"Mr. Ning, this is the situation." Manager Li's voice trembled slightly as he carefully repeated, "Hengtong Materials, Hongye Precision, and Qiming Electronics—these three are all major suppliers for our old project. They all sent notices almost simultaneously this morning requesting changes to the terms of cooperation."

Ning Nanxue raised her eyes, her sharp gaze landing on Manager Li's face: "Change the terms? What exactly is it?"

"They...they're demanding a significant price increase, with the average increase exceeding 30%." Manager Li swallowed hard. "And their attitude is very tough. They're saying they'll unilaterally terminate our cooperation if we don't agree to the new price. While the contract includes a clause regarding market fluctuations, we've never seen such an outrageous increase, and from all three companies at once..."

"What's the reason?" Ning Nanxue's voice was emotionless, but the temperature in the office seemed to drop a few degrees. "There has to be an explanation, right? Is it a price increase for raw materials? Or is there an imbalance between market supply and demand?"

"Their reasons were vague, just general accusations of rising costs and a changing market environment," said Manager Li, looking troubled. "I've negotiated with them, but their attitude is resolute, with absolutely no room for negotiation. Hengtong even hinted that if we don't accept, they'll have no trouble finding another buyer. This is completely illogical. Our partnership has been stable for so many years, and a large portion of their production capacity relies on orders from Fu's."

Ning Nanxue stopped tapping her fingertips.

Three major suppliers simultaneously launched an unjustified and substantial price increase, offering vague justifications and adopting a hard-nosed stance. She simply couldn't believe there wasn't someone behind this.

Fu Group’s old projects have been the company’s foundation for many years. They have stable profits and abundant cash flow, and are an important pillar supporting the development of new projects.

Once these core suppliers stop supplying or accept their high prices, the production costs of old projects will soar sharply, profits will shrink significantly, and they may even fall into losses.

This will not only shake the company's foundation, but will also seriously affect the capital investment and operation of new projects.

"What products are these suppliers mainly responsible for supplying materials for?" Ning Nanxue asked.

Manager Li quickly replied, "Hengtong primarily provides specialty alloys and composite materials, and is a core supplier to the real estate and heavy industry sectors. Hongye Precision provides high-precision bearings and transmission components, primarily used in our high-end manufacturing equipment. Qiming Electronics is responsible for several key electronic components, and is involved in both new and existing projects, but we are more dependent on the old ones."

Ning Nanxue's eyes darkened. The enemy's goal was clear: to strike a precise blow to the Fu family's lifeblood. Furthermore, the timing was perfect: right at the critical juncture when the new project was beginning to show results and required continued investment.

"I understand." Ning Nanxue's voice returned to calm. "Manager Li, you go down first. Let's negotiate further. If there's really no way to reconcile, immediately start the process of screening alternative suppliers. No matter how difficult it is, we must find an alternative solution as soon as possible and not let them strangle us."

"Yes, Mr. Ning, I'll do it right away." Manager Li felt as if he had been pardoned and hurried out of the office.

The office returned to silence, with only Ning Nanxue left.

The ringing of her cell phone interrupted her thoughts, and the words "Tingchen" flashed on the screen. Ning Nanxue took a deep breath, adjusted her mood, and answered the phone.

"Xue'er, are you busy?" Jiang Tingchen's gentle voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Yeah, I just finished taking care of something." Ning Nanxue tried to make her voice sound more relaxed. "What's wrong?"

"You sound a little tired," Jiang Tingchen noticed keenly, "Are you in trouble?"

Ning Nanxue hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to tell him. She needed to talk, and she trusted Jiang Tingchen's judgment. "It's the company," she succinctly recounted the supplier situation. "Three major suppliers simultaneously demanded a significant price increase, threatening to terminate the partnership if they didn't agree. The timing and method were too coincidental to be a simple market move."

Jiang Tingchen on the other end of the phone was silent for a few seconds, then asked in a calm tone, "Is it Hengtong, Hongye, and Qiming?"

Ning Nanxue was a little surprised: "You know that too?"

"These core suppliers of Fu's are quite well-known in the industry," Jiang Tingchen explained. "It's indeed unusual for these three companies to attack at the same time. They mainly supply Fu's more mature business segments, right? This part of the business should be the group's main source of profit and cash flow."

"That's right." Ning Nanxue confirmed his judgment. "This is also what I'm most worried about. The new project has just started to take off and needs stable financial support. They are trying to directly disrupt my rhythm and even shake my foundation in the Fu Group."

"This method doesn't seem like ordinary business competition." Jiang Tingchen's voice was a little cold. "It's more like someone is deliberately manipulating it from behind. The goal is very clear, and that is to target you, or rather, the current situation of the Fu family."

"I thought so too." Ning Nanxue's voice was tired, but more of a calm edge, "I just don't have a clue yet. I don't know who is behind this."

"It's all possible." Jiang Tingchen paused and added, "Xue'er, at this moment, you must remain calm. The other party's goal is to make you lose your composure."

"I understand." Ning Nanxue let out a breath, "It's just that finding alternative suppliers takes time, and these old projects have special material requirements, so not just any company can take them over."

"Do you need my help?" Jiang Tingchen's voice was filled with concern. "I have some connections in the supply chain. Maybe I can help you inquire about it or evaluate the qualifications of alternative suppliers."

Ning Nanxue felt a warm feeling in her heart. "Thank you, Tingchen. I'll try it myself first. The purchasing department is already taking action. If you need anything, I won't hesitate to help you."

She knew Jiang Tingchen's ability, but she wanted to solve this matter on her own first. This was her battlefield in the Fu family, and she couldn't rely on him for everything.

"Okay." Jiang Tingchen didn't force it. "But remember, no matter what happens, I'm here. Don't just hold on by yourself."

"Yeah." Ning Nanxue responded, the corners of her mouth unconsciously curved slightly. With him around, the pressure in her heart seemed to be relieved a little.

"Then I won't bother you for now," Jiang Tingchen said softly, "After you finish your work, go to bed early and don't get too tired."

"Got it, you too."

After hanging up the phone, the warmth on Ning Nanxue's face faded away, and was once again covered by calmness and sharpness.