To Defeat Scum, You Must Start Early, My Lady Chapter 174 – Win-Win Cooperation (2) Xin Zaozao ‘s Counterattack Victory!

Chapter 174: Chapter 172: Win-Win Cooperation (2) Xin Zaozao ‘s Counterattack Victory!

In the luxurious private dining room of a restaurant.

Xin Zaozao looked at Zheng Feng and clearly expressed her intentions.

With a thoughtful look on his face, Zheng Feng was genuinely surprised. He didn’t expect Xin Zaozao to approach him so suddenly. She was nothing like the immature girl he remembered. She seemed to have changed a lot – she’d become confident, and had a hint of persuasiveness.

However, he was determined not to reveal his surprise. Warm welcome or not, it was difficult to predict Xin Zaozao’s future development.

Seeing Zheng Feng’s silence, Xin Zaozao took the initiative to speak again, “Director Zheng, there’s no need to give me an answer yet. I know there are concerns on your part, and I understand your lack of trust in a newcomer like me. But what I hope for is a chance to show my capabilities. Give me some time to prove my worth to you. If I don’t meet your expectations within that time, rejection later on wouldn’t be too late.”

Looking at Xin Zaozao, Zheng Feng calmly responded, “Your father and I are old friends. Over many years, aside from our business relationship, we’ve been good buddies too. He left all his shares to his daughter, so I ought to trust his choice.”

“Thank you, Director Zheng,” Xin Zaozao promptly replied.

“But, let me be clear. If you can’t prove your capability, I will still oppose your appointment. It isn’t only for my personal interest, but also for the welfare of the Xin Group inherited from your father. It wasn’t easy for the Xin family to build this business. It would be a pity if it goes into decline under your leadership,” Zheng Feng declared righteously.

Xin Zaozao nodded, “I know. That’s exactly why I’ve stepped up to take over the group. I don’t want to see this business fail. Rest assured, Director Zheng. If I can’t achieve anything within a year, I would willingly resign, even if you don’t ask me to.” “Given your word, I’ll trust you for now.”

“Thank you.” Xin Zaozao quickly replied again.

Seeing the tension easing, Yan Quan, having achieved his goal, braced himself and raised his wine glass towards Xin Zaozao, “Chairwoman, Director Zheng has agreed so readily. You should toast him a drink”

“Yes, yes, yes.” Xin Zaozao picked up her glass.

At that moment, Zheng Feng didn’t refuse and drank all of his wine.

After finishing his drink, Zheng Feng casually remarked, “My no-good nephew…”

“Don’t worry, Director Zheng. I’ll return the contract to Wu Cheng. However, as for issues that have harmed the group and even broken the law, you should give him some advice. Once he’S chosen the wrong path, he’ll only bring trouble upon himself,” Xin Zaozao interrupted.

“I’ll definitely give the boy a good talking-to!” Zheng Feng growled through gritted teeth.

“Let’s not sour the mood on a happy day like this. Come, let’s drink some more.” Yan Quan keeps the conversation going, ensuring that there’s no awkward silence.

Throughout the meal, Xin Zaozao downed quite a lot of alcohol, all in an attempt to make a sincere impression.

She watched the clock, signalling Yan Quan to wrap up the meal.

After seeing Zheng Feng out, Xin Zaozao clutched her nauseating chest. She tried to act normal,

“uncle Yan, I have some personal matters to attend to. I’ll leave first.”

“Do you need me to drive you?” Yan Quan asked.

“No need, you should go home early. Your daughter is sick, isn’t she? We’re imposing on you too much,” Xin Zaozao apologized.

“Don’t mention it. It’s my job. Actually, I should thank you for your understanding,” Yan Quan humbly replied.

Xin Zaozao smiled.

Since she started working at Xin Group, Yan Quan was the only one who treated her sincerely.

She let Yan Quan leave first, hailed a taxi and hurriedly rushed to her next destination, the meeting spot that she had arranged with Ji Baijian.

She walked into the reserved private room.

In the room, Ji Baijian was sitting on the sofa, typing away on the laptop in front of him.

Xin Zaozao hesitated, unsure whether it was appropriate to disturb him, as he seemed busy.

Xin Zaozao felt somewhat awkward.

Towards Ji Baijian, apart from knowing who he is, she was completely in the dark.

“You’re here.” Ji Baijian closed his laptop without turning around to look at her.

Xin Zaozao hastened to respond, “Yes. Sorry for being late.”

Ji Baijian glanced at his watch, “You’re not late.”

Xin Zaozao didn’t know what to say.

She indeed hadn’t exceeded the scheduled time, but it seemed she had kept Ji Baijian waiting for a while.

“Sit.” Ji Baijian gestured to her.

Xin Zaozao obediently sat opposite Ji Baijian.

Ji Baijian looked at her. Her face was flushed and she smelled of alcohol, likely just back from some social gathering.

This woman must have been pushing herself hard lately.

He, not the kind to show concern for others, had his own agenda.

He got straight to the you interested in investing in the current commercial management development project?”

“Yes,” Xin Zaozao nodded.

“Which part are you planning to invest in?”

“I had a chat with Song Zhizhi earlier, and I plan to follow her advice, investing in the traffic generation project.”

“Good eye for investment,” Ji Baijian praised.

Xin Zaozao felt at that moment Ji Baijian was not complimenting her.

Oddly, she kind of felt like third wheel.

“But right now, I might be facing some difficulties,” Xin Zaozao hesitated.

“That’s why I am proposing a partnership with you.” “With me?” Xin Zaozao wasn’t quite confident.

“With the chairwoman of Xin Group.”

“Yes.” Xin Zaozao nodded. At that moment, she felt like a schoolgirl.

Really, Ji Baijian’s aura was so strong, even if he himself didn’t actually seem very aloof

“I have a partnership proposal. If you agree, I can assist you with your bid for the traffic generation project,” Ji Baijian candidly stated.

Xin Zaozao looked at him. At that moment, she didn’t ask what the proposal was. She felt that as long as it could help her quickly secure control of Xin Group, she was willing to do anything. What she was curious about was, “Why are you helping me? “It’s not about helping you,” Ji Baijian clarified.

Xin Zaozao frowned.

“Don’t ask too much about that. Focus on the partnership proposal first.” Ji Baijian handed her a blue document, “You might end up rejecting it.”

No way.

She definitely won’t reject it.

Xin Zaozao earnestly discussed the partnership content with Ji Baijian.

Ji Baijian was not a man who liked wasting time. Once the partnership was agreed upon, they left separately.

Leaving the business private room, Xin Zaozao felt the churning nausea in her stomach getting worse, almost impossible to control.

Ji Baijian, standing next to her asked, “Is there something wrong?”

“No, I’m fine,” Xin Zaozao smiled, “I just had a bit of alcohol earlier, and now I’m feeling a little unwell.”

It appeared to be more than just a little discomfort.

“Do you need me to take you to the hospital?” Ji Baijian asked.

“No need to bother,” Xin Zaozao gave a slight smile back at Ji Baijian. “I will not delay Mr. Ji’s time.”

Ji Baijian didn’t say more.

He wasn’t a very enthusiastic person, doing his part was enough.

He got in his car and drove away.

As soon as Ji Baijian left, Xin Zaozao couldn’t hold on any longer. She quickly ran back to the private room’s bathroom and threw up violently.

Everything in her stomach came out.

It has been like this for two days, and her body couldn’t take it anymore.

She couldn’t help it and collapsed on the floor.

She let herself lay over the toilet, her head spinning as everything around her was going dark.

When she closed her eyes, it felt like the world was swaying.

She forced herself to open her eyes, to keep herself calm, even trying to figure out how to exit the room.

But she didn’t have the energy, her whole body was drained.

Slumped over the toilet, she barely had the strength to even lift her eyes.

Her phone seemed to be ringing nearby.

Xin Zaozao heard it but didn’t want to answer.

She felt extremely awful at the moment, even worse than when she had been drinking.

Her reaction to alcohol seems to be slower than the average person. At this moment, she might be reaching the peak.

She thought, a little sleep would do her good.

But she ignored the footsteps in the room, hearing someone call her, “Miss, Miss, are you okay…”

Let her sleep for a bit.

She was fine.

“Miss, let me call your family to take you to the hospital. What is your phone password…”

She had no family.

None.

In this world, she’s all alone.

Only she could love herself, no one else would care for her.

She had to brave hardships and not fear anything. Even if she were hurt, it would not matter, for no one other than herself would know the extent of her pain.

She thought about it, somewhat dazed.

As a tear rolled down her cheek, it seemed to dampen her face.

It felt as though someone was lifting her up.

Were they taking her to the hospital?

It didn’t matter.

All she wanted to do now was to sleep.

Upon waking up.

Xin Zaozao took in her surroundings.

It was a hospital.

The smell of disinfectant and the distinctive hospital bed linen, even in a VIP room, it remained the same.

She hated hospitals.

There was even some fear in her.

But she was grateful to the person who had brought her to the hospital.

There was a moment when she was slumped over the toilet, she thought she was going to die.

She turned her head, looking at the man standing by her bedside.

Even from the back, she knew who he was.

Her throat moved a little.

It hurt.

Even swallowing saliva hurt.

However, her slight movement seemed to have caught the man’s attention.

He turned to look at her.

He looked at her ashen face.

“Are you awake?” Mu Cidian asked.

Xin Zaozao didn’t respond.

She stared at the ceiling above her, seeing that she’d received almost half a bottle of saline.

“You’ve got alcohol poisoning. We just washed out your stomach,” Mu Cidian said, “The doctor said if you hadn’t been brought here sooner, you may not have made it through the night.”

Zaozao still didn’t want to talk.

She could thank anyone, but she would never thank him.

“Is getting the Xin Group so important to you?” Mu Cidian asked her word by word. “If I hadn’t happened to call you tonight, and if the waiter hadn’t picked up your ringing phone, you might have died in that toilet!”

“Why did you call me?” Xin Zaozao asked.

Her throat hurt, and even her voice came out hoarse. “Where did you go?” Mu Cidian said, “I asked where you went”.

“What does it matter to you where I went?”

“Xin Zaozao, do you think it’s easy for a woman to carve out a world for herself on her own?”

“What business is it of yours?” Xin Zaozao turned her gaze to look at him.

Her eyes were red.

Very red.

She didn’t need his fake sympathy. She had had enough of his game of giving her a sweet then a slap.

Mu Cidian’s face was cold.

Zaozao didn’t care about Mu Cidian’s feelings, she said, “Mu Cidian, you shouldn’t have brought me to the hospital. If I had died, wouldn’t it have made things easier for you! ”

“Xin Zaozao!” Mu Cidian’s voice was somewhat raised.

An emotion that was hard to control, unhidden and exposed.

Xin Zaozao spoke back, “Perhaps, you are yet again pretending to like me, expecting me to relinquish my 41% stake in Xin Group and then you will once again fling me aside? Anyway, your family is fond of doing such heartless things.”

Mu Cidian’s fist clenched tightly.

In Xin Zaozao’s world, he could only be deemed a devil, a devil that would never turn over a new leaf.

“Don’t waste your energy. As I have said, I would rather believe a labor camp prisoner than you. Don’t idiotically cause drama thinking it will move me. It will not, I will only detest it,” Xin Zaozao said.

In that moment, she ripped out her IV needle.

Mu Cidian was scared by Xin Zaozao’s action.

Xin Zaozao removed her IV and was even planning to get out of bed and leave in that moment.

Mu Cidian grabbed Xin Zaozao and forced her to lie back on the bed, “Have you lost your mind? You just had your stomach washed! The doctor said your throat and stomach have severe damage. Eating may be difficult and you will need to stay in the hospital receiving fluids for a couple of days until all your physical indicators are normal…”

“Do I need your concern?” Xin Zaozao was indifferent to his fast and anxious words.

Mu Cidian had veins popping out.

“Your concern makes me feel sick. I fear that your kindness this moment will turn into a lethal weapon the next,” Xin Zaozao said each word distinctly, her voice not very loud, but her tone very resolute, “Let me go. I want to leave.”

“Is this how you abuse your body? Xin Zaozao!” Mu Cidian gritted his teeth and asked her fiercely.

Heh.

Abuse.

Who was the one truly violating her body?

She pushed Mu Cidian away. With all her might.

Mu Cidian restrained her.

Xin Zaozao kept pushing, she kept using her strength.

Mu Cidian let her go.

Not because her strength was greater, but because he couldn’t be as stubborn as she was.

Xin Zaozao was panting.

But she didn’t stop. She put on her shoes and left straight away.

Mu Cidian watched Xin Zaozao’s back as she departed.

His tightly clenched fist, remained as so.

8 a.m.

Xin Zaozao got out of bed.

By the time she returned to the Xin Family, it was already 4 a.m.

She had only slept for a few hours. Her face was looking really bad when she woke up.

She moved her throat.

The throat pain only got worse.

She washed up quickly, put on makeup, got dressed and left.

As she walked out, she saw Mi Cidian.

Mu Cidian passed by her, quite indifferent.

The woman walking next to Mu Cidian was Wu Qianyuan.

Seeing Wu Qianyuan hanging onto Mu Cidian so affectionately and dependently, Xin Zaozao felt a bit of sympathy.

After today, Wu Qianyuan would probably know the truth, her father wouldn’t allow Wu Qianyuan to stay next to Mu Cidian.

She didn’t want to play the role of a home-wrecker, but the reality left her with no choice.

She drove to work.

There was a board meeting scheduled for the morning. It was being held for the second time to decide whether to bid for a stream diversion project. The project was a major financial obligation and a key strategic decision. According to company regulations, these types of projects needed the board’s approval for execution.

Xin Zaozao arrived at the office.

Yan Quan made her a cup of coffee, her usual preference.

Actually, she didn’t drink coffee. She didn’t know when, but at some point, she had developed a sudden fondness for the taste of coffee.

But she really couldn’t drink it today.

If she drank it, she might not be able to speak. Smiling gently, she said, “Could you please get me a cup of plain boiled water?”

Yan Quan was surprised, but nodded anyway.

He assumed that there was something odd about Xin Zaozao’s voice.

Xin Zaozao, sipping the warm water, asked Yan Quan, “Have the directors arrived yet?”

“Some have already arrived,” Yan Quan replied, “Director, rest assured. For the formal convening of the board meeting, the directors must attend unless there’s a special situation. Even if they are unwilling, they still have to come. What’s important is that you get mentally prepared. This meeting is not going to be much better than the last one.”

Xin Zaozao nodded.

She didn’t say anything for fear that speaking too much would strain her throat and render her unable to speak in the meeting later.

Seeing Xin Zaozao’s calm demeanor, Yan Quan did not say anything more and left to prepare for the board meeting.

10 a.m.

Xin Zaozao arrived at the main conference room on time.

As per the usual practice, all the directors would wait for the chairperson to arrive. Although many of them were dissatisfied with Xin Zaozao, the practice had remained unchanged.

So, when Xin Zaozao arrived, the directors were all in their seats, arrayed in rows.

She was more composed than the last time, calmly sitting in the center-most seat.

She spoke into the microphone in front of her, “I apologize for the inconvenience caused by having to attend this board meeting amidst your busy schedules. Today’s meeting is very straightforward, deciding whether or not to bid for the ocean project in the commercial management development zone.”

“Do not bid.” A director responded instantly to Xin Zaozao•s words.

“What bidding? The group internally is already unstable. Someone is stirring up trouble and now we are talking about bidding. We can’t even clarify our own domestic issues, but now we want to extend our scope. How absurd.”

“Simply ludicrous.”

There was a sudden rise in momentum against the proposal at the meeting.

Mixed with a myriad of voices.

Xin Zaozao showed no emotional response and did not refute them; she just sat in the center watching them talk

The board members talked for a while and began to feel something was amiss.

Xin Zaozao watched them without speaking, dragging out the silence.

A board member was irritated, “Xin Zaozao, did you call us here just to waste our time?”

Xin Zaozao gave a faint smile, “Am I the one wasting time? I haven’t said anything yet, but you’ve said a lot more than I.”

The board member was left speechless by her retort.

Another board member declared loudly, “Forget about the bid. If there’s nothing else, we’re leaving.” “None may leave until I’m finished speaking!” Xin Zaozao’s voice suddenly elevated.

The loud voice, when examined closely, seemed to be mixed with the sound of a breaking voice.

Mu Cidian looked at Xin Zaozao, his eyes fixed on hers.

“Who do you think you are!” a board member challenged defiantly. “Chairwoman of the Xin Group!” Xin Zaozao’s tone was dominant.

That moment seemed to shock everyone.

Including Mu Cidian.

Mu Cidian knew Xin Zaozao had changed.

But…a person’s change, so sudden.

Xin Zaozao seemingly matured from a timid and inarticulate girl into a strong woman in an instant.

“I don’t want to use my authority to suppress all of you, but I also need your respect. At least, let me finish my speech. There will be decision-making sessions in the board meeting, you can negat me then!”

Xin Zaozao’s voice resonated around the conference room.

The room fell silent at that moment.

Perhaps, everyone didn’t want to waste time.

Xin Zaozao asked Yan Quan to project a prepared PPT on the screen, she said, “If everyone wants to finish early, please do not interrupt me until I’ve finished.”

The conference room was quiet.

Xin Zaozao began explaining the PPT, “I plan to invest in the seemingly least promising and unpopular attraction project of the Commercial Management Development Zone…”

“Indeed a naive young girl.”

“She’s crazy, daring to invest in anything.”

“Choosing the least profitable project to invest in, yet having the audacity to call herself the chairwoman!”

Xin Zaozao’s throat fluttered, “If you want to waste time, please continue.”

Everyone looked at each other and chose to remain silent.

Xin Zaozao continued, “According to my in-depth understanding, the attraction project is the one with the greatest potential. All projects of the ocean amusement park are based on changes in the natural environment, such as warm springs, cool summers, surging waves, all can affect the visitor’s play. Of course, while there are many people bidding for the non -existent hotel and restaurant, the cost will be at least five percentage points higher than the actual cost, which is quite a disadvantageous expense. On the other hand, the attraction project is aimed at attracting crowds. Foot traffic would become an important focus point for the authorities. Once there’s foot traffic, profits from the project are only a matter of time. But you may not believe this, this is the attraction project data I found on the internet of Beixia Country. According to the daily foot traffic, the project can break even in three years and double its profits in five years.” Everyone in the conference room just looked at Xin Zaozao.

No one affirmed, but at that moment, no one contradicted either.

“The amount needed for the attraction project is estimated to be around 300 million. As there’s almost no competition for this project, it can be acquired for 300 million.” Xin Zaozao analyzed.

“Is 300 million a small amount?” A director spoke, “I’m in charge of the financial side of things. Given the current situation of the Xin Group and in the unstable external stock market situation, you plan on investing 300 million in a project that will at least take three years to break even? To be frank, it’s okay if it breaks even in three years. I even doubt if your data is made up!”

Xin Zaozao was being mocked heavily.

A director said, “I indeed do not believe in this so-called attraction project. A project that everyone is not investing in, I don’t think you can pick out a gem from all the stones. Anyway, I’m the first to disagree.”

“I disagree too.”

“I also disagree.”

For a moment, at least more than half of the directors expressed their views. Xin Zaozao pursed her lips and slowly said, “I haven’t finished yet.” “Speak then, regardless of what you say, I won’t agree to this project.”

“I’m paying for all of it.” Xin Zaozao stated bluntly.

All the board members looked at her.

“I’m paying out of my pocket, and the eventual profits are accredited to the group.” Xin Zaozao reiterated.

Everyone fell silent at that moment.

Faced with such enormous profits, anyone would hesitate.

In this standoff.

Mu Cidian suddenly intervened, “I disagree.”

Xin Zaozao looked at him.

Most of the directors here are Mu Cidian’s people, once he made a statement, they would follow suit.

“Director Mu, what are your concerns?” Xin Zaozao asked him.

“It is simple, the Xin Group does not have the energy to take on another project right now. Our current projects and the situation we are faced with, do not allow us to devote energy to other things. You are funding it, which is evidently beneficial to the group, and it looks like a win-win situation. However, have you considered the hidden costs we, the Xin Group, need to take on? We will have to devote substantial manpower and resources to this project. It’s a drain on the group and may turn out to be a losing proposition.” Mu Cidian stated, his voice was somewhat forceful, “In conclusion, I personally oppose.”

“I support Director Mu.” There’s always someone who follows blindly.

And then, more than half of the others followed blindly.

“Yan Quan, please tally the votes. Do not wase everyone’s time.”

Yan Quan turned to look at Xin Zaozao.

Xin Zaozao nodded.

Yan Quan began to count the votes aloud.

Among the 12 board members, apart from Xin Zaozao, 9 out of the remaining 11 voted against. Only

Zheng Feng and Wu Qiang hadn’t voted yet.

The total shares of the remaining 9 people added up to forty-nine percent.

No matter if it was Zheng Feng or Wu Qiang, whoever stood on Mu Cidian’s side, Xin Zaozao’s proposal would be directly rejected.

And everyone felt that the situation had been settled.

It was said that Zheng Feng often supported Mu Cidian in his work, but no one could guarantee that he wouldn’t change his mind at this moment. However, Wu Qiang was definitely on Mu Cidian’s side, if he wouldn’t support his son-in-law, who else would he support?

Only Xin Zaozao was confident.

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If, if Wu Qiang was to support Mu Cidian, he would not have made the effort to be present himself.

And Xin Zaozao’s confidence in everything today was because Wu Qiang showed up.

She was very clear in her heart, they had at least an eighty percent chance of winning this matter.

Indeed, as it turned out.

Xin Zaozao heard both Wu Qiang and Zheng Feng say in unison, “I support the Chairwoman’s investment proposal.. “