They Both Fell to Their Knees (VIP Chapters Begin Next Chapter)

Xie Zhiyu's heart went cold. "Is there anything else you want to tell me?"

Sang Ya said, "I'll tell you when we meet tomorrow!"

"Okay."

He hung up.

The next day, Sang Ya arrived at Xie Group on time to see Xie Zhiyu. Following his boss's instructions, Assistant Liu led her to the office. He was as respectful as ever. "Miss Sang, President Xie is in a meeting. Please have a seat in his office for now."

"Would you like something to drink? Coffee or tea?"

Not seeing Xie Zhiyu actually came as a relief to Sang Ya. "I must be early."

"A cup of coffee, please. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Your coffee will be here shortly."

After a secretary brought the coffee, Sang Ya was alone in the office. She sat with perfect poise, maintaining her ladylike manners, and let her gaze drift naturally to the file cabinet.

An hour later, Xie Zhiyu emerged from the conference room.

As always, he patiently guided Sang Ya, then drove her back to the Sang Family home.

Sang Ya smiled and said goodbye, arranging a time for their next meeting.

Xie Zhiyu lowered the car window and watched her leave.

Sang Ya, don't disappoint me again.

Once he saw her safely enter the house, Xie Zhiyu drove away.

A few days later, the much-anticipated technology bidding conference took place as scheduled.

Luxury cars streamed past the hall entrance, a dizzying sight.

One sharply dressed executive after another entered the hall.

Perhaps it was a twist of fate: Xie Zhiyu had barely arrived when Gu Yeliang appeared, bringing them face-to-face in the center of the grand hall.

Gu Yeliang stood tall in his immaculate suit, brimming with confidence. "President Xie, I've heard so much about you."

Xie Zhiyu stood opposite him, half a head taller. Calm and composed, he looked puzzled. "Sorry, you are?"

Gu Yeliang's smile remained flawless. He seemed entirely unbothered by the cool reception. "I'm Gu Zheng's second son and the president of Gu Technology. I'm fully responsible for our bid on this project."

Xie Zhiyu raised an eyebrow. "I thought Chairman Gu had only one son."

Gu Yeliang's smile did not waver. "I'm his illegitimate son. I'm grateful my father gave me this chance to prove myself."

His origins were what hurt him most, yet he had to act as though they meant nothing. He even had to thank the Gu Family members he hated to the bone. Gu Yeliang was used to it.

The angrier he became, the wider his smile grew.

How could someone born with every advantage understand what life was like for people at the very bottom of the pecking order? That lofty attitude of his was sickening.

It didn't matter. Xie Zhiyu's mask of false nobility would soon be torn away.

Gu Yeliang could hardly wait to see his reaction when the bidding result was announced.

Power, wealth, prestige... and love. I'll have them all.

Xie Zhiyu had no interest in continuing this pointless conversation.

"I have something to attend to. Excuse me."

"See you in a bit," Gu Yeliang said warmly.

Inside the solemn conference room, the project leads from each company occupied their own clearly defined spaces.

The bidding process was private. Each company submitted its proposal to the review panel, which would evaluate them, select a winner, and announce its decision on the spot.

The conference room door opened, and every gaze turned to the person in charge of the tender.

Xie Zhiyu was as calm as ever. His expression gave nothing away.

Gu Yeliang glanced at him discreetly, certain of victory.

His only competitor in this bid was Xie Group.

Gu Yeliang admitted their proposal was excellent. They had made thorough preparations for the project's setup, operation, maintenance, and more. Every quoted price addressed exactly what the client cared about.

But Gu Technology's proposal improved on theirs in every way.

Certain of victory, Gu Yeliang felt his heart race despite himself. He clenched his fists and kept his composure.

Here it comes! Everything I've been waiting for is finally here.

Gu Yeliang listened intently, afraid to miss a single word.

"...I hereby announce that the winning bidder is Xie Group."

"President Xie, your company's proposal was excellent. We very much look forward to working with you."

Xie Zhiyu smiled and shook his hand. "Thank you. We look forward to working with your company as well."

"Congratulations. You take after Chairman Xie, President Xie. An impressive young man indeed."

The conference room had become a stage for networking and acclaim. Watching Xie Zhiyu at the center of it all, Gu Yeliang could no longer keep smiling.

From beginning to end, Xie Zhiyu did not spare him a glance.

That stung Gu Yeliang more than a direct taunt would have.

They Both Fell to Their Knees (VIP Chapters Begin Next Chapter)

In just a few minutes, Gu Yeliang experienced the dizzying fall from heaven to hell.

He watched Xie Zhiyu become the center of attention once more, and a flood of emotions surged through him.

The result made Gu Yeliang feel like a clown who had been jumping around for everyone's amusement. He was a joke.

I had Xie Group's proposal. How did they still win the bid?

Did Sang Ya betray me?

Had she decided her wealthy fiancé, born with every advantage, was more dependable than an illegitimate son who had to stay in the shadows? Had she sold me out without hesitation?

Gu Yeliang could not suppress those dark suspicions. Even when he faced Sang Ya, he nearly blurted out an accusation.

But at the last moment, his accusation turned into an apology.

"I'm sorry, Ya Ya. I didn't win the project."

The news hit Sang Ya like a blow. She wondered if she had misheard him. "What? Didn't you get the proposal from me?"

She looked Gu Yeliang straight in the eye. "Are you joking?"

"It's not funny at all." Sang Ya was growing angry. She hated jokes made at the wrong time.

"I'm not joking." Gu Yeliang sounded full of remorse. He knew how to draw out Sang Ya's sympathy.