Qin Zhongtian sat in his office, growing more frustrated the more he thought about it. He had originally hoped to latch onto the mighty Dingcheng Group, aiming to double his company's profits this year, but who could have predicted such a sudden upheaval?
"President Qin, this matter isn't actually that hard to handle."
His secretary stood respectfully by his side, speaking softly.
"With things already at this point, is there still room for a turnaround?"
Qin Zhongtian felt utterly uncertain, lifting his head to glance at the secretary.
A faint, pleasing smile curled at the corner of the secretary's lips. "It just depends on whether President Qin is willing to part with something dear."
Qin Zhongtian instantly grasped the implication. Though it stung a bit, it was still better than completely offending Dingcheng Group, wasn't it?
After mulling it over, he finally nodded.
Su Banxia felt somewhat dejected over the failed completion of her contract with the Qin Group, but remembering the mountain of debt she carried, she forced herself to perk up. No matter what, life had to go on, right? One contract didn't mean there wouldn't be future opportunities.
Pei Shaoze lounged lazily in his office chair, watching the crestfallen Su Banxia in her seat, a hint of a charming smile tugging at his lips.
Tapping his fingers lightly on the desk, Pei Shaoze glanced at his watch, timing the arrival of someone he expected.
Just as he predicted, within seconds, the office door swung open.
"President Qin is here to see you; he's in the reception room now."
Yan Xin reported flatly, then instinctively glanced at Su Banxia off to the side.
Su Banxia jolted upright, quickly straightening her posture, stealing a sidelong look at Pei Shaoze. If Qin Zhongtian was willing to come to them, did it mean he was ready to make concessions?
"The Qin Group's influence in Yanshi can't be underestimated. Since President Qin has taken the initiative to come, I can't very well turn him away."
Pei Shaoze stood up, adjusting his collar.
Pausing, he turned to Su Banxia and instructed, "You're in charge of following up on this contract. I'm giving you one more chance—don't let me down."
Su Banxia immediately rose to her feet, a smile spreading across her face. "Absolutely not!"
Yan Xin watched their exchange with confusion, a twinge of discomfort in her heart, though she didn't show it openly.
"Oh, and by the way, since partnering with the Qin Group is a major project for Dingcheng, I'll go with you."
Pei Shaoze raised an eyebrow slightly. "I'd like to see Secretary Su's business skills in action."
Though nervous inside, Su Banxia ultimately nodded.
Yan Xin watched the two leave one after the other, a flicker of suspicion crossing her mind. Wasn't the partnership between the Qin Group and Dingcheng already a done deal? Why did Pei Shaoze make it sound like such a tough task?
Unable to figure out what game Pei Shaoze was playing, Yan Xin sighed helplessly and withdrew to focus on her own work.
Su Banxia followed cautiously behind Pei Shaoze, mentally pumping herself up the whole way. Back in France, she had helped Lin Tongze secure plenty of contracts, but never had she felt this nervous before. Maybe it was because she was too desperate to succeed this time, and her mindset had shifted?
Pei Shaoze suddenly stopped, and Su Banxia, not paying attention, bumped into him.
His body was rock-hard, and the impact sent a sharp pain through her forehead, making her wince.
"So eager to throw yourself into my arms?"
Pei Shaoze smirked, a handsome curve forming on his lips.
"Dream on!"
Su Banxia shot him a glare without holding back. "Why did you stop all of a sudden? You did that on purpose!"
Pei Shaoze chuckled lightly. "Women always say one thing and mean another. If you want to fall into my arms, just say so—it's not like I'd refuse you."
"Pei Shaoze!"
Su Banxia gritted her teeth in frustration but had no way to retaliate.
"Remember, when we're in there, try to push our profit margins up and drive their prices down."
Seeing her adorable reaction, Pei Shaoze couldn't help but smile as he reminded her.
Su Banxia paused briefly, then said slowly, "Isn't that a bit much?"
"If you want a higher commission, do as I say. Otherwise, I don't mind if you earn less."
With that, Pei Shaoze pushed open the reception room door and walked in.
Su Banxia, still processing his words, hurried in after him.
"President Pei, I'm sorry to bother you again today."
Qin Zhongtian stood up quickly as he saw them enter, greeting them warmly.
"I was a bit busy earlier, so I kept you waiting. Please don't take it to heart, President Qin."
Pei Shaoze handled the formalities with effortless ease.
Watching him, Su Banxia silently cursed him under her breath.
"By the way, I still haven't sincerely apologized to Secretary Su for yesterday's incident."
Qin Zhongtian smoothly shifted the conversation to Su Banxia.
Only a fool wouldn't notice how much Pei Shaoze valued Su Banxia. Canceling the partnership just because she was thrown out—wasn't that blatantly mixing personal grudges with business? Besides, the business world was small, and he had heard about Li Yi's canceled deal with Dingcheng Group. Rumor had it that Su Banxia was the spark that lit that fuse!
Realizing this, Qin Zhongtian's attitude toward Su Banxia grew even more enthusiastic.
"Yesterday wasn't your fault; it was that clueless employee of yours."
Su Banxia adjusted her thick-rimmed glasses as she spoke.
"Thank you for understanding, Secretary Su. I've already suspended that employee, so—"
"President Qin is so fair-minded, you're making me a bit embarrassed."
Su Banxia smiled faintly at Qin Zhongtian's obvious flattery.
Qin Zhongtian couldn't help feeling anxious. They'd talked for a while, yet there was still no sign of steering the conversation toward the partnership.
Su Banxia calmly kept up the banter with Qin Zhongtian. Years of navigating the business world had taught her to read people. From his demeanor, she could clearly see that his eagerness to seal the deal was no less than hers.
Seeing through this, Su Banxia grew less hurried, chatting with Qin Zhongtian about all sorts of everyday topics—from office gossip to industry news, whatever came to mind.
Pei Shaoze sat to the side, sipping his coffee, thoroughly entertained by Su Banxia's performance. People said he was smooth with formalities, but Su Banxia was no slouch either.
"Everything you've said makes perfect sense, Secretary Su. But the reason I came today is actually about something else."
Unable to keep the conversation going, Qin Zhongtian cut to the chase, taking the initiative.
"Oh?"
Seeing that he had taken the bait, Su Banxia feigned ignorance. "What is it?"