Peach Blossom Divine Medical God Chapter 1930 - 1924: All an Act
Previously on Peach Blossom Divine Medical God...
Chen Yang's brow furrowed in thought.
He sensed something was amiss.
Was the company's apparent prosperity merely a charade?
'They're quite skilled at deception; if I hadn't made the effort to investigate, I might have been completely fooled today,' he mused.
As the sound of approaching footsteps grew nearer, Chen Yang made a swift exit from the restroom, choosing to avoid any potential confrontation.
Immediately after he departed, two women emerged from the ladies' restroom.
They attended to their hands before leaving the facility.
Chen Yang proceeded directly back to General Manager Qi's office.
Upon re-entry, he observed Liu Qingqing and General Manager Qi actively highlighting the project's merits to Wang Jingman.
Had the circumstances been different, Chen Yang might have found the presentation engaging.
However, now aware of the underlying deceit, he felt an urge to laugh.
Nevertheless, he opted not to expose them publicly, instead resuming his seat quietly.
He was curious to gauge how long General Manager Qi would maintain this act.
Furthermore, he wished to ascertain whether Liu Qingqing was an unwitting participant or a co-conspirator with General Manager Qi, potentially seeking to ensnare those close to her.
He suspected an attempt to manipulate Wang Jingman.
"Mr. Chen, you have returned. Would you care to review the contract?" General Manager Qi inquired with a smile, extending the document towards Chen Yang.
Chen Yang responded with a gentle smile and a shake of his head, declining the offer.
"There is no need for me to review it. As long as President Wang finds no issues, that is sufficient," Chen Yang replied amiably.
"Very well," General Manager Qi turned his attention to Wang Jingman. "President Wang, you are fully informed, are you not? Are there any concerns regarding this project?"
Wang Jingman shook her head. "No concerns. The project appears to be quite sound."
Chen Yang, observing from the side, perceived that Wang Jingman remained unaware of the deception.
He concluded that General Manager Qi must have exerted considerable effort to mislead her.
Otherwise, it seemed improbable that Wang Jingman would not have detected any irregularities.
"Excellent! Since there are no objections, shall we proceed with finalizing the contract and discussing the investment? Time is of the essence, President Wang," General Manager Qi interjected with eagerness.
"Jingman, I believed this project was so promising that I brought you here to share in its success. If everything is in order, let us invest together. I shall sign as well," Liu Qingqing declared with a bright smile, offering a pen to Wang Jingman.
Although Wang Jingman initially felt the pace was somewhat rapid, deciding to commit thirty million within a few hours, she acknowledged it was indeed a hasty decision.
Yet, placing her trust in Liu Qingqing, and seeing her companion also prepare to invest, Wang Jingman did not hesitate to proceed with signing and investing alongside her.
It was precisely at this critical juncture that Chen Yang intervened.
"Jingman, I'm afraid we cannot finalize this today," Chen Yang stated, then turned with an apologetic expression towards General Manager Qi and Liu Qingqing. "General Manager Qi, Director Liu, while we are very interested in this project, unfortunately, we are unable to sign the contract at this present moment."
General Manager Qi, on the verge of concluding the deal, appeared taken aback by this unexpected turn of events.
"Oh? And why is that, Mr. Chen?"
"Regrettably, Jingman and I recently made a significant investment yesterday. In our haste to arrive here today, we find ourselves slightly short on immediate funds."
"Not enough funds?" General Manager Qi looked visibly surprised.
Chen Yang offered a calm smile and nodded. "Precisely, a temporary lack of funds. Perhaps you could grant us a day? We will consolidate our resources today and aim to complete the signing and payment by tomorrow morning."
Wang Jingman, standing beside him, was initially surprised by Chen Yang's sudden statement.
However, with her keen perception, she quickly grasped Chen Yang's underlying intention, maintaining a composed expression.
She even offered a smile and added, "Indeed, General Manager Qi, we sincerely apologize. We were unaware of the urgency, but please be assured, we will arrange the necessary funds promptly. Completing this by tomorrow will not be an issue."
Had the reason been different, General Manager Qi might have pressed the matter further.
Yet, facing a genuine cash flow issue, it became awkward to insist, and he subtly glanced at Liu Qingqing.
Liu Qingqing, clearly, had not anticipated this development – that Wang Jingman would suddenly lack the immediate funds.
"Haha, Jingman, I am well aware of your family's financial standing. While thirty million is a considerable amount, securing it should be manageable. This is a rare opportunity, and you must seize it," Liu Qingqing still attempted to persuade Wang Jingman to sign the contract immediately.
Understanding Chen Yang's purpose, however, Wang Jingman remained firm in her decision.
"Qingqing, I have reviewed the project details and understand its potential for profit. However, I currently lack sufficient capital. To try and gather funds in front of General Manager Qi would be rather awkward. Let's defer this until tomorrow. I will arrange the funds today and come by tomorrow," Wang Jingman replied with a light, somewhat embarrassed chuckle.
Her response was both tactful and appropriate under the circumstances.
Noticing Wang Jingman appeared genuinely unprepared, General Manager Qi decided not to press the issue further.
He understood that pushing too hard might lead to an undesirable outcome.
"Haha, President Wang, if it's presently inconvenient for you, delaying by a day is perfectly fine. Signing the contract tomorrow will be the same; a single day won't cause any significant delay. Let's enjoy some tea instead." General Manager Qi cheerfully poured tea for Wang Jingman.
"Thank you, General Manager Qi, for your understanding," Wang Jingman replied politely, smoothly concluding the business discussion for the moment.
"Jingman, it's getting rather late. How about we go out for a meal together? It's been quite some time since we last met, and I'd love to catch up. My treat, of course," after concluding their business matters, Liu Qingqing promptly suggested they go out for a meal.
Such an invitation was difficult to refuse, and Wang Jingman readily agreed.
"Certainly, Qingqing. It's been years since we last saw each other; there are indeed many things we need to talk about," Wang Jingman responded with a smile.
"Haha, who doesn't? Don't you remember when we were inseparable in school? Yet after graduation, we've barely kept in touch. Today, we absolutely must hang out." Liu Qingqing held Wang Jingman's hand and said warmly. She then turned to General Manager Qi: "General Manager Qi, why don't you join us for a casual meal? We could also continue discussing the collaboration."
"Haha, I'll have to decline. You two are old classmates catching up, so I wouldn't be a suitable companion. We've already discussed the collaboration sufficiently; there's nothing more to talk about. Please, you two go ahead," General Manager Qi politely declined with a smile.
"Alright then, we'll be taking our leave now. General Manager Qi, let's stay in touch regarding the collaboration," Liu Qingqing giggled. She then immediately linked her arm through Wang Jingman's, and they departed General Manager Qi's office.
As they exited, Liu Qingqing continued to link arms with Wang Jingman, walking closely together, with Chen Yang trailing behind them.
While passing by the company's live-streaming area, Liu Qingqing carried on discussing the business deal.
"Jingman, you see, General Manager Qi's company is thriving. This is precisely why I brought you along for this profitable venture because we're like sisters, after all. Otherwise, I'd be too busy making money all by myself with such a good opportunity," Liu Qingqing said with a smile.
Wang Jingman, not realizing the underlying motive, simply saw it as a genuine financial opportunity from a surface and industry perspective.
Thus, she nodded in agreement: "Yes, this matter certainly warrants thanks, Qingqing. Once I start making money, I will definitely treat you to a grand meal to show my gratitude."
"Haha, alright, it's a deal then. No backing out!"
"I certainly won't go back on my word."
The two women laughed and chatted, their arms still linked, as they left the company building.