Chapter 203 Hidden Rivalry
bewildered. No one who lived in Xia Hai would be unaware of City No.1 High School; especially someone with her background as a teacher, the school held an exalted status in Xia Hai. Her son had gradua...Chapter 203: Secret Struggles
When Tang Fu saw Tao Qing and Song Zhen's family at the other end, his gaze subconsciously shifted to a few of the company managers beside him. These managers pretended as if they were casually glancing around instead of being aware of what was happening, quickly retracting their gazes and continuing with their previous conversation. Li Lan, who was in charge of Shanghai's affairs, only glanced at Tang Wu before turning to whisper something to the vice president nearby. "After completing the real estate asset restructuring last year, Senkan Green Investment Holding Company separated its residential and commercial real estate business sectors. They are planning on pushing another subsidiary public next year."
The managers in charge of Shanghai's branch had heard some rumors about this. They were all adept at reading people’s expressions, and when Mu Xuan was still talking to Tang Zongyuan, she and Tang Wu noticed Su Can’s arrival first; their voices dropped before they turned towards him, then stopped speaking.
Thus, it's no surprise that the managers had all sorts of speculations about this young man who entered.
But he seemed to be treated as a VIP in front of Senkan Group’s major figures. He even received polite treatment from Song Zhen, despite Mu Xuan knowing Tao Qing and being on relatively friendly terms with her. However, no one was as enthusiastic as him.
The hostess of the event would usually maintain an appropriate image in public settings; it wouldn't be natural for someone to show too much warmth or coldness. Of course, there could be exceptions when meeting close friends, but given that he received such attention from the likes of a president like Mu Xuan and Tao Qing, his background must either be impressive or he must have very strong ties with them.
Moreover, after observing Tang Wu's family’s reactions, especially her mother’s cold expression, these managers had even more to ponder over.
Despite the many people who might dislike him or feel resentful towards his arrival today, it was uncertain whether they would one day find themselves having no choice but to bow down before this young man with a clear and clean face.
The group continued their conversations, but most of them kept an eye on Tang Wu. Despite her casual and cool attire, she did not keep looking at the man over there; instead, she occasionally checked her phone or read from the book she had taken out of her bag. Her long hair fell onto the pages, yet she didn't even glance at Mu Xuan beside her, regardless of whether she was currently fuming inside.
Still in a cold war.
"You guys can find somewhere to sit for now; I still have some things to do," Tao Qing said with a smile as more familiar people approached. Her smile wasn't pretentious, making Su Can feel genuinely that she was being warm towards him rather than putting on an uncomfortable act.
"Please go ahead and take care of your business, I'll be fine," Su Can replied with a smile.
At this moment, several magazine editors—judging from their name tags, either council members or leaders of organizations—approached Song Zhen with smiles on their faces. One editor-in-chief of a women's magazine admired her outfit up and down without asking the usual questions about where she bought her chain or had her suit tailored, likely to avoid hurting her pride. Then these people who seemed to be in Song Zhen’s social circle noticed Su Can.
Song Zhen must have had some thoughts to avoid suspicion, so she has never appeared at any gala or annual meeting of the Senchuan Group or similar appreciation events related to media affairs.
Although she occasionally shoots some films when she comes back to Shanghai, it is selective. Most people in that circle think she's just a simple model. The last time Song Zhen was photographed by an industry-renowned automobile magazine for a series of luxury cars, her colleague gave her a cigarette and told her about the secrets of the column producer, such as what kind of price was offered to someone or something like that. She then asked if Song Zhen had been deceived too. But Song Zhen simply shook her head and proceeded with professionalism.
When filming ended, people in the studio were shocked to hear that the yellow Ferrari borrowed for shooting had a new owner after the event because one of the models had called the manufacturer and ordered it on-site before leaving with the car. The producer was reportedly disgraced due to offending some powerful figures and has been largely ousted from the circle.
In fact, Song Zhen adheres to a dual identity: if she enters the modeling circle, she's an occasional newcomer who shows up occasionally but doesn't leave any lasting impression. Only people who know her well would be on high alert, not daring to make even the slightest mistake. In normal times, she stays within the Senchuan enterprise without overshadowing decision-makers; she mostly interacts with the highest executives in the company and remains a mysterious figure to the corporation's white-collar workers, rarely attending activities and never appearing with a male companion as the daughter of the group chairman.
***** Therefore, seeing Song Zhen's male companion at this moment naturally piqued the interest of those who know her.
"Who is this" An middle-aged man extended his hand, intending to ask Suh Cun who he was. A media person among them carefully observed him, apparently recognizing someone but unable to recall instantly. Knowing that Su Cun dislikes being bothered just as much as she does, Song Zhen said, "Just a passerby," and dragged the still distressed-looking Suh Cun to an inconspicuous tea table nearby.
"A passerby" Suh Cun was at a loss for words. With her arms crossed, Song Zhen smiled and said, "That's quite high praise. At least you're not labeled with one of the lesser characters."
"Not being categorized as two is good enough," Su Cun continued to speak in a way that left Song Zhen confused. Meanwhile, the Chinese president of Senchuan Group had already stepped onto the stage and was beginning his speech. Tang Wu's family were all looking over there, so it wasn't appropriate for Suh Cun to approach them at this moment. He waited until the main speaker finished talking before heading towards Tang Wu.
Several men and women in black suits and red dresses from Senchuan had appeared, Song Zhen pointed to Su Cun saying, "This is General Manager Su of Upper Meadow Music." The visitors respectfully presented Suh Cun with a red envelope and some small gifts. They then did not interrupt him as he listened carefully to the business prospects and strategic plans disclosed during the appreciation event by Senchuan Group. Due to adjustments made in the strategic direction of digital music under Senchuan's mobile internet SP company, Business Information Communication Technology (BICT), Su Cun frowned; these new strategies could further squeeze Upper Meadow Music’s profit margins.
This was not a good development as it would affect his and Zhao Hao’s planned counter-offensive against service-providing SPs.
Considering the interests of Upper Meadow Music, Suh Cun subtly inquired about internal information from Song Zhen. Her offhand remarks further solidified Su Cun's previous judgment, making him feel that he might need to inform Zhao Hao to reconsider their planned counter-offensive strategy for next year.
Just then the speech on stage was nearing its end; Suh Cun gathered his thoughts and got up to greet Tang Wu's family. "I'll go say hello," he said.
Song Zhen at this moment turned her gaze from where Tang Wu’s family were looking, giving Su Cun a smile that made him feel uneasy. "So those are Tang Wu's parents It would be good to meet them since my mother and hers know each other. Come on, I'll go with you.
It's a powerful excuse that one can't refuse.
Su Cen did not take a step forward but stared at her intently, as if he wanted to see through her. The corners of his mouth curled slightly upward.
Dong Xing had reached the level of Heaven Initiate and rose gracefully in her high heels, showing no offense towards Su Cen's expression. Instead, she laughed softly, "Don't be so arrogant as to think that I invited you here today for the purpose of showing off in front of Tang Wu's family. What position do I have where you truly believe that my kindhearted offer to give you a ride means that I'm infatuated with you"
Dong Xing turned her head and smiled, "I merely hope that you won't be late for today’s thanksgiving event because I want you to see the related policy adjustments of Communication Technology in the second half of the year as soon as possible. Men always think women are easily deceived, so every self-assured man has a weakness. Do you really believe that Zhao Hao's secret thoughts behind the scenes would go undetected by me And his plan to break away from our Communication Technology’s SP agreement and establish an independent business might also be related to you. Our Shenchuan office analyzed Zhao Hao's contact with customers in the first half of the year, as well as his multiple dinners for government officials from the Information Industry Department. It shouldn't be too difficult to draw this conclusion."
Su Cen felt that he had seriously underestimated Dong Xing, a woman who was outwardly alluring. He cursed himself for being foolish. Since there were connections between the Song family and the ministry, Zhao Hao, who often interacted with them, might have been noticed by someone interested in him. Dong Xing's recent adjustment has put Su Cen and Zhao Hao’s plan from last year at risk of collapse after six months of planning.
He had indeed been too confident before. This was perhaps what one would call human calculations falling short of divine will.
"But I'm not angry," Dong Xing purred seductively, "You should understand that although you can create Facebook, it's far from invincible. Moreover, the issues happening with Facebook in the future might require my help."
Su Cen narrowed his eyes, “What kind of assistance do I need from you”
"Nothing," Dong Xing said with a smile as she walked towards Tang Wu's parents to greet them. "I've already said that I'm not angry. Come on, let’s go." She had clearly mastered the art of handling situations gracefully and knew at this moment that the man in front of her was swelling with pride. After having his hidden plans exposed by her and being reminded about the power struggle within his social network, which he likely found most prideful, any smart woman wouldn't continue to poke at his sore spots. Only when Su Cen needed help from Shenchuan Group in the future would she make a dramatic appearance.
Su Cen scratched his head. Although he had just disrupted Zhao Hao’s strategic path for digital music, it was still somewhat awkward. He smiled nervously and led the way towards Tang Zongyuan and Mu Xuan.
Dong Xing was surprised at Su Cen's carefree smile at this moment, watching his back as she muttered to herself, "Why bother It’s painful to insist on saving face." She then cheerfully followed him.
***** Su Cen found himself unsure of how to handle the current situation. Running into Tang Zongyuan, Mu Xuan, and Tang Wu at this moment was quite coincidental, especially considering the awkward relationship between Su Cen and Tang Wu's family. Moreover, he had not been invited to this event by Mu Xuan or Tang Zongyuan but instead by the Song family of Shenchuan Group. The encounter thus made him feel somewhat uneasy.
Of course, Su Cen firmly believed that such awkwardness would gradually become a thing of the past.
The current situation only allows him to greet everyone one by one, "Uncle Tang, Aunt Mu, I saw you earlier but didn't have the chance to come over."
Tang Wu, who had been quietly reading a book, closed her book and raised her head. She slightly narrowed her beautiful eyes and smiled, saying, "This is the result of someone telling me today that he might be in the library"
Su Can's face was awkward; when he sent a text to Tang Wu yesterday, Song Zhen suddenly notified him unexpectedly. He thought this would just be another routine meeting, so he didn't expect to run into them here.
He also did not think that under such tense circumstances, Tang Xiaowu would come up with such a mischievous remark.
The remark was simple yet powerful and implied a casual intimacy between them.
But the underlying implication seemed to suggest to her that Su Can privately had close ties with Tang Wu's parents.
Mu Xuan cleared his throat. What annoyed her secretly was that during yesterday’s most intense cold war with Tang Wu, she still frequently communicated with Su Can. How could this uphold her dignity
"I invited him here at the last minute for our Senchuan Group party; don't misunderstand," Song Zhen walked up from behind and said to Tang Wu.
"No way," Tang Wu met Song Zhen's captivating eyes head-on, smiling calmly, "I just think the world is small."
"Indeed, it is a small world, Miss Tang Wu," Su Can complimented her words as being perfectly timed; he then shamelessly added in front of everyone present, "It seems wherever we go, we keep running into each other."
Song Zhen's pupils contracted slightly. Tang Wu’s indifferent smile was like a lotus flower that did not seem artificial.
Mu Xuan raised his voice with a cold expression typical of the judicial bureau meetings he usually attended and glanced at Tang Wu, seemingly warning them to stop their act for others’ sake and not overdo it.
At this moment, a "huh" sound was heard. Then an unusually high-pitched, magnetic middle-aged woman's voice with a distinct foreign flavor rang out: "Su Can, Song Zhen, you both have greeted Aunt Mu already. Hehe, Mu Xuan, the more I look at your daughter, the more I like her; she’s really beautiful and it will be a lucky child who can match up to her in the future."電影。李寒倒是因為打得一手好球，倒是較受那些經常出冇於體育館的女生歡迎。這個狀態發展下去，說不定繼寢室裡的蘇燦之後，第二個進入戀愛期的男人就是他了。肖旭加入了人文社團，對他來說好處並不在於可以和一群博聞的知識青年談天說地，而是憑藉入會證可以在音像店購書買磁帶打八點八折，去校內咖啡館可享受九折優惠。兩人這個週末倒是可以不用為怎麼度過而苦惱了。據張小橋說上海車展週六開幕，是個好去處。新世紀的第二場車展...