"What bet?" Hong Jianjun asked Wang Yu curiously.
"Bet on whether I can win," Wang Yu chuckled at Hong Jianjun.
"Does this even need a bet?" Hong Jianjun looked at Wang Yu as if he were a madman.
To forgo 500,000 yuan right in front of him and still aim for 10 million was the epitome of a frog in a well, a classic example of overestimating oneself. It was unlikely such a foolishly greedy person could be persuaded. Alas, his own plans were ruined; this 500,000 yuan would be lost!
"I thought your arrogant claims were already quite presumptuous. I just didn't realize you had such little self-awareness. You became the head of some small, broken factory, and after a few days in leadership, you've become so arrogant you don't know your place.
Do you know what it means to try and stop a chariot with a mantis's arm, or shake a tree with a mayfly's strength?"
Wang Yu shrugged dismissively at Hong Jianjun's contemptuous gaze. "Just tell me, are you in or out?"
"In! Of course, I'll bet. Since an old classmate is in such a mood." Hong Jianjun gritted his teeth. Since Wang Yu refused to concede, the 500,000 yuan he had already bet was lost. He might as well try to get something from Wang Yu. After all, even a mosquito's leg is still meat.
"Alright, what's the bet?"
"Don't worry, we're old classmates. I won't make it too difficult for you. If I win, you just need to..." Wang Yu whispered something into Hong Jianjun's ear.
"What? Are you crazy!" Hong Jianjun suddenly jumped up and paced back and forth, clearly agitated.
"You lunatic, you're a lunatic!"
Hong Jianjun muttered to himself, looking at Wang Yu.
"So, are you betting or not? It's not that difficult for you, is it?" Wang Yu asked with a smile.
"I'll bet! Why wouldn't I? Then what if you lose?" Hong Jianjun scoffed, looking at Wang Yu.
"If I lose, this money is yours," Wang Yu smiled slightly and took out two neat stacks of brand-new bills from the brown paper bag he carried.
This was the order payment he had received from Li Mo earlier. He had stopped by the bank on his way back to exchange it for new bills. The brown paper bag was also a gift from the bank, as he couldn't just carry cash around ostentatiously.
Seeing a stack of "old men's heads" (referring to the portrait of Mao Zedong on the 100-yuan bill) in front of him, Hong Jianjun's eyes revealed a look of intense greed.
Judging by the thickness, one stack must be about 10,000 yuan, so two stacks would be 20,000 yuan. Where did this guy get such a large sum of money?
Could it be that he had sold off his factory's equipment and abused his power? That made sense; otherwise, that car factory wouldn't be rumored to be on the verge of bankruptcy.
Thinking of this, Hong Jianjun suddenly understood and looked at Wang Yu with a pitying expression.
"When heaven wants to destroy a man, it first makes him mad." This guy must have gone crazy. It's no wonder his thinking is so different from a normal person's!
"Since you're so eager to give me money, I'll bet."
"Good. In that case, words are not enough, let's make it a written agreement."
"No problem, I'm just afraid you won't honor it!"
...
The next day, Wang Yu and Wu Lingling woke up early and went to the Hailan Grand Hotel together.
This was the only five-star hotel in the provincial capital, a very rare and luxurious establishment for its time.
The Hailan Grand Hotel was already crowded, a sea of people. To use a cliché, it was a bustling scene with resounding drums and gongs.
Media from all over the country and even overseas had swarmed in, their cameras and equipment blocking the surroundings, all trying to get the first-hand scoop.
After all, Qinglu Group, a multinational corporation, was openly challenging an unknown small car factory, even offering a 10 million yuan bounty for a technical problem, and featuring a competition between foreign doctors and local experts.
Any one of these elements was enough to create explosive, eye-catching news!
The local officials of Guangjiang Province were also energized and paid great attention.
Qinglu Group was a key target for investment attraction, a major benefactor to be courted.
Moreover, they had attracted so many international friends. Such a grand event was a rare opportunity to gain exposure, a perfect chance to promote the entire Guangjiang Province nationwide, even across the entire Eastern Continent or the world.
How could the various government officials miss such an opportunity? They immediately took on all the reception and organizational work!
Therefore, in addition to local, national, and overseas media reporters, there were also numerous government staff, and even public security personnel to maintain order.
The scene was truly grand!
As soon as Wang Yu and Wu Lingling arrived, they were noticed and the news spread, attracting everyone's attention.
"They're here, finally they're here!"
"One of the protagonists of this competition has arrived!"
"Is this the presumptuous guy? He's indeed as young as the rumors say. Young and inexperienced!"
"Alas, he's going to embarrass himself in front of the whole world. I just hope he doesn't lose too badly!"
"Heh, what kind of ability can a clown who seeks to attract attention have? I'm afraid he won't even be able to say a word out of nervousness!"
...
Amidst the various murmurs, Wang Yu paid them no mind. Having lived two lives, his composure was very stable. He walked calmly into the lobby of the Hailan Grand Hotel, which had been converted into a large hall. Microphones, sound systems, posters, banners, and display stands were all meticulously set up, creating a grand atmosphere!
Beside him, Wu Lingling's expression was also calm as she linked her arm with his, and they slowly entered. Along the way, she nodded and smiled at those they passed.
It had to be said, they looked quite presentable in this formal setting, thanks to the clothes Wu Yuanhang had gifted them.
"Is that him?"
From a corner of the crowd, Wang Jin, the manager of the Jiangyang County Department Store, his eyes slightly changed as he looked at Wang Yu, the center of everyone's attention, his face turning grim.
He had met this person once before, someone he had looked down upon, and now he was the main character of the event. No wonder he had said they would meet again soon.
"What's wrong, Xiao Wang?" Yang Wanli, the general manager of the provincial department store, looked at Wang Jin.
"It's nothing, boss! Isn't that Wang Yu from the car factory? The one you said you wanted to ostracize before," Wang Jin tidied his thoughts and said slowly.
"Heh heh, that's right. A little guy who got a bit of success and became arrogant beyond his wildest dreams," Yang Wanli chuckled and then said to Wang Jin with a sincere tone,
"He's just a clown seeking attention. The reason we're attending this competition today, besides watching the show, is to network with prominent figures from all walks of life. I'm bringing you along because I have high hopes for you. Don't let me down!"
Hearing Yang Wanli's words, Wang Jin immediately put on a grateful expression. "I promise not to let you down!"
Then, his gaze shifted to Wang Yu, filled with schadenfreude. No matter how smug you seem now, surrounded by attention, once your true colors are revealed and you lose the competition, let's see you cry!
As for the possibility of Wang Yu winning?
In the minds of Wang Jin, his boss Yang Wanli, and everyone else, there was no possibility whatsoever!
"Quiet!"
Finally, under the expectant gaze of everyone, a spotlight focused on a graceful figure.