The meticulously laid plans were abruptly scrapped? Han Qian cared little for schemes and strategies—what truly mattered to him was money. Judging from Yan Qingqing's demeanor last night, it didn't seem like anything had been canceled at all. As he walked into her office, he sank heavily into the sofa, his brows furrowed in indignation.
"After all the sleepless nights and hard work, it's suddenly called off? President Yan, even if you've had a change of heart, don't we at least deserve an explanation? Do you take us for fools?"
Yan Qingqing shot him a sharp look, then silently poured tea and placed it in front of him before instructing Yang Jia to keep watch outside the door.
The gesture caught Han Qian slightly off guard. He glanced down and murmured quietly.
"Trouble?"
Squatting gracefully across the coffee table, Yan Qingqing poured two cups and replied in a low voice.
"Not quite trouble. Your proposal hasn't been canceled—what I've canceled is the opportunity for others to leak it. I've been frequenting the General Affairs Department these days, and last night I worked late again. It's already raised suspicion. There are far too many people in this company waiting for me to stumble. Now we know the land is coming to Rongyao. If I fail, I'll be out the door and forced to live as a pampered bird in a gilded cage. But if we succeed, I get to stay. Tell me, Han Qian, would a change in leadership benefit you more, or would keeping me in place bring you greater reward?"
Han Qian scratched his head in frustration as she continued.
"I got a call from the municipal office this morning. There will be a soirée this evening—an event between government officials and business leaders—and the bidding will be held there, moved up from tomorrow. I didn't tell the executives about this morning's meeting. Yet somehow, the project and investment departments were already fully prepared, as if they'd been waiting. Even Sun Ya from PR said they'd contacted the municipal office ages ago."
Han Qian frowned deeper, puzzled.
"That doesn't make sense. Didn't Changxiang just confirm they wouldn't be getting the project and even used connections to back out? You mean Rongyao took on this hot potato ages ago, but you weren't informed, and that's why Changxiang got the green light?"
"Exactly. If they get wind of your proposal now, Gao Lüxing will be the first to leak it. Even if we win the bid, the price will soar and Rongyao might pull out, and then you won't see a single cent. What will you tell Yang Lan and Su Liang then? Don't think I'm all bark and no brain, Han Qian. You need money. I need to silence my doubters. Now do you understand?"
"You want to secure the land first before... Do you trust me?"
"You're one of my own in General Affairs. I've seen you and Su Liang eating takeout squatting in the hallway. I saw Yang Lan down an entire bottle of baijiu just to help you. How could I not believe in you? You may be gambling, but so am I—betting that Han Qian won't betray the faith I've placed in him."
"Sounds like a confession."
"Believe it or not, I'll smash your head in with this teapot, you bastard."
Han Qian leaned back, her words playing over and over in his mind. Her logic was sound. She even gave him a timeframe and a promise. If she failed to secure the land, he wouldn't get a dime—but oddly, he didn't feel entirely deceived. After all, she still didn't know the full contents of his proposal.
It was a form of self-protection.
But now that she was being sincere, Han Qian wavered.
"I want a down payment. I promised Su Liang and Yang Lan their due today. You pay me, I'll continue to trust you."
Without hesitation, Yan Qingqing turned back to her desk, retrieved a paper bag from the drawer. Han Qian watched her enviously—if only he could be in her shoes one day.
She returned, crouching before the table once more, handing him two thick bundles of cash.
"Twenty thousand. If your plan's used, I'll still owe you thirty-eight. If it fails, consider this your effort fee. I've said it before: I intend to keep my seat at the table. And as long as I'm sitting here, I'll never be short of tens of thousands. Understand? If you still don't believe me, come with me to the soirée tonight—I happen to be in need of an escort."
"No. I'm going home to cook."
Han Qian grabbed the cash and left without another word. Xiao Yang Jia, wide-eyed with curiosity, gave him a look. Han Qian told her to call Yang Lan and ask her to wait downstairs before heading out. He dialed Su Liang's number as he walked.
Outside the gates of Rongyao Group, he spotted the two. He tossed one bundle to Su Liang, who pocketed it with a grin, unconcerned about the rest. But Yang Lan frowned.
"What's going on?" she asked.
Han Qian told her that they might have to wait until tomorrow's executive meeting for answers.
Yang Lan refused to accept the money. She stuffed the cash back into his pocket with a soft voice.
"This is part of my job. You've worked hard too. I can't take it."
Han Qian stood firm.
"No way. Just for helping me drink a whole bottle of baijiu yesterday, you've earned this. It's not much—ten thousand. Consider it a red envelope for Beibei's New Year. If you won't take it, I'll give it to Yang Jia. She'll take it for you."
"Fine, then I'll take it after the proposal is approved tomorrow. Deal?"
Yang Lan's determined refusal made Su Liang feel sheepish. Just as he reached into his pocket, Han Qian kicked him square in the rear.
"Scram."
Once he confirmed with Yang Lan that she would accept it the next day, he turned and took the elevator up to the fourteenth floor. He didn't go to President Yan's office. Instead, he sat outside chatting with Yang Jia, clearly avoiding Liu Jiulong from General Affairs.
Of course, Han Qian brought the snacks. They didn't go out for lunch. Yang Jia knew he was dodging Liu Jiulong. She kept busy while Han Qian napped on the side. It was past two in the afternoon when his phone woke him.
"What's up? Placing an order again?"
"Han Qian... I might be home late tonight. I have to attend a municipal event. If you don't feel like cooking, I can bring something back."
Hearing Wen Nuan's voice, Han Qian shot up.
"The one at Weijing Hotel?"
"Yeah... I don't really want to go. I wanted Dad to go instead, but he said I should learn the ropes. What do you want to eat? I'll bring it."
"Actually... I might be going tonight too..."
There was a long silence before Wen Nuan shrieked.
"Han Qian! Are you working at Rongyao Group?! Han Qian! We are now enemies. Just wait until you get home!"
She hung up. And Han Qian was once again reminded of the old man's warning—
"Just you wait until you get home."
What a mess.