Just to gamble on a risk that has only a 1% chance of happening, or that may never happen at all.

But unfortunately, that 1% of the unexpected happened.

Who would have thought that Ge Xian Mi, a niche ingredient that is usually in ample supply and used in small quantities, would suddenly be out of stock?

Xia Qingqing's voice trembled uncontrollably: "This is impossible... How can we not buy any at all?!"

Who exactly bought up all the goods on the market in advance?

Just when everyone was in a state of chaos and overwhelmed with problems.

Only Xia Zhining sat calmly in her seat, leisurely enjoying the entire feast, focused on "outwitting" the king crab.

It has to be said that Xia Qingqing's celebration banquet this time was indeed generous and impressive!

The assistant handed Xia Qingqing a glass of juice and solemnly analyzed, "Manager Xia, firstly, Gexianling was suddenly designated as a forest closure and conservation area, cutting off our supply."

"Immediately afterwards, all the Ge Xian Mi (a type of rice) on the market was sold out. These two events happening one after the other are definitely not a coincidence."

"This is a complete conspiracy against us, the Xianmi dog food!"

Others chimed in, "Yes, someone must be pulling strings behind the scenes, deliberately trying to sabotage things!"

Xia Qingqing caught a glimpse of Xia Zhining out of the corner of her eye; her painting style was completely different from the others.

Her eyes sharpened, and she abruptly turned her gaze to Xia Zhining, who was enjoying her rice, and questioned her sternly:

"Xia Zhining, was it you who did this behind the scenes?!"

"You must have tampered with it! Otherwise, why would Yanlan Mountain suddenly be closed off for reforestation?"

"If I really had that ability, why would I be a product consultant? Wouldn't it be more efficient to just bankrupt you?"

Xia Zhining scoffed, her gaze sweeping across the room. "I keep my distance from anything illegal or disorderly."

"Only families like yours, teeming with 'outlaws,' would see everyone as a fellow professional."

"You!" Xia Qingqing was so angry from the precise stab that her fingers trembled, and she couldn't even speak.

Xia Zhining leisurely wiped her mouth with a tissue: "Choosing Ge Xian Mi was your insistence, and it was also the R&D team's choice."

“I clearly objected at the time, explained the risks in detail, and even prepared a backup plan and put it in front of you.”

She remained calm and said slowly, "You turned a deaf ear to my words and then turned around and accused me of having ulterior motives, trying to steal my 'great' idea, and trying to harm the Xia Group."

"I believe that as a product consultant, I have done my utmost."

Xia Zhining tossed aside the tissue and straightened her cuffs: "I took the five million consulting fee with a clear conscience."

"I've done everything I should and shouldn't have done—modified the plans, provided alternatives, and warned of risks!"

"Now that the truth has come out, instead of reflecting on your own mistakes, your first reaction is to drag me down with you and pin the blame on me."

She spoke each word clearly and deliberately, uttering that piercing question: "Xia Qingqing, how...how can you be so shameless?"

These words were like invisible slaps, resounding across everyone's face.

Those employees who had cheered for the experimental data and ignored the risk warnings were now all blushing and their hearts were pounding.

Endless regret was poured over my head like ice water.

At first, all they could see was the promising data prospects of "Xianmi Dog Food".

Who could have predicted that such a one-in-a-million risk as the raw material supply disruption would actually come true!

Xia Qingqing was speechless, the facts were right in front of her, and she had no way to refute them.

"Besides, even if you succeed in shifting the blame to me now, what will change?"

Xia Zhining's gaze swept over everyone, her tone turning cold, "Can I conjure up Ge Xian Mi for you out of thin air?"