Chapter 22: Do You Regret It?

“No matter how eloquent you are, it can’t hide the fact that your proposal was hastily put together. Clearly, you don’t take this seriously.” Due to the tight deadline, Shen Ling had focused on the company’s compatibility, leaving the details of the partnership proposal for later, believing it could wait until both parties were willing to cooperate.

Feng Qin, on the other hand, had much more time to prepare, and she immediately began to read out her own proposal. In terms of completion, Feng Qin’s was superior.

After reviewing both, the organizer frowned with confusion. “Aren’t you from the same company? Why are there two separate teams?”

Shen Ling wanted to explain, hoping to leave a good impression and secure the project first. “The company divided into two teams for the sake of caution, so we have two proposals.”

But before she could finish, Feng Qin cut her off, deliberately undermining her. With a provocative arch of her brow, she said, “I’m your direct supervisor. How is it that I know nothing about this decision?”

As expected, the organizer’s expression darkened, his brows knit tightly. “What exactly is going on between you two?”

Feng Qin, oblivious to the subtleties of interpersonal relations, continued to step on Shen Ling at every turn. “She can’t even retain old clients. Why should anyone trust her abilities? I have successfully completed several projects; here’s my portfolio, please have a look.”

Her credentials were indeed impressive, and the organizer, unable to refuse, glanced through them. Yet, after reading, his expression did not improve.

“So you’re not planning to collaborate and win this project together?”

Shen Ling intended to agree, but Feng Qin was adamant, lifting her chin in lofty pride. “I absolutely refuse to work with someone incapable.”

The organizer rubbed his forehead, clearly troubled. Just then, another competitor stood up. “Hello, our company may be new, but we are quite skilled with these types of projects.”

When two rivals fight, the third benefits; the organizer had never liked discord within a company. Now, presented with another promising option, he took the initiative. “Let’s move to the tea room and discuss this properly.”

It was clear the matter was settled. The organizer didn’t even want to hear Shen Ling’s plea, offering a quick apology before hastily leaving.

Shen Ling felt it was a shame. During her presentation, she had seen the organizer’s satisfied, appreciative look. But with such a disruptive presence, even the best speech couldn’t overcome the negative impression left behind.

Feng Qin, meanwhile, wasn’t the least bit upset about losing the project. She was smug. “Tell me, wasn’t it unnecessary? All this fuss, only to be rejected to your face—aren’t you embarrassed?”

Shen Ling glanced at her coldly. “What’s the point in doing something that harms others and doesn’t benefit yourself? Aren’t you afraid the company will hear about this and blame you?”

Feng Qin crossed her arms, looking entertained. “I have so many projects in hand. If the company wants to lay someone off, it should be you who’s worried, not me.”

She wasn’t wrong—there’s no justice in the workplace. Only profit is undefeated.

“Regret it?” Zhou Bin looked at her, amused, his expression matching Feng Qin’s smugness.

“Of course I regret it,” Shen Ling replied swiftly. Seeing his eyes brighten, she smirked and delivered a blow, “I regret not ending things with you sooner.”

Zhou Bin was infuriated, gritting his teeth as he pointed at her. “You—!”

As the conflict intensified, a man in a suit walked over. “Excuse me, miss, do you have a moment? We’d like to speak with you.”

Feng Qin assumed he meant her and quickly nodded. “Of course.”

The man maintained a polite smile, but his eyes betrayed a hint of disdain. “Not you. I meant this lady.”

Shen Ling pointed to herself and, upon receiving his confirmation, nodded slightly. “I’m available.”

With that, she followed the man briskly toward the nearby tea room, leaving Feng Qin behind in awkward resentment.

The tea room was a private space for confidential discussions. The man stopped outside a room, opened the door, and said, “Please come in.”

Shen Ling nodded and stepped inside. Upon seeing who was there, her surprise was impossible to hide. “Miss Ning Qian? You wanted to see me?”