The true intentions were revealed at the last minute.
Meng Yihe frowned slightly, took out her phone, and dialed Cui Yu's number.
"Hello?" Cui Yu's voice came from the other end of the phone. The background noise was a bit loud, as if he was outside.
"Where are you? You didn't come for the physical exam," Meng Yihe asked directly.
"Oh, that?" Cui Yu's tone sounded relaxed and natural, with his usual smile.
"I have some urgent business to attend to, so I'm meeting with a supplier to discuss raw material sourcing. I can complete the medical check-up at the community health center later; the deadline is next Friday anyway."
The reasons are sufficient and reasonable.
During the critical period of restructuring the company, prioritizing supply chain issues is beyond reproach.
"I understand." Meng Yihe didn't ask any more questions and hung up the phone.
Cui Yu always seemed to be able to cleverly avoid things that required exposure in public medical settings or overly private places, but Meng Yihe didn't think much of it.
at the same time.
Cui Yu was sitting in a corner of a coffee shop not far from the park, his coffee untouched. He had indeed met with a supplier, but they had finished talking ten minutes ago.
He held his phone and finally dialed the number.
The phone rang a few times before being answered, and a strong yet slightly lazy voice came through: "You brat, what trouble have you run into this time?"
"Grandpa," Cui Yu said in a low voice, his tone unusually solemn and pleading.
"I need your help. The park organized a physical examination, but I made up an excuse not to go. Could you please help me with the process when I need the report later?"
There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone, followed by a knowing look: "Hmph, is it that old saga about your identity again? Afraid the medical exam will reveal you're not an Alpha?"
"Yes," Cui Yu admitted. "Especially the blood test, I'm afraid there might be something wrong. Could you put in a good word with the community health system and let me pass 'normally'?"
"I understand." The old man agreed readily, even with a hint of disdain.
"You're bothering me with such a small thing. Don't worry, I've arranged everything perfectly for you. I guarantee your medical report will look more like an Alpha than a real Alpha's. But you, kid, it's not good to keep things hidden like this all the time..."
“It’s not the right time yet, Grandpa,” Cui Yu said, his voice trembling.
"Fine, fine, I don't care about your little schemes," the old man muttered. "Remember you owe me two bottles of good wine!"
"I can't forget it." Cui Yu breathed a sigh of relief, a genuine smile appearing on her face.
After hanging up the phone, Cui Yu finally relaxed. He leaned back in his chair, picked up his slightly cool coffee, took a sip, and looked out the window, his eyes becoming somewhat profound.
Concealing his identity is a way to protect himself and Cui Xuyue.
But he also knew that as his relationship with Meng Yihe grew closer, this secret was like a time bomb.
His concern for Meng Yihe, in particular, was increasingly exceeding his control. The dinner invitation he blurted out after working all night, and Meng Yihe's barely audible "hmm," made his longing intensify.
Will someone as proud as Meng Yihe accept her identity as Enigma?
Cui Yu didn't know.
Meng Yihe was walking back to the office building of "Xinghai Technology". As he passed Cui Yu's empty office, he paused and glanced inside. There were still thick files piled on the desk, and the computer screen was dark.
Everything seemed normal, yet something felt off.
Meng Yihe withdrew her gaze and walked expressionlessly towards her office.
He just felt that Cui Yu always seemed to be hiding something. Like a well-concealed fog, seemingly clear and transparent, yet actually elusive. This elusiveness made him feel slightly uneasy, yet secretly attracted him to explore it.
The restructuring of Xinghai Technology was like a rusty precision machine, which, under the strong impetus of Cui Yu and Meng Yihe, made a creaking sound but finally began to operate.
The legal department then began contacting suppliers with ambiguous relationships with Liu Ye to re-examine the contract terms.
Under Meng Yihe's high-pressure and professional scrutiny, the atmosphere in the R&D department was tense yet efficient. Several projects that had clearly gone astray were decisively halted, and limited resources began to be tilted toward the two remaining promising projects.
Cui Yu's oversight of operations and personnel adjustments was even more swift and decisive. He quickly promoted several mid-level managers who remained professional and outspoken amidst the chaos, filling the power vacuum left by Liu Ye and his cronies after they were taken away. At the same time, he also decisively dismissed several mediocre and passive older employees under the pretext of "structural optimization."
Immediately, a climate of fear and unease settled over the company.
"This is the restructured R&D resource allocation plan, as well as the newly proposed project milestones." Meng Yihe placed a report on Cui Yu's makeshift desk. "If strictly implemented, the 'Galaxy' project is expected to produce a preliminary prototype that can be used for Series A financing within six months."
Cui Yu picked up the report and quickly skimmed through it.
"No problem, the operations team will do its best to ensure that resources are in place and processes are smooth."
He put down the report and rubbed his temples.
"I've approved the preliminary plan for the personnel adjustments, and it will be issued this afternoon. Next, it's time to consider..."
His words were interrupted by a series of urgent knocks on the door.
Zhao Lei pushed open the door and came in, his face not looking too good, holding an exquisite invitation in his hand.
"Director Cui, Director Meng, we just received this; it was sent by Dingsheng Capital."
"Peak?"
Cui Yu and Meng Yihe exchanged a glance, both seeing the wariness in each other's eyes. Cui Yu took the invitation and opened it, inside which was a sincere and formal business letter.
Dingsheng Capital expressed its strong interest in Xinghai Technology's deep expertise in new materials, appreciated the positive changes brought about by Xinghuan Group's involvement, and sincerely invited Xinghai Technology's management to attend a "High-Tech Materials Industry Investment Summit" hosted by Dingsheng Capital next week. They hope to have the opportunity for "in-depth and constructive exchanges."
The letter was signed "Ji Nan of Dingsheng Capital".
"A weasel paying respects to a chicken." Meng Yihe sneered, his tone full of disgust. He still vividly remembered the underhanded tactics used by Dingsheng Capital in the "Northern Star Light" project.
Cui Yu tapped his fingers on the smooth paper.
"They acted really fast. Liu Ye had barely fallen from power, and they already came after him."
He looked at Meng Yihe: "What do you think?"
"There's no need to pay attention to it," Meng Yihe said simply.
"Xinghai is currently dealing with a multitude of internal matters and doesn't have time to play these hypocritical games with them. Their purpose is nothing more than to probe the truth or to try and poach talent while things are in disarray."
“It’s easy to refuse.” Cui Yu twirled the invitation in his hand, “but it would also make us seem timid, or rather… like we have something to hide, afraid that they will see Xinghai’s current weakness.”
He paused, then changed his tone: "Besides, aren't you curious about what tricks Ji Nan is up to this time? She suffered a loss at Beichen Zhiguang last time, and given her personality, she won't just let it go. Rather than letting her make trouble in the shadows, let's go and see what she's up to."
Meng Yihe frowned: "You mean, go?"
“Yes, of course I’ll go.” Cui Yu stood up, walked to the window, and looked down at the somewhat deserted park below.
"Not only should we go, but we should go in style. Let everyone see that Xinghai Technology has a new owner, and instead of collapsing, it is even more confident."
He turned around, his gaze falling on Meng Yihe: "So, Director Meng, how about coming with me to meet this old friend? Let's see what 'surprise' she has prepared for us this time."
Meng Yihe met Cui Yu's challenging gaze and remained silent for a moment.
He hated this kind of meaningless socializing and hypocritical maneuvering.
But he also admitted that Cui Yu's words made sense.
Avoiding the problem won't solve anything, especially when facing an opponent like Dingsheng Capital.
"Time and place," he finally asked in a cold voice, which was tantamount to agreeing.
Cui Yu smiled: "Next Wednesday afternoon, Yuehua Hotel."
He walked up to Meng Yihe and lowered his voice: "Maybe we can get a decent meal here, which is better than the cafeteria."
Meng Yihe didn't take his joke seriously, but simply picked up the research and development plan: "Before that, let's finalize these details."
"Of course." Cui Yu's smile faded, and his expression turned serious. "Work comes first."
However, both of them knew the truth in their hearts.
This invitation from Dingsheng Capital is far more than just a summit; it's more like the prelude to a battle.
The atmosphere of impending storm has already quietly begun to permeate the air.
Ji Nan has clearly shifted his attention from "Beichen Zhiguang" to Xinghai Technology, a new target under Xinghuan Group that has just experienced turmoil.
Just as these internal reforms were in full swing, Wednesday afternoon quietly arrived.
The banquet hall of Yuehua Hotel is adorned with dazzling crystal chandeliers.
The "High-Tech Materials Industry Investment Summit" hosted by Dingsheng Capital was a grand affair, inviting numerous industry companies, investment institutions, and experts and scholars, resembling a meticulously arranged industry arena for fame and fortune.
The appearance of Cui Yu and Meng Yihe attracted a lot of attention.
Both men were dressed in well-tailored dark suits, but their demeanors were completely different. Cui Yu wore an impeccable business smile and chatted with people with ease, as if he was born for this kind of occasion. Meng Yihe, on the other hand, maintained his aloof and unapproachable demeanor, his sharp gaze sweeping across the venue, making him seem more like an analyst conducting an evaluation than a participant.
"President Cui, President Meng, it's an honor to have you here." A shrewd and capable voice sounded from behind.
Ji Nan walked over carrying a champagne glass. Today she was wearing a sharp white suit skirt, her smile was warm, but her eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, openly scrutinizing the two of them.
“How could we miss President Ji’s grand event?” Cui Yu smiled and clinked glasses with her, his tone relaxed. “It’s also a good opportunity to learn about the latest industry trends.”
"President Cui is too modest. Everyone knows that since Xinghuan took over Xinghai, it has made frequent and bold moves, which is admirable."
Ji Nan's words had a hidden meaning, and her gaze shifted to Meng Yihe.
"Especially President Meng, I heard that he personally took charge of reorganizing the technology roadmap, which really makes people look forward to Xinghai's future breakthroughs."
Meng Yihe nodded slightly, her tone indifferent: "It's my duty. I can't compare to President Ji's excellent information network."
Ji Nan seemed oblivious to the sarcasm in his words, her smile remaining unchanged: "Xing Haizi is still a good person, he just took some detours before. We at Dingsheng have always been very optimistic about this field and hope to cooperate with powerful companies. Perhaps, in the future, we'll have the opportunity to do something together?"
Her words sounded like a casual, polite remark, yet they carried a clear sense of probing.
"Cooperation is based on mutual benefit and win-win results. Xinghai's primary task at present is to consolidate its foundation and improve its internal capabilities." Cui Yu skillfully deflected the topic. "As for external cooperation, we will naturally consider it when the time is right."
“That’s natural.” Ji Nan nodded, seemingly in complete agreement.
"By the way, we also invited several top materials scientists who returned from overseas today. One of them seems to have some connection with one of Xinghai's previously canceled projects. I'll introduce him to you later; perhaps he can offer some inspiration."
Cui Yu and Meng Yihe both felt a chill run down their spines.
Ji Nan was indeed well-prepared; he even found out such details.
"Oh? Then I'd like to see for myself." Cui Yu said calmly.
The summit forum has begun.
The speeches by the guests did touch on cutting-edge topics, but they didn't offer much new insight. It wasn't until the free discussion session that Ji Nan, as expected, brought over a middle-aged scholar with gold-rimmed glasses and a slightly arrogant demeanor.
"This is Dr. Chen Siyang, who recently returned to China and has made significant achievements in the field of novel composite materials."
"Dr. Chen, this is General Manager Cui and General Manager Meng from Xinghuan Group. They are currently in charge of Xinghai Technology."
Chen Siyang pushed up his glasses, his gaze sweeping over the two men with a scrutinizing look: "Xinghai Technology? I heard your 'high-strength lightweight polymer' project was halted? What a pity. That direction actually had great potential, but the requirements for processes and equipment were too high. It seems you gave up when faced with difficulties." His tone carried a hint of contempt.
Meng Yihe's eyes instantly turned cold.
That project was one of the ones he decided to suspend after his evaluation.
The reason is not that the technology is not feasible, but a rational judgment based on the existing team's capabilities and the return on investment of resources.
"The project's progress depends on a comprehensive assessment, not simply a matter of advancing or retreating," Meng Yihe responded coldly. "Xinghai has its own new technological plans."
Chen Siyang seemed somewhat surprised by his tough stance, raising an eyebrow: "Really? Hopefully, the new plan isn't just another castle in the air. In this field, money and slogans alone aren't enough."
Ji Nan tried to smooth things over, but her smile was meaningful: "Dr. Chen is a technical person and speaks very directly. He also values talent and feels it's a pity that Xinghai has wasted some of its previous technical accumulation. In fact, if Xinghai needs external technical support, Dingsheng is happy to act as a bridge. Experts like Dr. Chen are exactly the kind of resources we value."
The true intentions are revealed when the map is unrolled.
Ji Nan's purpose was clear: on the one hand, to use "experts" to question Xinghai's technical capabilities and undermine their confidence; on the other hand, to blatantly flex his muscles and imply that Dingsheng had the ability to poach Xinghai's existing technical team or even its employees.
Cui Yu smiled and took half a step forward.
It perfectly separated Meng Yihe and Chen Siyang from the invisible tension between Ji Nan.
"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Ji and Dr. Chen."
"What Xinghai needs right now are people who can settle down and get things done, not commentators who just talk big. As for the technical approach, we have our own judgment. Excuse me, I'm seeing an old friend." His tone was gentle, but every word was barbed.
After he finished speaking, he nodded to Ji Nan, naturally put his arm around Meng Yihe's arm, and led him to turn around and walk to the other side, leaving Chen Siyang with a slightly changed expression and Ji Nan with a slightly stiff smile.
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