Chapter 293: Auction

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation     Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The real estate project bidding conference took place the following day.

All the appointed corporate representatives showed up early to the event.

“Do you know if President Lu has any news for us, Secretary Li?” The Luya Group’s project team consisted of fresh-faced young professionals. So, even though Secretary Li’s position was much higher than theirs, bold and active members would still come over to ask questions.

“President Lu is very interested in this endeavor and is rooting for us to win the contract.” Secretary Li smiled in a soothing manner. “Don’t worry. I believe in your abilities.”

“Of course!” The young people looked somber in their suits for the formal event, but their voices were full of life.

Someone murmured, “I can’t be too sure, but I think I am 80% confident!” He tried to contain his enthusiasm, but it was clear.

“Okay, enough of the jokes. Quick, get that paper signed,” Manager Zhang urged them helplessly.

Everyone on the team had worked very hard on this project and wanted to see their efforts rewarded. Secretary Li’s expression soured at the thought.

The mole did not just try to wreck the Luya Group’s funding pipeline. Nearly 100 people who worked on the project for two months would be devastated to know that their efforts had all been for naught. It meant that ordinary employees who worked hard would not only be denied their expected results and rewards, but they might also face a harsh internal review. In addition to bringing heavy doubt from shareholders and the outside world, poor decision making would also bring the group into disrepute.

It risked bringing ruin to their finances, reputation, and confidence. It was a ruthless approach. Secretary Li seemed to be signing the registration calmly, but in fact, he had already thought of ten versions of how to deal with the mole.

The attendees made their way to their assigned seats and took their places. Secretary Li and Manager Zhang chatted inanely while waiting for the meeting to begin. Their words betrayed their anticipation of success in the bid.

Manager Zhang took a look at the situation but found no issues. As the highest-ranking person in the room, Secretary Li chose to sit at the very back of the room, which seemed odd. He claimed that he was merely an observer and has no significant role in the production. His goal was simply to remain unnoticed, so he sat in the very last row.

Manager Zhang could not poke at holes in that reasoning, so he instead focused on waiting for the meeting to begin.

Opening ceremonies typically consist of a lengthy speech introducing the purpose of the meeting and a notary session. It took nearly an hour, but the reading of the tender was finally upon everyone.

“Thirdly, we have Changsheng Company. The offer price is $300,000,000…” The staff on stage read each sealed bid individually.

“Luya Group, our number four pick, has submitted a bid of $770 million…” Manager Zhang’s ears pricked up, but the employee’s voice remained steady.

What? How did the price of the bid get so high?

Manager Zhang was so surprised that he almost got out of his chair. This was not the price they had set back then! With a bid that high, there was a good chance that it would go over the budget of the first party, which would make the bid fail.

The place was quiet for a moment, and then there was a buzz of conversation. The project team from the Luya Group turned to each other in a panic. What went wrong?! How could this be?

A subordinate peppered Manager Zhang with panicked questions, but Zhang had no time to worry about him. He looked anxiously to the right, subconsciously wanting to ask for someone’s help.

However, before the person he was staring at could react, Manager Zhang’s body froze.

From the corner of his eye, he could see that someone else was also watching him.

His eyes were unusually calm, as if this sudden accident had not bothered him at all.

It was Secretary Li.

The venue’s air conditioning was set to a comfortable level, but Manager Zhang was sweating so much that the back of his shirt was soaked. So that was how it was, so that was how it was! So it is not surprising that Secretary Li showed up in person today.

Lu Zhao had already sent someone to alter the original tender, so this one was completely different. There was an issue with the project, and he knew it. Those flawless strategies did not deceive Lu Zhao in the least. He simply acted as if he were unaware. Lu Zhao had quietly asked Secretary Li to come to the scene just to watch him reveal his hand!

On stage, staff members continued to read aloud into his ears. Manager Zhang was surrounded by subordinates, all of whom were asking questions that he could not hear.

All he knew was that it was over.

Manager Zhang’s earlier target was also clenching his teeth and muttering an expletive to himself. Manager Zhang had better keep quiet and not tell on him. He dreaded having to deal with Lu Zhao’s interpersonal techniques.

Anxiously, he reached for his phone and fired off several messages in quick succession, but they all seemed to disappear into thin air..