However, given Ren Yi'an's position, it was normal for him to get first-hand information and look out for his own family first. That was just how the upper class operated. Yu Moxun was used to it.
He gritted his teeth. "Our company does need partners to scale up these projects, but I've found Ren Jifeng rather unpleasant lately..."
Rong Ci knew he was annoyed because Ren Jifeng liked Lin Wu. She, however, truly didn't care.
"As long as the project proceeds smoothly, our priority is securing the maximum benefit," she said calmly. "Everything else is secondary."
She had met Ren Yi'an once. He might have his own interests, but based on their mentor's attitude toward him, he was a man who could be trusted.
"I know," Moxun said. He was just venting. He tilted his chin up and let out a huff. "Anyway, there's still some time before we officially open for bidding. I'll let him cool his heels for a bit."
Rong Ci smiled. "If it makes you happy."
After the call from Ren Jifeng, they went back to their business. But half an hour later, Moxun's phone rang again. This time, looking at the display, he looked both disdainful and smug.
Knowing it was another acquaintance, Rong Ci asked, "...Who is it?"
Moxun chuckled. "He Changbai."
"Also looking for a partnership?"
"Most likely."
Much like Ren Jifeng, Moxun rarely interacted with He Changbai or Qi Yuming. Changbai wouldn't call him for no reason. Furthermore, like the Ren family, the He family had deep connections in politics and the military. They were extremely well-informed.
Moxun looked at Rong Ci. "Should I pick up?"
Rong Ci was Tingshen's wife. As Tingshen's childhood friends, He Changbai and the others looked down on her while accepting Lin Wu as the "other woman" and staying close to her. In Moxun's eyes, He Changbai was even more detestable than Ren Jifeng.
"Pick up," Rong Ci said. She didn't want Moxun to let his emotions dictate business.
Moxun answered. Just as he suspected, He Changbai was calling for the same reason.
After stating his intent, Changbai said, "I'm currently out of town on business, but I'll be back in the capital tomorrow at noon. How about dinner tomorrow night?"
Moxun replied tonelessly, "Thank you for the consideration, Mr. He. However, the projects have just entered development and the company is swamped. I really can't spare the time tomorrow. Perhaps next time."
"How about Thursday then?"
"I'm not sure if I'll be free then either. But if I am, I'll be sure to contact you first."
He Changbai knew these two projects were highly sought-after prizes; Moxun certainly wouldn't have any trouble finding investors. "Fine then. I'll be waiting for your call, Mr. Yu."
After hanging up, Moxun slapped the table in delight, laughing uncontrollably. "Sweet!"
Rong Ci smiled as well.
As Moxun laughed, he suddenly went quiet and looked at her. "Do you think... Tingshen will want to cooperate with us too?"
Technically, Changmo and Xundu were in the same industry and were competitors. However, competition and cooperation could coexist. Previously, Tingshen had taken an interest in their language system and initiated a partnership. These two new projects actually had quite a few areas where they could collaborate with Xundu...
Rong Ci replied indifferently, "I don't know. But we should focus on the projects themselves; personal grudges can be set aside for now."
"I know." Moxun could throw a little fit now and then, but when it came to real business, he was never impulsive.
Having said that, Moxun actually felt a bit of anticipation for a call from Tingshen. However, his expectations were met with disappointment. Over the next hour, he received several more calls, all seeking to join the new projects, but none were related to Feng Tingshen.
However, as they were nearing the end of the workday, he received a call from an unknown number. He glanced at it and picked up.
The person on the other end spoke first. "Is this Mr. Yu? This is Lin Lihai, Lin Wu's father."
Moxun stopped in his tracks immediately. He moved the phone away slightly and whispered to Rong Ci, "It's Lin Lihai."
Rong Ci looked at him without saying a word. Having known her for years, Moxun understood her meaning perfectly. While they could ignore personal history with others for the sake of the project, there was absolutely no need to do so for the Lin family.
Moxun put the phone back to his ear. His voice carried a polite smile, but his eyes were cold. "Ah, so it's Mr. Lin. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Lin Lihai was indeed there to seek cooperation. After he explained his proposal, Moxun said, "I understand your intent, Mr. Lin. If things are suitable, we will certainly give you first consideration. Please rest assured on that."
Lin Lihai wasn't stupid. He knew Moxun's words were carefully non-committal and that nothing was certain. He tried to find an opening to invite Moxun to dinner, but Moxun hung up, claiming he still had work to finish.
He looked at Rong Ci and said, "I can understand Ren Jifeng and He Changbai getting the news so quickly since they belong to the top-tier noble families, but the Lin family..."
As outsiders in the capital who hadn't even established a firm foothold, the fact that they received the news this early meant something...
Rong Ci knew what he was hinting at. The Lin family likely got the news because either Feng Tingshen or He Changbai had told them. Given Tingshen's feelings for Lin Wu and the bond between Changbai and Lin Wu, it wasn't surprising at all.
Moxun curled his lip. His good mood had been ruined. However, he knew Rong Ci must feel even worse.
He stood up. "Let's go. Your senior brother has plenty of money. I'm taking you out for a feast!"
Rong Ci's mood wasn't actually as bad as Moxun thought. She had truly moved on from many things. Her emotions were no longer easily swayed by those people. Moreover, the initiative was firmly in her hands this time. She had nothing to worry about.
Still, since Moxun was offering, she wasn't going to refuse. She smiled. "Thanks, senior brother."
With that, she walked out the door with Yu Moxun.
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