Tit For Tat (Beloved Enemy) - Chap 82
Beloved Enemy Chapter 82
FEBRUARY 24, 2019 ~ ROSYSPELL
After the group of people finished drinking, they returned to their banquet room and started talking about the Yuan family matters. These are all old stuff that GuQingPei was tired of hearing. He absent-mindedly drank his tea; his expression drifting away, not paying attention.
A warm and powerful hand suddenly held his hand. GuQingPei lifted his head to look and sees WangJin toasting the person on the opposite side. At this time, his chin slanted to the side, looking very deeply and calmly at him, giving people a sense of security.
To be side by side with such a man, it seems as though there is nothing to fear in the world. But to be with YuanYang is like running along with a tiger wolf.
No, who is the tiger wolf, one still can’t say?
GuQingPei shook his head slightly, trying to regain some level of rationale. WangJin is a prominent figure. His life experiences are not at all comparable to him. This is a man whose position and status is much higher than him. If he was careless and can’t beat WangJin in this game, he will be played by WangJin.
The reason why he couldn’t have feelings for WangJin, but instead is only full of admiration and caution toward him is because he can’t believe that WangJin’s affections toward him is sincere and genuine. Whereas, he believes that YuanYang truly loves him. You get what you pay for. He, GuQingPei, will not involve himself with anything that will make him incur losses. At least, not for the second time.
GuQingPei slowly pulled back his hand, and raised his glass to take a sip.
After the dinner was over, the two drank quite a bit. With GuQingPei’s alcohol tolerance slightly better, he assisted WangJin’s driver in ushering WangJin downstairs.
When the driver opened the door to the back seat, GuQingPei helped WangJin into the car. WangJin’s had his arm looped around his neck, determined not to let go. Half of GuQingPei’s body was in the car, half was out. He is tall with long legs so this bowing posture was really uncomfortable, “Wang Ge, go home and rest early.” The two people’s faces are extremely close. With just the slightest move, they could kiss each. However, he did not move. WangJin drunkenly said, “GuQingPei, what is this between us?”
GuQingPei did not know how to answer this question.
WangJin is certainly very confident in himself. He indeed has the capital to do so. GuQingPei could see that WangJin had never attached any importance nor payed any attention to YuanYang. If the vast majority of people have the option to choose between WangJin and YuanYang, the winner is most likely the successful, affectionate, and distinguished WangJin and not the immature YuanYang.
If one needs to insist on the difference between them, it is probably fate. Perhaps if he met WangJin first, it would have been a different scenery today.
Although WangJin always had his reservations toward people and things and could never be as straightforward as YuanYang, but this is precisely what puts GuQingPei more at ease. Each takes what one needs. What’s wrong with that? At least, it is better than him and YuanYang’s constant earth shattering fights, leading to such miserably pitiful end.
Unfortunately, now regardless of whether it is personal or work related, he should draw a fine line with WangJin.
WangJin sighed and let go of him. GuQingPei helped him closed the car door and watched as the car leave.
At this time, his driver also drove the car over. Just as he was getting into his car, a familiar voice sounded behind him, “Director Gu.”
GuQingPei body’s froze as he slowly turned his head.
YuanLiJiang stood on the steps of the hotel’s main entrance and looked at him condescendingly. On his side are two assistants. Both were very friendly with GuQingPei earlier on the dinner table, but now they have on a coldly indifferent expression.
GuQingPei calmly smiled, “Chairman Yuan, hope all is well since we last spoke.”
YuanLiJiang is expressionless, “Director Yuan, let’s step aside to talk?”
GuQingPei smiled and then sarcastically responded, “Little me lack alcohol tolerance. I need to hurry home to go to bed so as to avoid doing anything shameful in my intoxicated state that could be exposed to the world.”
YuanLiJiang’s expression slightly changed. He stared blankly at GuQingPei. GuQingPei looked at him unyieldingly.
YuanLiJiang walked down the steps to GuQingPei, reaching out his hand to close the door.
GuQingPei slightly furrowed his brows.
YuanLiJiang, in a voice that could only could be heard between the two of them, “GuQingPei, you took my son, but I’ve also done something that is despicable… so this more or less makes us even. You working for WangJin is actually a very underhanded move on me, but I won’t pursue this matter. I only hope that you act according to your abilities. Don’t do something that would hurt others without benefiting yourself.”
GuQingPei also in a low voice, “Chairman Yuan need not worry, X Steel Group’s competitive bidding project, I, GuQingPei will only rely on my own abilities. I hope that Chairman Yuan can proceed with an open-heart and righteousness to compete fairly. Whoever wins in the end, no one should be angry.”
YuanLiJiang smiled coldly, “I use to like this self- confidence in you tremendously.”
GuQingPei chuckled, “I also like that of me.” He opened the car door, got in swiftly and left.
The next morning, WangJin brought a person to his office and told him that this person is a high school classmate to the assistant of the leader for this project team in X Steel Corp. WangJin was planning on having GuQingPei invite this assistant out for a meal so that he could get an understanding of the circumstances in advance.
GuQingPei carefully assessed this person; his dispirited expression, wearing old fashion clothing. At first glance, GuQingPei knew that his living conditions were not very good. Whether or not this assistant would take him into consideration is a different matter. Even if he can invite him out, releasing insider information on the bid is illegal, especially state-owned assets. It is hard to say whether the opponents are willing to take such risks. GuQingPei use to manage the bidding process, every single one of them involving billions of yuan. It is a fight with great blood-shed, hidden with the intention to kill. This statement is not an exaggeration. He had witnessed two executives who landed themselves in prison for a few years for accepting bribes in revealing the starting bid price. One of them was due to his investigation.
He is very familiar with opening bidding process. How to use backhanded strategies, how much can be used, to what degree. All this to make it seemingly flawless, he knew clearly in his heart. So he was not very satisfied with WangJin’s approach in bringing in this person to muddle in the water.
He dismissed the person and personally spoke with WangJin. Although WangJin is usually very calm, GuQingPei could still sense the pressure that he is under. After all, WangJin had also invested a lot of money in this bid. This project has so far become a contest between him and YuanLiJiang. If he lost, not only would all this efforts be for not, he would also be thoroughly disgraced.
However, he can’t just do anything under desperation. GuQingPei discussed with WangJin for a long time, analyzing the rights and wrongs, along with the pros and cons of the matter. WangJin repeatedly nodded and finally sighed, “I’ve been under a lot of pressure lately with too many burdening matters, none of which would allow me to breathe.” WangJin glanced at GuQingPei, his expression full of admiration, “QingPei, fortunately I have you.”
GuQingPei smiled, “My job is to share your tribulations. Wang Ge. You alone, can’t be everywhere. If you have urgent matters, quickly go handle it. Let me take care of this. Success or failure, I don’t dare to conclude, but I will definitely put in all my efforts.”
WangJin looked at him deeply, in the end he couldn’t help but hug him.
GuQingPei’s body stiffened. He patted WangJin’s back, then stepped back.
WangJin can also only step back, faintly smiling, “QingPei, thank you for your hard work.”
GuQingPei smiled, “It’s what I should do.”
That one meeting with YuanLiJiang did not affect GuQingPei morale, but instead made him even more motivated. Although he couldn’t get vindication on this injustice for himself, if he can win the prize this time, it can help unleash a bit of his resentments. Because of that, he is even more immersed in the job.
In the end, he did seek out that assistant, but not through that money-greedy high school friend, but through adopting a more secure relationship. The assistant was not very old and was very cautious when he acted. But those who were cautious could not stand the temptation of great benefits. He selectively disclosed some of the bid’s starting price. GuQingPei is confident that his bid documents would be flawless.
He also believes that YuanLiJiang will definitely make a move.
The two companies basically have the same conditions. No matter whether it was in terms of social networks or investment strength, they are almost on par. At this time, even using financial resources, one still can’t decipher the winner or loser. Now it only depends on whichever’s bidding documents the leaders prefers.
GuQingPei have only slept three or four hours in these several days. In order to strive for some vindication for himself, he put in his utmost efforts.
After submitting the bid documents, GuQingPei was finally was able to sleep soundly. Sleeping for so long, at last, he was awakened by his phone ringing.
He could barely open his eyes so didn’t look at the number before answering, “Hello?”
It was a long time before the person on the other side of the phone spoke, “Where are you?”
GuQingPei abruptly opened his eyes.
It is YuanYang.
This familiar voice on the phone, GuQingPei thought that he had not heard for a long time. But in fact, it had only been half a month.
GuQingPei did not speak but he also did not hang up. He didn’t know what he wanted to hear.
“I came home. I got back from Tianjin. The project has started. It will absolutely be profitable. I’m sure of this. I’ve finished some of the work and came back. Where are you?”
“Say something, where exactly are you? Come home, I’m waiting for you at home.” YuanYang repeatedly emphasized the word “home” as he became more and more anxious.
It was a long time before GuQingPei very slowly opened his mouth, “I don’t live there anymore.”
The phone was on the other end was silent.
GuQingPei slowly sat up, holding his chest with difficulty breathing, but still insisted on adding, “YuanYang, it would have been good if you were born a few years earlier, but there is really no “If.” Don’t contact me anymore.”
YuanYang’s heavy breathing transmitted into GuQingPei’s ears, causing him to feel intensive pain.
YuanYang hoarsely voiced, “No matter what I do, it’s useless, right? I’ve been busily running around all day long, for whom? GuQingPei. You can’t leave me after I have completely changed for you.”
GuQingPei clenched his fist and silently hung up his phone.
That’s just it. At this age, he can’t afford to play with younger people. This is good for them…. Good for them….
After hanging up the phone, he could no longer sleep despite feeling dizzy and drowsy.
The process of waiting for the opening bit is long and full of anxieties. But there is nothing they could do but wait for the result. At the time of bidding, one company automatically withdrew from the competition. So in fact, only three remained. It is presumed that except for them and YuanLiJiang, another company had to make concessions near the bottom line of their profit, otherwise there is no way it could compete with them.
No one can predict the results.
One day, GuQingPei received a call from WuJingLan. He was rather surprised, he had never really had any contact with WuJingLan.
WuJingLan’s voice is heavy, but her tone is polite, “Director Gu, how have you been?” When GuQingPei thought of YuanYang, he felt his cheeks turning little hot. With his voice lowered, “I’m fine, how about President Wu?”
“The son that I’ve been raising for more than 20 years does not want to come home at the moment, even refusing to reveal his whereabouts and does not want to say a word to his father, can you say that I am fine?”
GuQingPei was silent.
“Director Gu, you should know where he is?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t contacted him for a long time.”
“He’s not coming home because of you. Now, you’re telling me that you haven’t contacted each other for a long time? How can you expect me to believe that?” WuJingLan’s voice finally showed a hint of agitation.
“That is the truth. We haven’t contacted each other for a long time. President Wu should be happy that Chairman Yuan’s purpose has been achieved.” GuQingPei didn’t want to be sarcastic. He still respects YuanYang’s mother, but he was merely stating the fact.
WuJingLan paused for three seconds before opening her mouth, “LiJiang didn’t handle this matter properly. But if it is me who found out about this first, I may be even more incapable of controlling myself. You don’t have children so can’t possibly understand a parent’s heart.”
GuQingPei did not say anything.
“I don’t want to dwell on what is right or wrong anymore. Our Yuan family is originally a reasonable family. In this matter, all faults can’t be blamed on you. Right now, I just want you to return my son.”
If it wasn’t because he had a hard time breathing, GuQingPei would have laughed.
Return? Why asking him to return their son?
“President Wu, regardless of whether you believe me or not, YuanYang and I, we have not contacted each other for a long time. I’ve already made up my mind to not have anymore contact with him. You’re asking me to give you back your son, I’m really helpless.”
WuJingLan did not say anymore. After the two paused for a while, WuJingLan silently hung up the phone.
GuQingPei sat at his desk; his body stiffened. It was a long time before he moved.
On the morning of the opening bid, WangJin and GuQingPei led a group of subordinates to X Steel Group. YuanLiJiang did not come. His company’s senior executives attended in his place. The boss from the third company had already arrived.
The three companies gathered together in the large conference room, waiting for X-Steel’s project leader to complete the opening bid evaluation.
The atmosphere in the conference room was rather tensed with everyone looking serious and sober. Before the reveal of the opening bid, they were still competitors. After the opening bid, the winning or losing parties would have been settled. By then, they could heartily drink without reservations. Otherwise, it would seem like the losing party have lost their poise.
The person in charge released all of the project’s bids on the projector.
GuQingPei and WangJin looked at each other, their expression solemn. He carefully observed the other two’s expressions and saw that their expressions were a bit unusual.
Just like the feeling of when he saw the starting price of the bid.
He presumed that the assistant likely received bribes from all three companies, but the bidding price revealed to them was only half the truth. So no one got the real bid, though they were all partially comparable. GuQingPei did not expect that this young person was that gutsy. Not only did he dared to accept bribes from three companies, but he was also clever enough to mess with them in throwing out a bunch of indeterminate bid prices.
He only knew that the person would have some reservations in leaking the price, but did not expect him to dare rake in the money not caring for his life.
The leadership of the X Steel Group is no fool. The matter with leaking the bid price frequently occurs during the bidding process. What’s more, this was done so clumsily. On the surface, leaking the bid price appears to be beneficial to the bidding company while suppressing the profit of the bidding industry. This seriously undermines the market rules. This time, X Steel Group had no movement; this is assumed to be related to their internal interests. No matter what, the three companied have been duped.
Fortunately, GuQingPei didn’t believe all of it, the bid documents he prepared compared to the revealed bid price was still very competitive. On the contrary, the expression on the other two parties looked awful.
The person in charge announced the winning bidder.
The blood in GuQingPei’s entire body started boiling.
When he heard the announced name of QingDa Real Estate, his eyes widened. His adrenaline quickly radiated, his mouth dry,(t/n) his entire body was immersed in the midst of incomparable excitement.
T/N: 口乾舌燥 – dry mouth and sore throat; having spoken so much that one’s mouth and throat become thirsty.
They won! Won! It was really a pity that YuanLiJiang is not here. He wanted to see the expression on YuanLiJiang’s face!
WangJin suddenly stood up and gave him a fierce hug while laughing loudly.
His subordinates were very happy. Several men in their thirties couldn’t control themselves from cheering in the conference room.
The faces on the other two parties were livid, but still forced themselves to smile in congratulating them.
With all the subsequent matters delegated to the subordinates. WangJin quickly led GuQingPei to the reserved restaurant and held a press conference to announce that QingDa had won the bid.
QingDa’s stock price will surely soar tomorrow.
WangJin enthusiastically made a short five-minute speech at the press conference, depicting the prospects of this project like dream. GuQingPei’s victorious smile appeared in the cameras of all major media.
Finally, WangJin once again embraced his subordinates one by one. When he got to embracing him, it was an especially long time.
After the conference was over, GuQingPei immediately called his parents and told them to watch the news.
Never has there been an accomplishment in his career that made him so excited. Because, not only was he able to unleash some of his resentment from YuanLiJiang, he was also able to separate himself the scandals of those photos.
If he owes anyone an explanation, it can only be his parents. In his life, he must be a son that makes his parents proud.
At the celebratory party after the press conference, WangJin announced on the spot that he would reward the entire team with 3 million in cash and also give GuQingPei a one-week vacation.
GuQingPei have lost five to six pounds in this month. He really needed a rest.
After the driver drove him home, he was a little drunk from the drinking, but still didn’t allow the driver to assist him in going upstairs.
He is extremely happy, although there was nobody for him to share it with.
When he got to the door of his house, his heart tightened as he quietly sees YuanYang standing at his door. Obviously, he had waited for a long time.
YuanYang was wearing a suit with his hair slickly styled from hairspray. Even though they haven’t seen each other for just a short month, YuanYang looked as if he had matured a bit, looking very different from how he is usually. Only those wolf eyes staring at him remain completely unchanged.
When GuQingPei saw him, his head began to hurt.
YuanYang came out of the shadows, step by step, as if he was trampling on GuQingPei’s body.
He opened his mouth, his chillingly gloomy voice sounded as if it came from the abyss, “You’re with WangJin.”
GuQingPei whispered, “I’m working for him.”
“Are you doing this deliberately? Purposely to get revenge on me?”
“Besides him, I can’t find a job in Beijing,” GuQingPei was speaking the truth, but he knew that YuanYang wouldn’t understand.
YuanYang grasp his chin, his eyes cold, “GuQingPei, you’re doing this on purpose. Do you know that when I saw the two of you on TV standing together, what was I thinking?”
GuQingPei looked at him with his lips unconsciously trembling.
YuanYang leaned near his ears and whispered, “I wanted to kill you.”
GuQingPei’s body shook, he wanted to retreat, but YuanYang grabbed onto his waist.
YuanYang’s cold voice continued to whisper in his ear, “I was not like this. I don’t know why. After meeting you, I became like this. I love you, love you to where I feel like I’m not normal.”
Hearing this made GuQingPei a little fearful in his heart. He subconsciously pushed YuanYang with force.
Then he felt stabbing pain in the back of his neck. Before he lost consciousness, he saw a pair of glaring wolf-like eyes.
End of the chapter
