Chapter 111: I Report—There Must Be Something Going On

Shen Guodong shook his head and spoke, “Baldy, you’d better be more cautious about this kind of conduct in the future. If someone seizes on it, the consequences wouldn’t be good at all.”

Baldy shook his head dismissively, “He’s spent his whole life in the underworld, I doubt he fears that kind of petty person. I know his sort all too well—bullies the weak, cowers before the strong. If you show some backbone, he’d kneel before you without hesitation.”

“Boss, let’s head inside. It’s almost time for the bidding to start.”

The three of them bantered and laughed, the mood light as they made their way to the conference center. At this hour, the center resembled a Christian chapel, furnished with long benches of solid wood. Row upon row could seat many, and the central seat was reserved for the bidding host.

As they entered, they saw that the first three rows were nearly full, occupied by people from Factory Three. When Shen Guodong appeared, trailing behind, Wang Chengzhi in the front row couldn’t help but feel proud.

“Oh, some people not only come in small numbers, but are so unenthusiastic that they can only sit at the back now,” he mocked.

Seeing Wang Chengzhi’s smugness in the front row made Shen Guodong frown. This fellow, given the slightest advantage, would wave his tail in the air.

Baldy strode to the corner of the first row, gave the bench a hard shove, and the young men from Factory Three sitting nearby were no match for him; they tumbled backward, thoroughly intimidated.

After all, Baldy had spent decades in the underworld; the aura of someone not to be trifled with was unmistakably apparent. These bureaucratic types were unused to such streetwise energy and fled in fright.

Originally, Shen Guodong had thought they might have to settle for seats further back, but Baldy set the tone. Grinning, Shen Guodong pulled Zhou Meiniang along to sit in the first row.

Seeing the trio secure the best seats, Wang Chengzhi’s face twisted as if he’d swallowed a fly.

More people filtered in, and as the numbers swelled and the hall filled, the host ambled up to the podium.

“First, let me welcome all the delegations to the bidding conference of Shencheng Steel Works,” he began. “This bidding is an internal contest among several factories in Fengcheng. Really, though you’re competitors, you’re all brother factories—everyone knows that. But there’s only one spot. We’ve carefully investigated all the bidding documents you submitted. Over the past days, our factory leadership conducted a collective review and reached a conclusion. Now, please welcome our factory director to announce the result.”

At these words, Zhou Meiniang and Baldy exchanged expectant glances, their eyes fixed on the stage.

Director Lu had donned a Zhongshan suit for the occasion, recognizing the significance of the event. Even Shencheng Television had sent reporters to record the proceedings.

Director Lu stepped onto the stage, a small notebook in hand, and first offered a brief introduction to the project.

“This is a major test for several factories in Fengcheng. The bidding qualifications were subject to rigorous scrutiny, along with an assessment of future development.”

As Director Lu delivered his lengthy, somewhat tedious introduction, Shen Guodong spotted Director Wang, whom he’d met previously at the factory, arriving late.

Director Wang’s square face was creased in a frown, clearly aware of the outcome. Last time, Shen Guodong had hoped, since Wang came from Factory One, that perhaps some favor might be extended—at least enough to smooth the way. Instead, he hadn’t even finished the formalities before Wang had shown him out. Now, Shen Guodong had little patience for Director Wang.

In contrast, Wang Chengzhi came alive as soon as he saw Director Wang. It was only natural; Factory Three was the strongest among the four, and he was the most likely candidate for the bid.

As Director Lu’s speech neared its conclusion, the anticipation in the room grew. The representative of Shencheng Steel Works would be the sole agent in Fengcheng.

“After deliberation with Director Wang and several deputies, we’ve decided to award the qualification to—”

“Factory One, Fengcheng.”

The moment these words were spoken, Wang Chengzhi, who had been ready to stand and celebrate, froze. His face fell.

“No way, how is that possible?”

He stood up and shouted, “Impossible! This is definitely backroom dealing!”

He cried out, “How could Factory One be stronger than Factory Three? We are the strongest overall!”

Director Lu’s brow furrowed at Wang Chengzhi’s outburst. It was disrespectful; after all, Director Lu was the factory head, and he had just declared that the process was fair and thorough. To shout about insider dealings was highly inappropriate.

Seeing this, Shen Guodong stood up with a bright smile and said, “Thank you, Director Lu, for your trust and recognition of our factory. We have studied this bidding content for some time and are fully prepared to undertake it. I look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”

He strode up, smiling, and shook the director’s hand.

Wang Chengzhi’s loud protests made him seem like a clown.

He continued to shout, “Director Lu, I object! There’s something wrong with this bidding process. Director Lu, don’t you know Factory One has a shady reputation? Their overall strength is far less than ours—they’re on the verge of being absorbed by us. Are you sure you want to hand them this investment project? What if they choke on it and can’t manage?”

His words chilled the atmosphere in the hall.