"I officially announce," Howard stood up, cleared his throat, and spoke in a steady, powerful voice. "Our company is preparing to make a strategic investment in the new energy project that President Ning is responsible for. The initial investment amount is set at 500 million US dollars. We believe this technology will lead the future energy revolution, and we look forward to establishing a long-term and in-depth cooperative relationship with the Fu Group."
These remarks exploded in the conference room like a bombshell.
Fu Chen's face turned from red to white. He stared at Howard, as if trying to find a trace of a joke on his face.
Xu Zhiru covered her mouth, her body trembling slightly. She looked at Fu Chen blankly, then turned her head to look at the door of the conference room, as if expecting Xu Zhao to suddenly appear and tell her that this was just a nightmare.
"How is it possible..." She murmured softly, her nails unconsciously digging into her palms.
The directors were whispering among themselves, their expressions shifting from shock to surprise. Mr. Wen stared at Howard, his expression gradually relaxing.
Ning Nanxue calmly took the letter of intent from Howard, flipped through a few pages, then raised her head with a calm expression.
"Thank you, Mr. Howard, for your recognition and trust in our project. Five hundred million US dollars is a large sum. We will give you a reply after internal evaluation and discussion."
Jiang Tingchen calmly observed everyone's expressions and then added, "Mr. Howard truly has a keen eye for talent. Truly valuable technology is hard to conceal. We are delighted to see top international investors recognize this project."
Fu Chen slammed the table and stood up: "Mr. Howard, I think there seems to be some discrepancy in the content of our previous conversation."
"In and out?" Howard raised his eyebrows. "Mr. Fu, I think we are both mature businessmen and we clearly understand what we are saying and doing."
Xu Zhiru whispered to Fu Chen, "Ah Chen, this is not right. Why would he suddenly want to invest? Ah Zhao said he would help us deal with Nan Xue..."
Fu Chen raised his hand to stop her from continuing and forced himself to calm down.
"Mr. Howard, your proposal is surprising. However, as the president of the group, any major investment decisions should be discussed under my leadership."
Howard gave a meaningful smile. "Of course, Mr. Fu. However, I understand that according to your company's charter, the decision-making power regarding this project lies with Mr. Ning, and the board of directors has the final vote."
Mr. Wen spoke at the right moment, "Mr. Howard is right. The decision-making power for this project does indeed lie with President Ning. Furthermore, the board of directors is certainly pleased to see such a significant investment opportunity come to fruition."
Fu Chen's expression turned extremely ugly. He turned to Ning Nanxue and said, "Nanxue, we need to talk in private."
Ning Nanxue shook her head slightly: "Any discussion can be carried out in front of the directors. We have no secrets."
Jiang Tingchen gently touched Ning Nanxue's arm and gestured for her to look at Howard's assistant, who was handing Howard a USB flash drive.
"Everyone," Howard inserted the USB drive, and a series of emails and transfer records appeared on the screen. "To avoid any misunderstandings, I want to make one thing public. Recently, someone tried to use my company's name to create a patent dispute and even demanded a hefty 'cooperation fee.'"
Fu Chen's pupils suddenly contracted, and he subconsciously grabbed Xu Zhiru's wrist.
"This is pure commercial defamation!" Xu Zhiru screamed. "Ah Chen, tell them this must have been set up by Nan Xue!"
"Ms. Xu," Howard said coldly, "I don't like being used as a pawn. I'm a businessman. I value profit and prospects, not becoming a tool for revenge."
"Mr. Howard, that's wrong," Jiang Tingchen interjected gently. "Strategic collaboration is very common in the business world, but the means must be aboveboard. I think Mr. Fu should understand the limits."
Fu Chen, like a trapped animal, looked around and noticed that the directors' gazes had become distant and scrutinizing. He forced himself to maintain a last ounce of dignity: "Since Mr. Howard is optimistic about the project, as the president, I naturally support it. I just hope everyone remembers that the foundation of the company still relies on the foundation laid by the Fu family."
Mr. Wen sighed meaningfully: "The fundamental principle should be honest business, not open or covert competition."
Ning Nanxue slowly closed the folder. "Thank you all for your participation. Mr. Howard, we will get back to you as soon as possible. As for the project itself, I assure you that its progress will not be affected by any internal disputes."
Xu Zhiru held Fu Chen's hand, as if she was afraid he would fall at any moment. She cursed in a low voice: "Damn A Zhao, what on earth did he do?"
Fu Chen did not respond, but just nodded mechanically to Howard, then turned and left.
His steps were stiff and his back seemed to have aged ten years overnight.
After the meeting, Jiang Tingchen and Ning Nanxue walked side by side in the corridor.
"I guess you've expected it." Ning Nanxue looked at the city skyline outside the window.
"It's just a hunch." Jiang Tingchen said in a low voice, "Xu Zhao is more complicated than we thought. He might be operating on two fronts."
"You mean..."
"He not only promised Fu Chen to persuade Howard to create a patent dispute, but also may have secretly revealed Fu Chen's plan to Howard in order to win Howard's favor and trust."
"Killing two birds with one stone." Ning Nanxue sighed softly, "This way I can get money from Fu Chen and gain a firm foothold with Howard."
"What's even more terrifying is that if Fu Chen loses power, Xu Zhao will be able to escape unscathed and may even take the opportunity to ascend to the throne."
Ning Nanxue stopped and asked: "Then how should we deal with it now?"
"Let's wait and see." Jiang Tingchen looked into her eyes, his fingers gently stroking her shoulder. "Howard's move is very clever. We can neither accept it rashly nor reject it outright."
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