Chapter 5: Hello, Mr. Fu

Monday Morning

Lin Ran first took a taxi to the client’s site, bowing at a 90-degree angle while apologizing profusely and treating the client to coffee. After enduring nearly half an hour of criticism, she then took another taxi back to Xinruan Technology for a meeting.

During the meeting, she synchronized all the current project progress with Zhou Xu and her other team members.

After hearing the updates, Zhou Xu nodded in satisfaction. “It seems your project progress is excellent. The remaining tasks are mostly final touches, which can be handed over to the assistants.”

Lin Ran was puzzled. Just as she was about to ask what she would do, Zhou Xu beamed and shared some good news with everyone.

“I’ve negotiated a new project. The client is still in the bidding process, but if we land this deal, everyone’s year-end bonus will double.”

The team was thrilled. “What project is it?”

Lin Ran was also eager. If her year-end bonus could really double, she’d have enough to cover her grandmother’s medical expenses next year without having to scrimp and save.

Zhou Xu explained, “It’s a project from the fund company under Yutou Group, related to quantitative analysis, with a total budget of 20 million yuan.”

The others exclaimed, “20 million? That’s our biggest order yet!”

“As expected of Yutou Group, a top-tier domestic financial company. They’re so generous.”

“Wow, if we can establish a collaboration with Yutou, it’d be like a mouse falling into a rice jar—endless opportunities! Just think about how many financial subsidiaries Yutou Group has. If every subsidiary uses our software, it’s unimaginable!”

Zhou Xu glanced at Lin Ran, noticing her calm expression, which contrasted sharply with everyone else’s excitement.

He asked quietly, “What’s wrong? Do you have any concerns?”

Lin Ran’s hands were clasped on the table, her right thumb pressing tightly against the base of her left hand. She pursed her lips and looked up at Zhou Xu.

“Mr. Zhou, nothing. I think it’s great. It’s just… I’d prefer to stick with my current projects. Someone else can handle Yutou’s project.”

After speaking, she lowered her gaze to her closed notebook, appearing lost in thought.

Zhou Xu was puzzled. “Are you worried the project might be too difficult?” He added reassuringly, “Don’t worry. The head of Yutou Group is my graduate school classmate. If we win the bid, I’ll speak with him to ensure it goes smoothly for you.”

“Mr. Zhou, it’s not that…”

Before Lin Ran could finish, Zhou Xu stood up, notebook under his arm, and headed for the door. “No buts. If I say it’s yours, it’s yours. Come with me to Yutou this afternoon.”

Lin Ran’s lips turned pale. “At the business stage, my presence isn’t necessary, is it?”

Project managers usually got involved only after the deal was finalized.

“You understand the product and project delivery better than anyone. I’ll feel more confident with you there.”

Despite Zhou Xu’s polite and humble demeanor, he was still the company’s decision-maker, and Lin Ran had no choice but to comply.

3:00 PM, Yutou Group’s Top-Floor Meeting Room

Assistant Yi Ming served them coffee. “Please wait a moment. Mr. Fu is still in another meeting.”

Zhou Xu nodded understandingly. “Of course. Mr. Fu must be incredibly busy.”

Yi Ming smiled politely before leaving.

Lin Ran observed the meeting room’s minimalist yet premium décor. The table and chairs were top-notch—just the table’s material was worth six months of her rent.

Taking a sip of coffee, she noted its smooth texture and rich aroma. Much better than the instant coffee at Xinyuan.

This was the charm of a major corporation.

After another five minutes, the door opened, and Fu Xingjian entered with long strides. “Apologies for the delay.”

He was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit and perfectly knotted tie. His sharp jawline gave him an air of distance.

Zhou Xu stood up and greeted him warmly, then introduced Lin Ran. “This is Lin Ran, one of my most capable team members.”

Fu Xingjian’s gaze briefly passed over Zhou Xu and landed on Lin Ran. He paused for a moment before extending his hand. “Pleased to meet you.”

Lin Ran reached out her right hand, leaning forward slightly, her voice calm. “Hello, Mr. Fu.”