Chapter 255: It’s All Lushen’s Doing

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

In an instant, all eyes gathered on Zhang Ling.

The man smiled and stood up, giving a polite bow. “Thank you all for sparing me a way out. You’ve been kind not to compete with me.”

With humor and grace, he extended an available lifeline to the other companies

“I didn’t win because I’m better than you; it’s because you showed mercy and didn’t compete with me.”

With these words, those companies that had a good chance of winning but ultimately didn’t have their spirits lifted. They approached with elegance.

“President Zhang, no need to be overly modest. We’ve all witnessed the remarkable growth of Zhiyi Real Estate in recent years.”

“Congratulations, it’s well-deserved.”

“President Zhang is not only talented but also remarkably humble and composed. Such qualities are rare among the youth.”

“We’ve heard of President Zhang’s extraordinary abilities at Zhiyi Real Estate, and today, we’ve seen that the reputation is well-founded.”

“Huihai Group has a discerning eye, and President Zhang has indeed found a great mentor. Congratulations!”

Tan Yao sat stiffly in his seat, his face alternating between pale and green. He cautiously glanced to his side and moved his lips, but no sound came out.

The results had already been announced, and it was too late to say anything now.

The moment he heard the results, Shen Qian’s heart sank momentarily, and his smile became somewhat forced. However, he quickly regained his composure.

With an unchanged smile, he stood up and walked in the direction of Zhang Ling.

Tan Yao quickly followed.

“President Zhang, congratulations.” With a gentle sweep of his gaze, the crowd parted to make way for Shen Qian.

Many were aware of the competitive relationship between Tian Shui and Zhiyi, and they were curious about the personal relationship between the leaders of these two companies. Consequently, they withdrew, wearing expressions that indicated their eagerness to witness the unfolding drama.

Before this, there were rumors suggesting that the development project was likely to go to Tianshui, but just as everyone was about to finalize their plans, there was a sudden reversal, and the true winner turned out to be Zhiyi.

It seemed like they were about to clash. Was it going to be a showdown?

Some were already thinking about recording this, as it would provide plenty of gossip for tea and dinner conversations.

Ultimately, it was a group of onlookers who enjoyed watching the drama unfold.

Unfortunately, Shen Qian’s rationality prevented him from becoming a laughingstock in others’ eyes.

And Zhang Ling, it appeared, was no fool. When Shen Qian extended his hand and congratulated him, Zhang Ling reciprocated with a smile.

“President Shen, you’re too modest. It’s just a stroke of luck; it doesn’t mean much.”

Shen Qian smiled and raised his eyes. “I hope next time, President Zhang, you’ll have someone to help you again and have another stroke of luck.”

Zhang Ling paused.

Shen Qian had already gleaned the answer he wanted from Zhang’s subtle reaction, so he didn’t linger any longer. “I’ll take my leave.”

Zhang Ling furrowed his brows. Had Shen Qian guessed it already?

He walked straight out of the meeting room, and Tan Yao glanced at the terrace, suppressing his anxiety. He instructed the remaining people to return to Ning City before following.

By that time, half of the cigarette between Shen Qian’s fingers had burned away.

“Is everything arranged?”

Tan Yao nodded and then lowered his gaze. “I’m sorry; it’s my fault for the poor communication with the other side, leading to a serious mistake.”

“It’s not your fault,” the man said calmly, taking a drag from his cigarette.

Tan Yao suddenly looked up. “Then…”

“Huihai did it on purpose.”

“But we had a good relationship with them before…”

Shen Qian chuckled lightly. “Before the matter is truly settled, no matter how well we get along, it can change at any moment. It’s not like signing a contract with black and white clauses; there are no clear boundaries. If it succeeds, it’s fine; if it doesn’t, we can only swallow our anger and bear it silently.”

Tan Yao frowned. “But Huihai had no reason to do this.”

“Huihai may not have, but Lushen does!”