140: The bidding will definitely win or lose, and Chen Jiawei will lose 20 million! - The Rich Second-Generation Villain With No Morals

"Jin Er, your friend is quite the daredevil, coming to a bidding convention completely unprepared," Chen Jia Wei said with a slight smirk, his expression a mix of ridicule and amusement as the host announced that Qi Lin hadn't even submitted a design proposal. "Isn't he just a typical spoiled second-generation rich kid waiting for handouts? This is normal, isn't it?" Yu Jin quipped with a playful look. "You shouldn't say that. Everyone has their own value. Didn't your dad recently seek their family's help? I think being friends with him is quite advantageous," Chen Jia Wei replied with a mild smile. On the surface, it seemed like he was defending Qi Lin, but his intentions were the same as Wang Cheng's at the time—use Qi Lin as a useful child, then discard him. Qi Lin became the focal point of the crowd, drawing curious, sarcastic, or mocking glances. Yet, he maintained a laid-back smile. "Hey, Zhang Man love," Qi Lin said into his phone to Zhang Man, whose face remained calmly composed, but internally, gleeful. It seemed that this little brat couldn't hold back any longer and reached out to her. Evidently, gaining full control of the company wasn't far off now. "Once I get on stage, go find Boss Ou with the Mediterranean hairstyle. Just inform him that someone plans to mess with his car and keep an eye on it," Qi Lin uttered cryptically before turning to Chen Shu Yi with a smile. "Let's go. Bring everything I asked you to take along." "Alright~" Zhang Man was momentarily taken aback, realizing Qi Lin showed no signs of seeking assistance. Chen Shu Yi's face displayed numbness. Despite the scoundrel's antics, she had no choice but to accompany him. After all, when humiliation struck, the attention would be on Qi Lin, the boss—not on her, the little secretary. Thus, Qi Lin rose and, under the scrutiny of those present, strode to the center stage. "Mr. Qi, are you ready?" the host asked, curious as Qi Lin ascended with his secretary. "I'm not forgetting to bring the design book; I simply stored all of it here," Qi Lin said with a smile, pointing to his head. "Alright, little secretary, hurry to the projector and set up the diagrams," Qi Lin instructed Chen Shu Yi. Uncertain of Qi Lin's intentions, Chen Shu Yi could only obey, placing a pristine sheet of white drafting paper on the projector's glass table as intrigued eyes watched her. Qi Lin then stepped onto the glass stage, preparing to demonstrate an astonishing skill granted by his rebirth. Back in the year 547, before the Central Tower in Magic City was completed, the Xiaoman Waist Tower in Lingnan City stood as China's tallest structure. Using nothing but a piece of paper and a pencil, Qi Lin sketched a comprehensive panorama of the future Xiaoman Waist TV Tower, its surrounding CBD central business district, and the Pearl River, capturing the grand vista of Zhujiang New Town. This was Qi Lin's intention: to provide the onlookers with a clear understanding of the tower's potential magnificence once finished. In under ten minutes, Qi Lin completed the draft. As he placed the pencil down, the venue fell into a hushed silence. Standing beside him, Chen Shu Yi gazed at him in utter disbelief. Below, Zhang Man displayed a mix of shock and self-deprecation. When shown the Rose Bay No. 172 design plans by Chen Shu Yi, Zhang Man initially assumed Qi Lin had taken credit for someone else's work. An architectural graduate with proficient sketching and design skills, Zhang Man had made millions for "City People." Yet now, against Qi Lin's prowess, self-doubt crept in. There's always someone better, a height beyond imagination. At eighteen, Qi Lin shattered Zhang Man's worldview. "No wonder Qi Lin didn't ask for my help. Their design proficiency is so strong; they simply don't need me," Zhang Man mused wryly. "I've named this work 'Xiaoman Waist,' representing the Lingnan aesthetic. It's akin to a young woman rediscovering her youthful charm," Qi Lin explained enthusiastically on stage. The eight jurors nodded frequently in approval. This creation, by a Dutch designer couple, was undeniably groundbreaking. The 76 competing designs were bland and uninspired, lacking the shock value of the Xiaoman Waist Tower. Watching the scene unfold, Chen Jia Wei's expression darkened significantly, devoid of his earlier faint smile. At this point, Zhang Man recalled Qi Lin's instructions. With nobody watching, Zhang Man approached Boss Ou to whisper a few words. Boss Ou glanced at Qi Lin on stage, visibly displeased. "Send my regards to your boss. If this holds true, I'll remember his kind gesture," Boss Ou told Zhang Man. Smiling, Zhang Man nodded and returned to his seat, questions swirling inwardly. "Could it really be as the brat said, that someone's planning to tamper with Boss Ou's car? If not, and he misjudged, it'd be an intentional affront. Not something 'City People' can afford." On stage, Qi Lin finished speaking with a casual smile, signaling the host to proceed. The host picked up the microphone and, smiling, said, "Thank you, Mr. Qi, for showcasing exquisite drawing skills and excellent design techniques. The judging panel will now provide their verdict on this design proposal." Every designer and company present turned their attention to the eight judges. They sensed a new record might be on the brink of creation. Indeed! Smiling, the eight judges exchanged glances and then raised the round voting panels, indicating unanimous satisfaction with Qi Lin's design work. "Wow!" Disbelief washed over the designers as the outcome became apparent. No one imagined that an unknown company, fronted by a seemingly eighteen-year-old boy, would win the bid. "Damn, how is this possible? Where did this kid learn to hide such talent? Jin Er, didn't you say he was just a rich kid without any knowledge?" For the Chen family, untold sums had been spent for a guaranteed win, where anything less than the highest vote count would result in their project being overlooked. Chen Jia Wei engaged one of the country's most renowned architects yet found his meticulous plans derailed by this mere child. "I don't know; I haven't seen him for years. He's just a high school senior. How could he know all this?" Yu Jin's face hinted at a forced smile, taken off guard by these developments. "The Chen family's efforts can't be wasted just like that," Chen Jia Wei stated determinedly, "Ali!" "Boss?" Ali responded promptly. "Before the bidding ends, discreetly ensure something happens to that kid's car brakes. Be quiet and don't let anyone see you," he ordered coldly. Yu Jin heard his words, eyes filled with fear, though she hesitated and chose silence. "I understand, boss," Ali acknowledged, leaving the venue. As Chen Jia Wei's bodyguard, Ali was both bold and careful. Early on, he noted where Qi Lin's Mercedes was parked, but the plate wasn't clear in the night—the position would suffice. Outside the venue, he entered the parking lot, slipped under Qi Lin's Mercedes, and quickly performed his task. "Done!" he thought, smiling. But rising beneath the hood, his body froze, laughter suffocating. At that moment, two guns pointed at his head, wielded by well-dressed bodyguards fixing him in their steely gaze. Inside, the venue buzzed. "Congratulations to City People Design Company's Mr. Qi for winning this bid. Shortly, the Mayor of Lingnan City will personally meet Mr. Qi," the host said warmly, confirming the selection of Qi Lin’s work by the city government. With the meeting now concluded, renowned designers and companies mingled, congratulating Qi Lin and exchanging business cards, including a notably awkward Chen Jia Wei. "Congratulations on your successful bid," Chen Jia Wei extended his hand. "Truly, your drawing skills were impressive." Qi Lin's eyes gleamed with a trace of mockery: "Brother Jia Wei, none can surpass your flattery skills," he retorted cynically. "Big thanks to Yu Jin for her cheers and support from below—without her, my performance wouldn't have been as stellar." At the mention of this, Qi Lin ignored the glare from Yu Jin, grasping her soft hands and giving them a gentle squeeze. Witnessing Chen Jia Wei's suspicious expression, Yu Jin flushed with a mix of embarrassment and irritation, shaking free of Qi Lin's grasp. "Qi Lin, stop talking nonsense, will you? Who's been sending you private messages? You're just full of yourself." Chen Jia Wei, of course, wasn't easily swayed by Qi Lin's instigations. Knowing that Ali had already moved Qi Lin's car, he simply laughed, "Jin Er, don't be so upset. Brother Qi Lin is just joking around." "And Qi Lin bro, you'll soon be called to meet the leader of Lingnan City, so I won't intrude further. When you return to Jianghan City, I'll throw a celebration for you." Qi Lin couldn't care less about chatting with him. He was more interested in seeing how Boss Ou would react to Chen Jia Wei's antics. "Oh, such discourtesy," Qi Lin remarked with a smile, leading Zhang Man and Chen Shu Yi out. As both parties made their way toward the parking lot simultaneously, tension seemed to fill the air. Just as Chen Jia Wei reached his car, he found it surrounded by Boss Ou's men. Stunned, he froze. Boss Ou was well-known, a figure Chen Jia Wei was cautious about due to his influence in Lingnan City. "I don't know how I've offended Boss Ou to stir such displeasure," Chen Jia Wei said with his usual calm demeanor, an elegant smile softening his words. But Boss Ou's face carried a shadow of brewing anger. "You're a brave one, causing trouble on my turf. Even your father wouldn't have dared!" "Bring him here," Boss Ou commanded with a wave. His men promptly dragged Ali forward. "Take a good look for yourself," Boss Ou said coldly, "Don't say I was unfair. This is the bodyguard you brought along, and he tried to tamper with my car, even sabotaging the brakes. He's after my life. Now, tell me, what's your explanation?" Ali stood there, offering a rueful nod, a silent message of, "Boss, I don't know what happened. I targeted Qi Lin’s car per your orders but got caught by Boss Ou's men instead." "Is this really your car, Boss Ou? Could there be a misunderstanding?" Chen Jia Wei questioned reluctantly. With a snort, Boss Ou motioned for his driver to open the car to verify ownership. The driver pressed the key fob, starting the car without issue, confirming the claim. "What’s all this commotion about, Jia Wei bro? Isn’t this your bodyguard? Why has Boss Ou detained him?" Qi Lin finally arrived, an ironic smile playing on his lips. Noting Qi Lin's knowing expression, Chen Jia Wei squinted slightly, a realization dawning on him. "How do you plan to explain this?" Boss Ou's gaze bore down coldly on him, demanding answers. "Boss Ou, I don't know what happened here. But since Ali made this blunder, as his employer, I'm partly to blame," Chen Jia Wei conceded, giving Ali a signal. "Ali, show Boss Ou your sincerity." Ali's eyes hardened as he pulled out a knife, but facing Boss Ou's armed guards, he showed no fear, only resolve. With grim determination, he sliced off his own little finger. The sight drew painful gasps and screams from onlookers like Yu Jin and Chen Shu Yi, although Zhang Man watched unflinching, detached. "Is this sincerity enough for Boss Ou?" Chen Jia Wei queried with a smile, trying to maintain composure. Boss Ou, unfazed by the display, retorted, "No tricks, kid. My life isn’t up for negotiation at that price. I demand one million as an apology. Otherwise, don't expect to leave Lingnan." The price was steep, and Chen Jia Wei knew failure to comply meant dire consequences. His father would certainly disapprove of such a costly blunder. Hearing Boss Ou’s demands, anger flickered through Chen Jia Wei’s eyes, but he smiled apologetically. "I'll make arrangements immediately. Ali will be taken back for disciplinary measures, and the funds will be transferred promptly," Chen Jia Wei agreed, hoping to resolve the matter without further fuss. "I'll have someone bring the money," Chen Jia Wei added, fearing retribution if he delayed. Only after smoothing things over with Boss Ou could he consider surviving the wrath of impending familial reprimand. As Boss Ou noted Chen Jia Wei's compliance, his demeanor softened slightly, acquiescing to the proposed reparations. "Boss Ou, I’ll ensure the million is accounted for swiftly. My apologies for any trouble caused," Chen Jia Wei concluded, determined to mollify a powerful foe and maintain whatever dignity remained.