Spellbound Hearts - Chapter 76 - Secret Assistance

As Song Zhaoli finished speaking, the grandfather and grandson faced off in silence.

Song Zhaoli appeared to be smiling, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

Ji Xuan observed this scene, weighing the situation in her mind: there was discord between the grandfather and grandson.

Just as Ji Xuan worried whether the two might clash right there, Elder Song, leaning on his cane, spoke in a cold, stern voice, “Fine, we’ll do as you say.”

Song Zhaoli’s lips curled slightly as he turned his gaze to Ji Xuan, “Manager Ji, did you hear that? It’s up to you whether you earn a three-million bonus or pack your things and leave, depending on whether you can secure the Bi Sheng project.”

When the titans clash, the little ones suffer.

With Song Zhaoli having made the decision, Ji Xuan had no choice but to comply respectfully, “Yes.”

Song Zhaoli chuckled lightly, “You may go.”

Ji Xuan responded, “Alright, President Song.”

With that, Ji Xuan turned to leave, pausing before she stepped out to nod politely to Elder Song.

As Ji Xuan emerged, the high-ranking executives standing in the hallway all turned their eyes to her.

Ji Xuan, accustomed to being the lone woman amidst a sea of men on construction sites, was unfazed by such attention.

As she walked forward, one of the executives called out softly, “Manager Ji.”

Ji Xuan didn’t recognize the person, but she stopped and nodded, glancing at his badge-Vice President of the Procurement Department, Qi Feng.

“Mr. Qi.”

Qi Feng smiled in a friendly manner, quietly probing her for information, “Why is Elder Song here this time?”

Faced with Qi Feng’s inquiry, Ji Xuan didn’t answer immediately but glanced sideways at Qiu Lin standing nearby.

Qiu Lin discreetly nodded to Ji Xuan.

Understanding the cue, Ji Xuan smiled and replied, “For the Bi Sheng project.”

Qi Feng was surprised, “President Song wants to take on that project?”

Ji Xuan mixed truth with fiction, “It seems both Elder Song and President Song are interested.”

Qi Feng seemed skeptical, “Really?”

Ji Xuan smiled sincerely, “Yes.”

Qi Feng muttered softly, “It’s rare for those two to agree on something.”

Realizing he might have misspoken, Qi Feng quickly changed the subject with a polite smile, “Manager Ji, once you’re settled in, I’ll host a welcome dinner for you.”

Social niceties, give and take.

“Once you’re settled in” was a nice way of saying it, with two implications.

First, if you manage to settle in, I’ll host a dinner, gaining an ally in the Procurement Department and Project Department-more friends, more paths. Second, if you don’t settle in and end up leaving, then it’s just empty words, and the dinner is off the table, but you’ll still owe him a favor.

Ji Xuan saw through it but didn’t point it out, “Thank you in advance, Mr. Qi.”

Qi Feng smiled, “You’re welcome.”

After speaking with Qi Feng, Ji Xuan returned to the Project Department.

The Bi Sheng project was a hot potato, yet also a lucrative opportunity.

If done well, the three million would not only cover Mother Ji’s surgery costs but also pay off some debts.

If not done well…

No, she was determined to succeed.

Ji Xuan sat at her desk, took a sip of coffee, and began reviewing the Bi Sheng project materials.

The more she researched, the more troubled she became.

Indeed, there was no such thing as a free lunch.

The Bi Sheng project was not just problematic-it was a total mess. If she couldn’t negotiate below 35% of the market price, the deal was impossible.

Meanwhile, in the President’s Office, Song Zhaoli leaned back with a cup of tea, making a phone call.

“I can’t get involved directly. Can you help probe Bi Sheng’s intentions?”

Liao Bei teased over the phone, “I thought you didn’t like her?”

Song Zhaoli’s lips curled into a smile, “Who said you can’t help someone you don’t like? You’re so pragmatic.”

Liao Bei retorted, “Me, pragmatic?”

Song Zhaoli replied with a straight face, “You’re not pragmatic; you’re altruistic. I’ve seen you help elderly ladies cross the street since you were young-handsome and kind-hearted.”

Liao Bei was puzzled, “When was that?”

He couldn’t recall ever doing such a thing.

Song Zhaoli said, “Not important. There’s no time like the present. How about tonight? Arrange a dinner with the executives from Bi Sheng and see what you can find out.”

Song Zhaoli’s topic shift was so swift that Liao Bei was momentarily caught off guard, his mouth working faster than his brain as he asked, “Should I just handle it directly?”

Song Zhaoli replied, “No need, just gauge their intentions. She has the ability to handle it herself.”

Liao Bei commented, “I think you’re just being redundant.”