A unique "surprise"
After the first round of intense competition, a short halftime break was held. Both sides left the meeting room to rest and recuperate. In the corridor, Cui Yu and Meng Yihe stood side by side to get some fresh air.
Cui Yu turned his head and lowered his voice to Meng Yihe, saying, "That data presentation just now was flawless; Old Man Wang's face turned green."
Meng Yihe looked out the window, a slight smile playing on his lips, but he quickly suppressed it. He replied calmly, "It's just the truth."
Cui Yu found his feigned indifference amusing, took another half step closer, and asked in a lower voice with a smile, "Hey, tell me, wasn't my offer of a way out just now quite timely? Shouldn't you give me some points as your 'best partner'?"
Meng Yihe's body stiffened slightly, and her ears began to feel hot again.
He forced himself not to back down, but turned his head, glared at Cui Yu, and said in a harsh tone, "Out of 100, I'll give you 60, so you won't become arrogant." After saying that, he turned around and walked back to the conference room, leaving behind a seemingly indifferent back view.
Cui Yu watched his retreating figure and chuckled softly.
Sixty?
Coming from Meng Yihe's mouth, this is practically a high score.
After the break, the atmosphere of the negotiations changed noticeably. Blue Ocean Technology's attitude was no longer as forceful as before, and they began to discuss technical details and various possibilities for cooperation models more seriously. Although a final agreement was still some way off, the deadlock had been broken.
The other party finally regarded Starworld as a partner that needed to be taken seriously.
At the end of the negotiations, although Director Wang's expression was not pleasant, he still shook hands with Cui Yu and Meng Yihe: "President Cui, President Meng, we will take your proposed solutions back for careful evaluation. We hope to have a more in-depth discussion next time."
"I look forward to the next meeting." Cui Yu smiled and shook hands.
After seeing off the other team, only the two of them remained in the meeting room.
"A partial victory," Cui Yu loosened his tie and let out a long sigh.
"This is just the beginning." Meng Yihe was organizing the documents, her tone still cautious, but the seriousness between her brows had eased considerably.
After achieving a breakthrough in negotiations with "Blue Ocean Technology," the atmosphere in the joint command was exhilarating, but no relaxation was allowed. Cui Yu and Meng Yihe knew that this was only a crack in the other side's sturdy exterior, and they had to strike while the iron was hot.
Cui Yu immediately gave Wu Hao and the others a strict order: "Within a week, you must thoroughly understand the core modules of the open-source standard and produce a simple, feasible prototype that can be demonstrated! It doesn't need to be perfect, but it must be able to run the key processes and prove that this path is viable!"
The technical team has entered a new round of closed development.
Meng Yihe instructed Lin Xueyue and Zhao Lei to closely monitor the movements of "Blue Ocean Technology." They used their industry connections to gather information on the company's recent project updates and financial situation, attempting to find more leverage in negotiations. Meanwhile, he and Cui Yu conducted brief tactical simulations almost daily, simulating various difficult questions the company might raise next and their own response strategies.
As planned, an "anonymous" detailed analysis report on successful cases of building with open-source standards in the industry appeared "just in time" in the field of vision of Director Wang of "Blue Ocean Technology" through certain channels.
This silent psychological warfare is also a crucial step.
The entire team is operating at high speed. They need to have the absolute confidence to force "Blue Ocean" to acknowledge their superiority before the next meeting.
While focusing on negotiations for the "blue ocean" area, good news also came from another front: the design plan for the lakeside area, which had been troubling the team for a long time, finally made a breakthrough.
One early morning after working overtime, Xu Rui was relaxing by browsing architectural design websites when he stumbled upon a conceptual design for a "retractable water platform" and an "ecological floating island." He immediately thought of the pain point in the lakeside area of the project—how to balance the waterfront experience, ecological protection, and seasonal water level changes.
Xu Rui excitedly reported his idea to Meng Yihe.
Meng Yihe initially thought the idea was bold and even somewhat risky. However, he did not immediately dismiss it, but instead summoned Gao Yuan, Shen Xinyi, and Wu Hao to discuss the feasibility of the plan.
Gao Yuan was immediately drawn to the visual potential of the concept and began to devise how to make it highly artistic and attractive. Shen Xinyi carefully assessed its potential impact on hydrological ecology and various safety risks, while Wu Hao began to roughly estimate the construction and maintenance costs of this non-standard structure.
Meng Yihe synthesized opinions from all sides and astutely grasped the core value of this idea—it perfectly echoed the future concept of "harmony between humanity and nature" that she wanted to emphasize. It not only solved the functional problem but also became a powerful promotional symbol in itself.
He guided his team to refine the concept, incorporating more smart technology and local cultural elements.
When the initial proposal, named "Floating Island Ecological Living Room," was presented to Vice President Wang, its forward-thinking concept, ingenious problem-solving approach, and immense topicality won high praise.
"That's exactly how it feels!" Vice President Wang couldn't help but express his emotions.
"That's exactly what we need—something that catches the eye and makes our project memorable! Let's get this project implemented as quickly as possible!"
The breakthrough in the lakeside plan acted as a shot in the arm, greatly boosting the team's morale. Together with the progress in the "Blue Ocean" negotiations, it signifies that the "Beichen Light" project is steadily advancing on two fronts.
After the lakeside plan was approved.
Meng Yihe unusually sent a message in the joint command group.
[Meng Yihe]: Xu Rui, the proposer of the lakeside plan, deserves credit.
Cui Yu replied almost instantly and tagged Xu Rui.
[Cui Yu]: @Xu Rui, awesome! Young people are so quick-witted! You're in the bonus this month. (Thumbs up.jpg)
Then he messaged Meng Yihe privately.
[Cui Yu]: It's rare for President Meng to praise someone, so it seems he's genuinely satisfied.
Meng Yihe looked at the screen and replied with two words.
[Meng Yihe]: Facts.
The success of the lakeside "Floating Island Ecological Living Room" project earned high praise from Vice President Wang. In high spirits, Vice President Wang glanced at the time and waved his hand dismissively: "Everyone has worked hard today, especially the Strategy Department and Operations Department! Those whose tasks aren't urgent should go home and rest early to recharge!"
A cheer erupted from the team, and everyone began packing their things.
Meng Yihe frowned as he looked at the pile of technical clarification documents recently sent by "Blue Ocean Technology." He habitually wanted to continue working overtime to digest them.
At this moment, Cui Yu walked over with a smile and tapped on his desk: "Let's go, Director Meng. President Wang has already spoken, so don't be too tense. We can deal with the 'Blue Ocean' matter tomorrow."
Meng Yihe didn't even look up, her fingers flying across the keyboard, marking the important points. "There's nothing to do back home, but we have to go through all this tonight. My study is quiet, and the computer has all the information. If you're free, come over and work on it with me."
After he finished speaking, he seemed to realize what he had invited.
His fingers paused on the keyboard, but he still maintained his indifferent demeanor and awkwardly added, "Whatever."
Cui Yu was clearly stunned. He invited him to his home?
This is absolutely unprecedented.
He accepted almost without hesitation, smiling and saying, "Sure, how could I refuse such a kind invitation from Director Meng? It'll be perfect to try your coffee." His tone was light and cheerful, as if he were going to a long-awaited date rather than working overtime.
The two left the company together.
Along the way, Meng Yihe drove in silence, while Cui Yu looked out the window in a good mood.
The car drove into the upscale residential area where Meng Yihe lived and came to a stop.
The two went upstairs one after the other.
Reaching the apartment door, Meng Yihe took out his key to open it. As he pushed the door open, he habitually turned to Cui Yu and said, "The slippers are here..." Before he could finish speaking, his voice stopped abruptly, and he froze at the doorway.
Cui Yu followed behind him and also saw the scene inside the apartment. The smile on her face turned into a hint of surprise. In the living room with its cold and minimalist style, sat three people who seemed out of place.
Ye Chunhan stood up, a warm but slightly forced smile on his face: "Xiao He, you're back? Why are you here so early today?"
Her gaze then fell on Cui Yu behind Meng Yihe, and her smile paused.
"Who is this...?"
Another well-dressed middle-aged woman sitting on the sofa also looked over curiously. But the most eye-catching was the young woman sitting next to Aunt Chen—a gentle and graceful-looking Omega with delicate features, who was blushing slightly and looking curiously at the two outstanding Alphas at the door.
Ye Chunhan immediately introduced, "Xiao He, this is Aunt Chen and her niece, Chen Xueyan, whom I mentioned to you before. I happened to have some free time today, so I invited them over to sit and wait for you to get off work. I didn't expect you to come back so early, and with... colleagues?" Her tone was tentative, and her gaze swept back and forth between Cui Yu and Meng Yihe.
Meng Yihe's face instantly darkened, becoming extremely ugly.
He never expected his mother to come uninvited, and even bring him home. To make matters worse, Cui Yu witnessed this whole thing.
Cui Yu quickly suppressed his surprise, his impeccable business smile returning to his face. He stepped forward and gave Meng Yihe's mother a slight nod, saying naturally, "Auntie, hello. I'm Cui Yu, Yihe's colleague, and also a partner in the 'Northern Star Light' project."
His tone was calm, and his self-introduction was clear and appropriate, both stating his identity and subtly emphasizing his close relationship with Meng Yihe.
Then he looked at Aunt Chen and Miss Chen on the sofa and nodded politely in greeting: "Hello."
His appearance and composed demeanor instantly broke the potentially awkward situation, but also added more complex meaning to this bizarre scene.
Meng Yihe stood there, a surge of anger and extreme embarrassment rising to his head. He looked at his mother's probing gaze, at the unfamiliar Omega woman, and then glanced at Cui Yu beside him.
For the first time, I felt an urge to escape my home immediately.
Aunt Chen looked at Cui Yu with a polite yet curious smile. Miss Chen Xueyan blushed and lowered her head slightly, appearing somewhat flustered.
Meng Yihe suppressed her anger and embarrassment, stepped aside to make way, and said in a cold voice, "Come in first."
Cui Yu walked into the living room with a composed demeanor, and even casually glanced around at the room's layout, commenting, "The decorating style is very 'Director Meng's,' as simple and efficient as ever."
Meng Yihe ignored him and closed the door.
He walked to the center of the living room, looked directly at his mother, and said with suppressed dissatisfaction, "Mom, why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
Ye Chunhan felt a little embarrassed when her son asked her that question: "Oh dear, I just wanted to give you a surprise. I happened to be shopping around here with Aunt Chen today, and I thought I'd come up and see you. Who knew you'd get off work so early and bring a friend home?"
Her gaze then drifted towards Cui Yu.
“We’re back to work overtime,” Meng Yihe interrupted abruptly. “There’s still a lot of urgent work to be done on the ‘North Star Light’ project.”
"Ah, working overtime..." Ye Chunhan drawled, clearly not believing it.
Cui Yu smiled and replied naturally, "Yes, Auntie, the project is at a critical stage. Yihe and I often need to discuss things until very late. Today, there are some urgent documents that need to be processed by him."
He cleverly defined "going home" as "a place required for work," and used the term "Yihe" again, making it seem intimate and natural. As he spoke, he very naturally placed his briefcase on the coffee table in the living room, implying that he was indeed there for work.
Ye Chunhan and Aunt Chen exchanged a glance.
Chen Xueyan then raised her head, her voice soft, trying to ease the atmosphere: "It's alright, Mr. Meng, Mr. Cui, you're busy with your work. We've been presumptuous in disturbing you." As she spoke, her gaze swept between Meng Yihe and Cui Yu with a hint of shyness.
Cui Yu then turned his gaze to Chen Xueyan, his face still bearing an impeccable business smile: "Ms. Chen, you're too kind. It's us who have disturbed your gathering." His attitude was polite, exactly like that of someone treating a stranger, without any extra emotion.
Meng Yihe felt a throbbing pain in his temples; he had no desire to deal with this chaotic situation. He glanced at Cui Yu and saw the other's composed demeanor, which fueled his anger, yet strangely brought him a sense of relief.
At least someone can handle this situation.
Meng Yihe really couldn't imagine what he would do if Cui Yu wasn't here today? Would he have a huge fight with his mother, and then everyone would leave on bad terms?
He didn't know.
Ye Chunhan was clearly still somewhat unwilling, but unable to find a reason to stay, he could only stand up and instruct Meng Yihe, "Well... Xiaohe, you're busy, but remember to eat. And..."
She glanced at Cui Yu again, her gaze pointed.
"Don't just focus on work, there are other things you also need to pay attention to."
She smiled and said to Cui Yu, "Mr. Cui, then we won't disturb your 'work' any longer."
Cui Yu's smile remained unchanged.
"Auntie, take care. Aunt Chen, take care. Miss Chen, take care."
He even thoughtfully escorted them to the door, as if he were the master of the house.
The door clicked shut, completely shutting out the faint sound of the elevator descending from outside.
An eerily quiet silence fell over the apartment. The awkward atmosphere left by the sudden "three-way meeting" still lingered in the room.
The perfect mask of a business elite vanished from Cui Yu's face in an instant. He turned around, leaned against the door, looked at Meng Yihe, whose face was still unpleasant, and a playful smile appeared on his lips.
“Wow,” he drawled.
"'Surprise'? Director Meng, your family's 'surprise' is certainly quite unique."
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