Fated Love With the Billionaire
Chapter 298: Chess Master

Chapter 298: Chapter 298: Chess Master

"Ah, why can’t I communicate with you! Just shop by yourself." Lu Xingyan threw the shopping cart in anger and strode away.

"Xingyan," Lv Jianglan shouted after Lu Xingyan’s back, but he was quick on his feet and had already run far, "This kid."

Lu Xingyan thought about catching up to explain to Chen Ningxi, but he didn’t see her at the supermarket exit. Helpless, without her phone number, he didn’t feel right asking a colleague for it and decided to apologize face-to-face at work tomorrow.

At this time, Chen Ningxi drove away from the supermarket parking lot.

Given Lu Xingyan’s mother’s attitude just now, she wouldn’t be satisfied no matter what job he was given.

With people like that, there was no need for excessive explanation, much less becoming too close. Just maintaining surface-level cordiality was sufficient.

Chen Ningxi started picking vegetables and washing rice as soon as she got home, but even after preparing the dinner, Cheng Qiaobei hadn’t returned from work. He had clearly said during the day that he wouldn’t work overtime, but given the situation, he must be busy again.

She opened his WeChat and typed, "Working overtime again? What time are you coming back for dinner?"

About five minutes later, North replied, "Overtime, don’t wait for me."

Chen Ningxi replied, "Got it."

Meanwhile, Cheng Qiaobei sat in a conference room with Zheng Rongxi and Cheng Siluo sitting opposite him.

Cheng Siluo said, "The Deep Blue project has undergone an extensive system investigation and has successful precedents. I don’t understand why it was rejected."

Cheng Qiaobei asked calmly, "Which year are your investigation data from? What era are the successful case studies in the project from, and do they comply with our country’s current situation? Using wine from 1982 to entertain guests is classy, but using beef from 1982 would be zombie meat."

Cheng Siluo was initially at a loss but was prepared.

"The data statistics may be a bit outdated, but the data from the past three years is still convincing. For example—"

Before she could finish, Cheng Qiaobei interrupted, "How many years ago is too early? How early? Have you verified the recent three years of data validity?"

The barrage of questions made Cheng Siluo feel guilty, yet she pretended to stay composed and answered, "Six years ago, the authenticity of the data is definitely ensured."

"Mm... you guarantee the authenticity? Are you sure?" Cheng Qiaobei confidently retorted.

This caused Cheng Siluo to falter, and she secretly pondered. Although she had embellished the past three years’ data, the Deep Blue project still had prospects, and with Jade Jiali’s brand reputation, a gamble was entirely feasible.

Cheng Qiaobei said, "Siluo, I don’t want to expose you, but data within three years definitely has issues."

"How do you know there’s a problem? Have you done an investigation? I had a professional big data company do the research."

Anyone could question her, but Cheng Qiaobei could not.

Cheng Qiaobei tapped lightly on the table, assessing Cheng Siluo’s expression. Her evasive gaze already indicated the problem, but she was simply unwilling to admit being caught by him.

"Fine, the data is from the company you found, but how do you compare six years ago with now? The differences in industry rules, consumer groups, and consumption habits, as well as changes in the larger environment, can’t be equated."

Cheng Siluo said, "Although there’s a long time span, it still has reference value."

Cheng Qiaobei looked at her angrily, "I want to know who set the standard for this reference value?"

Cheng Siluo blinked, her face slightly embarrassed. She opened her mouth, but before she could defend herself, Zheng Rongxi spoke up.

"Qiaobei, Siluo just wants to provide more comprehensive data support, which is understandable," Zheng Rongxi interrupted their conversation.

Cheng Qiaobei’s gaze shifted over, seeing the familiar yet hypocritical smile. She was very adept at playing the role of a kind elder in public, but unfortunately, he had seen enough of such performances and no longer had the patience to play along.

"If Chairman Zheng believes there’s no problem with outdated data and fabrication, I have nothing to say." Cheng Qiaobei lowered his eyes, feeling there was no further need to discuss.

As they say, birds of a feather flock together.

Zheng Rongxi continued with a friendly demeanor, persuading, "Qiaobei, do you think I’m favoring Siluo with my words? First, let me clarify, I’m not favoring anyone. In the company, I’ve always been impartial, and even if Siluo is my biological daughter, when it comes to company interests, I’m on the side of reason, not kinship."

Cheng Qiaobei let out a laugh from his nose, "Ha..."

Seeing Cheng Qiaobei’s attitude, Cheng Siluo angrily scolded him, "What kind of attitude is that? Show some respect to my mom."

Cheng Qiaobei looked at the time and asked, "Is there anything else? If not, can I go?"

Cheng Siluo said, "We haven’t finished talking."

Cheng Qiaobei rubbed his aching forehead, saying, "There’s really no need to continue. Your report is unconvincing and even involves data fabrication. I refrained from exposing you at the meeting out of concern for the Cheng family’s reputation."

Was he saying she’d disgraced the Cheng family?

Cheng Siluo’s face flushed with anger, "Without proof, how can you accuse me of fabricating data?"

"Truly not shedding tears until you see the coffin." Cheng Qiaobei took out his phone and sent a document to Cheng Siluo’s WeChat, "Check your WeChat. This is the data I’ve compiled over the past three years. Do I have the qualification to question you? For the same statistical project, we’ve arrived at completely different results; you’re not aware of who’s fabricating?"

Cheng Siluo opened the document, which was an investigative report on the hotel sector.

While she was reviewing the document, Cheng Qiaobei spoke, "You’ve even resorted to data fabrication just to gain more control over company resources and secure support for the new project. My stance is clear; as long as I’m at Jade Jiali, I won’t tolerate any fabrication right under my nose."

With that, Cheng Qiaobei got up and left without looking back, leaving the mother-daughter duo staring at each other.

Standing inside the elevator, Cheng Qiaobei’s gaze turned icy as he stared ahead.

Cheng Xiangheng was truly a master strategist, staging a play of veto power right in front of the company’s upper and middle management. Now, the entire company believed he held the reins of power, treating his elderly father like a puppet for a power-hungry illegitimate child, but who would support him? In the future, more people would doubt and reject him.

The final outcome... wasn’t hard to predict.

Cheng Qiaobei walked out of the elevator with his head held high.

Upon arriving home, Chen Ningxi was in the study looking at materials. Cheng Qiaobei came up behind her, resting his hand naturally on her shoulder.

Chen Ningxi said, "I’ll heat up the dishes for you."

Cheng Qiaobei pressed her shoulder, "No need, I’ll do it myself."

Chen Ningxi removed his hand and walked out of the study, "You’ve been busy all day, go change clothes and wash up for dinner."

Wearing pajamas, Cheng Qiaobei came to the dining table, shedding his once-dapper suit demeanor, now appearing gentle and elegant. He took the utensils she handed him and said,

"Have you figured out the prizes for your unit’s event?"

Chen Ningxi sat next to him, resting her chin in her hand as she looked at him, "Yes, getting first place is linked to the technical title."

Cheng Qiaobei asked, "What’s the use of that?"

Chen Ningxi replied, "Technical personnel receive subsidies. The higher the technical title, the more the subsidy will increase."