While excusing herself to the restroom, Wei Yumeng pulled Zhan Mohan to a corner.
"Mohan, are you really going to do this?" Wei Yumeng sounded worried. "Isn't your wager too high? If the competition is lost, we'll really lose a third of the market here."
The more Wei Yumeng thought about it, the more it felt wrong. She truly didn't want the Zhan Group to take such a massive risk.
Despite Wei Yumeng's intense nervousness, Zhan Mohan's gaze towards her was calm.
"Do you know what our current posture looks like to others?"
This completely irrelevant question startled Wei Yumeng. She then noticed several passersby giving them suggestive glances. She had, in fact, pinned Zhan Mohan against the wall.
Wei Yumeng finally reacted and released Ye Sihan. "I was just anxious, I didn't mean anything else."
Zhan Mohan chuckled. He didn't mind being wall-pinned by Wei Yumeng a few more times.
"Still nervous?"
Wei Yumeng realized that precisely because Zhan Mohan had caused this slight commotion, she felt less worried.
"I understand what you mean," Zhan Mohan continued. "But this is a great opportunity for the Zhan Group. If we wait until Yubei officially expands their corporate culture into Pengcheng, what we'll lose then might be much more than this."
Wei Yumeng frowned. Was the Yubei Group really that formidable?
"There's something else I think I should tell you." Zhan Mohan looked at Wei Yumeng. "Actually, my coming here today isn't just to make that bet, I have another plan..."
At this moment, Fang Xun was in the lobby of an auction house.
He checked the time. Only five minutes remained until the official auction. Zhan Mohan's instructions were clear: he had to win the item being auctioned today.
It was a shop located in a bustling downtown area, a prime spot many businesses had their eyes on. This location held exceptional value for the Zhan Group.
Before coming here, Fang Xun had already investigated information about the auction. Based on his analysis, the only competitor the Zhan Group would face today was the Yubei family from out of town. If his assessment was correct, the other party intended to use this crucial location to sell and promote their products, taking their first step to infiltrate Pengcheng's business circle.
Although the Zhan Group had already penetrated every corner of Pengcheng's commerce, there was no single group in the region whose strength could compare to theirs. The emergence of the Yubei family undoubtedly represented a shift. If the other party succeeded, the Zhan Group would face unprecedented trouble.
Fang Xun took a deep breath. No matter what, he had to secure the final bid today.
Wei Yumeng was slightly taken aback after hearing Zhan Mohan's words. "You mean, the auction today is the main event?"
Zhan Mohan nodded. "I think the reason he's not at the auction today is because he's more curious about the outcome of Jinzhi's chess match. However, even so, he must have sent someone to participate."
Wei Yumeng was momentarily confused about what kind of person Yubei was, to abandon such an important matter for a mere bet.
"However, since he's here, it means he can't resolve any other issues at the auction in a timely manner," Wei Yumeng could only think of this advantage for their side.
"So, that's why he invited me here today," Zhan Mohan explained. "At this auction, only our two families have the highest chance of acquiring the final item."
Wei Yumeng had initially thought Zhan Mohan came because he was worried about Zhan Jinzhi. Now, it seemed there were more intricate layers to this. She finally understood. The two of them, under the guise of a bet over a chess game, were actually targeting the ongoing auction. They had both used the chess game as a reason to keep the other party occupied, ensuring that any issues that might arise at the auction would solely fall upon the people they sent. Ultimately, who would win the bid remained uncertain. Furthermore, since Zhan Jinzhi was the one competing, Zhan Mohan might be more worried, potentially causing him to miss the auction. Perhaps, in Yubei's eyes, this approach would make his auction proceed much more smoothly.
Both of them had to wait for the outcome of the chess match, and equally, for the outcome of the auction.
After talking with Zhan Mohan, Wei Yumeng's mood became even heavier. Both the chess match and the auction were completely uncertain events.
"Don't worry, I have confidence in Jinzhi," Zhan Mohan reassured her.
"Of course, I have confidence in Jinzhi too, but... but there are exceptions to everything," Wei Yumeng nervously clutched the hem of her clothes.
Zhan Mohan, however, stated firmly, "Rest assured, I will not lose on either side."
It took a long time for them to return to the private room. Yubei seemed unfazed.
"Indeed, those who have a wife are different. They even have the mood to care about their wife's feelings at a time like this."
Zhan Mohan deliberately put his arm around Wei Yumeng in front of Yubei. "I've always believed that someone who can take good care of their family can also take good care of their company."
Hearing this theory, Yubei merely smiled without a word.
At this moment, the chess match outside officially began.
"Kid, you'd better be prepared. Our brother here has defeated all the Go experts in Pengcheng. He hasn't lost for almost a year."
The opponent also said, "I've defeated my 499th opponent this year. If I win against you, it will be my 500th, and I will achieve my short-term goal."
Zhan Jinzhi calmly replied, "Then, it seems your short-term goal will be thoroughly shattered today."
"What did you say?" The opponent, hearing this, was completely indignant.
"Was my previous statement not clear enough?" Zhan Jinzhi still spoke calmly.
But it was precisely his nonchalant demeanor that angered the opponent even more.
"You've got quite an ego, kid. But I absolutely won't give you a chance to win today!"
Zhan Jinzhi said no more and took his seat, awaiting the start of the match.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our competition is about to begin. In the past, we've always played by the best-of-three rule. However, today, we will decide the winner in a single game."
"What?" Qiu Shaoyi felt a surge of panic upon hearing the suddenly changed rule. If it were best-of-three, they would at least have the first game to gauge the opponent's strategy, allowing them to devise the most suitable approach in subsequent games. But now, with a single game deciding the outcome, they had no room for error.
Perhaps sensing Qiu Shaoyi's tension, Zhan Jinzhi looked at him. "I said I would help you rescue your sister, and I will."