Chapter 82

Chu Tianshu was not very clear about the early stages of the process, and he shook his head.

Wu Mengdie pointed out incisively, "It's because the provincial and municipal leaders have the intention of keeping the benefits within their own circle. Tell me, is this fair to companies from other regions?"

Chu Tianshu nodded, acknowledging that Lingyun Group not only knew their enemy but also some of the undisclosed inside information.

In China, whenever there is a significant commercial activity, the intentions of the leaders often play a role, sometimes overtly, sometimes covertly. Hearing Wu Mengdie's words, Chu Tianshu couldn't help but think of Tang Yifu's face.

Wu Mengdie's lips curved into a graceful arc as she said, "Fairness is a relative concept; what is fair to some may be unfair to others."

"So, our choice is to be fair to the majority," Chu Tianshu blurted out.

Wu Mengdie smiled gently, "Tianshu, I've always been conflicted. Young people like you, who are not swayed by profit and have a strong sense of justice, are rare. I hope you will fight for Lingyun Group's interests with all your might, but I also hope you will stay in the government. Your presence in the government might help more people achieve fairness and rights."

Chu Tianshu felt a bit embarrassed and said softly, "Senior Sister, you flatter me. Actually, I can't help you much."

"No, your suggestions are the greatest help to Lingyun Group. The challenge is how to turn your suggestions into reality."

Chu Tianshu did not rush to share his ideas but wanted to first understand Wu Mengdie's position. He said seriously, "Actually, I believe that with Lingyun Group's strength, even a head-on competition would not be a loss to the other companies."

Wu Mengdie shook her head, "No, a head-on competition is costly. Moreover, Wang Zhiyuan has already secured the bank's support through connections. They refuse to provide large loans to Lingyun Group for various reasons, so we have no chance in a direct confrontation."

"Senior Sister, what do you mean?"

"Tianshu, as a member of the SASAC, you might be more concerned with the outcome and less with the process. Do you know the backgrounds of the other companies?"

Chu Tianshu was quite surprised, "What backgrounds?"

The companies participating in the bidding for the instrument factory had been reviewed and approved by the SASAC. However, even Jian Ruoming, a member of the reform leadership group office, only knew about the more famous Lingyun Group, Kunpeng Industry, and Qintian Real Estate. The involvement of the other companies was still unclear.

"Among them, two are associated with Kunpeng Industry, and three are organized or bribed by Qintian Real Estate to bid-rig. Lingyun Group is surrounded by them. From a probabilistic perspective, Wang Zhiyuan has a 30% chance of winning, Qin Dameng has a 40% chance, and we have only a slim 10% chance. More frighteningly, Wang Zhiyuan is planning to team up with Qin Dameng to squeeze out Lingyun Group."

"Ah?" Chu Tianshu broke out in a cold sweat. He couldn't believe that in an environment that seemed fair, open, and just, there could be so many underhanded dealings. "Team up, how?"

Wu Mengdie smiled and said, "According to our information, Wang Zhiyuan is trying to persuade Qin Dameng to bid in name only and then withdraw. He will pay Qintian Real Estate and its affiliated companies about 20 million yuan as a withdrawal fee. This way, Kunpeng Industry will team up with the remaining seven companies to besiege Lingyun Group."

Chu Tianshu exclaimed, "Such private collusion and bid-rigging is a violation of regulations."

Wu Mengdie spread her hands and laughed, "What evidence do you have?"

Chu Tianshu countered, "Isn't the information you have evidence?"

"No, because we are competitors, any statement would be seen as a competitive strategy. Moreover, we know much more than this, but we cannot disclose our sources. Therefore, to win the bid, we must outmaneuver them."

Indeed, as Wu Mengdie said, there was much more she had not revealed to Chu Tianshu, and it was even more serious. For example, Wang Zhiyuan had offered Lingyun Group 20 million yuan to withdraw, the land transfer assessment price had been artificially lowered by nearly 100 million yuan, and there was pressure from certain high-level officials in the province and city. And so on.

A naked plunder of the instrument factory was quietly underway.

Wu Mengdie did not tell Chu Tianshu everything to avoid putting him under such immense pressure.

Chu Tianshu understood. At this point, he finally shared the plan he had discussed with Jian Ruoming: to propose a land swap and relocation plan at the bidding site to catch Kunpeng Industry off guard.

Wu Mengdie clapped her hands in approval.

After a moment of silence, Chu Tianshu asked, "Senior Sister, what can I do?"

Wu Mengdie stood up and said loudly, "Do everything possible to expose their conspiracy of collusion between officials and businessmen!"

Chu Tianshu broke out in a cold sweat again and said awkwardly, "I'm afraid... I have the will but not the power."

"Yes, that might be the case now, but things can change. Since it's a conspiracy that can't be exposed, there will be loopholes. If you pay attention, you will find clues."

"But what can I do with clues? Even Director Jian has no say in major discussions."

"True, with our current strength, we cannot openly or directly stop them. However, if we catch them by the tail, they won't dare act recklessly. Many people just need this effect." Wu Mengdie paused, raised her eyebrows, and said, "Tianshu, this is an opportunity for you. Seize it, and your career will be smooth sailing."

"What if I fail?"

"Haha, I never thought that Chu Tianshu, who is fearless in the face of a criminal's gun, would be so hesitant." Wu Mengdie stared at him for a few seconds and then said, "Let me give you a hint: the competition for the instrument factory is essentially a competition for the mayor of Qingyuan City."

Chu Tianshu was taken aback and recalled his conversation with Jian Ruoming, which seemed to hint at this.

Is Wu Mengdie helping me choose a side?!

Calm down, stay calm!

"Fortune is not a disaster, and a disaster cannot be avoided."

Chu Tianshu suddenly looked up and directly asked Wu Mengdie the question he had been wanting to ask: "Senior Sister, why are you helping me, or rather, why did you choose me?"

"Because I am in an unbeatable position," Wu Mengdie smiled faintly. "If we succeed, you will rise in the government, and my long-term investment will eventually pay off. If we fail, you won't be able to stay in the government and will have to join Lingyun Group."

At this point, a hint of a meaningful smile appeared on her lips.

To Chu Tianshu, Wu Mengdie at this moment did not seem like the CEO of a well-known company but rather like a neighbor who had just found a good deal at the market.

"Senior Sister, you are too clever. I admit defeat." Chu Tianshu smiled sincerely and said, "However, I must say this: I will never do anything that harms the public interest."

"In that case, you agree!" Wu Mengdie turned gracefully and smiled, "Rest assured, I will never force you to violate your principles. As the saying goes, a gentleman loves wealth but must acquire it ethically."

Chu Tianshu suddenly remembered his adapted saying: A gentleman loves beauty but must acquire it ethically.

He dared not look Wu Mengdie in the eye and quickly lowered his head to drink his tea.

After putting down the cup, Chu Tianshu asked, "How is Ling Rui?"

"He's fine, always talking about you. But he's in school now, so you won't see him this time."

Chu Tianshu could tell that Wu Mengdie did not want him to enter the Ling family.

"What about Leng Xue? Why haven't I seen her?"

"Oh, she mainly takes care of Ling Rui and doesn't work at the company."

Wu Mengdie appreciated Chu Tianshu's perceptiveness. He grasped the subtleties of when to stop and, once he made a decision, did not waver. He also did not pry into matters that were not crucial.

Chu Tianshu stood up and handed Wu Mengdie the donation certificate from Qingyuan TV.

Wu Mengdie took it and asked, "Tianshu, what about the female journalist, Xiang Wanqing? I haven't seen her on TV recently."

"Oh, after the 'Selling Myself to Save My Mother' program aired, she was put on ice by the station."

Wu Mengdie sneered, "Hmph, put on ice? The station has some nerve."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Wu Mengdie looked at Chu Tianshu and said meaningfully, "Tianshu, just hold onto her. You don't need to ask more. One day, she might become a valuable ally in your career."

Chu Tianshu took his leave, and Wu Mengdie did not try to keep him. She said, "Tianshu, I'm busy today, so I can't entertain you. Stay here tonight. I've booked a room for you at the Mingliu Hotel. My secretary will bring you the key card. Leng Xue will join you for dinner tonight. She will contact you."

"Senior Sister, thank you very much. You're busy, and I have some other things to do." Chu Tianshu extended his hand and said, "Goodbye."

Leaving the headquarters of Lingyun Group, Chu Tianshu drove straight to Lijiang University. He entered the campus through the west gate, which he knew well, and drove smoothly to the law school building.

After graduating for more than two years, returning to his alma mater brought a sense of familiarity.

Seeing that there were still more than twenty minutes before the class ended, Chu Tianshu got out of the car and walked into the football field.

Watching the young figures running and shouting on the field, Chu Tianshu felt a sense of inspiration, as if he had returned to his vibrant university days. His feet itched to join in.

Suddenly, a football came flying towards him.

Chu Tianshu instinctively stepped forward, stopped the ball with his chest, and kicked it towards the far corner of the goal. The goalkeeper, probably not expecting it, made a desperate save, but the ball curved beautifully, grazed the post, and went into the net.

The field erupted in applause.

The goalkeeper gave Chu Tianshu a thumbs up.

"Ha, my skills haven't rusted," Chu Tianshu said to himself excitedly, returning the thumbs up. However, seeing a gray mark on his suit, he shook his head, patted it off, and left the field.