I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping
Chapter 377 - 348 All’s fair in war

Chapter 377: 348 All’s fair in war

And Meng Jiye was undoubtedly the epitome of "external family power."

Everyone has seen historical strategic dramas, where even if the identities and attributes of the parties cannot be said to be completely opposed, at least they definitely do not belong to the same camp. Even if they could maintain a superficial harmony, in secret they surely disliked each other.

Meng Jiye, who had always regarded Jin Hai as his own enterprise, saw Ouyang Cheng publicly refute him on such an important occasion and instantly became livid with rage.

The chairman is my brother-in-law.

The second largest shareholder is my nephew.

The third largest shareholder is my own sister.

You’re just an employee, what gives you the right to argue with me?

"Is there still a need to fight? The chairman has said that the competition for this military project is unprecedented, and there is even the presence of a power like Jiuding Group. Director Ouyang, are you only focusing on overseas tangible assets and completely ignorant of the domestic situation?"

Meng Jiye sneered coldly.

"No worries, if Director Ouyang isn’t well-informed, I have information on Jiuding Group right here that I can show you."

As he spoke, Meng Jiye attempted to toss a document in front of him over, but it was decisively rejected by the other party.

"No need."

Ouyang Cheng, who was about the same age as Meng Jiye, looked around at the other directors.

"Jin Hai has achieved what it has today by facing difficulties and cutting through thorns. If we admit defeat just because the opponent is strong, such a business will never be able to progress again. Everyone understands the principle of rowing upstream. We can give up this time, but what about next time? Surely we cannot always be snatching rice bowls from enterprises weaker than us?"

"Falling behind means getting beaten up, big fish eat small fish, and small fish eat shrimps—that’s just the law of the market. Director Ouyang, doing business is about weighing pros and cons, not about excessively advocating so-called heroism!"

One has to admit.

Meng Jiye’s words, though not very pleasant, actually made quite a bit of sense.

Both held their own views and argued without yielding, as if neither was wrong.

"What about the rest of you?"

Shi Zhenhua looked towards the others.

But no one chimed in.

Which one of those present wasn’t a scheming fox? At this moment, whatever they said would undoubtedly offend one side or the other, and without having a clear grasp of Shi Zhenhua’s thoughts, who would be rash enough to express an opinion?

"Qian Qian, since you’re involved in this project, what do you think?"

Shi Qianxi, who was originally enjoying the show, was startled when she saw her father looking at her.

She panicked internally, wanting to say she was just a bystander, but she dared not.

However spoiled she might be, she wouldn’t act recklessly on such an occasion.

All eyes focused on her for a moment.

Playing dumb definitely wouldn’t get her off the hook.

"Uncle isn’t wrong, the key to doing business is whether the input and return are proportional."

Upon hearing this, Meng Jiye’s face lit up with joy.

Indeed.

Family is still family after all.

No matter how great your contribution is, what do you have to compete with me?

But before he could revel in his delight, Shi Qianxi changed tack.

"However, since we have already been preparing for so long, just giving up doesn’t seem right either..."

Shi Zhenhua’s face was as inscrutable as an ancient well, showing neither joy nor anger, as his fingers lightly tapped the tabletop.

"Are you suggesting that we should continue to compete?"

"Initially, we didn’t have full confidence in this project, and we were prepared for the possibility of failure, so no matter who our competitor is, it doesn’t really have a great impact on us. What we need to show is the sense of responsibility and dedication a national enterprise is willing to contribute to the country. Winning or losing isn’t crucial."

At first, Shi Qianxi’s tone was a bit unnatural, but as she spoke, she became more at ease.

"On the contrary, I think if our competitor is Jiuding, winning would naturally be great, but even if we lose, it would still be an honorable defeat."

The conference room quieted down.

Everyone seemed contemplative.

Ouyang Cheng’s expression softened.

He had been worried about Shi Qianxi, who currently seemed to be the only choice for the group’s successor.

However, he now realized that he might have been somewhat prejudiced.

Until the meeting was adjourned.

Shi Zhenhua had not formally expressed his stance.

He kept Shi Qianxi back alone,

"Dad, was there something wrong with what I just said?"

Shi Qianxi was apprehensive.

This was also her first time speaking up at such an important meeting.

"No, you spoke very well."

Rarely, Shi Zhenhua offered full affirmation.

Shi Qianxi’s heart suddenly relaxed.

Could this be the first time Dad has ever praised her?

Even though she was laid-back and didn’t fancy the business affairs much, who doesn’t yearn for their parent’s acknowledgment?

"Dad, so you also want to continue competing for this project?"

In the spacious conference room with just the father and daughter left, there was no need for pretenses.

"Dad is also in a dilemma right now,"

Shi Zhenhua said softly.

A hint of confusion, something Shi Qianxi had never seen before, spilled from his expression.

"Dad, what’s wrong?"

She couldn’t help but ask.

Shi Zhenhua looked at his daughter.

Wealth and power, overturning heavens and earth, so what?

It seemed he couldn’t find a second person to confide in.

"At the entrepreneurs’ summit a few days ago, Lan Peizhi talked to me. Although she didn’t say it explicitly, her words suggested that she wanted me to give up on this project."

Shi Qianxi was utterly puzzled.

"What does it have to do with her?"

"Nothing."

Shi Zhenhua said, "Her starting point is probably just a kind-hearted reminder."

Shi Qianxi still furrowed her brows in confusion.

"Ye Tingxuan detaining Pei Yunxi, what do you think is the reason?"

"Isn’t it just lust?"

Shi Qianxi blurted out without a second thought, "Men are all the same, seeing something nice, they want to make it theirs."

Shi Zhenhua gently shook his head.

"Others may be so, but Ye Tingxuan is not that kind of person."

Shi Qianxi was baffled, "Then what is it for?"

"Pointing at mulberry while cursing the locust, he was targeting me, but Jiang Chen inadvertently messed it up."

Shi Qianxi was even more baffled.

"Dad, what do you mean by that? We have no connection with him at all."

Shi Zhenhua smiled faintly.

"Who says you can only have grievances with those you have dealings with? Often, you don’t realize which people you have offended with a single action."

"Dad, I don’t understand."

In front of her own father, there was no need to cover anything up.

"If I’m not mistaken, Ye Tingxuan’s goal is also to get his hands on this military project."

Shi Qianxi’s brows knotted.

Shi Zhenhua continued, "Although Jiuding does not belong to the Yes, the two families have a significant connection."

Shi Qianxi, sensing the implications, couldn’t help but be enraged.

"Dad, that’s too despicable of them, isn’t it? They resort to such lowly tactics in normal business competition!"

"All’s fair in war."

Shi Zhenhua seemed unfazed.

"And it’s probably not Jiuding that instigated it, it should be just that whimsical Young Master Ye acting on his own, just like you."

Shi Qianxi felt a little embarrassed.

"Dad, why are you bringing me up?"

Shi Zhenhua smiled and settled into silence.

Shi Qianxi finally realized that many things were far more complicated than what she saw.

"...Dad, are we still doing this project?"

Shi Zhenhua did not express an opinion.

"Responsibility, sense of mission, naivety!"

Returning to his own office, Meng Jiye’s face was sullen as he slumped heavily into his chair.

He really didn’t care about the final decision, what infuriated him was that his niece actually sided with an outsider rather than helping her own uncle.

"Knock, knock, knock..."

There was a knock at the door.

"Who is it?!"

"Director Meng, it’s me, Qiu Zhaobin."

Qiu Zhaobin, a manager from the marketing department, was by rank not likely to come into contact with someone as high up as a group director, but he was quite the smooth operator. He had made a good impression during a business reception, thus establishing a decent private relationship with Meng Jiye.

That’s right.

It was also him who took Chen Zhou to the Peninsula Izakaya for drinks.

Hearing that it was him, Meng Jiye suppressed his negative emotions and called him in.

Qiu Zhaobin pushed the door and entered.

"What’s up?"

"Director Meng, that shop informed me that they have new items and specifically asked if you would have time to come and appraise them," Qiu Zhaobin said.

Meng Jiye’s irritation eased at the thought, his heart heating up with the anticipation of that unique culinary culture.

He hesitated for a moment.

"Director Meng, these are specially trained from a young age, just came of age and this is their first display," Qiu Zhaobin continued.

Meng Jiye’s hesitation disappeared, his demeanor turning serious.

"Since they are so enthusiastic, we shouldn’t disappoint their kindness. I’ll check my schedule."

"Yes, Director Meng."