Please Marry Me (GL) - Chapter 11

At Qiguang Trading, Jiang Yi arrived early and found Bai Zhen, the head of the planning department, addressing everyone with a wide smile:

“We have a major project. A real estate mogul is planning to build a series of commercial housing units in Lehua. They need a massive amount of waterproof and mold-resistant coating—mainly for interior decoration, like paint and waterproof layers. But as you know, Lehua has high rainfall and low terrain, making it prone to leaks and mold. He isn’t satisfied with the standard materials on the market as they would drastically reduce the lifespan of the buildings. He’s specifically looking for a specialized coating.”

The office shifted from excitement to hushed discussions. A big project meant big commissions, but the client’s requirements were clearly no joke.

Where were they supposed to find a coating with such extreme waterproofing?

Bai Zhen continued, “The houses are currently under construction and are expected to be finished by the end of the year, with decoration starting next year. We have a fair amount of time, and the boss really wants us to land this.”

“Manager Bai, besides Qiguang, is the client looking at other firms for this proposal?” Lin Fei, having years of experience, immediately hit the nail on the head. For a project this lucrative, the client wouldn’t put all his eggs in one basket.

“It’s true that we aren’t the only ones. Jiayu and Pengting both intend to bid. But Qiguang isn’t necessarily inferior to them.”

Jiayu and Pengting were famous trading giants. Several smaller firms that had initially planned to bid immediately backed out once they heard those two names were involved. Only the boss of Qiguang decided to head into the storm, hoping to pull a miracle and snatch the prey from the mouths of the two tigers.

“Lin Fei, this is for your team. Good luck—the boss has high hopes for you! He said all travel, accommodation, and meal expenses will be fully reimbursed!” Bai Zhen handed the bidding documents to Lin Fei, gave a few words of encouragement, and left.

“Sister Lin, is this a hot potato?” the newcomer Ye Sixin asked, confused. All the other teams had passed on the competition, leaving it solely to them. Even a fool could see they might work for months only to end up with nothing.

Yan Zhijie added, “It’s more than that. Do you know why our boss took this bid? I suspect it’s because of that hardware equipment project last time.”

Since Ye Sixin and Jiang Yi were new, they didn’t know the history. Ye Sixin pressed for details.

Yan Zhijie shook his head. “The hardware project was snatched away by Jiayu at the very last second. Our boss was so furious he couldn’t eat for two days. The grudge between the two companies started right there.”

Otherwise, why would every other small company withdraw while Qiguang’s CEO insisted on staying? It was all about saving face.

“Alright, Yan Zhijie, that’s enough. The boss is doing this to train us,” Lin Fei said, not wanting him to dampen the team’s morale. “If the boss has entrusted us with this and we pull it off, we’ll have the leverage to ask for raises and promotions at the end of the year.”

Despite her words, the office remained stagnant for the rest of the morning.

“Since we can’t think of a plan, how about we go scout what Jiayu and Pengting are planning to do?” someone suddenly suggested. It was like a bolt of lightning.

“Exactly! To know one’s enemy is to be invincible!”

“If we can find out where they’re sourcing their materials, even better—we can intercept them,” Yan Zhijie said, snapping his fingers as an idea struck.

Ye Sixin asked hesitantly, “Isn’t that… unethical?”

Yan Zhijie replied, “Business is a battlefield. All merchants are cunning. Unless they’re developing a new coating themselves, they must have a supplier. If they do, we can talk to that supplier too. It’s all just a matter of price and profit.”

Lin Fei nodded in agreement. “Let’s do as Yan Zhijie said. Let’s divide the work. Who goes to Jiayu, and who goes to Pengting?”

“Wang Yiwen and I will go to Pengting. We’ve worked with them before and know the ropes,” a male colleague from the corner said.

Lin Fei agreed. “You two take a newcomer. Ye Sixin, you go with Wang Yiwen and Li Huanran to scout Pengting. The rest—Jiang Yi, Yan Zhijie, and I—will go to Jiayu. It’s almost lunchtime, let’s go eat first.”

Jiayu Group’s Quartery Exchange Fair.

When they parked outside Jiayu Group, they could see crowds of people from various companies entering. Most men were in suits, and the women were in shirts and skirts. Interns were scurrying about with notebooks and pens.

Jiayu Group had five zones (A, B, C, D, F) covering administration, R&D, reception, living, production, and training. It was a forest of high-rises and lush greenery. The exchange fair was held at the reception center, where staff would explain corporate culture and share experiences.

“Jiayu has a performance leaderboard on the smart screen ahead,” Lin Fei said, leading the way. She found Yin Lei’s profile and photo. “This is Yin Lei. Make sure you recognize her so we don’t miss her.”

Lin Fei suggested they split up to avoid drawing too much attention, especially since someone needed to sign in for Qiguang. “Yan Zhijie and I have been to Jiayu before; someone might recognize us. Jiang Yi, you go check out the office building.”

“Okay.” Jiang Yi figured she had never been here, so as long as she didn’t run into Shen Siyun, she should be fine.

As Jiang Yi approached the office building, she saw a guide leading a group of about ten people inside. She blended into the back of the group. The guide was explaining the functions of various departments and the bonus systems. Jiang Yi learned the building was eight stories high; the 7th floor was the CEO’s office—Shen Siyun’s office. The planning department was on the 5th floor, which was likely where Yin Lei was.

However, as the group reached the lobby, the guide suddenly stopped and bowed. “Good morning, President Shen.”

The entire group followed suit. “Good morning, President Shen!” The chorus was quite loud.

Jiang Yi felt an immediate sense of dread. With so many people greeting her, Shen Siyun would definitely stop. Sure enough, she did. A familiar lady was standing next to her.

“Siyun, I heard Yin Lei was promoted to manager? Are you trying to slap my face?” Xie Fulan said, rubbing her forehead. She was still reeling from being looked down upon by that young girl. “Don’t tell me you’re using public office to settle a private grudge.”

Was it really because she poked fun at her yesterday about her lover running away? Was she really that petty?

Shen Siyun didn’t deny it, her red lips curving. “Xie Fulan, have you looked in a mirror? Do you have no idea how big your ‘face’ is?”

Xie Fulan knew she would be mocked back and endured it. Seeing no hope for immediate revenge, she tried a different path. “Is there an exchange fair here today? I heard Yin Lei is one of the organizers.”

“Mhm,” Shen Siyun nodded.

“Is she going on stage to present?” Xie Fulan squinted, and after getting a confirmation, she added, “I’ll go supervise her for you. If she makes a mistake, I’ll catch it. You won’t be able to avoid punishing her then, right?”

“Catch it first, then we’ll talk,” Shen Siyun replied.

“Good morning, President Shen.”

“Good morning, President Shen.”

…

The wave of greetings caused Shen Siyun to stop. She nodded slightly and began walking toward the elevator. Suddenly, her peripheral vision caught a figure trying desperately to hide behind the crowd.

A few seconds later, realizing who it was, Shen Siyun let out a cold laugh.

Jiang Yi stared at the high heels on the floor, knowing she was doomed. She felt a wave of regret. If she had known, she would have hidden behind a sofa.

“Which company are you from?” Shen Siyun’s voice came from above, cold and thin, pretending perfectly not to know her.

Jiang Yi couldn’t guess her thoughts. Looking at her exquisite makeup, she answered honestly, “Qiguang Trading.”

“Qiguang Trading?” Shen Siyun raised an eyebrow. “Your boss sent you here for the exchange?”

Jiang Yi nodded.

The next second, Shen Siyun said enigmatically, “Your boss has a very… broad mind.”

Jiang Yi: “…”