Chapter 15: Underestimating You

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The next morning, Yao Shan rose early and carefully selected a professional outfit, preparing to visit Pei Qizhou’s company in the best possible state.

Although she had been married to Pei Qizhou for many years, this was the first time she had ever set foot inside his company.

Naturally, no one there knew who she was.

“Hello, miss. Do you have an appointment?” the receptionist asked with a smile.

“I’m from Star River Group. Could you please check?” Yao Shan gave the name of her own company.

The receptionist nodded politely and looked through the appointment records. Then she raised her head and said, “Please wait a moment. I’ll contact them for you.”

She picked up the phone and dialed an internal number. A moment later, she hung up and smiled at Yao Shan.

“Miss Yao, you may go straight up. The conference room on the fifteenth floor is ready for you.”

Yao Shan nodded and walked toward the elevator. When the doors slowly opened, she stepped inside and pressed the button for the fifteenth floor.

As the elevator climbed, her heartbeat quickened. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

When the elevator reached the fifteenth floor, the doors slowly opened again.

Yao Shan stepped out into a spacious, brightly lit corridor. At the far end stood a conference room enclosed by glass walls.

She straightened her clothes and walked toward it with determined steps.

Inside, Pei Qizhou was already seated at one end of the long table. His eyes were fixed on the documents in his hands, and he appeared focused and composed.

When Yao Shan entered the room, he lifted his head, and their gazes met.

Pei Qizhou was visibly stunned. He had not expected Yao Shan to be the person coming.

“Good morning, Mr. Pei. I’m from Star River Group,” Yao Shan said as she handed him her business card.

It was as though the two of them had never known each other at all.

Pei Qizhou accepted the card. His gaze lingered on it for a moment before he looked back at Yao Shan.

A complicated emotion flickered through his eyes, but he quickly regained his professional composure.

“Please sit, Miss Yao.” Pei Qizhou gestured toward the seat opposite him, his tone devoid of emotion.

Yao Shan nodded and sat down, doing her best to appear calm and unruffled.

She knew the negotiations ahead would be extremely difficult, but she also understood that this was her opportunity to prove herself.

“Our Star River Group attaches great importance to this cooperation,” Yao Shan began. Her voice was clear and resolute. “We hope to establish a long-term and stable partnership with Pei Group.”

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Pei Qizhou listened, nodding occasionally, but his eyes never left Yao Shan.

He was surprised by her appearance, yet as the company’s president, he had to remain professional.

“We’re very interested in Star River Group’s proposal,” Pei Qizhou finally said. “However, what you’ve described doesn’t seem particularly detailed, Miss Yao.”

It was obvious that Pei Qizhou was deliberately making things difficult for her.

Yao Shan was not shaken by his criticism. She had anticipated that something like this might happen.

She took a detailed proposal from her briefcase and handed it to him.

“This is our complete proposal, including market analysis, projected returns, and the proposed cooperation model.”

Confidence rang in Yao Shan’s voice. “We believe that through the joint efforts of both sides, we can achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.”

Pei Qizhou accepted the proposal and began reading it carefully.

A brief silence fell over the conference room. The only sound was the rustling of turning pages echoing through the air.

Yao Shan used the opportunity to study Pei Qizhou’s reactions, trying to discern something from his expression.

After a moment, Pei Qizhou looked up.

“Yao Shan, I truly underestimated you.”

There was a hint of praise in his words, but Yao Shan knew it was merely part of the negotiation.

Maintaining her professional smile, she replied, “Thank you for your recognition, Mr. Pei. Star River Group has always been committed to providing the highest-quality services and products.”

Pei Qizhou’s gaze returned to the proposal. His brows drew together slightly, as though he were deep in thought.

Yao Shan knew he was weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the proposal and assessing the feasibility of the cooperation.

“This proposal is indeed quite appealing,” Pei Qizhou finally said. “But we need further guarantees to ensure that the partnership proceeds smoothly.”

Yao Shan nodded. She was prepared to handle all kinds of questions.

“Star River Group is willing to provide the necessary support and resources to ensure that the project is completed on time and to the required standard,” she said firmly.

A hint of approval flashed in Pei Qizhou’s eyes. He seemed satisfied with Yao Shan’s professional attitude.

“Very good,” he said. “Pei Group will give this cooperation serious consideration. However, I have one requirement.”

“Please go ahead, Mr. Pei.” Yao Shan remained tense throughout.

“You will be responsible for everything related to this project from now on.” Pei Qizhou placed the documents on the table and looked at Yao Shan with evident interest.

This was also his way of keeping her by his side.

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“Mr. Pei, I’m only responsible for the negotiations.” Yao Shan lowered her head, doing her best not to meet his eyes.

She knew perfectly well that this was a personal demand directed at her by Pei Qizhou, unrelated to the company.

Yao Shan’s refusal caused Pei Qizhou’s brows to knit tightly. Clearly, he had not expected her to respond that way.

The atmosphere in the conference room grew tense, but Yao Shan remained composed.

“I understand how seriously you take this project, Mr. Pei. However, project management is not currently part of my job responsibilities,” Yao Shan explained. There was not the slightest hesitation in her voice.

Pei Qizhou was silent for a moment before slowly saying, “Then I’ll have to think it over carefully.” There was a faint threat in his tone.

Yao Shan knew she had to stand her ground. She could not allow her personal feelings to affect her company’s interests.

She drew a deep breath, preparing to face whatever challenge came next.

“Mr. Pei, I believe your company has enough capable people to manage this project. As the negotiation representative, I have fulfilled my responsibilities.”

Yao Shan’s voice was firm and clear, and her eyes held unwavering confidence.

“Once you’ve reached a decision, you can contact our manager. I’ll be leaving now.”

She no longer wished to remain there.

“Would you like to have lunch together?” Pei Qizhou asked.

“Mr. Pei, it’s still working hours.” Yao Shan declined with a polite smile.

For both professional and personal reasons, she had no desire to dine with Pei Qizhou.

Yao Shan rose, adjusted her clothes, and gave Pei Qizhou a slight nod in farewell.

Then she turned and walked toward the conference room door, her steps firm and utterly without hesitation.

Pei Qizhou watched her retreating figure. His expression was complicated, but in the end, he said nothing more.

Once she left the conference room, Yao Shan felt a wave of relief. At the same time, she realized that the end of the negotiations did not mean the end of the challenge.

She knew Pei Qizhou was a shrewd businessman. He would not easily abandon what he wanted.