Chapter 10: 10. Xiang Mingzhang Ordered Chu Zhichen's Laid Off.

Yisi experienced a double blunder, causing them to face immense embarrassment and lose all credibility. 

Chu Zhichen gazed at the empty projection on the stage, while Zhai Feng stood frozen by their side, wearing a bewildered expression. 

The restless audience, which had been sitting on the edge of their seats for hours, erupted into animated discussions as soon as the auctioneer announced the comical ending to the bidding process. 

Some people laughed out loud, while others shook their heads in disbelief. Still, others turned to their neighbors, eager to share their thoughts on the unexpected turn of events. 

Dejectedly, Yisi exited the scene, accompanied by a defeated team that rode in a commercial vehicle, while the director hesitated, picking up and putting down their mobile phone three times before summoning the courage to press the call button on the fourth attempt. 

Everyone listened intently, their voices hushed, as the director provided a low-toned report. However, before he even had the chance to admit his error, Li Zangqiu erupted in anger, lashing out with accusations that reverberated throughout the car. 

What was once a smooth and uneventful journey had suddenly hit a rock and capsized, transforming into a complete disaster. 

At the intersection's red light, Chu Zhichen tilted his head slightly, his reflection on the glass window appearing cold and unfamiliar, as if he was someone else entirely. 

In frustration, he closed his eyes, his thoughts crystal clear. Today's incident was not simply a "mistake," but likely a premeditated act. 

Only last night, Chu Zhichen confirmed that the bidding documents were thoroughly checked, properly sealed, and securely packed. Zhai Feng had put in extra hours to rehearse the presentation, and there seemed to be no issues with the materials. 

So, who had tampered with them during this period? 

No one else knew the password, and only the project team had access to the computer and the tender. 

Yet, no one had a motive to execute such actions. Everyone had poured substantial energy and effort into this endeavor, and successful acquisition of the order would lead to promotions and salary raises. Who would willingly sabotage their interests? 

Furthermore, Li Zangqiu held this project in high regard, and the project team was essentially composed of his trusted personnel. Who would dare meddle with it? 

As the light turned green, the car silently traversed a street. Amid their journey back, the pre-sales manager inquired in a hushed voice, "Director, how do you propose we handle this situation?" 

The director's despair transformed into a sigh, and they replied, "Let's wait for Mr. Li's arrival at the company. Then we can decide." 

Attempting to console themselves, the pre-sales manager remarked, "We have shared many years of camaraderie with Mr. Li. He is loyal." 

A cold glint appeared in the director's eyes as they retorted, "Did Mr. Li discuss friendship with you? Have you ever heard Xiangyue mention it?" 

Chu Zhichen opened his eyes, his appearance representing Yisi. Now that the performance had failed, even if Li Zangqiu were willing to handle it leniently, what about the judging panel? 

They glanced at Zhai Feng, who slowly shook their head as if they had anticipated this outcome. 

Upon returning to Xiang Yue Park, the 12th-floor sales department of Yisi fell eerily silent. 

The meeting room door swung open with a loud bang, and the Yisi vice president stood at the entrance, their face etched with concern. They motioned for everyone to come in, their voice urgent. 

The employees filed into the room, their eyes wide with apprehension. 

Chu Zhichen entered the conference room, taking his place at the end. In addition to the vice president, Yisi's general manager and HR manager were present. Li Zangqiu had already arrived, in such a hurry that he hadn't even had the opportunity to change into a suit. 

And seated directly in front of the conference table, occupying the main seat, was Xiang Mingzhang. 

It marked Xiang Mingzhang's first visit to Yisi. Calmly, he sat without showing any emotions or inserting his thoughts. With his left hand, he held a glass of water, taking occasional sips. Every now and then, he glanced at his watch, implying that time was limited, and this visit was merely a brief one. 

Xiang Mingzhang surveyed the entire project team, his gaze passing over the executives in the front row, before lingering on Chu Zhichen for a moment longer than necessary, his eyes narrowing slightly. 

His demeanor remained composed, more composed than one would have imagined. 

The vice president spoke, breaking the silence, "Mr. Xiang, Mr. Li, everyone is present." 

Li Zangqiu effectively concealed his anger, speaking calmly, "First, explain what exactly happened." 

The director stepped forward, detailing the course of events during the bid opening meeting that day. The higher-ups intervened, leaving no room for omission or playing with words, necessitating an honest account. 

Upon concluding his statement, the director intended to choose his words carefully, conveying a serious and responsible attitude toward his superiors. 

However, Xiang Mingzhang interjected, disrupting his intentions. "So, the bidding process was abruptly canceled?" 

Reluctantly, the director swallowed his intended words and admitted, "Yes." 

Xiang Mingzhang remained impassive, devoid of any emotional fluctuations, as he inquired further, "Do we know who is primarily responsible?" 

Considering the current circumstances, the director deliberated, "Manager Wang and team leader Zhai are in charge of managing the computer files. They served as today's primary presenters." 

Manager Wang quickly responded, "I oversee the business department. My involvement was limited to providing background information, so team leader Zhai used the computer first. He had possession of it last night and this morning." 

Zhai Feng nodded in agreement, "That's correct." 

The vice president questioned, "Then how did the documents become corrupted? Did someone else handle them? Could this, in any way, be related to the incorrect bid?" 

The director replied, "During the briefing, Chu Zhichen was responsible for the documents, including the bidding documents themselves." 

"Zhai Feng, Chu Zhichen," the vice president addressed them, "do you have any objections to this?" 

Zhai Feng appeared to have nothing to add. 

Chu Zhichen spoke up, "I inspected the tender before packing it, and there were no issues. If no one else tampered with it, how did it revert to the initial version? Something doesn't seem right about this." 

The vice president further queried, "Are you suggesting that someone secretly altered the bid?" 

Chu Zhichen affirmed, "Yes, I believe an investigation is warranted." 

Li Zangqiu exclaimed, "Are you insinuating that someone intentionally switched the bid and framed you?" 

"I object," the director interjected, "During this entire period, everyone has dedicated themselves to this project, and it is not in anyone's best interest to commit such a malicious act. Making mistakes is part of human nature, and it is not right to shift blame onto others." 

Chu Zhichen asserted, "I am not shifting blame." 

The director continued, "Last night, you performed the final inspection, and you were the first to arrive this morning. You personally carried the box containing the bid documents throughout. When we arrived at the pharmaceutical company, everyone was present. I opened the box, submitted the bid documents and the deposit check, all while being observed by everyone. No one else had touched the box except for you." 

Chu Zhichen pursed their lips, refraining from uttering a word. After a few seconds of silence, he finally spoke, "Has it been confirmed that I made a mistake in the bid?" 

The vice president stated, "Evidence must be the foundation of any conclusion. Currently, there is no evidence to prove that others tampered with the documents. As the one responsible for them, it is only natural that you bear the primary responsibility." 

The director turned towards Chu Zhichen and addressed them, "We understand your situation. It is not solely your fault. Your lack of experience is attributed to this matter. Team leader Zhai, in haste, recommended you for this role, and there is a certain level of responsibility on their part as well." 

Having finished drinking his plain water, Xiang Mingzhang placed the empty cup gently on the table, then delivered a serious statement, "Chu Zhichen may lack experience, but he is not lacking in management skills or even directorship. He takes ownership of his mistakes and assumes responsibility. Can the superiors simply absolve themselves of any involvement?" 

Quickly, the director clarified, "No, no, I never meant to shift responsibility!" 

Xiang Mingzhang responded, "That's good. 'Sacrificing pawns to save the king' is not a feasible approach for Xiangyue." 

At this point, the director dared not utter another word. The meeting room fell into silence for a while, as the vice president hesitated to make a judgment, exchanging glances with Li Zangqiu for guidance. 

Immediately alerted about the bidding mishap, Li Zangqiu received a notification from Li Heng, informing him that the bid he was guaranteed to win had been ruined in such a humiliating manner. It was a blow to his pride, and losing to someone else was a slap in the face to his reputation. 

Xiang Yue had never intervened in this project, allowing Li Zangqiu maximum respect and freedom. However, when news of the incident emerged, Xiang Mingzhang personally arrived, indicating his intention to intervene and influence the outcome. 

Didn't the statement "abandon the pawn and save the King" just now hit him hard? 

Li Zangqiu took a deep breath. To secure this order, he relied on his trusted associate, who had been by his side for many years. Yet, this mistake was so glaring and absurd that there was no room for maneuvering. 

He couldn't protect anyone. Xiangyue was the major shareholder, and it was not his place to take a seat at the conference table. If he received a lighter punishment, it would only add to the perception of "covering for subordinates." 

Li Zangqiu stated, "In any case, Zhai Feng and Chu Zhichen, as the direct managers of the computer and files respectively, bear the primary responsibility. Others' lack of supervision is equally to blame." 

Xiang Mingzhang contemplated for a moment before asking, "What is your recommendation, Mr. Li?" 

"According to regulations, it should be treated as a business matter," Li Zangqiu wisely responded, "I am still on vacation, so it would be inappropriate for me to intervene. Let Mr. Xiang make the decision." 

Xiang Mingzhang did not decline the responsibility, stating, "Then allow me to handle it. The director is the head of the sales department, and the two managers are experienced members of the business department. They must be suspended from work, and the HR department will discuss their fate in a meeting." 

The personnel department manager, feeling quite defeated, nodded quickly in agreement with the instructions. 

Xiang Mingzhang continued, "As for Team Leader Zhai, I understand that he has been with Yisi for over a decade. As an old employee, he should not have made such a fundamental mistake." 

This statement allowed for some leeway, rather than directly punishing Zhai Feng. Understanding this, Zhai Feng took a deep breath and declared, "I am willing to take full responsibility and resign." 

Now, only one person remained. 

Xiang Mingzhang's gaze met Chu Zhichen's. He vividly remembered Chu Zhichen's spirited expression from when they turned back in the elevator the previous night. It was full of life and completely different from the figure standing in the shadows at this moment. 

They held each other's gaze for a moment. 

Xiang Mingzhang declared, "Chu Zhichen, he should be fired." 

With the matter concluded, Xiang Mingzhang had other business to attend to. He whispered a few words to Li Zangqiu before rising to leave. 

Chu Zhichen stood near the door as Xiang Mingzhang approached step by step. As Xiang Mingzhang passed by, the faint scent of aftershave reached Chu Zhichen's nose, momentarily leaving him blank-minded. 

A moment later, Xiang Mingzhang walked away. 

Li Zangqiu patted Chu Zhichen's shoulder and consoled him in a low voice, "It's not that I won't help you, but as you saw, there's nothing Uncle can do." 

Chu Zhichen didn't require consolation. He turned and left the meeting room. 

He wasn't feeling dejected but rather disappointed that Yisi had lost the project. However, he didn't dwell on regret because he believed that the matter was far from resolved. 

The resignation followed a set procedure. Zhai Feng removed his ID card, returned to his seat, and began drafting his resignation letter. 

Chu Zhichen's belongings were located on the ninth floor. He left the Yisi sales department and headed toward the calligraphy and painting exhibition hall. 

He simply went to appreciate the painting titled "Broken Time," fixating his gaze on the sword illuminated by the lamp. In his thoughts, he envisioned returning to the company, leading his troops to victory, transcending obstacles, and achieving great success. 

As he immersed himself in the strokes of the brush, Chu Zhichen grew calmer and more composed, his mind soaring as the words approached the tip of the brush. 

Who did it? 

Who benefitted from this? 

Since others couldn't access the files, the culprits must be insiders within the project team. He refrained from speaking a particular word earlier, and only two people had touched the box alone. 

Zhai Feng. 

Zhai Feng was the last person to leave last night and had the opportunity to tamper with the bid. 

Zhai Feng was the one who openly used the computer. 

Chu Zhichen was convinced that the document preservation process lacked strictness, and he was cautious. The only person he trusted without any reservations was Zhai Feng. 

On that day in the exhibition hall, Zhai Feng desolately admitted, "My position is low, and I'm not part of the company's management circle." 

Therefore, the one who didn't fall under Li Zangqiu's command was indeed Zhai Feng. 

Was the excessive tension before the bid opening meeting due to pressure or a guilty conscience? 

Chu Zhichen had anticipated all of this beforehand. He kept mulling over it because he couldn't find a reason for Zhai Feng's actions. 

Zhai Feng could have seized the opportunity to advance his position, so why would he sabotage his future? 

If this was premeditated until now, then it would be unnecessary for him to care for Chu Zhichen these past few days. 

Chu Zhichen returned to the sales department, only to find that Zhai Feng had already left, leaving behind a resignation letter. 

He hurriedly took the elevator to catch up, rushing out of the office building. He caught sight of Zhai Feng, who stopped under the shade of a tree for a video call. 

When Zhai Feng saw him, he didn't try to avoid him but silently mouthed, "Wait a moment." 

Standing two meters away, Chu Zhichen caught a glimpse of the little girl on the phone screen, who looked bigger than he had imagined. 

"I didn't have lunch today," Zhai Feng softly said, "Because Dad is on vacation, I will pick you up from school in the afternoon." 

The little girl replied, "Then take me to buy a new schoolbag." 

Zhai Feng agreed, "No problem, we'll get the biggest one." 

The little girl continued, "No, let's buy a beautiful one and I'll carry it when I go to find Mommy." 

Zhai Feng smiled and said, "Listen to Doudou, it's all settled now. Return the phone to your teacher and have a good afternoon class." 

Chu Zhichen didn't hear Zhai Feng's desolation about taking the blame and resigning. Instead, he felt a profound sense of relief. The video call ended with the little girl's laughter, a bright, carefree sound. 

The laughter lingered in the air for a moment, like a warm breeze, before it was slowly swallowed up by the silence. The only other sound was the gentle chirping of birds in the treetops. 

Zhai Feng looked down, evading Chu Zhichen's gaze. 

Chu Zhichen swallowed hard and asked, "Has it only been a few months in this semester? Did she suddenly need a new schoolbag?" 

Zhai Feng was slightly startled, not expecting him to ask such a question. He replied, "Well, she'll need it for upper school from now on." 

"That makes sense," Chu Zhichen said. "What grade is Doudou in?" 

Zhai Feng responded, "Sixth grade." 

"After elementary school graduation in the summer, it'll be time for junior high school," Chu Zhichen mused. "Has the school been decided?" 

Zhai Feng answered, "Her mother was transferred to Shenzhen last year for work, and she has her eye on a school there. I'm planning to take Doudou there." 

Concerned, Chu Zhichen asked, "And what about you? Are you planning to pursue opportunities in Shenzhen too?" 

Zhai Feng paused for a moment before replying, "I'm not in a rush. I'll look for work there." 

Chu Zhichen's words held profound meaning. "Well, it's easier to resign than to be fired." 

Zhai Feng hardly thought and simply stated, "I'm sorry." 

Chu Zhichen immediately questioned, "Why are you sorry? You made a mistake and received punishment. Why apologize to me?" 

Zhai Feng raised his head abruptly, hesitated for a long while, and finally slumped his shoulders. 

Taking a step closer, Chu Zhichen clenched his teeth as he squeezed out his words. "Answer my last question. Is it an international private school?" 

Zhai Feng asked hesitantly, "How did you know...?" 

Chu Zhichen confirmed his suspicion. "It is you." 

He understood everything—the sixth grade, junior high school, private schools with rigorous admissions criteria, the letter of recommendation signed on the tea table in Bomanjia's apartment... 

It turned out that the puppet master was behind Zhai Feng all along. 

Zhai Feng is under the control of Xiang Mingzhang. 

Everything was orchestrated by Xiang Mingzhang. 

Zhai Feng's offer to take Chu Zhichen with him was probably part of the plan. The kindness shown during this period was just a way to lure him into the trap. 

So, what's the point of being sorry?! 

Chu Zhichen felt a surge of anger and resentment. He left Zhai Feng behind and returned to the office building, specifically the sales department on the ninth floor. News of his dismissal had already spread, and his colleagues stared at him. 

He knew that his colleagues would be staring at him, and he didn't want to give them the satisfaction of seeing him angry. 

Chu Zhichen made a beeline for the president's office but was blocked by Assistant Guan, who said, "I want to see Xiang Mingzhang." 

Assistant Guan replied, "Mr. Xiang is not inside." 

"Where did he go? I need to see him," Chu Zhichen insisted. 

Assistant Guan informed him, "Mr. Xiang has gone on a business trip for a few days and has already left for the airport." 

Chu Zhichen rushed out of the building and hailed a taxi to the airport. Sitting in the car, he felt a rush of energy draining from his body. 

What a well-played game of chess, orchestrated by such a conniving and deceitful individual! 

Last night in the elevator, when Xiang Mingzhang asked about the bid opening, what was his intention? 

Was he eagerly awaiting the spectacle that would unfold today, or was he silently mocking Chu Zhichen for being manipulated in the shadows? 

When the announcement of his dismissal was made, did Xiang Mingzhang remain calm or was he inwardly delighted?! 

Chu Zhichen's chest tightened. He arrived at the airport, got out of the car, and rushed into the terminal building. 

The modern lobby was filled with the gaze of strangers, their eyes following him as he ran back and forth. The sound of announcements echoed through the air, but he couldn't focus on them. He was driven by sheer desperation, his heart pounding in his chest. 

Chu Zhichen frantically searched for Xiang Mingzhang, refusing to give up until he was physically exhausted. 

Suddenly, a duty vehicle made a sharp turn. 

Chu Zhichen didn't have time to react, unaware of who was rushing towards whom. Helplessly, he faced an imminent collision, his senses numbed, forgetting his fear. 

In an instant, a strong force pulled him away. 

He stumbled backward, colliding with a solid chest. 

Chu Zhichen turned around and found himself face-to-face with Xiang Mingzhang. His eyes cold and his expression unreadable. 

His big hands gripped Chu Zhichen's arm tightly as he stared at him and asked, "Are you injured?" 

[T/N: "Calm down, everyone. This wolf with a large tail has just met the remarkable chess player. He will be defeated and captivated in due time."]