Chapter 14: Jiang Ciyou, How Dare You Stand Me Up

Seeing how readily Jiang Ciyou agreed, a flicker of suspicion flashed in Bo Jin Xiu’s eyes. Yet, for now, he had no way to verify his doubts. Since Jiang Ciyou had promised, he kept his word and sent the bidding documents to Yan Corporation.

Elsewhere, Yan Feng was in the midst of a meeting at the company. Of the dozen or so projects Yan Corporation currently managed, half were running at a loss, some with staggering deficits. If they failed to secure the resort project, Yan Corporation would truly be in jeopardy. Yet, with thousands of construction companies nationwide eyeing this lucrative opportunity—and dozens, if not hundreds, in Rong City alone—Bo Corporation hadn’t even invited Yan Corporation to bid. The project seemed nearly impossible to obtain.

These days, meetings ran from morning till night as they struggled to find ways to sway Bo Jin Xiu’s opinion, even researching his personal preferences. But someone like him, born under a lucky star and wanting for nothing, what strategy could they possibly employ?

Suddenly, the secretary rushed in clutching a laptop, her expression highly agitated. “General Manager, General Manager…”

Yan Feng, already irritable, snapped, “What’s the matter? Why so flustered? Can’t you see we’re in a meeting?”

“Bo Corporation has sent us the bidding documents.”

Yan Feng was momentarily stunned, then stood up, equally excited. “Really? Let me see.”

He checked the email—sure enough, it was official bidding documentation from Bo Corporation. This meant Haifeng Construction finally had a chance to compete alongside other firms. Yan Feng finally breathed a sigh of relief, but his face was soon clouded with confusion.

“Why has Bo Corporation suddenly changed its mind?”

The secretary, still elated, replied, “No idea, it came out of nowhere. Maybe the young master was moved by your sincerity, General Manager.”

Others joined in the praise. “Yan Corporation may not be on Bo’s level, but the General Manager is a leader among men—visiting personally multiple times with such sincerity. Even if the young master hasn’t met you, he must have felt it.”

“Truly, the General Manager is adaptable and resourceful. His future achievements may well rival those of the capital’s princeling.”

“With the General Manager at the helm, Yan Corporation is bound to flourish.”

Yan Feng, however, suddenly furrowed his brow, deep in thought. He’d visited Bo Corporation four times, yet never managed to secure an opportunity. Today, Jiang Ciyou went to Bo Corporation, and Yan Corporation immediately received the bidding documents.

Could it really be just coincidence?

Once Jiang Ciyou saw the bidding documents had been sent, she turned to take her leave. Her steps were swift. As she was about to exit, Bo Jin Xiu felt a strange sensation in his heart. He called out to her back, “Tonight, I’ll wait for you at Green Lawn Villa.”

Jiang Ciyou didn’t respond, walking straight out. Watching her hurried departure, Bo Jin Xiu couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.

At nine o’clock that evening, Jiang Ciyou had just finished her bath and stepped out of the bathroom in the old residence when Bo Jin Xiu’s call came through.

The man’s voice, barely containing his anger and chillingly cold, snapped, “Jiang Ciyou, how dare you stand me up!”

Jiang Ciyou replied cheerfully, “What do you mean by that?”

“You clearly promised to move from the Yan household to Green Lawn Villa.”

Her tone was languid, unhurried. Bo Jin Xiu could almost picture her, lazily holding her phone, relaxed and at ease.

“I did agree to move from the Yan family to Green Lawn Villa, but I never said when. I plan to move in five years.”

Five years. By then, the resort project would be long completed. Bo Jin Xiu would have left Rong City ages ago.

He laughed in exasperation. “Five years? Why not say fifty?”

Jiang Ciyou’s voice remained bright and smiling. “Is there anything else, President Bo? If not, I’ll hang up. Good night.”

With that, she ended the call.

On the third-floor balcony of Green Lawn Villa, a certain man, infuriated, hurled his phone down in frustration.

Jiang Ciyou, truly remarkable. He’d never realized before that she could be so shameless!

But Jiang Ciyou was unfazed. Her task was complete.

The resort was a project specially approved by the central government, requiring an open bidding process, and could not be internally decided. As long as Yan Corporation received the bidding documents, everything would proceed officially. With government oversight, Bo Corporation couldn’t manipulate things to exclude Yan Corporation.

If Yan Corporation failed to win the bid, so be it—it had nothing to do with her.

Jiang Ciyou enjoyed a peaceful sleep.

Early the next morning, she headed to the television station.

Though she was the anchor for the midday news, their station combined reporting, editing, and interviewing. Jiang Ciyou was not only a host, but also a reporter, often gathering news material herself.

Upon arriving, she heard colleagues gossiping.

“I heard the new hire graduated from Columbia’s School of Journalism and interned at NBC. That’s an impressive résumé.”

“With credentials like that, she could easily land a hosting job at the capital’s station. Why come to Rong City TV?”

“So, does this mean Jiang Ciyou’s golden anchor spot isn’t secure anymore?”

“At this critical juncture, the director brings in someone so qualified—must have ulterior motives.”

“Well, that’s good. What real ability does Jiang Ciyou have? Just a pretty face, attracting advertisers and racking up the most ads. She’s only been here a year. Professionally, who here isn’t more competent than her?”

Jiang Ciyou listened as she returned to her desk. The gossiping women suddenly noticed her presence.

Their expressions shifted rapidly. “Ciyou, when did you get here?”

She smiled. “Just as you were praising my looks.”

Her face was already breathtakingly beautiful, and now, with one radiant smile, she dazzled so brightly it was hard to look at her. Yet, not a trace of anger showed; as if she truly believed they were complimenting her.

The others forced smiles outwardly, but inside, they were seething. She always played the magnanimous perfectionist, making everyone else seem like clowns.

Vivian from the morning news stepped forward. “Ciyou, we were just joking. Don’t mind what we said. We’re just worried someone might take your golden anchor spot.”

“You probably haven’t heard yet—there’s a new hire today, a Columbia Journalism graduate. The director seems intent on having her take Lin’s position.”

A Chanel-clad colleague chimed in, “The director really should know better. After Lin left, that spot should have been yours. Who else but Ciyou brought in so many sponsors and made so much money for the station?”

Vivian’s smile was laced with sarcasm. “But let’s be honest—the golden news slot needs a professional host, not just a sales champion. This time, Ciyou, you might really be in danger.”

Jiang Ciyou understood they were mocking her as the sales champion. She didn’t mind. “Being a sales champion is better than a parasite. Besides, the director decides station affairs; I’ll follow his arrangements. From what I hear, the morning news ad slots haven’t sold at all this month—the director’s already dissatisfied. You should worry more about yourself.”

“Jiang Ciyou, who are you calling a parasite? I work the three a.m. news; unsold ad slots are normal. If you’re so capable, try selling all the three a.m. slots yourself—it’s easy to talk big.”

“What’s all this noise so early in the morning?”

A man in his forties entered—the station’s news director, Tang Fei.

Tang Fei smiled at the young woman beside him. “Xia, would you introduce yourself?”

“Hello everyone, I’m Xia Ling.”