Gu Jiangli spoke so vividly up front that many people looked on with envy or anticipation.
The assistant beside Gu Jiangfeng was shocked and immediately lowered his head to report, "Chairman, why is this content so similar to the proposal we rejected before?"
Gu Jiangfeng raised a hand slightly. "No rush. Let him take his time."
Seeing how confident his boss was of victory, the assistant stopped worrying, but his brows remained furrowed in puzzlement as he watched Gu Jiangli present the contents.
Gu Zhiyue bit into a grape egg tart. [Look at him, making it sound like a story. I never thought he'd actually memorize all the key points.]
Xiao Jiu said, [You can't be a boss with a bad memory. Otherwise, you'd be done for if you stole something from another company and couldn't memorize it.]
[You really are savage.]
After Gu Jiangli finished his explanation, the bidding began. The project was indeed extremely attractive, and the competition never let up. Someone held the bid document and examined it carefully, silently nodding all the while, seemingly very satisfied.
Two companies failed to meet the requirements for a partnership and could only reluctantly give up.
The boss reading the bid document suddenly frowned and stood up. "Wait!"
Her voice drew everyone's attention, and the venue fell silent.
"Chairman Gu, you just said your company had budgeted at least three hundred million for this project, but the investment amount listed in your bid document is a mere ten thousand. What's more, this document is riddled with holes. It doesn't even include the most important standard requiring attention."
Gu Jiangli panicked inwardly and involuntarily stole a glance at Gu Jiangfeng. Seeing Gu Jiangfeng watching him with an unhurried smile, Gu Jiangli suddenly realized he had been played.
But he couldn't lose his temper in this setting, or the fact that he had plagiarized his bid document from Gu Jiangfeng's company would be exposed on the spot.
Gu Shuoyan gave Gu Zhiyue half of his freshly baked cookies. "Judging by how Uncle looks, he's run into quite a problem. Do you think he can resolve it?"
Gu Zhiyue shook his head. "I don't know much about business. Maybe he probably... can't."
[Xiao Jiu, can Gu Jiangli get rid of it?]
[Host, that's illegal.]
Gu Zhiyue rolled his eyes. [I meant, can he resolve the problem he's facing right now? If he does, won't I miss out on a good show?]
Xiao Jiu gave two sheepish chuckles. [Oh, that's what you meant. Don't worry, Host. They spent several months preparing for this bid. The time, energy, and money they invested were no small amount. Gu Jiangli made it sound so vivid and appealing, only to submit a scrapped bid document. Although they haven't started signing a contract yet, the impact is still considerable.]
Zhao Wanling explained to Gu Zhiyue as though making casual conversation, "Although no contract has been signed yet, a partnership depends on the other party's attitude and sincerity. Your uncle came to bid with a contract full of holes. If anyone wants to work with them in the future, they'll have to think long and hard about it."
Gu Jiangli's hands clenched into fists at his sides. His Adam's apple bobbed, but he couldn't utter a word.
The female CEO questioned him again. "Chairman Gu, we made thorough preparations for this bid, and you're trying to fob us off with something like this?"
Gu Jiangli raised his sleeve to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead. "This was entirely because we were in too much of a hurry, and someone at the company brought the wrong document. Rest assured, everyone, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the bid document."
"If you can even bring the wrong bid document, something so important, what happens if we actually work together and you take the wrong work results too, Chairman Gu?" The female CEO sat back down. "We won't be investing in this project. Anyone who wants to work with them is welcome to participate."
The other bidders whispered among themselves, and in the end, all decided to give up on this partnership.
Gu Jiangli apologized with an awkward smile. "I'm sorry. This was an oversight on our company's part. We will certainly make improvements and won't allow this kind of mistake to happen again."
The next person to present the contents of his bid document was Gu Jiangfeng.
The contents of the bid document, the investment project, the division of responsibilities, and the direction of the partnership-all these key points were clearly displayed before everyone.
The assistant explained the project's main contents to everyone in an even tone, his delivery smooth and natural. The bidding counterparties could easily understand the project's advantages and disadvantages.
Gu Jiangli sat in his seat, his gaze terrifyingly cold as he watched Gu Jiangfeng. The assistant beside him hunched his shoulders in fright, not even daring to breathe freely.
They had invested six hundred million in this project, all to wait for this chance to secure a partnership and bring enormous profits to the company. Instead, such a major blunder had occurred. That six hundred million had effectively gone down the drain.
Gu Zhiyue clicked his tongue. [Gu Jiangli still seems really resentful. What's with that look? He actually dares glare at my dad?]
[That's six hundred million. It would be strange if he weren't glaring at someone.]
[If he'd taken a proper look at that bid document, he wouldn't have embarrassed himself here. Who steals someone else's work without even changing it?]
Xiao Jiu said, [They did make changes. For instance, they changed the investment amount and the partnership projects.]
Gu Zhiyue understood. [I get it. Everyone at their company has selective blindness. Otherwise, how could they fail to spot the holes in the bid document?]
Multiple parties competed back and forth over Gu Jiangfeng's company's bid document. After discussing it together, the competing companies began vying for the opportunity. Their voices weren't loud, but the intensity was clear.
Gu Zhiyue praised him. [As expected of Chairman Gu, who holds sway over all of Anzhou. This bid document is unbelievably appealing. If they work together, both sides stand to gain a lot, right?]
A hint of pride entered Xiao Jiu's voice. [Of course! When working with the Anzhou Gu Family, even a small, mid-sized group would reap far more than a little profit.]
Gu Zhiyue propped his chin on his knuckles, his eyes on the young boss surnamed Xing in the row of project owners.
[His looks are exactly my type. Will I get a chance to meet him? Xiao Jiu, do you have any way to create an opportunity for me?]
[No! Host, I can't do that. You can find a way yourself.]
Gu Zhiyue sighed. [Why would I ask you if I had a way? Forget it. Once the bidding is over, I'll ask Dad whether he knows him well.]
As though sensing something, the man looked over. Caught off guard, Gu Zhiyue met those cool eyes and quickly looked away.
The whole thing lasted less than a second. Gu Zhiyue's heart pounded uncontrollably. [That scared me to death. I almost got caught sneaking a look.]
Xiao Jiu suggested, [Host, carry a pair of sunglasses from now on. With sunglasses on, no one will know where you're looking.]
[That's a good idea. I'll definitely try it when I get the chance.]
[When will this end? The handsome guy is nice to look at, but right now, I want this to finish quickly so I can ask for his contact details.]
A partner had already been chosen for the Gu Jiangfeng group's bid. The two sides would meet later to discuss the details and subsequent work on the partnership. Now it was time for the final bid.
The man stood, lightly tapping the projection controls as he explained the key points while everyone read the bid document.
Gu Zhiyue couldn't help marveling. [Even his voice sounds so good. I absolutely have to get his contact details today.]
Gu Shuoyan pursed his lips helplessly. Had his little brother inherited this obsession with good looks from their second brother? Whenever they saw someone whose looks matched their tastes, they had to take a few extra glances.
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