Chapter 122: The Competition Begins

Watching Su Wanwan being mercilessly reprimanded, Fu Jinghan's cunning eyes gleamed with triumphant satisfaction. He leisurely lifted his teacup, took a slow sip, and with amused interest, fixed his gaze on the young woman, eager to see how she would navigate this awkward predicament.

Su Wanwan remained utterly unperturbed, even nodding slightly.

"You are not wrong."

"But whether I am merely a decorative vase—won't that become abundantly clear soon enough?"

Yan Wenhua scoffed disdainfully, rolling his eyes toward the ceiling. Clear my foot! That old Fu had long conspired with them. When the vote came, no matter what ridiculous sketches Su Wanwan presented, they would simply disregard them and unanimously deliver a six-to-four outcome. Such a narrow margin would avoid arousing suspicion.

Faced with Yan Wenhua's blatant hostility, Su Wanwan furrowed her brows delicately. Her calm eyes swept across the shareholders' faces, silently noting that though they remained silent, their attitudes and reactions mirrored Yan Wenhua's.

"Alright, alright, let's all keep our voices down."

The old master Fu interrupted, signaling Su Wanwan and Fu Liangmu to take their seats. Once settled, he declared,

"After careful discussion by the board, the design will be judged based on the drawings presented today, followed by a vote among the shareholders."

"To ensure fairness, those holding shares in the Fu family shall abstain and are not present here."

"Whichever design garners the most votes will secure the position of Chief Designer."

Surprise flickered across Su Wanwan's lowered eyelids. That's it? Such blatant favoritism was almost laughable.

Unsurprisingly, Fu Jinghan immediately sought a loophole.

"Grandfather—"

"Call me Chairman. No more of this casual familiarity—who do you think you're cozying up to?"

The old master's tone was curt. Fu Jinghan clenched his fists on the table, pressing hard.

"Chairman, this is hardly fair."

"The Chief Designer's role encompasses not only design but also negotiating project partnerships."

"If Su Wanwan can claim this position merely by designing well, then any designer could take my place."

The Chairman's eagle-like gaze fixed sharply on Fu Jinghan, as if ready to tear him limb from limb. Fu Jinghan, suspecting the contest was merely a formality, still fought tooth and nail.

"I propose a two-stage contest."

"The first stage: design the drawings. The second: the board will present a contract for us both to negotiate. Whoever secures the deal wins."

"In business, competing for partnerships is commonplace."

"Furthermore, the board cannot represent everyone's opinion."

"Our designs face the public, not just these ten people."

"I suggest we make the designs public to all company employees for a second round of voting."

"This way, whoever wins will command genuine respect and a firmer grip on the position."

The old master's face grew grimmer. He could sway shareholders, but not the entire company.

Fu Liangmu emanated an icy chill. Though he appeared calm as he looked up, an overwhelming aura of pressure bore down on Fu Jinghan, suffocating him momentarily. Just as he was about to speak, the woman beside him replied calmly,

"Agreed. I accept."

All eyes turned to her in stunned disbelief.

"Wanwan, you—"

Beneath the table, Su Wanwan gently squeezed Fu Liangmu's hand, her voice a barely audible whisper only for him:

"Can you just give me a little confidence?"

Fu Liangmu furrowed his brows but could not refuse her. Looking into her resolute eyes, all his doubts vanished instantly. Impulsively, he said,

"Very well."

Su Wanwan rose and faced Fu Jinghan squarely.

"I accept all your conditions."

Fu Jinghan's lips curled into a cruel smile. Tilting his head slightly, his fringe veiled the flickering light in his eyes. Tension surged abruptly.

The old master hastily intervened,

"Enough, enough. You two go prepare. The contest will begin in ten minutes."

Su Wanwan walked out, Fu Jinghan following swiftly. Expecting her to flee in fear, he was surprised when she entered the women's restroom instead.

When Su Wanwan emerged, she caught Fu Jinghan standing at the door, his face twisted into a sinister grin.

"Isn't it better to obediently play your ornamental role in the Fu family?"

"With Fu Liangmu supporting you, you won't lack money, right?"

"Yet here you are, deliberately making things difficult for yourself. Tsk tsk."

Calmly, Su Wanwan withdrew a tissue and methodically dried her damp hands, lowering her gaze without meeting his eyes.

"I wanted to let you lose with some dignity, but sadly, you gave me no such chance."

Her gentle words, fragile as the wind, stirred a mocking sneer from Fu Jinghan.

"Such arrogance."

"Well then, let's see how far you'll get without their protection."

"Don't think I'm unaware that Grandfather has already sided with your camp!"

Fu Jinghan's eyes bulged, teeth clenched as his voice threatened to erupt into curses.

Passing by him, Su Wanwan casually shoved a crumpled paper into his mouth.

"Rest assured, my path will be far longer than yours."

Fu Jinghan sputtered angrily, spitting the paper onto the floor. Polished leather shoes appeared before him, and a cold voice laced with killing intent reprimanded,

"Do you know there's a fine for littering?"

Fu Jinghan shot a fierce glare at Fu Liangmu.

"None of your business! I'm no longer in the company, yet you still haunt me!"

Fu Liangmu stepped aside, revealing the old master behind him, who reported,

"Grandfather, I can't interfere, so you must."

The old master decisively said,

"Deduct this month's salary and allowance."

Fu Jinghan was speechless, simmering with frustration as he returned to the meeting room. Two tables stood five meters apart, each adorned with blank sheets of paper and pens.

Fu Jinghan's first move was to storm to Su Wanwan's table, scrutinizing every page for any irregularity, fearful of sneaky tricks.

Leaning on the table, Su Wanwan spoke leisurely,

"If you don't trust me, we can switch seats."

"No need! I find it disgusting to sit where you've sat!" Fu Jinghan spat fiercely before slumping back into his chair.

The old master shook a handful of small paper balls and tossed them onto the table, picking one at random.

"The theme is wedding dress design."

"Now, let the competition begin!"