Xu Zheng's sole objective today was to win over President Fu, so he didn't insist on Zhan Jingrui staying.
Hearing him say that, He Yao felt a bit surprised. Since he had come, why would he leave now?
However, it was better that he left.
She felt uncomfortable being stared at while playing chess; leaving would allow her to perform normally.
Neither of them looked at each other. After speaking, Zhan Jingrui rode away like a shooting star.
The other three politely entered the inner room.
Xu Zheng chose a beautiful place to please President Fu, with antique decor that perfectly complemented the mood for chess.
President Fu was a man of few words. Xu Zheng had hoped He Yao would speak more, but He Yao remained silent throughout.
The two played back and forth quietly. The game of chess lasted for over an hour and still wasn't finished.
Xu Zheng couldn't understand the game and had to sit by and keep him company, his eyelids growing heavy with drowsiness.
Finally, just as he was about to fall asleep, the game concluded.
President Fu laughed heartily, looking at He Yao with an appreciative gaze.
"Not bad, you play with great skill. Little He, I didn't realize you were so formidable. The younger generation is truly to be feared."
He Yao had played the game with great trepidation.
She had to let President Fu win, but she also couldn't make it too easy for him. It had taken a lot of brainpower, and yet, he had still seen through it.
She smiled and offered a polite response, "Not at all. President Fu was clearly the superior player, and I concede defeat wholeheartedly."
President Fu waved his hand, "I merely intended to pass the time, but I didn't expect to find someone knowledgeable. My chess appetite, dormant for so many years, has been reawakened."
"You, don't be so formal with me. Play as you normally would, how about another round between us?"
He Yao smiled and said, "I was playing as I normally would. I am truly no match for you."
"There's no need to tell me such falsehoods; I'm not so senile as to believe that."
President Fu reset the chessboard.
"The greatest respect you can show me is to not play games. Come, let's continue."
Xu Zheng quickly interjected,
"It's almost lunchtime. President Fu, you must be hungry, right? Why don't we have lunch before continuing?"
"I just had breakfast, and we haven't exerted ourselves. How could I be hungry? Or are you two hungry?"
"I'm not hungry either," He Yao agreed. "In that case, let's begin."
The two found worthy opponents in each other and started a new game.
With President Fu's encouragement, He Yao played with much more ease this time, without reservations. In less than an hour, President Fu was defeated.
President Fu laughed loudly, "Your skills are impressive. It's just that I was careless just now, and made a wrong move. I'm not entirely convinced. Let's play another round."
The two played another.
One game ended, then another.
They skipped lunch and played all afternoon until President Fu, having had his fill, felt a bit weary and finally decided to stop.
"Today has been incredibly enjoyable. You've successfully satisfied my gaming itch. Little He, if you don't mind, I'd like to count you as a chess companion. Shall we arrange to meet again on weekends if you have time?"
Xu Zheng couldn't have been happier and quickly accepted on He Yao's behalf.
"That would be wonderful. It's an honor for He Yao to have a chess companion like you, a distinguished figure. President Fu, dinner is arranged. Let's eat."
President Fu knew that Xu Zheng was so eager to arrange the chess match precisely to curry favor with him.
Since they had accompanied him all day, he couldn't refuse without appearing ungracious.
They opted for a quiet restaurant, ordering simple home-style dishes, as President Fu requested a casual meal.
They didn't discuss work during the meal. President Fu inquired about He Yao's background, and the rest of the conversation revolved around chess, making for a pleasant dinner.
The banquet concluded before eight o'clock. Xu Zheng escorted President Fu home, and at the doorstep, he finally managed to get President Fu's contact information, making it easier to arrange future games.
The day ended successfully.
On the way back, Xu Zheng was quite pleased.
"He Yao performed well today. Although it didn't reach the heights I desired, she at least didn't displease President Fu, and even got his contact information. That's good."
"If you work harder in the future and cultivate this relationship, getting him to become our ally will be only a matter of time."
He Yao wasn't as happy as he was.
"President Fu isn't foolish. Can't he tell what your intentions are? The fact that he gave you his contact information is merely out of politeness today; it doesn't mean he's willing to become our ally or ease up on you in work matters."
"I think we still need to rely on our own capabilities. Even if they make things easier, we shouldn't embarrass them."
"That's natural. I understand that much. The results from Monday will be out soon. As long as your work preparations are in order, we'll definitely succeed."
Xu Zheng said, "Let's start with a small project first, and then take it step by step. We'll land bigger deals in the future."
The weekend passed in a blink. On Monday, the procurement officer informed Xu Zheng that the preliminary review was approved, and he needed to bring someone for an on-site audit.
After a day of busy work, there were basically no issues. After completing some paperwork, they could move on to business negotiations.
On Tuesday, Xu Zheng received another response from the procurement officer.
The performance of a certain product was somewhat unstable, and the technical department needed to conduct experimental tests, asking him to send someone to observe.
Xu Zheng didn't dare to delay and immediately took He Yao to Zhan's Group.
The procurement officer scheduled a time with the engineer responsible for that type of product, and they all went to the laboratory for testing.
After a series of operations, the experimental results would take several hours to come out. Xu Zheng had other matters to attend to. Hearing He Yao say that there were no issues and the operation process was very smooth, he decided to leave He Yao there alone.
"I'm leaving now. You stay here by yourself. Be sweet-mouthed, be observant, and build good relationships with everyone. Even if there are minor issues, they won't mind. Inform me as soon as the results are out."
He Yao waited in the laboratory. Soon, it was lunchtime, and an engineer came over to greet her.
"It's lunchtime. I'm going to the cafeteria to eat. How will you have your lunch?"
He Yao said, "You go and eat quickly. I had breakfast late, so I'm not hungry."
"That won't do. Even if you're not hungry, you should eat. Even if it's just a little."
The technical department was mostly a group of men, and they rarely encountered a female counterpart, especially a beautiful one. After interacting with her all morning, they developed a very good impression of He Yao.
However, they felt it wouldn't be appropriate to invite her out for a meal alone on their first meeting.
"Why don't you eat in our cafeteria? Lunch is free. Just swipe my card."
"Our company's catering is quite good; please don't think less of it."
Since they spoke so kindly, how could He Yao refuse? She followed the engineer to the cafeteria.
It was her first time there, and she was unfamiliar with everything. The engineer was very attentive, always walking ahead and guiding her.
He even held her tray for her while she was getting her food.
He Yao felt a bit embarrassed, "I can do it. You're troubling yourself too much."
"It's no trouble. Would you like some soup? The seaweed and egg drop soup is always good. I'll get this. How about you get two bowls of soup?"
He Yao agreed. Turning around, she saw two large barrels with faucets on a table by the window. People were queuing there, so she joined the queue to get soup.