Chapter Eighteen: Unveiling the Truth

"Come, tell me—since the Western District is the central area for the development of the new city, most of the proposals I’ve reviewed focus on renovation and expansion. Why is your plan about preservation? The entire proposal lacks sufficient supporting reasons."

Hearing this, Chu Qingzhu’s heart skipped a beat, and Luo Yuan, standing beside her, broke out in a cold sweat.

"You’ve chosen to build the commercial street in the Southern District, yet you have no evidence to support this decision." Pei Susu’s gaze was deep and inscrutable; she tapped the table with a cold, mocking smile. "Tell me, how can you be so certain that the long-deserted Southern District will suddenly attract people?"

Unless Xingye had somehow acquired the confidential government planning map that Fu Corporation’s upper management had gathered, revealing a new subway line near the Southern District—an absolutely classified document.

Lu Corporation, on the other hand, had conducted thorough research, even submitting a comprehensive report before drawing such a conclusion. But Xingye simply claimed they would expand the Southern District and preserve the Western District, without reason.

It was simply absurd.

Liang Wenru’s eyes darted anxiously. Noticing Lu Qianqian sipping her tea unperturbed, completely at ease, he decided to shift the blame.

"You’re the project lead; whose proposal gets used is entirely up to you. I personally witnessed how frequently you and Lu Qianqian met during the month Fu Corporation was preparing for this bidding event."

Lu Qianqian refused to take the blame, tossing the question back. "Why doesn’t General Manager Liang answer President Pei’s question? Or is it that you don’t dare?"

As the situation reached a stalemate, Luo Yuan’s mind flashed with inspiration. "Since President Pei and President Lu are old acquaintances, to ensure fairness, why not let the three of us vote on which proposal to use?"

Glances were exchanged around the room, and one after another, people voiced their agreement. "That’s acceptable."

Pei Susu caught the glimmer of calculation in Luo Yuan’s eyes and saw how intently Su Rao was comparing Xingye’s and Fu Corporation’s proposals. She now understood why Xingye’s proposal had matched so perfectly. From a compatibility standpoint, Su Rao would almost certainly choose Xingye’s proposal, and Luo Yuan clearly intended to drag the unsuspecting Su Rao into this as well.

"Vice President Luo, your suggestion is rather inappropriate. Both you and Vice President Su were meant to assist me in presiding over the bidding event. How is it that, as the lead, I now have no authority to decide?"

Chu Qingzhu’s expression dimmed. "Of course President Pei has every right to disregard the opinions of the vice presidents. After all, the endless effort we poured into our proposals amounts to little more than a single word from you."

Liang Wenru sighed helplessly. "If President Pei is determined to select Lu Corporation, then no matter how good our proposal is, it’s pointless. Qingzhu, don’t waste your breath; let’s go."

Everyone’s gaze toward Pei Susu turned markedly less friendly. Even Su Rao, usually neutral, now looked at her with suspicion.

"General Manager Liang, you exaggerate. Xingye dodged every question from the project lead, refusing to answer. Why shouldn’t she doubt Xingye’s competence and the authenticity of the proposal?"

Fu Zhi Chen entered, accompanied by Special Assistant Liu and the head of security.

Everyone rose respectfully. "President Fu."

Liang Wenru was momentarily at a loss. Hadn’t President Fu sent Special Assistant Liu to invite Xingye to participate in the bidding just three days ago? Why was he suddenly at odds with Xingye now?

"President Fu, Xingye means no offense. It’s just that Pei Susu’s relationship with Lu Corporation’s president naturally invites speculation."

"One month ago, Lu Qianqian booked male escorts at Royal KTV to entertain Pei Susu—the staff there can all testify, and the surveillance footage is clear."

Fu Zhi Chen looked up, casting Liang Wenru a cool, indifferent glance.

"As far as I know, when President Lu returned to the country, Pei Susu had not yet assumed her role as General Manager of Fu Corporation. Where, then, is there any secret transaction? But here you are, General Manager Liang, slandering my project lead at the bidding event. Such conduct disappoints me deeply."

Liang Wenru and Luo Yuan turned ashen, anxiously watching Fu Zhi Chen’s reaction.

Pei Susu looked at Fu Zhi Chen with surprise.

From an angle unseen by others, Fu Zhi Chen arched his brow at her, as if seeking credit. In an instant, he resumed his aloof, controlled demeanor before all parties at the meeting.

"Fu Corporation will not consider working with anyone whose proposal is completely illogical. Therefore, Xingye’s proposal is invalid. As for the selection of the proposal, President Pei and I have discussed it in detail—her choice is my choice."

"We regret that this bidding event has caused unhappiness. For the other ongoing projects, we will select several promising proposals from all submissions and invite multiple parties to collaborate in development."

A corporation valued in the tens of billions—just a trickle from between their fingers was enough for the bidders to reap a handsome profit. The competitors stepped forward to exchange a few pleasantries before leaving the conference room.

Liang Wenru could only swallow his resentment, departing with Chu Qingzhu in tow.

Before leaving, Fu Zhi Chen solemnly instructed Pei Susu, "President Pei, once you’ve finished your work, come to my office. Let’s discuss your vision for the next phase after the bidding event."

During their month apart, not only had she ignored him, she’d even gone behind his back to KTV to book male escorts. Outrageous!

Pei Susu replied earnestly, "Certainly, President Fu. I'll prepare a detailed flowchart and report for you."

He didn’t want to hear about work; what he really wanted was an explanation—why hadn’t Pei Susu come to him? Instead, she went to a male escort! Fu Zhi Chen shot her a resentful glare as he glanced back.

"Mm."

Pei Susu busied herself gathering her things, oblivious to Fu Zhi Chen’s jealous stare, her gaze instead settling deeply on Luo Yuan.

"Vice President Luo, come to my office for a chat."

Luo Yuan trailed behind, her eyes darting nervously. Surely Pei Susu hadn’t discovered anything? Impossible—she’d been careful to use software to avoid the company network and cameras when she sent the documents to Liang Wenru.

In the office, Pei Susu sat at her desk and handed Xingye’s proposal to Luo Yuan.

"There’s a document that only the two of us have seen. Vice President Luo, can you explain why Xingye’s proposal is identical to the one I submitted?"

Luo Yuan made a last-ditch effort to deny it. "I have nothing at all to do with Liang Wenru. What motive would I have to show him your proposal? You’re his ex-wife—maybe the two of you still have some lingering connection, and that’s how the document was leaked."

Pei Susu lowered her gaze, observing Luo Yuan’s hands nervously twisting at her sleeve. "I’ve already reported the matter to President Fu, and the security department has begun investigating you. Vice President Luo, would you prefer to resign yourself, or should I dismiss you?"

Facing the calm and composed Pei Susu, Luo Yuan could not help but panic. She turned on her heel and stormed out of the office.

When the company’s senior management heard that Pei Susu intended to fire Luo Yuan, they all came to plead with her.

"President Pei, Vice President Luo is a founding member of Fu Corporation. You’ve been here less than half a year and now you want to dismiss her? It’s like slaughtering the donkey after it’s done grinding the millstone."

"I’ve worked under Vice President Luo with the financial director for seven or eight years now. We’ve all witnessed her dedication to the company."

"And after Vice President Luo leaves, who will take her place? Vice President Su only holds the title—she’s actually a project manager, and once this project is over, she’ll be returning to the branch office."

…