Yisi's double mistake exposed his embarrassment in public and he lost all face.
Chu Shichen looked at the blank projection on the stage. Zhai Feng was still standing there stiffly with a blank look on his face.
The audience was talking restlessly, and no one expected that the bidding would end in such a ridiculous way.
Yi Si left the scene dejectedly, and the business car carrying a group of defeated soldiers drove out of the pharmaceutical company. The director picked up and put down his cell phone three times, and only on the fourth time did he muster up the courage to press the call button.
Everyone held their breath and listened to the director's whispered report. Before he could admit his mistake, Li Zangqiu was already furious, and his angry voice of accusation spread throughout the carriage.
The whole journey was smooth sailing, but when reaching the shore, the boat hit a reef and capsized completely.
The light at the intersection was red. Chu Shichen tilted his head slightly. The shadow reflected on the glass window was cold and unfamiliar, and he didn't look like himself anymore.
He closed his eyes in annoyance, but his mind was clear. Today's incident was definitely not a "mistake" but was probably a "premeditated plan."
Last night, Chu Shichen confirmed that the bid documents were correct, sealed and packed, and Zhai Feng practiced overtime, and there were no problems with the demonstration documents.
Who was behind this incident until the accident just now
No one else knows the password, and only people on the project can access the computer and bid documents.
But no one has the motivation to do so. From the beginning to the end, everyone has invested so much energy and effort. With this order, they can get a promotion and a raise. Who would do something that harms their own interests
Besides, Li Zangqiu attaches great importance to this project and the project team is basically composed of his people. Who dares to interfere
The light turned green, and the car drove through the street in silence. Halfway through the return journey, the pre-sales manager asked quietly, "Director, how do you think this situation should be handled?"
The director's anxiety turned into a sigh and he said, "Boss Li will be at the company soon, let's all wait."
The pre-sales manager consoled himself by saying, "We have been together for so many years, Mr. Li is a man of integrity."
The director's eyes flashed coldly: "Boss Li talked to you about friendship, do you think Xiang Yue talked to you?"
Chu Shichen opened his eyes. This was Yisi's debut for Xiang Yue, and now he had messed it up. Even if Li Cangqiu was willing to give him a lighter punishment, what about the judges
He looked at Zhai Feng, who slowly shook his head, as if he had anticipated the outcome.
Back at Xiangyue Park, the Yisi Sales Department on the 12th floor was completely silent.
The door of the conference room opened, and the vice president of Yisi stood at the door with a serious expression. He waved his hand and said, "Come over, we are all waiting for you."
Chu Shichen entered the conference room at the end. In addition to the vice president, Yisi's general manager and human resources manager were all present. Li Zangqiu arrived first and was in such a hurry that he didn't even have time to change into a suit.
The person sitting in the main seat right in front of the conference table was Xiang Mingzhang.
This was Xiang Mingzhang's first visit. He sat quietly, showing no emotion or thoughts. He held the glass of water in his left hand and took a sip, then looked at his watch. It seemed that he had limited time and just took the time to come here.
Xiang Mingzhang looked around at the project team members, his eyes passed over the senior people in the front row and lingered on Chu Shichen for a while.
His expression was calm, calmer than he had imagined.
The vice president said, "Mr. Xiang, Mr. Li, everyone is here."
Li Zangqiu hid his anger and said calmly, "Tell me what happened first."
The director stepped forward and explained what happened at today's bidding meeting. Since a senior leader asked about his concerns, he could not evade the important issues or play word games, he had to tell the truth.
After saying this, the director intended to make a few comments, at least to show his serious attitude to his superiors.
Unfortunately, Xiang Mingzhang interrupted and said, "So, the bid was cancelled on the spot?"
The director swallowed what he was about to say and admitted with difficulty: "Yes."
Xiang Mingzhang remained calm and asked, "Is the main person responsible clear?"
"According to the current situation," the director said, "the people who manage the computer files are Manager Wang and Team Leader Zhai. They are the main speakers today."
Manager Wang responded quickly, saying, "I am in charge of the business department, which is at the back of the queue and has less content, so Team Leader Zhai used the computer first. He was the one who used it last night and this morning."
Zhai Feng nodded: "That's right."
The vice president asked, "How come the document was damaged? Whose hands did it pass through? Is it related to the error in the bid?"
The director replied: "Since the presentation, Chu Shichen has been in charge of the documents and the bid documents."
"Zhai Feng, Chu Shichen," the vice president said, "do you have any objection to this?"
Zhai Feng seemed to have nothing to say.
"I have it." Chu Shichen said, "I checked the bid documents before packing them. There were no problems. If no one had touched them, why would it become the first version? There is something fishy about this."
The vice president asked, "Are you saying that someone secretly changed the bid?"
Chu Shichen said: "Yes, I think it needs to be investigated."
Li Zangqiu said: "By stealing the bid documents, do you mean someone did it on purpose to frame you?"
"I object," the director retorted. "Everyone has worked hard during this period. Doing something like this will hurt everyone. It's not good for anyone. It's human nature to make mistakes, but it's wrong to shirk responsibility."
Chu Shichen said: "I am not shirking my responsibility."
The director said, "You were the last to inspect last night, and you were the first to arrive this morning. You carried the box containing the bid documents all the way. When we arrived at the pharmaceutical company, everyone was there. I opened the box and handed over the bid documents and the deposit check in front of everyone. No one except you touched the box alone."
Chu Shichen moved his lips, swallowed a word, and was silent for a few seconds before saying, "Are you sure that I made a mistake in the bid?"
The vice president said, "Everything requires evidence. There is no evidence to prove that anyone else touched it. You are in charge of the documents, so of course you have to bear the main responsibility."
The director turned to Chu Shichen and said, "We all understand how you feel. This matter is not entirely your fault. You lack work experience, so it is inevitable. Team Leader Zhai rashly recommended you to take charge, so he also has some responsibility."
Xiang Mingzhang drank the last sip of water and placed the empty paper cup on the table, but he said something stern: "Chu Shichen lacks experience, but we have plenty of managers and even fewer directors. He made a mistake and took the responsibility, but you superiors can get away with it?"
The director quickly explained: "No, no, I definitely don't mean to shirk my responsibility!"
Xiang Mingzhang said: "That's good. 'Sacrificing pawns to save the king' is not feasible for Xiang Yue."
Having said this, the director didn't dare to say a word. The meeting room was silent for a moment. The vice president couldn't make a rash judgment and looked at Li Zangqiu for instructions.
After the bidding went wrong, Li Zangqiu was the first to receive a notice from Li Heng. The order that he was determined to win was ruined in such an ugly way. It was even more shameful to lose because of his inferior skills. It was a slap in his face.
Xiang Yue had never interfered in this project and gave it maximum respect and freedom. When the incident happened today, Xiang Mingzhang received the news and came over in person, clearly intending to intervene in the outcome.
Wasn't the sentence "sacrifice pawns to save the king" just now a warning to him
Li Zangqiu breathed a heavy sigh of relief. In order to get this order, he used his right-hand men who had followed him for many years. However, this mistake was too real and too ridiculous, leaving no room for maneuver.
He cannot protect anyone. Xiang Yue is the major shareholder, so it is not his turn to sit at the head seat at the conference table. If he is given a lenient sentence, he will be charged with "sheltering his subordinates."
Li Zangqiu said: "In any case, Zhai Feng and Chu Shichen are the direct managers of the computers and files and bear the main responsibility. Others are also to blame for their poor supervision."
Xiang Mingzhang pondered and said, "What does Mr. Li think should be done?"
"Of course we will follow the rules and handle official matters impartially." Li Zangqiu said tactfully, "I am still on vacation, so it is inconvenient for me to intervene. Let Mr. Xiang make the decision."
Xiang Mingzhang did not refuse: "Then I will do it. The director is the head of the sales department, and the two managers are also veterans of the business department. Let's suspend the work first and make a decision after the HR department holds a meeting to discuss it."
The HR manager sat there with his tail between his legs for a long time, then quickly nodded when he got the order.
Xiang Mingzhang continued, "As for Team Leader Zhai, I heard that he has worked for Yisi for more than ten years and is a veteran employee. He shouldn't make such a low-level mistake."
This statement left a ray of hope, rather than directly imposing a disciplinary action. Zhai Feng understood, took a deep breath, and took the initiative to say, "I am willing to resign."
Only one left.
Xiang Mingzhang moved his gaze to meet Chu Shichen's eyes. He remembered how Chu Shichen looked when he suddenly turned back in the elevator last night. He looked bright and lively, and was completely different from the figure standing in the shadows now.
They stared at each other for a moment.
Xiang Mingzhang announced: "Chu Shichen, fired."
After finishing the work, Xiang Mingzhang had something else to do, so he whispered a few words to Li Cangqiu and stood up to say goodbye.
A moment later, Xiang Mingzhang walked away.
Li Zangqiu patted his arm and whispered to comfort him: "It's not that I won't help you, you see, uncle is powerless."
Chu Shichen didn't need any comfort and turned to leave the meeting room.
He wasn't depressed, but he felt sorry that Yisi missed the project. He didn't feel any regret because he thought the problem had not been solved at all.
There is a procedure for resigning. Zhai Feng took off his work ID and returned to his seat to write his resignation letter.
Chu Shichen's things were on the ninth floor. After leaving Yisi's sales department, he walked to the calligraphy and painting exhibition hall.
He simply went to appreciate the painting "Pozhenzi", looking at the sword under the lamp while drunk, dreaming of blowing the horn in the camp, eight hundred miles of roast meat for his subordinates, and fifty strings playing the sound of the frontier...
The writing was full of indignation, but Chu Shichen became calmer as he read. While he was writing with great force, his thoughts were wandering.
Who did it
Who is the winner
Since no one else could access the files, it must be someone from the project team. He swallowed his words just now, and besides him, there was another person who had access to the box alone.
It’s Zhai Feng.
The last person to leave last night was Zhai Feng, who had the opportunity to change his bid.
The person who uses the computer openly is Zhai Feng.
Chu Shichen thought that the file preservation process was not strict enough and he was cautious. The only person he trusted without any precaution was Zhai Feng.
In this exhibition hall that day, Zhai Feng said dejectedly: "My position is low and I am not qualified to be in the company's management circle."
Therefore, the person who does not belong to Li Zangqiu's command is still Zhai Feng.
Is the excessive nervousness before the bidding meeting due to pressure or a guilty conscience
Chu Shichen had anticipated all this, but he kept refuting it in his mind because he could not find any reason why Zhai Feng would do this.
You could have taken the opportunity to get promoted, why ruin your own future
If it was planned until today, then wouldn't the care we have given him these days be unnecessary
Chu Shichen returned to the sales department, and Zhai Feng had just left after leaving his resignation letter.
He took the elevator and ran out of the office building, where he caught a glimpse of Zhai Feng standing under the shade of a tree and making a video call.
When Zhai Feng saw him, he didn't dodge and mouthed "wait a moment".
Chu Shichen stood two meters away and vaguely saw the little girl on the phone screen. She was older than he had imagined.
"I didn't have lunch today." Zhai Feng said gently, "Because Dad is on vacation, I will pick you up from school this afternoon."
The little girl said: "Then take me to buy a new schoolbag."
Zhai Feng agreed: "No problem, buy the biggest one."
The little girl said, "No, buy a nice one and carry it when you go to see your mother."
Zhai Feng smiled and said, "Listen to Doudou. Okay, return the phone to the teacher and attend class well this afternoon."
Chu Shichen did not sense the depression in Zhai Feng's resignation, but he felt a sense of relief. The video was hung up amid the little girl's innocent laughter, and the surroundings became quiet, with only the chirping of birds on the treetops.
Zhai Feng glanced at the ground evasively.
Chu Shichen swallowed his question and said, "There are only a few months left in this semester. Are you buying a new schoolbag all of a sudden?"
Zhai Feng was slightly startled. He didn't expect him to ask this, and replied, "I'll need it for school anyway."
"That's true." Chu Shichen asked, "What grade is Doudou in?"
Zhai Feng said: "Sixth grade."
"I'll graduate from elementary school this summer and start middle school." Chu Shichen was a little dazed. "Have you decided on a school?"
Zhai Feng replied: "Her mother was transferred to Shenzhen for work last year and she liked a school. I plan to take Doudou there."
Chu Shichen asked with concern: "What about you? Are you also going to Shenzhen to develop?"
Zhai Feng paused and said, "I'm not in a hurry. I'll look for a job when I get there."
Chu Shichen said meaningfully: "Well, resignation is easier than firing."
Zhai Feng almost didn't think: "Sorry."
Chu Shichen followed up by asking, "Why are you apologizing? We both made the same mistake and were punished, so why are you apologizing to me?"
Zhai Feng suddenly raised his head, hesitated for a long time, and finally slumped his shoulders.
Chu Shichen took a step closer and said through clenched teeth: "Answer my last question. It is an international private school, right?"
Zhai Feng asked hesitantly: "How do you know..."
Chu Shichen confirmed: "It is indeed you."
He understood everything: sixth grade, transition from primary school to junior high school, a private school with a very high admissions threshold, and the signed recommendation letter on the coffee table in Bomanjia Apartment…
It turns out that there is someone behind the scenes.
Zhai Feng is Xiang Mingzhang's man.
All of this was arranged by Xiang Mingzhang.
Zhai Feng offered to take him with him, which was probably part of the plan. The care he had given him during this period was just to drag him into the water today.
So I'm sorry, but what's the point of sorry!
Chu Shichen's blood boiled, and he left Zhai Feng and returned to the office building, the sales department on the ninth floor. The news of his dismissal had spread, and his colleagues all looked at him.
Chu Shichen went straight to the president's office, but was stopped by Assistant Guan halfway. He said, "I want to see Xiang Mingzhang."
Assistant Guan said: "Mr. Xiang is not inside."
"Where is he going? I want to see him."
Assistant Guan said, "Mr. Xiang is going on a business trip for a few days and is leaving for the airport."
Chu Shichen ran out of the park in one breath, took a taxi to the airport, and when he got into the car, he felt weak.
What a good chess game, what a big-tailed wolf with ulterior motives!
What was Xiang Mingzhang thinking when he asked about the bid opening in the elevator last night? Was he looking forward to the good show today, or was he mocking him for being fooled by the dark
When it was announced that he was fired, was it calm or joyful? !
Chu Shichen felt a tightness in his chest when he arrived at the airport. He got out of the car and rushed into the terminal. The modern hall looked unfamiliar to him. The broadcast echoed in the air. He ran back and forth among the crowd.
Chu Shichen searched frantically for Xiang Mingzhang and refused to stop until he was exhausted.
Suddenly, a patrol car turned over.
Chu Shichen had no time to stop. He didn't know who was rushing towards whom. He watched helplessly as a collision occurred. His senses were numb and he forgot about the fear.
In an instant, a force pulled him away.
He staggered back and bumped into a solid chest.
Chu Shichen turned around and saw Xiang Mingzhang right in front of him. He held his arm tightly with his big hand, stared at him and asked, "Are you hurt?"
(End of this chapter)