Chapter 152: Chapter 152

His handsome, ethereal face bore a meticulous smile that seemed constant and gentle towards everyone. In an instant, it even left Hua Xiaomo slightly entranced.

However, in a flash, she snapped back to reality. How, how could Brother Long be here? What is this meeting about?

Hua Xiaomo was a bit dazed. She had never imagined meeting him in this kind of environment! What should I do? I never told him I work at the Qi Imperial Court. He’ll definitely blame me.

But, no sooner had this thought crossed her mind than she immediately remembered the incident with the phone card.

However, an even more compelling reason suggested that all of this was undoubtedly Mo Rutian’s doing. Brother Long was unaware; Mo Rutian had used him to return the phone to her, aiming to spy on business secrets. To put it bluntly, Mo Rutian had installed that listening device. It must have been him! Damn it! Mo Rutian, you truly are despicable! You almost got both me and Brother Long into trouble!

"Xiao Mo, what are you zoning out for? The meeting is about to start; let’s sit next to the president," Ms. Zhang quickly reminded her.

"Oh," Hua Xiaomo responded, her gaze shifting towards Long Shangxuan. But at that moment, he seemed as if he didn’t see her, preoccupied with looking down at his laptop.

On the other side sat Yin Chenbai, the person in charge of Tengfeng Century. Yin Chenbai sat there with a smug smile, his eyes drifting towards Hua Xiaomo, who was seated to the left and behind Qi Longbing. He looked at her with a hint of a smirk, but he didn’t say much at this time.

Who would have thought Hua Renda’s daughter, that Mouse, was someone Qi Longbing had toyed with for so long without growing tired? Interesting.

Meeting Yin Chenbai’s gaze made Hua Xiaomo feel as if she had swallowed mouse droppings. She quickly realized this meeting was a preliminary discussion for the advertising campaign, and the attendees were the representatives from the five finalist companies.

"Now that everyone is present, let’s start the meeting." Qi Longbing’s stunningly handsome face radiated a president’s domineering presence and authority.

Looking at everyone, Qi Longbing smiled and announced, "You all know that I, Qi Longbing, am very cautious in business matters. I am aware that this bidding process is very important for all of us. Therefore, I previously had my secretary, Miss Hua Xiaomo, inform everyone to resubmit their bids."

I don’t know if he did it out of malice or if it was necessary, but it seemed as if the meeting would lack something essential if her name wasn’t singled out. As expected.

As soon as he finished speaking, Hua Xiaomo felt so embarrassed her scalp tingled. She looked worriedly towards one particular person seated at the conference table.

But, to her surprise, Long Shangxuan showed no change in expression whatsoever. He remained as calm as ever, casually using his laptop with one hand while seemingly listening carefully to Qi Longbing’s words. His slightly downcast eyes still held their usual sense of distance and indifference.

Brother Long, you surely don’t know why I came to the Qi Family, do you? You must be angry with me for not telling you, right? I’m sorry, I’m truly sorry! I had no other choice!

Hua Xiaomo watched him. During this meeting, they were so close, yet this unspoken distance made them feel worlds apart.

Hua Xiaomo felt a deep ache in her heart, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. Her hand holding the pen trembled, she didn’t know why, and she couldn’t write a single word.

Her mind was buzzing so loudly that she couldn’t clearly hear what Qi Longbing said next.

It wasn’t until Qi Longbing called her name for the second time that she snapped back to her senses. "President Qi, what did you say?"

Qi Longbing turned his head, his blue eyes seeming to pierce right through her as he whispered in a peculiar, drawn-out tone, "What did I say? I’ll tell you in private later!"

This damn woman! How dare she daydream about other men while right beside me? Was what she swallowed last night all for nothing? Why hasn’t she learned her lesson?

With a stern face, Qi Longbing commanded, "Ms. Zhang, distribute our finance department’s budget range for this advertising proposal to everyone."

"Yes, President Qi." Ms. Zhang quickly handed the document she had to the representatives from each of the five companies.

Everyone was quite surprised upon seeing this financial budget proposal.

In an instant, one man felt as if a wave had crashed through his heart. However, his excellent business etiquette allowed him to maintain a composed expression.

But a subtle glint flickered in Long Shangxuan’s narrow, phoenix-like eyes. Looking at the budget sheet, he quickly understood everything.

So, this was clearly a setup... The previous financial budget of 150 million from the Qi Family was completely fake—just bait! Qi Longbing had deliberately let me find out about it through Hua Xiaomo, and then... Qi Longbing, you are truly treacherous!

Long Shangxuan’s expression turned slightly cold, but he maintained his composure and said nothing.

Well, there’s no need to say anything now; we’re already out of the game.

Yin Chenbai from Tengfeng Century, however, was the complete opposite of Long Shangxuan, his face alight with pleasant surprise.

At this moment, Qi Longbing’s voice resonated in the conference room. "I trust that now that everyone has seen the final financial budget from Qi Imperial Court, you all have a clear picture, correct?"

He continued, "Actually, all the advertising proposals submitted are very distinctive and have unique features, making it quite difficult for us to choose. Ultimately, everything comes down to benefits. Therefore... my company has decided that the company whose bid is below our one hundred thirty million budget and is closest to it will become our partner!" Qi Longbing smiled, his gaze sweeping over Long Shangxuan’s face.

All your intricate scheming, and yet you didn’t expect this, did you? Hmph, trying to play games with me? You’re still far too inexperienced!

Seeing Qi Longbing looking at him, Long Shangxuan returned a graceful, gentlemanly smile and spoke for the first time in the meeting. "It seems Mohai Skyride will not have the honor of boarding the grand vessel of Qi Imperial Court. Gentlemen, my apologies, but I shall take my leave now."

With that, he stood up.

Tension gripped Hua Xiaomo’s heart, and the pen in her hand dropped to the floor with a THUD. Just as she was about to bend down and pick it up, a slender, jade-like arm snatched it up before she could.

"President Qi..." Hua Xiaomo’s face turned a shade paler. For some reason, seeing his unreadable expression at that moment made her heart suddenly pound violently.

Qi Longbing stared at her face, his hand gripping the pen tightly. Check latest chapters at 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⚫𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖⚫𝕟𝕖𝕥

"Thank you for my pen..." Hua Xiaomo forced a smile and reached out for her pen.

Qi Longbing smirked cryptically and said, "Hold on to it tightly, my Xiao Mo. I’m very satisfied with your performance."

This statement immediately sparked countless speculations among those present.

Instantly, Long Shangxuan’s expression visibly darkened.

Why would he say that? Could it be...