Collaborating with a major enterprise like the Qin Corporation, the material suppliers wore particularly evident smiles.
However, this negotiation did not go smoothly.
Even though a preliminary intention to cooperate had been established during previous discussions, today was supposed to be solely for signing contracts. This was precisely why Xiao Konglin had requested Qin Ningyi's personal attendance.
But the material suppliers' attitude today was quite peculiar.
The prices they quoted far exceeded their maximum expectations.
"We apologize, Mr. Qin." After several exchanges, the material suppliers shook their heads, offered polite closing remarks, and left one by one.
Qin Ningyi glanced at his watch and then at the retreating figures of the material suppliers.
"Mr. Qin..." Xiao Konglin's breathing was uneven.
Qin Ningyi's eyes were a pitch-black void. He fixed a deep gaze on Xiao Konglin.
Xiao Konglin understood the unspoken message. "Mr. Qin, I'll investigate immediately."
After the material suppliers left the company, a buzz spread among the staff of Qin's Skincare.
"Did you hear? The collaboration fell through!"
"Heard about it. And I heard that Assistant Xiao came out of the conference room with so much sweat, he could have washed his hair."
"Terrible. Just as Mr. Qin returns, this happens. The product department is doomed."
While some gossiped mockingly, others were indignant.
"They were all so agreeable before. It was an honor for them to cooperate with our Qin Corporation! Everyone knows Qin Corporation has the strictest requirements. Being recognized by Qin Corporation would have opened up wider avenues for them in the future!"
"What kind of people are these? They made us work overtime all last night."
"That's nothing. I slept at the office last night!"
The product department staff, with their tired faces, grumbled mournfully.
Sister Hua, tucking her hair, walked over. Seeing the crowd, she joined in. "What are you all talking about??"
"Sister Hua, you don't know yet? The collaboration is off!"
Sister Hua's pupils widened. "They didn't sign?"
"No!"
"Then all our work yesterday!" Sister Hua slapped her thigh. "What were they unhappy about? The budget we offered was very generous!"
"Never mind, never mind." Sister Hua shook her head as soon as she finished slapping her thigh, her curly hair trembling. "This is a matter for the company to consider. Our task is done anyway, and no one can fault me for it."
This gossip wasn't her preferred kind. Sister Hua took out her phone and opened her matching game. "There's nothing to worry about now. I'll just clear today's levels first."
She returned to her workstation and hunched over her desk, swiping the screen.
The others watched her play her phone with such carefree abandon and shook their heads. "This Sister Hua, truly has the best mindset. She even had time for a romantic night out after being so busy yesterday."
Sister Hua paid no mind to their chatter. She had used up her daily attempts and started watching advertisements.
In the afternoon, just as Qin Ningyi finished lunch after a video call with An An, Xiao Konglin knocked and entered.
"Mr. Qin, I found out."
The situation, while seemingly coincidental, was almost too coincidental.
The material suppliers had barely left Qin Corporation's premises when they were contacted by i
Qin Ningyi seemed unsurprised. "Their requirements are consistent with ours?"
Xiao Konglin swallowed. As far as he knew...
"Yes."
"Heh." Qin Ningyi leaned back, his eyes filled with coldness. "The new product development speed of this im company is indeed as fast as that of bdd."
"Ah?" Xiao Konglin was unaware of the bdd situation. Hearing Qin Ningyi's remark, his expression shifted.
Not receiving any clarification from Qin Ningyi, he voiced his own thoughts. "Today was too strange. It wasn't just the material suppliers; it was as if im knew what we needed. Mr. Qin, perhaps I should investigate internally. It's possible someone has been bribed..."
Although a thorough check had recently been conducted, the current situation forced him to suspect.
Qin Ningyi nodded, but a question lingered in his mind.
Perhaps it wasn't that simple.
Much like the cyberattack Qin Corporation had recently suffered...
"Have the people from the security center come to my office."