CH 48

Inside a bright, spacious hall.

The staff of the relevant departments responsible for the bidding process had all dispersed, leaving only a few suppliers who were still talking and the staff of the bidding companies.

Suddenly, a thunderous shout came from the stairway, “Trash!”

Facing the sound of the “explosion,” Li Liang, the person in charge, pushed up his glasses in a panic. “Chairman Chen, please calm down first. W-we really had no idea about this situation.”

“No idea?”

Chen Shun glanced at the hall not far away, holding back his anger, “That Bo Yueming and You Qinian teamed up to deal with our family. Such a terrible thing, and you really had no idea about it?”

“The list of names was already released, and you didn’t know what to report?”

Five days ago, the relevant departments announced the companies officially participating in the bidding—

Apart from Shuntian and Bo Group, who were still on the list, the always stalwart You Group had actually “disappeared!” Instead, they were replaced with two small, little-known companies which seemed to have been temporarily brought in to accompany them.

Facing the questioning of the chairman of the group, Li Liang couldn’t express his suffering. “C-Chairman Chen, I called you immediately, but you hung up.”

“What?”

Chen Shun’s eyes shifted slightly, as if he was remembering something—

Five days ago, he suddenly received an anonymous letter, and upon opening it, it turned out to be a photo of his son-in-law embracing a prostitute at the entrance of a clubhouse and asking for a kiss.

Chen Shun’s blood surged on the spot. It must be known that his daughter Chen Xiu had been coaxed by Pan Chenggong’s sweet words in the early years, and insisted on marrying this man who had an ordinary family background and ordinary looks!

Chen Shun had always loved his daughter very much. He strongly opposed this improper relationship at the beginning, but later had to admit defeat and give the nod. 

He had originally thought that as long as Pan Chenggong was honest and didn’t cause trouble, and treated his daughter wholeheartedly, the family did not lack money anyway, and it was fine as long as his daughter was happy.

But who would have thought it?

Before getting married, Pan Chenggong had tried to be honest, but after marrying, he also embarked on a “crooked” path.

Unbeknownst to him, the idiot coveted the company’s financial resources, caused a fatal accident, and still put on airs as the “group son-in-law” to suppress the victims’ family!

If Zhao Hui hadn’t come to the door with the evidence, Chen Shun would have been kept in the dark!

But these things had already happened. For the sake of his daughter who was having a difficult pregnancy, as well as the unborn grandson, Chen Shun could only find a way to entrust Pan Gonggong to deal with it.

But how could he have known?

Only three months later, the safety equipment purchased by Pan Chenggong went wrong again, and another life was lost on the construction site of the “Jiu Metro” project!

This bastard didn’t want to settle the matter as soon as possible, and was still in the mood to go outside for entertainment?

Seeing these anonymous photos was the last straw for Chen Shun, and he criticized Pan Chenggong severely, but then his daughter Chen Xiu’s delivery happened to come up.

In the past few days, the addition of miscellaneous affairs had caused him to somewhat neglect group matters.

Li Liang saw that Chen Shun was silent for a long time, his expression changing again and again, so he quickly took the blame himself. “I’m sorry, Chairman Chen!”

“It’s my fault. I thought that You Group felt they had no chance of winning, so they withdrew from the bidding at the last moment. Yes, it was my carelessness.”

“……”

Withdrew at the last moment?

Did You Qinian seem to be a character who would withdraw at the last moment?

Chen Shun just didn’t expect that You Qinian would be willing to cooperate with Bo Yueming outside, and even voluntarily cede leadership in the consortium bidding!

In the initial bidding and explanation session just now, the opponent’s advantage was obviously higher than their Shuntian’s. Even before the second round of private quotations, Chen Shun asked Li Liang to lead the project team to temporarily compress the project points—

But it was no longer possible to ensure the absolute advantage of the Shuntian Group in this bidding!

Thinking that such a huge project might be taken up by Bo Yueming and You Qinian, Chen Shun just couldn’t wait to get in the way and ruin it!

It was a pity that the bidding process was over, and they could only patiently wait for the final result.

Chen Shun stretched out his finger and ruthlessly poked the chest of the team leader, Li Liang. “Let me tell you, if this project doesn’t fall on our Shuntian’s head, you can pack up and leave!”

Li Liang knew that he was being treated as a scapegoat, and suppressed the anger in his heart. “Yes.”

It wasn’t until Chen Shun quickly walked into the corridor that the respect on his face suddenly vanished, and he cursed secretly, “Old thing!”

. . . . . .

In the elevator hall, Lin Zhong had been waiting and was the first to locate Chen Shun’s figure. He quickly moved to Bo Yueming’s ear and whispered, “Mr. Bo, Chen Shun is back!”

“Look at his complexion, it looks terrible.”

The last half of the sentence clearly contained a hint of gloating.

It wasn’t that he was bragging. Bo took the lead and You assisted, and since the two sides confirmed the cooperation—

The greatest sincerity had been given in the fusion and modification of various data, and today’s bidding was practically a crushing victory visible to the naked eye!

Although the final result had not yet come out, Lin Zhong felt that good news was a sure thing.

Bo Yueming understood clearly, but still warned, “Don’t talk too much.”

“Yes.”

Lin Zhong hurriedly restrained himself, waiting for Chen Shun to enter the elevator hall before calmly greeting him, “Chairman Chen.”

Bo Yueming played the blind man. “Chairman Chen is here too?”

Chen Shun felt aggrieved at the sight of Bo Yueming’s face. He obviously didn’t deserve this.

As soon as that voice fell, the elevator door opened.

With Lin Zhong’s support, Bo Yueming slowly stepped into the elevator and issued a seemingly friendly invitation, “Chairman Chen, the bidding has ended. Will you come down with us?”

“It just so happens that I’m free today and I’m in a good mood. If Mr. Chen is willing to show his face, may I treat you back?”

“……”

Good mood? Treat him back?

The two sentences were neither warm nor cold, and imperceptibly hit Chen Shun’s pain point again. He tried his best to maintain a calm expression, and walked steadily into the elevator.

The heavy steel doors closed.

Chen Shun stared at Bo Yueming in the glass mirror of the elevator, and gave an imperceptible hum. “Mr. Bo, I really underestimated you, ah.”

Bo Yueming asked while already knowing the answer, “Why don’t I understand what Chairman Chen said?”

“Mr. Bo, smart people don’t tell lies.” Chen Shun got straight to the point. “When did you get in touch with You Qinian? With You’s competitiveness, he actually agreed to step back and let you, Bo, take the lead?”

Bo Yueming rubbed his fingertips. “I hear that Shuntian and You Group have always been bitter rivals? There is an old saying, Mr. Chen should have heard of it, right?”

Chen Shun frowned. “What?”

“The enemy of my enemy can naturally be my friend.”

Bo Yueming removed his guide glasses. The eyes hidden under the lenses were deep and cold as they looked straight at Chen Shun in the elevator door mirror, as if seeing right through all the dirt and filth—

“Threats and bribes caused Feng Zheng, the former head team leader of Bo Group, to flee. And you learned about our Bo Group’s first bidding plan through irregular means.”

“Chairman Chen, you should still remember what you did?”

“…….”

Chen Shun subconsciously avoided Bo Yueming’s gaze. He who was used to seeing all sorts of things actually felt that Bo Yueming’s imposing manner was a bit terrifying.

Lin Zhong played by ear, adding, “Chairman Chen, we have discovered Feng Zheng’s whereabouts and sued him for ‘leaking company secrets!’”

“In time, the relevant judicial personnel should come to Chen Shun to inquire about the situation.”

Chen Shun was so angry he could barely speak. “You……”

At the same time, the elevator’s electronic notification sounded: “Hello, you have arrived at the first floor! Wishing you safe entry and exit!”

Bo Yueming put on his guide glasses again, and walked out of the elevator with the “support” of Lin Zhong.

Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded, “Er-ge!”

“……”

Bo Yueming was stunned for a moment, not expecting Pei Yi to suddenly appear in the first floor hall. “Pei Yi?”

Pei Yi responded with a smile and a hum.

The slower Uncle Kai also came up and explained, “Second Young Master, Little Sir insisted on coming to see you.”

“Xiao Dong is not at home these days. I feared that Little Sir would be bored at home, so I brought him here. Is it inconvenient?”

Lin Zhong replied, “No, Uncle Kai. The bidding has ended.”

Uncle Kai was concerned. “How did it go?”

Pei Yi was also quite concerned about this matter, so he pricked up his ears to listen in.

Before Bo Yueming could speak, Chen Shun stopped him from behind in an untimely manner. “The results won’t come out until five days later. Is Mr. Bo so sure about who will win?”

Pei Yi tilted his upper body to the side, and then saw Chen Shun, who had been completely blocked by Bo Yueming. “Ah! A person is behind Er-ge!”

“…….”

Chen Shun’s forced smile suddenly froze.

What did this mean? Was he mocking him for being short?

Pei Yi couldn’t be bothered to pay any attention to Chen Shun, so he tugged on Bo Yueming’s cuff again. “Er-ge, celebrate. I, I’ll treat you!”

The smile at the corners of Bo Yueming’s lips deepened. “You’ll treat me? Do you have any money?”

Pei Yi nodded. “I have it!”

And he had earned a lot in the past two months, he was rich and arrogant!

He knew that Bo Yueming had officially ended his bidding related work today, and wanted to celebrate with him, as well as let Uncle Kai, who cooked every day, relax.

Pei Yi feared that Bo Yueming and others would be suspicious, so he found an excuse and muttered, “Mama gave it, my money.”

“Okay.”

Bo Yueming took the opportunity to grab his hand, and turned around to say perfunctorily, “Chairman Chen, are you free tonight? Pei Yi and I still owe you a meal.”

“…….”

Chen Shun was speechless.

Pei Yi was even more unhappy, and changed his words, “Then, I don’t have any money.”

He didn’t save Chen Shun any face inside or outside of his words. Invite this kind of person to dinner? Then he might as well use the money for charity!

The dignified chairman of Shuntian Group was actually given the cold shoulder back and forth by a young couple here? 

Chairman Chen couldn’t let this go!

His calculating eyes lost their smile, and instead were filled with anger and ruthlessness.

“Mr. Bo, young people still need to learn to restrain themselves.”

“See clearly who the territory of Wencheng belongs to. Not to mention that the bidding for this project is not yet determined, so what if it is won by you? Don’t be happy too early, and be careful…..”

Chen Shun deliberately paused and glanced at Pei Yi, who had made him suffer the most, “……of getting hurt, ah.”

Sensing this blatant threat, Bo Yueming immediately shielded Pei Yi behind him, and his original powerful, cold aura spread out again.

“Chairman Chen, you have been taught a lesson, but I also want to tell you—”

“What?”

“Prosperity and decline never last, everything is cyclical. Wencheng may not continue to be your territory.”

When Chen Shun heard Bo Yueming’s counterattack, he felt that he was putting on a front.

He and Shuntian Group had taken root in Wencheng and developed and grew together with the city. Although they had been in conflict with You Group, if they were strictly compared, Shuntian was still slightly better!

Wencheng was not his territory? Then whose territory could it be?

Just as Chen Shun let out a sneer, his assistant hurried back from the parking lot. “Chairman Chen, something happened! Manager Pan was taken away by the police!”

Chen Shun’s expression changed.

The anxious, fast-talking assistant realized the existence of Bo Yueming and the others, but due to the seriousness of the matter, he had to lower his voice to inform, “Mr. Gao called, please go back as soon as you finish up here!”

The assistant didn’t dare to say much in front of outsiders—

Not long ago, the families of the victims who died accidentally on the construction site had gathered together at the headquarters, holding big-character posters and shouting one after another, crying and making a commotion. Even many business-oriented media and individual reporters rushed to hear the news!

They used equipment to shoot, interview, record, and even live broadcast the complaints of the victims’ families, and there were quite a number of viewers!

Pan Chenggong had now been taken away by the police, but there were still law enforcement officers waiting for Chen Shun—

It was said that he was involved in at least two serious accident liability crimes!

“……..”

Chen Shun’s expression shifted again and again.

Bo Yueming seemed to have already been aware of everything that would happen today. “It seems Chairman Chen will be very busy in the near future, so let’s make an appointment another time.”

Chen Shun had a suspicion that Bo Yueming had something to do with this. He displayed his anger for once, gritting his teeth, “Bo Yueming, you wait and see!”

After saying this, he took his assistant and left quickly.

Looking at his pretentious retreat, Pei Yi couldn’t hold back a soft “Pff.”

Uncle Kai was startled, but couldn’t help stopping him, “Little Sir, don’t be like this. It’s not polite.”

“Oh.”

Pei Yi immediately behaved honestly.

Hearing the kitten’s cute and revealing tone, Bo Yueming suppressed a smile before saying, “Let’s go, ba. Our Little Sir said he’s treating us tonight.”

“……”

Pei Yi’s face was suddenly on fire, and the memory was automatically imprinted in his mind.

This was the first time he heard Bo Yueming call him “Little Sir.” Why did it seem different from when Uncle Kai and Lin Zhong addressed him that way?

Very strange!

. . . . . . .

A week later, at Linshui Pavilion in the World Trade Center.

The manager of the restaurant brought out the champagne, and respectfully said to You Qinian in the main seat, “Director You, shall I pour it now?”

“En.”

You Qinian looked at Bo Yueming and Pei Yi who were facing each other, and there was a rare smile on his scarred face. “Pour for Mr. Bo and the others. We will have a good celebration tonight.”

The bidding results of the Wencheng Sports Center came out two days previous. Shuntian Group lost, while Bo and You, who were hiding behind, successfully won.

Facing this anticipated result, You Qinian asked the restaurant manager to reserve a table a week in advance.

Not only that, but he also booked five tables for the celebration banquet in the hotel below, in order to reward the employees of both parties who had worked hard on this project.

“Yes.”

The restaurant manager poured champagne poured champagne in turn for the four seated people.

Pei Yi’s gaze followed the manager’s hand, carrying a secret hint of anticipation—

There were outsiders present tonight, so Bo Yueming wouldn’t directly refuse him being poured some, right? Just a sip! Even one sip was good!

The moment this thought came to mind, Bo Yumeing shattered his expectations. “Pei Yi can’t drink, change it to fruit juice, ba.”

“…….”

The corners of Pei Yi’s mouth drooped, and he didn’t even have the strength to sigh.

Zhang Shunzhi, who was seated next to You Qinian, noticed Pei Yi’s unhappiness. He smiled and handed his untouched champagne to the restaurant manager. “Then I won’t drink tonight either. Let us drink juice with Little Mister Pei.”

“I remember I bought a batch of sparkling citrus juice before? Let’s drink that.”

“Yes, Mr. Zhang.”

The restaurant manager quickly switched to sparkling citrus juice.

Zhang Shunzhi pushed up his glasses with a smile. “Little Mister Pei, give it a try?”

“…….”

Pei Yi was really not interested in the drink, and was a little resentful. Playing the fool, he took two sips from the glass.

Within three seconds, his eyes brightened.

Zhang Shunzhi met his gaze and asked knowingly, “Is it tasty?”

Although this drink was non-alcoholic, because of its special production, it had a taste that simulated alcohol.

Pei Yi nodded, grudgingly satisfied.

You Qinian glanced at Bo Yueming on the other side. He knew he was pretending in front of Pei Yi, but for the sake of the happy cooperation between the two parties, he was willing to help cover it up.

“Mr. Bo, happy cooperation.”

You Qinian took the initiative to clink his glass against Bo Yueming’s.

Bo Yueming took a sip of champagne. “Director You, don’t you feel that you are at a disadvantage now?”

You Qinian raised his eyebrows slightly. “To be honest, the shareholders of the group were very opposed to it at first. In order to reach a cooperation with Mr. Bo, I was under a lot of pressure a while ago.”

“However, Mr. Bo was right, this 4-6 share is indeed not a disadvantage.”

Although You Group’s benefits in the project were less, due to the “sacking” of Chen Shun and Shuntian Group, from a long-term perspective, You Group had made a lot of profit!

Public opinion had been fermenting for seven days.

There were the accusations made by the victims’ families led by Qiao Dong, the recordings of Chen Shun and Pan Chenggong that broke out on the internet, the safety problems and legal issues regarding Shuntian Group’s “Jiu Metro,” and the financial fraud within Shuntian Group.

With You Qinian’s covert assistance, each piece fermented smoothly.

After Chen Shun and Pan Chenggong were taken away by the police, they had thus far been charged with multiple crimes, and could not be released on bail. The high-level shareholders of Shuntian had also become a mess.

Due to safety issues and violations on the construction site, the construction permit of the Jiu Metro project was revoked, and all construction was forced to stop!

In addition, because of the accidental worker deaths during the project, it was possible that Shuntian Group would have difficulty in obtaining building permits for other projects in the next year!

Four You group, this was an excellent opportunity to kick out the opponent’s company in one fell swoop!

Now, none of the top members of You Group dared to raise doubts or complaints against You Qinian, and even the You family members who coveted the title of “Executive Director” were forced to calm down.

Seeing You Qinian’s carefree expression, Pei YI was puzzled—

To be able to open a restaurant with such atmosphere and taste as Linshui Pavilion, You Qinian was definitely not someone who was obsessed with power. In any case, rich people could make money wherever they were, so why bother to stay in the top position of the You family?

Just as he was thinking, Bo Yueming beside him said something similar, “Director You, with your personality, there is no need to sit in a position you don’t enjoy.”

Pei Yi inwardly agreed.

You Qinian was similar to Bo Yueming, but also different.

The reason that Bo Yueming dealt with the Bo family was because he had to work hard to support Old Mrs. Bo in her hospital bed.

A wry smile appeared on You Qinian’s mouth. “I used to think it was unnecessary, but I couldn’t stop others from thinking that I was ambitious and wished to fight for power.”

“Mr. Bo, if you don’t have sufficient power and status to protect yourself and your loved ones, sooner or later, what is ‘unnecessary’ will become ‘necessary.’”

When it came to the last half of the sentence, You Qinian’s tone carried a rare hint of charitable good intentions.

“…….”

Protect your loved ones?

Bo Yueming remained silent, his eyes hidden under the glasses, and unconsciously glanced at Pei Yi, who was sipping his drink.

Zhang Shunzhi sensed You Qinian’s emotions, and tightly held his hand under the cover of the table to comfort him.

You Qinian quickly returned to his senses and punished himself with half a glass of champagne. “Apologies, I lost my composure.”

Bo Yueming also had a sense of propriety and drank as well, saying, “Director You, I am the one who stepped out of bounds.”

“Mr. Bo, it isn’t your problem.”

Likely because their partnership had been confirmed, You Qinian had lost an element of vigilance against them. From what he had revealed about the past, Bo Yueming and Pei Yi knew what was going on—

You Qinian was the grandson of the former director, Old Mr. You.

As the youngest daughter in the family, You Qinian’s mother had always been specially doted on, but it was a pity that she suffered from an incurable eye disease at a young age.

The old You family couple loved their daughter and recruited a son-in-law for her, and she gave birth to You Qinian within a few years of marrying. His parents’ love naturally transferred to him.

From childhood to adulthood, You Qinan had never experienced any hardships.

This lasted until the old couple were both ill in bed, and their children began to compete for property.

You Qinian and his parents had the least intention of fighting for anything, but they became the first victims in this battle, and even Zhang Shunzhi was forced to be involved. His father and mother were so overcome that they ended up in the hospital, his face was ruined, and even his companion was disabled.

You Qinian was given a taste of being powerless, so he was even more determined to protect the people around him.

If it wasn’t for his parents and Zhang Shunzhi, he would have dared to gamble his position and future with this bidding, but it was precisely due to this weakness—-

He must have power and status, and he must have more reservations and scruples when making decisions.

Forming an alliance with Bo Yueming was the safest and surest way he could think of.

You Qinian got back on topic. “Now that this project has been successfully won, does Mr. Bo plan to stay here or return to the Imperial Capital?”

“Once the handover is completed, I will return in ten days to half a month.”

Bo Yueming had his own arrangements. “Director You, in terms of future cooperation, you can contact Song Yuanyuan on our side at any time. If you encounter any problems, he will report to me in a timely manner.”

After more than two months of working together, Bo Yueming had confirmed that Song Yuanyuan’s ability and character were trustworthy.

You Qinian was appropriately direct, saying bluntly, “In addition to this cooperation, we can also be considered friends. If there is anything I can do to help in the future, Mr. Bo can call upon me at any time.”

“Thank you.”

Just after nine o’clock, the two parties concluded their small dinner banquet.

Pei Yi and Bo Yueming got into the back of the car, and before Lao Zhang started the engine—

The phone in Pei Yi’s pocket rang unexpectedly, and he fumbled it out in surprise to answer it. “Hello?”

Qin Yishun’s voice sounded. “Xiao Yi, good evening. You haven’t gone to sleep yet?”

“No,” Pei Yi replied. “Good evening to Brother too!”

During this time, Pei Yi and Qin Yishun kept in touch online, and the other party would show him videos of Inspector every night.

“…….”

Bo Yueming was casual on the surface, but was in fact listening intently.

Qin Yishun chuckled when he heard his little brother’s cute and skillful greeting and wanted to chat with Pei Yi a little more, but remembered the important reason he had made this call—

“Xiao Yi, is Bo Yueming by your side?”

Pei Yi glanced at Bo Yueming beside him. “En.”

Qin Yishun’s tone was still soft. “Little Brother, give him the phone, please?”

Pei Yi was a little puzzled, but obediently handed the phone to Bo Yueming. “Er-ge, here.”

Bo Yueming frowned as he took it. “Hey, this is Bo Yueming.”

“It’s me.”

Qin Yishun’s tone changed at once. The gentleness that belonged to his little brother was gone, and only business-like seriousness remained.

Bo Yueming felt like something was wrong, but didn’t know what it was. “Mr. Qin, since you called Pei Yi, why do you want to speak to me?”

“I want to make sure that Second Young Master is taking good care of my brother anytime and anywhere.”

Qin Yishun didn’t hide his intentions, and quickly got to the point after that brief explanation. “There is something I need to tell you.”

Bo Yueming understood and once, and said anxiously, “What is it?”

“It has to do with Mingxi Manor and the Old Lady. We just caught someone.”