should try ours!” the manager said excitedly. “Our wines are famous worldwide, and we have several excellent vintages—some even better than the ’82 Lafite. Don’t you want to try?”

Bai Renzong glanced at the time—it was already half past eleven. If this went on, he’d miss lunch entirely.

Sensing Bai Renzong’s hesitation, the manager added, “I’d suggest you try, otherwise people might suspect you’d colluded with ZY Wines ahead of time, right? But if you taste ours as well, that suspicion will be dispelled.”

“That’s true…” Bai Renzong thought about it and realized the logic was sound. He didn’t particularly care what the exhibition visitors thought, but he did care about viewers watching the video on D Channel, and they might indeed suspect collusion. So it was necessary to do this.

Thus, Bai Renzong nodded. “All right, but let’s be quick—lunch is coming up.”

He walked over to the Dorothy Estate booth.

“Let’s do something different, and keep it efficient,” the Dorothy manager said, handing him five glasses with a smile. “We’ll have you taste these five wines first—each from a different bottle. Once you’re done, we’ll give you five more glasses poured on the spot, and you’ll match each glass to its bottle.”

Bai Renzong nodded, took the glasses, and tasted each one carefully, memorizing their flavors.

Then the Dorothy manager placed five bottles of red wine before him, poured a fresh glass from each, and had Bai Renzong taste and match them to the originals.

This was a bit more challenging than before—not just distinguishing in real time, but also requiring him to memorize each wine’s flavor in advance.

But Bai Renzong, one hand in his pocket and the other holding his glass, took a sip from each and then set it down in front of the corresponding bottle.

“What’s with that cocky look?” Han Jiayi, watching from the side, felt a pang of jealousy, but also a flutter of excitement. “He keeps saying he’s a novice, but he sure doesn’t look like one.”

When only one glass remained, Bai Renzong set it aside. “This glass belongs to the sixth bottle, which wasn’t brought out,” he said with a hint of exasperation. So, they were playing tricks too, eh?

“Bravo!” the Dorothy manager clapped delightedly. “Remarkable! You’re truly a wine god of the new generation!”

“Oh, not at all… I barely drink, and I know nothing about wine,” Bai Renzong said with a wry smile. “I’m just relying on my sense of taste, that’s all.”

In the end, the Dorothy manager generously gifted all five bottles to Bai Renzong.

But the Dorothy manager was even shrewder. Afterward, he turned to the crowd and said, “Everyone is welcome to take the challenge! Anyone who succeeds will also receive a bottle from us! And those who don’t will get a consolation prize!”

The wine exhibition instantly became lively. The visitors eagerly discussed and looked ready to try their luck. For the connoisseur, it was a test of skill; for the layman, pure entertainment. The once somber atmosphere was now buzzing with excitement.

ZY Wines and Dorothy Estate instantly became the stars of the show, which naturally irked the other brands. Their managers swarmed toward Bai Renzong, each eager to invite him: “Try our Paveil too!” “Our Penfolds is world-famous—please give it a taste!”

The scene left Bai Renzong stunned. If he agreed, he’d never get out—he’d have to sample every wine at the venue before leaving, and end up drinking from morning till night!

He quickly excused himself, “I really don’t drink much—any more and I’ll get drunk. Sorry, sorry…”

One manager came up and grabbed his hand. “Please join our company as a wine taster! Starting salary is at least ten thousand a month—twenty thousand after your probation! In euros!”

This clever move brought the others to their senses, and they hurried to offer their business cards. “We’d welcome you anytime!” “We’re a world-renowned brand—we can offer you a salary you’ll love!”

“What is going on?” Bai Renzong was completely bewildered. Dodging their advances, he grabbed Han Jiayi and Wang Bei and made a hasty escape from the scene.