Fated Love With the Billionaire
Chapter 176: Needing an Opportunity

Chapter 176: Chapter 176: Needing an Opportunity

Chen Ningxi approached the private room and heard laughter coming from the slightly ajar door, followed by Dai Chi’s voice.

Dai Chi, "She should be here soon. She called earlier and said she already reached Jinle Street."

An unfamiliar man said, "It’s not far from Jinle to here. She’ll be here in about five minutes."

An unfamiliar woman said, "Can’t get stuck in traffic, right?"

The unfamiliar man, "Perhaps, there’s a school next to Jinle Street, and now is just the time for students to get off school."

Chen Ningxi pushed the door open, "I hope you weren’t kept waiting."

Seeing her enter, the three people in the room immediately stood up to greet her. Dai Chi introduced her while inviting her to the main seat. Only after greeting the two did Chen Ningxi realize they were Pan Cheng, Manager of Shangxing Special Cable, and a female Sales Manager from the company, but Chen Ningxi could tell immediately their relationship was more than simple.

Pan Cheng was wearing a black polo shirt, his short hair was neatly styled, conveying the maturity and maturity and charm of a successful man in his sharp eyes; his physique was managed well—no beer belly but not overly athletic either.

His smile was captivating—a charming playfulness that tugged at your heartstrings but stayed within bounds, perfectly balanced.

"Manager Chen, I’ve heard so much about you! I’d only heard of a young and promising female manager at Danjiang Electric. When I talked to Manager Guo, I said such a position must be held by a burly woman. But seeing you today, I’m surprised. Not only is your aura impressive, but you also give off an air of competence."

Pan Cheng was a master at flattery, but female managers with both looks and high-ranking positions in the workplace rarely appreciated being complimented on their appearance. For them, their beauty, granted by their parents without effort, was the least noteworthy aspect, whereas their abilities were their pride and they relished being recognized for it.

Chen Ningxi smiled, "The moment you spoke, Manager Pan, I knew I was facing a formidable figure today. I’m just a minor manager, and your compliments make me shy. Actually, in our department, it’s Brother Dai who’s the expert. He’s been with electric power longer, understands work matters more than I do, and I constantly seek his guidance for many issues."

With a few words, Chen Ningxi elevated Dai Chi, giving his vanity a great surge of satisfaction, and he waved it off with a laugh,

"There’s no need to say that. Between siblings like us, it’s just a matter of saying a word."

As they spoke, Guo Shiwen poured tea for the three of them.

Pan Cheng called the waiter, "Manager Chen, do you have any dietary restrictions?"

Instead of asking what she wanted to eat, he asked what she didn’t eat.

Chen Ningxi said, "Let’s keep it simple today, not too greasy. I just got married and am preparing for pregnancy with my husband."

Though they had barely begun chatting, she subtly hinted at her abstaining from alcohol.

Guo Shiwen smiled and sat next to Chen Ningxi, "While preparing for pregnancy, it’s best not to drink alcohol. You have to take care of your health."

Chen Ningxi, "Yes, I’m quite careful. After all, my husband isn’t that young anymore. We should have a child soon."

If Cheng Qiaobei knew about Chen Ningxi saying he wasn’t that young outside, he’d definitely give her a hard time.

Fortunately, he wasn’t here!

With ladies at the dining table and since Chen Ningxi was the main guest today, the menu catered more to the tastes of women, focusing primarily on dishes they preferred.

Since Chen Ningxi didn’t drink, Pan Cheng ordered freshly squeezed juice for her.

While waiting for the food, Guo Shiwen engaged Chen Ningxi in topics women loved talking about.

Guo Shiwen complimented her figure and asked about her fitness regimen. Learning about Chen Ningxi’s workout routine, she specifically added her on WeChat through the gym’s account.

Having found a common interest, Chen Ningxi chatted with her more freely.

Once the dishes were served, they ate and talked, not delving immediately into work-related topics.

It was Dai Chi who first broached the evening’s main subject, raising his glass and saying, "This dinner tonight, Manager Pan prepared especially for Manager Chen. Firstly, to discuss work and secondly as a chance to get acquainted. I raise my glass to thank Manager Pan for the generous hospitality; I’ll drink this first in respect."

Dai Chi downed his drink in one gulp, while Chen Ningxi took a sip of her juice and set the glass down.

At this table, everyone except Chen Ningxi had beer.

Pan Cheng smoothly picked up the conversation, "Manager Chen, the cables from our company are competitive in quality and price in the domestic market. Moreover, our Shangxing brand is a big name in the cable industry, well-known and reputable. I heard Danjiang Electric is going to procure a batch of cables this year. I’m not trying to use backdoor means but merely asking for an opportunity for our company. You see, at the beginning of this year, our company even imported a batch of new equipment from Germany, benchmarking our cable production to international standards, so you can rest assured about the quality."

Chen Ningxi carefully placed her chopsticks down, took a napkin to dab her lips, then said,

"I have received information on Shangxing cables, and Brother Dai was also in my office at the time. He strongly recommended your company. In my heart, I have great trust in Brother Dai. After all, he has previously worked and participated in procurement in this field. However, this is my first time, and I’m unfamiliar with the procurement processes. There’s a saying to be cautious in words and deeds, and indeed there’s a project, but my approach is to follow the procedures. As long as Shangxing cables pass the bidding process and secure the project, I wholeheartedly support it. I have no objections."

Hearing this, Guo Shiwen looked at Pan Cheng.

Everyone understood that these tenders were just for show. Once you decide whom to give it to and manipulate the process, the order belongs to that party.

However, what Chen Ningxi meant was for Shangxing to participate in the collective bidding, and if that was the case, Shangxing’s competitiveness wasn’t very strong.

Dai Chi’s expression turned slightly grim but he maintained his smile. Pan Cheng signaled to Dai Chi, who immediately understood.

"Manager Chen," Dai Chi said meaningfully, "what Manager Pan means is, could we discuss this project and have them handle it?"

"Have them handle it?" Chen Ningxi feigned not understanding.

Guo Shiwen quickly agreed, sliding her chair closer and gently grasping Chen Ningxi’s wrist, "Manager Chen, we know you’re new in this position. There might be a lot you’re not familiar with. Actually, we’ve operated like this before. Of course, Manager Pan wouldn’t let you work in vain, he’s considerate."

Chen Ningxi tried to maintain a smile, "Manager Pan, are you trying to bribe me with what you’re saying?"

This single statement left the three others speechless for a few seconds.

Dai Chi quickly added, "It’s not that serious, it’s not that serious, you’re putting it like..."

Pan Cheng remained calm, looking at Chen Ningxi with a relaxed smile, "Manager Chen, it’s merely cooperation. In our industry, Shangxing Special Cable is at least among the top three if not the best. But in a market economy, many just need an opportunity."