Chapter 196: Who is the Mole?

"Manager Li Tao, what do you think? Do you think it's feasible? We're all on the same side, so just tell me the truth."

Zheng Qian noticed Manager Li Tao's expression was a bit strange and asked.

Manager Li Tao couldn't figure out what Zheng Qian meant.

Based on this information alone, Manager Li Tao felt the other party lacked sincerity and would definitely not approve the financing.

However, Zheng Qian was the Chairman of The Group, Qianhe Group. If he wanted to help, who could stop him?

After all... she was such a pretty female classmate.

Maybe back when they were in school, she was even Zheng Qian's crush.

"President Zheng, I've reviewed this project. I wonder how much financing Ms. Lu's clothing company is looking for?"

"15 million," Zheng Qian replied for Shanshan.

"President Zheng, what do you think?"

Manager Li Tao threw the question back to Zheng Qian.

He had already prepared two sets of responses; if Zheng Qian thought it wasn't feasible, he would be straightforward.

If Zheng Qian thought it was fine, he would agree as well.

With Zheng Qian's ability, he would definitely be able to see the issues in this material.

"I think it's not bad. Isn't our company trying to venture into other fields? To achieve multi-channel growth, the clothing industry is worth a try," Zheng Qian said eloquently.

The message conveyed to Manager Li Tao was very clear: he agreed to this project, so just keep playing along.

Shanshan's expression instantly brightened, and she even smiled.

As expected, Zheng Qian was still reliable; he hadn't forgotten his old classmate.

Once this was done, she definitely had to treat Zheng Qian to a nice meal.

But Manager Li Tao's next words cast a shadow over Shanshan's face again.

"President Zheng, this project requires careful consideration."

"Although 15 million is nothing to our company, the clothing industry is a field we have never ventured into before."

"Furthermore, I see that Ms. Lu's company isn't very large."

This sentence was meant to confirm Zheng Qian's stance.

I know you have money, but you can't just spend it like this.

The situation the Lu family is facing now is very complicated; it's like a bottomless pit. If these 15 million are invested, they will likely go down the drain, and whether it can solve the problem is another matter entirely.

There will definitely be a need for more financing later.

It's like trading stocks and ending up as the major shareholder yourself.

It's essentially taking over the Lu family's clothing company at a high price in disguise.

After hearing this, Shanshan's mood plummeted to the bottom again.

"I'm sure. I'm quite optimistic about it. Does Manager Li Tao not see the potential?" Zheng Qian gave a definitive answer.

"I'm actually not sure myself."

Since Zheng Qian had said so, Manager Li Tao didn't try to persuade him otherwise.

"How about this, Ms. Lu? I'll submit the materials to President Chen for review. If he also thinks it's promising, then the matter can basically be finalized, and we can discuss the shares afterward."

"I'll give you an answer tomorrow. How does that sound, Ms. Lu?"

"Okay, thank you, Manager Li Tao. Can I add you on WeChat?" Shanshan said as she took out her phone to scan the QR code.

"Haha, that won't be necessary. Once we discuss the result, President Zheng will inform you," Manager Li Tao said, waving his hand with a smile to decline.

"Oh, oh, alright then."

"Alright, let's leave it at that for now. I'm going to go find President Chen. President Zheng, remember to come over once you're done here."

After saying this, Manager Li Tao left the office.

Shanshan looked into Zheng Qian's eyes and said affectionately, "Zheng Qian, thank you."

"I'm very grateful that you could help me with this favor."

"Ah, it's too early to say that. Let's wait and see what President Chen says; it's not certain yet whether it will pass," Zheng Qian told Shanshan not to jump to conclusions so quickly.

Although whether this matter would succeed depended entirely on Zheng Qian's mood, he still had to say the right things to save face.

"You saw just now, I'm not the only one who decides; President Chen, Manager Li Tao, and I need to have a small meeting to discuss it."

"But don't worry, I will definitely support you," Zheng Qian expressed his willingness to vouch for Shanshan.

"Oh, oh, alright then, thank you anyway," Shanshan nodded.

It seems that Zheng Qian's influence in Qianhe Group really isn't that high.

For a director of such a large group, if he doesn't even have the authority to decide on 15 million, his position is indeed a bit low.

Not even as good as that Manager Li Tao just now.

And even worse than that President Chen they both mentioned.

It seems that Zheng Qian must be the smallest director in Qianhe Group.

However, Shanshan was still very grateful that Zheng Qian was willing to speak up for her.

"Zheng Qian, there's actually something I want to tell you."

"What is it?" Zheng Qian raised an eyebrow slightly.

"There's some business at Tang Xingyu's school, so he ended his vacation early and went back to report, so he didn't have time to come see you."

"This is our chat history. Tang Xingyu asked me to apologize to you on his behalf. He said he was reckless last time; he's sorry."

Zheng Qian glanced at Shanshan's phone; Tang Xingyu really did say that.

But it lacked all sincerity.

The tone was as if he were asking a friend to go downstairs to help pick up a package.

That a proud person like Tang Xingyu could apologize was something Zheng Qian hadn't expected.

But there was no sincerity to speak of.

It didn't sound like an apology at all; it was like telling a friend to help deliver something.

If he really wanted to apologize and try to salvage the relationship between himself and Tang Xingyu, no matter how big the issue was, he would have come in person; that would show sincerity.

What was the point of asking Shanshan to apologize for him?

Who is Shanshan to him?

Can she represent him?

What is the relationship between you two?

"Forget it, I can't be bothered to dwell on it. Anyway, I wasn't hurt or at a disadvantage, and didn't Tang Xingyu break a few ribs? Let's just call it even."

Shanshan was stunned.

Tang Xingyu broke several ribs, while you, Zheng Qian, weren't hurt at all, and you call that even?

Then what would count as not even, or you taking advantage of the situation?

Outside the door.

As soon as Manager Li Tao came out, Zhong Xiaoyao crowded around him.

"Manager Li Tao, Manager Li Tao, what did that woman want with President Zheng?" Zhong Xiaoyao asked, very curious.

"Why are you asking about this? What President Zheng does is his business; what does it have to do with you or me?"

"Just focus on doing your own work honestly, and don't spend your head thinking about all that messy stuff every day."

Manager Li Tao criticized her sternly.

Little did he know, this look had already been captured by Zhong Xiaoyao, who was peeking from outside: "Ugh, it makes me want to vomit. What's with that fake affection!"

"Zhong Xiaoyao, worry less. Manager Li Tao is right; those are President Zheng's affairs. You're not President Zheng's secretary, so why are you meddling so much?"

Seeing Zhong Xiaoyao constantly peeking through the window and not caring about the impression she was making, Qin Xueli retorted directly.

"Qin Xueli, what do you mean?"

"Don't pretend like you don't care. Didn't you go to help that green tea bitch just now?"

"Besides, so what if I'm not President Zheng's secretary?"

"I have work to report to President Zheng, so I'm just seeing how far his conversation with that person has gone."

"And how far has President Zheng's conversation with that person gone now?"

"They're almost done talking... Wait, why should I tell you?"

Qin Xueli chuckled, ignored Zhong Xiaoyao, and returned to her workstation.

This made Zhong Xiaoyao stomp her feet in anger.

She had been impatient and spoke too quickly, accidentally letting the truth slip out.

Just as she turned her head, Shanshan walked out from inside.

"President Zheng, are you coming out?" Upon seeing Zheng Qian, Zhong Xiaoyao immediately beamed, looking very radiant.

"Yes, do you need something?" Zheng Qian nodded. "Her leg is almost better now; you don't need to help her anymore."

"Zheng Qian, I'll be leaving then. I'll wait for your news." As Shanshan said this, she glanced quietly at Zhong Xiaoyao.

"Alright, I won't see you out; I still have work to do here."

After saying this, Zheng Qian called Zhong Xiaoyao into the office.

"Zhong Xiaoyao, you'd better have a reason. I saw you peeking through the window for half an hour. What are you doing? Can you be mindful of the impression you're making?" Zheng Qian criticized her.

Zhong Xiaoyao said, feeling very aggrieved, "President Zheng, don't talk to me like that."

"I have an urgent matter to report to you."

"What matter?"

"The mole, I've already found out."

"Who?"

Zhong Xiaoyao looked left and right, leaned into Zheng Qian's ear, and remained silent for a long time.

The warm breath coming into his ear gave Zheng Qian a slight feeling.

Zheng Qian: ???

I'm waiting to hear who the mole is, and you're here blowing hot air into my ear, teasing me, right?

"Say what you have to say, quickly."

"I didn't do it on purpose."

"The mole is... Yao Manman!"

Zheng Qian: ???

Yao Manman?

She's the mole?