She then began explaining the carefully prepared project in detail.
Even the most complex technical problems were described in simple, easy-to-understand terms.
After all, all the sophisticated technology ultimately serves people.
For half an hour, she remained calm and confident.
Even when Linjiang Group executives raised questions, she answered them all.
It was clear her grasp of Xingyuan’s core technology was no worse than any technical staff member.
At the end, Zheng Qifeng looked at Meng Chu and smiled lightly.
“It’s clear you were well prepared. No wonder you’re so confident.”
Meng Chu understood he was referring to the family open day event over the weekend.
It was precisely because of her confidence in Xingyuan’s technology that she dared to take the initiative so boldly.
She smiled warmly. “Thank you for your compliment, President Zheng. Although Xingyuan is a startup, I believe our technology is at the forefront of the industry.”
She had expected to wait for Linjiang Group’s further notice after the meeting.
But when Zheng Qifeng asked someone to prepare the cooperation intent contract on the spot, Meng Chu was shocked.
“I told you, it’s obvious Xingyuan is well prepared. Opportunities belong to those who work hard.”
Zheng Qifeng looked at Meng Chu steadily as he spoke.
The contracts were signed right then and there.
–
Meanwhile, at Yunji Capital’s office, everyone was busy with their work.
But Wu Shan called Cheng Jin’s office.
After arriving, she asked, “Director Cheng, any instructions?”
Cheng Jin looked at her. “I remember you did a good job with due diligence before?”
“Oh, yes,” Wu Shan answered honestly, somewhat puzzled.
Before investing in a project, they always do due diligence since real money is at stake.
How thorough the due diligence is depends on the project manager’s skills.
Wu Shan had previously done such work under Cheng Jin’s instructions and had done well.
“That’s perfect. Help me investigate someone,” Cheng Jin said.
Wu Shan nodded immediately. “Who? What kind of information?”
Cheng Jin: “Qian Wei from Linjiang Group. Investigate his work-related issues.”
Wu Shan was about to agree.
But Cheng Jin slowly added, “Especially his work ethic.”
Work ethic?
Wu Shan seemed to understand but asked, “Are you evaluating him on behalf of the company?”
Yunji Capital, as an investment firm, not only provides funds but also spares no effort helping investee companies optimize management.
Several CFOs of their invested companies were personally recruited by Yunji Capital.
They even send people to participate in high-level company meetings.
This is why Cheng Jin is considered forceful and dominant.
His influence over invested companies is far stronger than most investment firms.
So when Cheng Jin mentioned Qian Wei, Wu Shan immediately assumed he was scouting for executives again.
But when Cheng Jin heard her assumption, he scoffed dismissively.
Then he said coldly, “Consider it standing up for justice.”
Standing up for justice?
Wu Shan was confused but nodded resolutely, “Understood, Director Cheng. I’ll get on it right away.”
Not long after Wu Shan left, Cheng Jin’s phone rang.
He looked at the caller and was slightly surprised.
It was Meng Chu.
When the call connected, Meng Chu got straight to the point.
“Do you have any social engagements tonight?”
“I did before, but not anymore.”
Cheng Jin answered without hesitation, “No, why?”
Meng Chu said, “I want to invite you to dinner. Is that okay?”
“Sure. Is there something good to celebrate?” Cheng Jin sensed her excitement.
“Yes, something worth celebrating.”
But she didn’t want to say it on the phone; she preferred to tell him in person.
Cheng Jin probably guessed, but he didn’t spoil the mood and chuckled, “Tell me tonight.”
Though it was a bit troublesome to book a restaurant on short notice, Meng Chu managed it.
That evening, she went downstairs early, ready to take Master Liu’s car to the restaurant.
However, when she reached the familiar bus stop, the business car wasn’t there.
As she stood by the road, about to call, a black SUV slowly pulled up beside her.
The door opened, and Cheng Jin stepped out, dressed sharply in a suit.
She had to admit, he was quite good-looking.
As he got out, two girls walked past him, and upon seeing him get out, kept glancing back.
Because they were staring so much, one accidentally bumped her shoulder into Meng Chu as she passed.
Cheng Jin quickly stepped forward and steadied her.
Then he looked down with a hint of helplessness. “Why stare at me so much? Now you’ve caused a collision.”
Meng Chu: “…”
The two girls seemed to catch his words and couldn’t help but laugh.
The girl who bumped into Meng Chu said apologetically, trying not to laugh, “Sorry about that.”
Meng Chu didn’t mind and shook her head. “It’s okay.”
After they left, Meng Chu couldn’t help but say, “See? They’re laughing at you.”
Cheng Jin glanced at her lightly. “Just because you looked a little longer?”
“…”
Meng Chu was truly speechless.
“Get in the car,” Cheng Jin said, escorting her to the passenger door.
When the door opened, Meng Chu belatedly realized he had been holding her shoulder.
Their close physical contact felt natural and seamless.
So natural that even someone like Meng Chu, who usually kept boundaries, hadn’t noticed.
He must have been worried she’d get hurt.
At least that was the excuse she gave herself as she buckled up.
Because of this overly intimate gesture, Meng Chu was quiet for the whole car ride.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Meng Chu booked a private room this time.
Once inside, the waiter handed them menus.
Neither spoke, both intently looking over the options.
The waiter stood nearby, waiting to take their order, but these two showed no signs of speaking.
The room was uncomfortably quiet.
The man was flipping through the menu, while the woman stared at the first page for quite some time.
The waiter glanced down; the first page featured the plum spare ribs dish.
Was there a problem with that dish?
Finally, Cheng Jin looked up and asked the silent Meng Chu, “Anything you want to eat?”
Meng Chu snapped back to attention and quickly flipped the pages. “I’m fine with anything. You choose.”
“Anything?” Cheng Jin raised an eyebrow.
Looking at the prices, Meng Chu calmly said, “I said it’s a celebration, so you can order whatever you want.”
“Thank you, General Manager Meng,” Cheng Jin smiled lightly.
Meng Chu’s heart skipped a beat at that.
Why so nervous?
She really was General Manager Meng, after all.
She smiled faintly and said calmly, “Tonight, General Manager Meng is paying.”
After ordering a few dishes, the waiter took the menu and left.
Once alone in the private room, the faint silence returned.
After a while, Meng Chu spoke first.
“Actually, I mainly wanted to share some good news with you tonight.”
Cheng Jin looked up at her quietly, waiting.
“You probably guessed already—it’s that we’ve made initial progress on cooperation with Linjiang Group,” Meng Chu said, trying to suppress a strange feeling deep inside.
She nodded seriously. “Without your help, our progress wouldn’t have been so fast.”
“I knew it,” Cheng Jin’s mouth curled slightly.
Those simple words made Meng Chu happier than any blessing.
It was like he believed in her unconditionally.
That kind of faith was truly worth cherishing.
“Want some red wine?” Cheng Jin suddenly suggested.
Meng Chu thought for a moment and asked, “Aren’t you driving?”
Cheng Jin: “I called a designated driver.”
“Oh, then let’s have some wine.”
She rang the bell to call the waiter, asked for the wine list, and ordered a bottle of red wine.
After the waiter left, Meng Chu casually said, “Designated drivers are great; they even create income for the drivers.”
Cheng Jin smiled softly.
Meng Chu propped her chin on one hand and said slowly, “When I was a designated driver, I hoped everyone in the restaurant would drink themselves silly.”
“Was being a designated driver hard?” Cheng Jin asked, looking at her quietly.
Meng Chu didn’t wonder why Cheng Jin wasn’t surprised she had done it.
She answered his question casually, “Not too bad, just tiring. But it’s about making money.”
“You did it during university?” Cheng Jin asked again.
Meng Chu nodded. “Yeah, when my mom was sick.”
After Meng Haichuan and Xu Qingying divorced, Meng Chu and her mother cut off all financial ties with him.
Even though Meng Haichuan wanted to pay alimony, neither Xu Qingying nor Meng Chu needed it.
Xu Qingying had a job and supported Meng Chu alone. Though it was tough, it was manageable.
After entering university and moving to Shanghai, Meng Chu’s expenses increased significantly.
At that time, Xu Qingying gave Meng Chu almost half her salary to prevent financial hardship.
Plus the annual tuition fees.
So when Xu Qingying was diagnosed with breast cancer, the family savings weren’t much and soon became tight.
Meng Chu naturally stopped asking her mother for living expenses and decided to earn money by becoming a designated driver.
It had to be said that being a designated driver was really tough.
Waiting for orders late at night, hoping for bad weather.
Cheng Jin seemed to ponder for a while, then asked, “Did you encounter anything unusual while working as a designated driver?”
Unusual?
Meng Chu smiled lightly. “Does dealing with all kinds of drunkards count?”
Only after being a designated driver did she realize how people acted when drunk.
Of course, some tried to harass her while drunk.
Meng Chu later wore a mask while driving, claiming it was a facial allergy to avoid scaring people.
Cheng Jin wasn’t surprised by her answer but lowered his eyes and contained himself.
“But if I have to mention an unusual incident, there really was one,” Meng Chu recalled softly, lost in memory.
“One time after a job, I saw someone sitting by a bridge about to jump into the river, so I saved him.”
Cheng Jin, who had been looking down, raised his eyes.
“You still remember that?” he asked softly.
Meng Chu nodded. “Of course.”
She said quietly, “It was the first time in my life I saved someone. I’ve never saved a dead person before.”
“Too bad he was an unreliable guy,” Meng Chu sighed.
Cheng Jin asked softly, “Why do you say that?”
“He promised to come find me but never did.”
This time, Cheng Jin’s voice was so soft it seemed to float away.
“You waited for him?”
Meng Chu showed a hint of regret and said slowly, “Yeah, at our school, being brave and helpful could earn second-class credits.”
But then she laughed, “Just kidding.”
“Do you wonder how he’s doing now?” Cheng Jin suddenly looked at her, speaking quietly.
Meng Chu was stunned, then gently shook her head.
“No matter where he is now, I just hope he’s well and safe.”