Chapter 294: Finishing Up

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“What just happened?”

“It’s over. It’s all gone. President Lu did this.”

“What? What happened?”

“We just got fresh information saying that it was a geological risk. We all missed it in the early stages. I think President Lu just saved our *sses…” “I see where you are coming from, but now my bonus is gone too! Bwah!”

“Oh my god… President Lu had spent many nights up late, too. Did he give up too? Is there absolutely no way out?”

“You’re asking the wrong questions. Forget about the bonus. It is highly probable that we will all be hearing from HR soon.” “No way! Is it too late for me to resign now?”

“We’ll have to answer to this.”

“Do not overthink things. We have not received any directives to hold anyone accountable. The boss is on vacation today. Stop freaking out!”

“Sister Ying is here at the firm, too! He can’t get too angry.”

“Li Mi said that there would be afternoon tea. It should be Sister Ying’s treat. It might not be so bad!”

“What if the afternoon tea before overtime is the calm before the storm?”

“Shut up!”

It had been two days since the auction.

Last night, word from the project team about the upcoming Luya Group real estate venture began to spread throughout the company. Since this morning, the topic had been the subject of numerous discussions. People who normally kept to themselves would break their silence and offer their thoughts. Secretary Li, who was the subject of widespread scrutiny, was one of the few people whose accounts remained silent.

“President Lu, it’s Lin Gu from Changsheng Company.” Secretary Li entered the office and gave the papers to Lu Zhao.

The risk control division was able to quickly identify the conspirators after receiving precise information about the target at the tender meeting.

“Changsheng Company?” Luo Ying’s eyebrows went up as she asked, “This is a small company, right? Why are they being so brazen?” She understood that this was not merely an individual or small group’s arrangement.

“Lin Gu belongs to the side branch of the Lin family. After finishing college, he interned at the company run by the Lin family.” Secretary Li provided an impartial response.

“When did the Lin family gain the means and connections to pull off such a stunt?” Sirius found it unbelievable for them to gain leverage of any sort over a mid-level Luya Manager.

Lu Zhao quickly scanned the entire paper. It detailed how Manager Zhang facilitated the new hire’s entry into the organization, the specific channels through which the hire reaped benefits, and the nature of the ties that bound Manager Zhang’s interests to those of Lin Gu and others.

However, this report did not reveal the key information.

Lu Zhao put down the documents and said coldly, “Lin Gu is just a cover. The whole thing was arranged by Old Master Lu.”

“What?” Sirius frowned.

“This time I learned about the geological issue by accident, but even if I hadn’t, I am sure someone would approach me about a deal on their own.” Lu Zhao’s tone was very calm. “This has Old Master Lu’s style all over it. I will be in a position of passivity regardless of the outcome.”

It was not surprising that the risk management division could not track down any clues about Old Master Lu. But Lu Zhao’s instincts told him that only Old Master Lu was capable of doing such a thing with ease.

“Why didn’t he go torment Lu Wen instead of you?” Since returning to the country, Lu Wen had been frittering away the money and possessions Old Master Lu gave him.

Lu Zhao sneered. Nobody knew Old Master Lu’s mind like he did. “If he cared so much about Lu Wen, he would not have shipped him off to a foreign country for so long, and he certainly would not have given me the Luya Corporation in lieu of Lu Wen. He used Lu Wen as a means to control me.’

Luo Ying felt a slight pang in her chest. It is likely that Lu Zhao’s early life was filled with disappointments that wore away at his hopes for a close family bond.

“Boss, Manager Zhang wants to see you.” Secretary Li received a new message. “Keep him hanging. We’ll talk in two days.” Lu Zhao knew that Manager Zhang wanted to make a deal.

Lu Zhao believed that a deal of this nature was possible, but that there was no need to rush things along. After a few more days, he might be able to negotiate a better price.

“Also, please appease the other members of the original project team. The leave and bonuses will be distributed as originally planned. Keep this incident under wraps to the best of your ability,” Lu Zhao gave out some instructions in rapid succession.

Naturally, Old Master Lu hoped to see Lu Zhao become suspicious of and angry with his staff. Once mutual distrust and suspicion set in, trust between the two parties would erode over time.

However, thanks to Luo Ying’s hint, Lu Zhao was able to discreetly investigate the mole in advance, giving him ample time to sort out the situation. Even though Old Master Lu was hoping the group would freak out over Lu Zhao, he had to calm their nerves.

“Join me later.” Lu Zhao looked at Sirius.

“What? Where are we going?” For a brief second, Sirius was taken aback. He was unaware of any set plan.

“We’re meeting the Du family,” Lu Zhao said.

As promised, Su Li brought Lu Zhao to meet Du Tian. Du Tian, however, claimed that conditions on set were less than ideal. They were returning home in a few days to record a variety show. Because of this, they decided to get together this afternoon.

Since Old Master Lu had already made a move, Lu Zhao had no reason to hold back..