The next morning, Song Lijun knocked on Katherine’s door.
“Linlin, your father has sent word. He’s selected some projects and wants you to choose one yourself.”
Upon hearing this, Katherine couldn’t wait to open the door. As expected, Song Lijun held some documents.
“Mom, I love you to death!”
Seeing Katherine so happy, Song Lijun’s mood naturally improved a lot. After all, she hadn’t seen Katherine this excited in a long time.
Song Lijun considered Katherine’s desire to work a good thing, especially since it would also help with her current condition.
Katherine took all the documents into her room. She had to choose a project she was absolutely confident about.
However, after reviewing all the materials, she clenched her fists. Indeed, taking on a project independently was not an easy feat. She had initially expected to be given a project that the company had already signed contracts for and was in progress. But it seemed Feng Zhenhua didn't want to make it easy for her.
All these documents were for projects that the company had not yet secured. Several of them were indeed attractive, but at the same time, the difficulty of acquiring them would increase. Competing with other companies was no simple matter.
However, if Katherine could secure such a project, it would greatly enhance her image within the company.
Katherine bit her lower lip. She had prepared so much for this opportunity and couldn't afford to fail now. How could she give up at this point?
Finally, she spotted a project involving a collaboration with a listed company on a catering venture.
“This is the one.”
After making all the necessary preparations, Katherine personally contacted the potential partner.
“Hello, Mr. Gu. Can we discuss the collaboration project? Alright, we’ll see you shortly.”
Katherine looked at herself in the mirror, feeling very satisfied.
There was a reason she chose this project. Among many potential partners, she found it difficult to deal with those who were too assertive. She was well aware that she could easily fall into a trap if she mishandled dealings with overly shrewd businessmen.
But this Mr. Gu was different. From her understanding, he had a clear weakness: a fondness for beauty. And Katherine considered herself quite a looker. Therefore, for this project alone, she estimated her success rate to be over eighty percent.
Watching Katherine leave with a spirited demeanor, Song Lijun felt a considerable sense of relief. Katherine’s appearance suggested she was slowly emerging from her depression.
As soon as Katherine stepped out, she changed from her conservative attire. Of course, she had dressed that way earlier only to prevent Song Lijun from seeing her and stopping her.
Katherine deliberately wore a tight mini-skirt that perfectly accentuated her figure. Combined with her long, fair legs, it was enough to make any man captivated.
Katherine and Mr. Gu had arranged to meet in a private room at a high-end restaurant, a reservation she had specifically made.
The relaxed ambiance of the restaurant would make interaction easier and the atmosphere more amiable.
She intentionally sat near the entrance of the private room, displaying her long legs with an air of elegance.
Soon, Mr. Gu arrived.
“Hello, Mr. Gu. I’m Katherine, the one who called you earlier.”
As expected, Mr. Gu was captivated by Katherine, his gaze lingering on her.
Katherine, in no way shy, deliberately exposed herself to Mr. Gu’s gaze.
“Mr. Gu, I believe you know my purpose. I wish to represent our company and reach a collaboration with you.” Katherine got straight to the point.
Mr. Gu chuckled, “I’ve never doubted your company’s sincerity, but… Miss Katherine, you must have just taken on this project, and I have no knowledge of your business capabilities.”
Katherine quickly explained, “Mr. Gu, while I may not have prior experience in this type of project, it doesn’t mean I can’t do it well. Moreover, I believe that a shrewd businessman like yourself, through our collaboration, will quickly understand my abilities.”
As she spoke, Katherine deliberately shifted closer to Mr. Gu, and sure enough, his eyes were fully drawn to her.
“Mr. Gu, I must secure this project,” Katherine said, giving him a flirtatious glance. “Mr. Gu, please trust me.”
Katherine’s demeanor made Mr. Gu somewhat restless. He took a sip of tea to conceal his emotions.
However, Katherine noticed this action and inwardly rejoiced. This Mr. Gu wasn’t as difficult to handle as she thought. Indeed, using her beauty was sufficient.
“In that case, I can agree to collaborate with your company.”
As expected, Mr. Gu agreed to Katherine’s collaboration proposal.
“Thank you, Mr. Gu.” Katherine had anticipated needing to exert more effort but was surprised by how quickly the deal was struck.
Given the numerous competitors for this project, her actions were already a significant part of the success. Once this news spread within the company, it would be enough to bring her considerable acclaim.
“Then, Mr. Gu, I’ll…” Katherine stood up, preparing to leave, but Mr. Gu called out to her.
“Miss Katherine, please wait.”
Mr. Gu signaled to his assistant, who soon entered the room.
“Mr. Gu, I’ve ordered the food.”
Katherine was a little surprised. “Mr. Gu, is this…?”
She had only intended to use the venue for their discussion and hadn't planned to have dinner with him. She hadn't expected Mr. Gu to proactively invite her.
“We are now partners, so this meal is on me, a celebration of our successful collaboration.”
Hearing this, Katherine didn’t refuse. “Alright, since Mr. Gu insists, I’ll gratefully accept.”
“Come, let’s have a drink, to our project,” Mr. Gu said, pouring a full glass of wine for Katherine.
Katherine hadn't intended to drink, and she knew very well what could happen if she became intoxicated under the control of this lecher. Thus, she hesitated.
Seeing Katherine’s prolonged hesitation, Mr. Gu appeared displeased. “What is it, Miss Katherine? We are partners now, are you not even going to give me this face?”
Katherine gritted her teeth and finally accepted the glass, downing it in one gulp.
“That’s more like it,” Mr. Gu said, pouring her another glass. “This one is to wish our project smooth sailing.”
Katherine looked up at Mr. Gu, his gaze irresistible.
Katherine took a deep breath and finally accepted the glass, drinking it down in one go again.
Even though she knew how precarious her situation was, she had no other path to retreat.