Susu smiled and replied, "First, I want to clarify that my husband does not have a terminal illness. He is simply overworked and needs a period of rest. Furthermore, Aoxiang is already a large group with standardized management. From top to bottom, it can still operate even without one person."
"On the contrary, even without my husband, Aoxiang can function like a precise instrument, systematically carrying out its daily tasks automatically."
"Therefore, the plan I mentioned earlier is not just empty talk; it's based on reasonable data and facts. I believe that if we win this project, every citizen of Lancheng will benefit from the urban construction project."
The bidding officials seated beside her on the stage couldn't help but look at Susu with admiration.
However, a reporter sharply questioned, "It's rumored that President Qin is critically ill and bedridden. Another important vice president of Aoxiang, President Xiao, has fled. Now, only Mrs. Qin is left to struggle alone. You currently lack the ability to undertake such a large project. Please clarify these rumors, Mrs. Qin."
Susu maintained her smile, her face beaming with confidence, and said, "As I said earlier, my husband's illness is not serious. As for President Xiao in the group, he is merely abroad handling some private matters, and it's not as the outside world claims. Please rest assured. Aoxiang Group is absolutely capable of completing this project and allowing all Lancheng residents to enjoy the benefits of this urban construction."
"Mrs. Qin, what you say sounds good, but your words alone don't prove anything," the same reporter continued to question. "What we want is clarification with evidence. Can you have President Qin personally come forward to explain?"
Susu replied, "I apologize, but my husband still needs to rest and it's inconvenient for him to appear. However, I can guarantee that everything I've said reflects the current reality of the group."
As the reporter was about to speak again, Susu recognized him as the reporter who had disrupted her and Tianyi's press conference last time. She immediately stood up and said, "I'm sorry, but each group has limited speaking time, and I have already taken up too much of everyone's time. I still need to leave time for other groups, so I won't say any more."
As soon as she finished speaking and stepped off the stage, the staff in the auditorium called the speaker for the next bidding group.
Returning to her original seat, she felt her heart pounding. She had managed to pass this hurdle, albeit barely.
Qin Tianyi, standing beside her, quietly gave her a thumbs-up, which calmed her considerably.
After everyone had spoken, the tense and suffocating bidding process began.
During the process, everyone felt that Xie's Group had a high probability of winning the bid, and they were determined to secure it.
When it came to the final bidding announcement, something unexpected happened. Aoxiang's bid was a full million higher than Xie's, shocking everyone present.
Aoxiang dared to bid higher than Xie's under these circumstances. Were they joking?
Based on the price and comprehensive scores, the bidding party announced that Aoxiang Group had won the bid.
The moment she heard Aoxiang had won, Susu jumped up and high-fived the person next to her.
"I protest!" Xie Zhendong could hardly believe that Aoxiang had won. He felt something must have gone wrong and, unable to contain himself, stood up and protested loudly.
The staff on stage asked, "Mr. Xie, our bidding process is completely open and transparent. We don't know what objections you have."
Xie Zhendong said angrily, "Don't you know the current situation of Aoxiang Group? You've been fooled by this woman's few words. Why should they win the bid!"
The staff member said inexplicably, "We have reviewed all their qualifications, and there are no issues. We have also evaluated their past projects, and they are all fully compliant. Their bottom line price is also the highest. What reason is there not to choose Aoxiang Group?"
Although the other bidding groups below were also somewhat disappointed, they did not have the strength to compare with Aoxiang. Those without objections gradually withdrew.
A few who wanted to watch the excitement stayed to observe, not intending to speak.
Everyone thought Xie's Group had the highest chance of winning this time, but Aoxiang winning the bid was not surprising, as only the two of them could be considered evenly matched in strength.
Xie Zhendong shouted, "That's not how it works. I want to see your person in charge!"
"Alright, please wait." The staff member on stage went backstage, presumably to seek instructions.
Susu's joy immediately faded. She was afraid the bidding result might change.
Tianyi gave her an encouraging look, implying that it was okay for Xie Zhendong to protest.
Susu felt slightly more at ease, waiting to see on what point Xie Zhendong would lodge his protest.
After a while, the staff came out from backstage and said, "The representatives of Xie's and Aoxiang are requested to go to the lounge in the back. Others who have no objections may leave."
Xie Zhendong glanced coldly at Susu and went to the lounge in the back with two assistants, one of whom was Zhan Jiayi.
Susu clutched her chest, which was starting to feel nervous again, and followed them to the lounge with Tianyi and an assistant.
Upon entering, she found that several key officials in charge of this bid were seated in the lounge, and they had been quietly discussing something before her arrival.
One of the officials asked them to sit down, and they each chose seats on either side.
Tianyi remained standing by Susu's side with his head down, giving the impression of a professional bodyguard, and no one paid him any attention.
Susu spoke first, "Everyone, as you can see, our group participated in several rounds of bidding in a proper manner and ultimately won the bid. I do not accept any protests, nor do I accept anyone trying to change this outcome."
Xie Zhendong, in a condescending manner, ignored her and directly addressed the officials, saying, "The information provided by Aoxiang Group is superficial data. Given their situation, it cannot withstand close scrutiny, and with their current group status, they cannot afford such a high bid price. They are completely deceiving you."
"Who says we can't afford it? We can fulfill our quoted amount in half a month," Susu replied without backing down.
Xie Zhendong said with a laugh, "By then, the period for raising objections will have passed, and the result of your winning bid cannot be changed. Even if you can't come up with the money, there's nothing we can do to you..."
"Please, stop arguing," an official said, looking at Susu and asking, "What is President Qin's current situation? Mrs. Qin, please tell us the truth."
Susu knew they still didn't believe a woman could single-handedly manage Aoxiang Group.
"As I said earlier, my husband's health is fine, and he will recover soon."
"Tianyi Qin, is there anything you dare to admit?" Zhan Jiayi glared at her hatefully, thinking that if she hadn't married a husband like Qin Tianyi, Shu Zhongze would probably not have decided to let her inherit the Shu Group.