Section 8 My requirements are very simple

Listening to Shen Yue say "decent" just made Wang Xinghai feel an indescribable sense of irony.

In this world, there were many who spoke earnestly, but few who acted as such.

His hand trembled slightly as he picked up the teacup on the table, feigning calm as he took a sip. He swiftly pondered his countermeasures, and by the time he put the teacup down, his hand had steadied.

"You are slandering my relationship with Secretary Zhou. Do you believe that I won't sue you for defamation?" said Wang Xinghai, trying to appear composed.

Shen Yue was closely observing every tiny change in Wang Xinghai's facial expressions, and he denied, "You won't do that!"

Wang Xinghai's eyelids twitched unintentionally, but having been in a position of power for so long, his character had inevitably become suspicious and arrogant; naturally, he wasn't ready to concede defeat just yet.

"Oh, you're that sure?" he challenged.

"I am very sure. If you had decided to sue us, you would have already called security in here," said Shen Yue, his tone always steady and unhurried. "You're still probing, considering denying everything. If you can wipe the lipstick off your face, you can eliminate the scent of perfume from the office, and if necessary, you can even get rid of the diamond ring and fire Secretary Zhou."

Wang Xinghai felt a tremor in his heart, unwilling to admit that Shen Yue had laid out his next steps as clearly as if he had read them directly from Wang Xinghai's mind.

"You think that by erasing these, we won't have any evidence against you, that we will be powerless. You can also toss our proposal in the trash. You just can't swallow this humiliation," Shen Yue continued evenly.

Not only were Wang Xinghai's eyelids jumping, but his heart also started beating a bit faster.

Having worked at Giant Industries for so many years, he felt he had consumed more salt than most people had eaten rice, and he viewed many younger individuals as mere kids.

Experience always trumps youth, he firmly believed this. But facing Shen Yue, he realized that this man was more like ginger root—spicy and choking him almost to the point of emitting smoke from his seven orifices, yet he could not deny that Shen Yue's analysis was spot on.

The bidding was trivial, but he couldn't bear to lose to a couple of young upstarts.

"But do you think we would go to all this trouble if we didn't feel confident about our position?" Shen Yue pointed out a fact. "You must be aware that getting to meet with you without an appointment isn't easy."

Wang Xinghai snorted.

Shen Yue looked toward Jin Xin, who understood immediately and joined in saying, "Exactly, without a three-on-three, who dares to ascend to Liangshan? Director Wang, since we dared to come here, of course we are well-prepared."

"Prepared?" Wang Xinghai weighed the significance of the word "prepared."

"Yes," Jin Xin replied professionally. "Director Wang might not be aware of our Jintang Company, or know about us three, but we know everything there is to know about you."

Wang Xinghai uttered an "Oh," squinting his eyes as he obviously waited to see Jin Xin's trump card.

"There was a slight issue with something Director Wang said earlier," Jin Xin noted, sensing it was his turn to step up as Shen Yue stepped back.

He and Shen Yue were always in sync, each understanding their respective roles clearly.

If Shen Yue was like a sharp chisel that forced open a crack in a rigid situation, then he, Jin Xin, was the hammer ready to pound down into the fissure until the obstacle in front was completely cleared.

Seeing Wang Xinghai remain silent, Jin Xin decided to press on and break through Wang Xinghai's last line of defense, "You say you reached your position through hard work, but that's very problematic."

Wang Xinghai's expression grew colder.

"The first to rise to power in the Li Family was your respected wife!" Jin Xin finally played his trump card, "Back then, Mrs. Wang was well-favored by the old lady."

Pausing, Jin Xin smiled and said, "Director Wang surely must know who the old lady is, right?"

Wang Xinghai's heart skipped a beat; he of course knew the old lady was Giant Li's lawful wife, and her influence over Giant Li was tremendous, both then and now.

At present, Giant Industries appeared to be helmed by Li Jiye, but in reality, the mysterious Giant Li still pulled the strings from behind the scenes.

"Back in the day, Director Wang didn't seem to be up to par, prone to drinking and a bit lecherous. Due to these habits, you were scolded by the old lady on several occasions. It was only because Mrs. Wang was favored by the old lady, who took into account the bond between husband and wife, that she spoke up for you more than once, giving you a chance. And you, Director Wang, ultimately seized that opportunity."

Jin Xin, feeling confident of his winning hand, continued, "Director Wang, you can erase all the evidence about Secretary Zhou that you have on hand, but if those intimate photos of you and Secretary Zhou end up with the respected wife, you know what the outcome will be. I presume Director Wang is well aware of the consequences when a woman is pushed too far."

Suddenly standing up, Wang Xinghai's voice was husky, "Did you... take pictures of me?"

Jin Xin chuckled, "Have you forgotten that we are a security company? Not only can we ensure others' safety, but our photography skills are comparable to those of a bridal studio. If we went into the photography business, I'm afraid King's Bridal wouldn't stand a chance."

Hai Mingzhu nodded repeatedly, looking relieved to have switched companies ahead of time.

These days, it's all about—the fall has nothing to do with you. King's Bridal was too traditional, never imagining that true love could be replaced by BL (boys' love).

Wang Xinghai slumped back into his seat, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, and after a long while, he said, "What exactly do you want?"

Jin Xin smiled, "I think Director Wang has taken too many detours and seems to have forgotten how the proper procedure goes. We're here to bid."

"Is it really that simple?" Wang Xinghai looked up, skeptical.

"Of course it's that simple," Jin Xin reassured, now relaxed with the situation resolved. "You just need to submit the bid according to the procedure. As long as we get the opportunity, everything we've discussed here can be as if it never happened."

When they left the Giant Building, the sun was shining brightly, but Hai Mingzhu's eyes sparkled as if they were glittering with little stars, giving Shen Yue and Jin Xin her utmost respect.

Shen Yue, as usual, appeared indifferent, acting as if not even the scrutiny of others, were it transformed into flying knives or bullets, could affect him.

However, Jin Xin was somewhat unnerved by Hai Mingzhu's gaze and finally couldn't help but ask, "You need to watch where you're going. Why keep staring at us?"

"You guys are actually really capable," said Hai Mingzhu with admiration.

Only then did Jin Xin smile, but Hai Mingzhu's next comment nearly made him spit blood, "You know, I always thought you were going to drag me into pyramid selling."

"Do we really look like pyramid sellers to you?"

"Very much so," Hai Mingzhu nodded, then said earnestly, "President Jin, how did I do just now?"

"You could pass as a competent vase," Jin Xin assessed.

Hai Mingzhu felt a bit wronged, "But I'm just starting, you know. I need time to get familiar with how things work."

"Starting?" Jin Xin asked, puzzled. "Aren't we contractors? We only signed a one-day contract. You didn't forget, did you?"

"I think it's President Jin who has forgotten," Hai Mingzhu said, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "You said I would gain more insight if I followed you..." she looked appealingly at Shen Yue, "and following Advisor Shen would expand my horizons even more!"