Phoenix’s Revenge: The Business Battle

Chapter 2:Dead Cat Bounce

The silence in the uppermost office of Shengshi Capital was as thick as stagnant air, with only the ever-shifting numbers on the Bloomberg terminal screen marking the passage of time in a silent, relentless record. Gu Wanqing sat motionlessly in the cold leather chair, the chill of the mouse under her fingertips a stark reminder of the harsh, uncertain agreement she had just signed.

Shen Xubai had already left, leaving her alone before the massive floor-to-ceiling windows. Outside, the city lights flickered like a celebration of wealth and noise, in stark contrast to the desolation she felt within. She looked down at her tightly clenched hands, her palms slightly damp from the strain. The bet agreement felt like an invisible shackle, binding her firmly. Three months—three months to resurrect a project that had been all but sentenced to death by the market. It was an impossible task.

Yet, there was no turning back. Cheng Yu’s betrayal had pierced her heart like a poisoned barb, searing pain that only fueled the fire of resilience within her. Gu Wanqing had never been one to give up easily; the struggles of her upbringing had honed her resolve, making her hunger for success, for proving herself, more than anyone. And now, that hunger was tinged with the flames of vengeance. She would make Cheng Yu regret it, watching as she clawed her way from the depths, standing taller and brighter than he ever could.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to clear the chaotic thoughts swirling in her mind, and began to focus on the next steps. First, she needed to reassess the state of Jinlin Technology. The documents soaked in red wine were no longer usable. She had to contact the project team at Jinlin immediately and request a complete, updated report.

With this thought in mind, she quickly picked up the phone on her desk and dialed CEO Li Ming’s number. After a few rings, Li Ming’s weary and anxious voice answered.

“Ms. Gu, good morning. We’ve heard about what happened at the annual meeting. I’m very sorry for the trouble it’s caused you.” His tone was apologetic, but mostly laden with worry about the project’s future.

“Mr. Li, this is not the time for apologies. The immediate priority is to get the project back on track. Please make sure that all the latest materials are sent to my email by tomorrow morning. We need to begin preparing the new roadshow documents and communicate with potential investors,” Gu Wanqing said, her voice professional and decisive, without a hint of personal emotion.

Li Ming seemed to be reassured by her calmness, his voice becoming more positive. “Of course, Ms. Gu. We will fully cooperate. You can count on us. We believe in Jinlin Technology’s potential.”

After hanging up, Gu Wanqing felt a brief wave of exhaustion wash over her. Once she had dealt with Jinlin’s matters, her thoughts turned back to Shen Xubai. His behavior last night had been strange. Why had he chosen to help her? Was it only because Cheng Yu’s actions had tarnished the company’s image? She felt that the situation was far from that simple. Especially when she thought of the jade ring he wore—a ring that only deepened her suspicion.

Three years ago, on a stormy night, she had been attacked by assailants. A stranger had saved her. She hadn’t been able to clearly see his face through the heavy rain, only remembering his tall figure and the jade ring on his finger, gleaming coldly beneath the dim streetlight. The man had acted swiftly, effortlessly subduing the attackers before asking if she was alright and leaving without even giving his name.

That jade ring—it looked almost identical to the one Shen Xubai wore. Could it be him? If it was, why had he saved her? Why had he suddenly appeared now and proposed such a risky bet agreement?

Her mind swirled with questions, and she resolved to uncover the truth.

The next morning, Gu Wanqing arrived early at the office, dismissing her fatigue and immediately diving back into work. Jinlin Technology’s documents soon arrived in her inbox, and she meticulously reviewed each one, hoping to uncover a breakthrough that would allow her to turn the tide.

At 10 a.m., Shen Xubai’s secretary called, summoning her to the CEO’s office. Gu Wanqing took a deep breath, knowing this moment had been inevitable.

Shen Xubai’s office was spacious and bright, with enormous floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the entire city. He sat behind a large desk, his focus entirely on the documents before him. The sunlight spilled over his profile, casting a soft glow on his handsome features. Today, he wore a deep gray leisure suit, his demeanor less austere than the previous night, yet he still exuded an undeniable magnetism.

When he heard Gu Wanqing enter, he raised his head, his deep gaze flicking toward her with a hint of curiosity.

“Good morning, Ms. Gu,” he said, his tone casual.

“Good morning, Mr. Shen,” Gu Wanqing replied, her voice calm and composed as she made her way to the desk.

Shen Xubai set down the papers and gestured toward the chair across from him. “Please, take a seat.”

Gu Wanqing did as instructed, meeting his eyes with an unflinching gaze.

“The events of last night must have had quite an impact on you,” Shen Xubai began, his voice carrying a subtle note of concern.

“It was certainly unexpected,” Gu Wanqing responded, her tone flat, not wishing to reveal any vulnerability in front of him.

Shen Xubai seemed to see through her, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Unexpected? I would say it was more likely anger and disappointment, wasn’t it?”

After a brief pause, Gu Wanqing replied, “These are personal matters. They have nothing to do with work. Right now, I only want to focus on the Jinlin Technology project.”

Shen Xubai’s gaze softened with something akin to admiration. He appreciated Gu Wanqing’s clarity and determination.

“Very well. In that case, let’s discuss this bet agreement,” he said, leaning slightly forward, his eyes sharpening. “What is your plan?”

Gu Wanqing had already prepared. She shared the preliminary plan she had developed the previous night, which included redesigning the roadshow documents, actively engaging with potential investors, and conducting a deeper analysis of Jinlin Technology.

Shen Xubai listened intently, asking questions occasionally. His expertise and sharpness made Gu Wanqing feel the pressure.

“Your plan looks solid, but Ms. Gu, have you considered whether simply relying on these steps will be enough to get Jinlin Technology listed within three months?” he asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.

Gu Wanqing knew the challenge was immense, but she had to project confidence.

“Mr. Shen, I know it’s difficult, but I will do everything in my power. I have no other option,” she said, her eyes burning with determination.

Shen Xubai looked at her silently for a moment, then a smile touched his lips. “I like your resolve. In that case, I will offer the necessary support. You may tap into Shengshi Capital’s resources at any time, including our research and PR teams. However, Ms. Gu, remember that you only get one shot. If you fail…”

He didn’t need to finish the sentence for her to understand its weight.

“I understand,” Gu Wanqing nodded.

“Also,” Shen Xubai paused, his tone becoming more casual, “Is there anything you’d like to ask me about last night?”

Gu Wanqing’s heart skipped a beat. She knew exactly what he meant. She hesitated, then decided to voice her lingering doubt. “Mr. Shen, three years ago, on a stormy night, I was saved by a man wearing a jade ring... Was that you?”

Shen Xubai’s eyes flickered for a moment, though his face remained neutral. He simply said, “Ms. Gu’s memory is impressive. But does that have anything to do with our current collaboration?”

His ambiguous answer neither confirmed nor denied her suspicion, and it only deepened her belief in her own theory.

“It doesn’t directly concern us, but I was just curious,” Gu Wanqing said, masking her rising excitement and trying to keep her tone even.

Shen Xubai regarded her for a long moment before shifting the conversation back to the matter at hand. “Let’s focus on Jinlin Technology. Time is precious, and we have no room to waste.”

In the days that followed, Gu Wanqing dedicated herself entirely to the project. She led her team in redesigning the roadshow materials, conducted in-depth research on Jinlin Technology, and made efforts to reach out to potential investors. However, due to the negative fallout from the annual meeting and the general market skepticism toward emerging tech companies, investor responses remained tepid.

Just as Gu Wanqing was starting to feel overwhelmed, Cheng Yu suddenly reached out to her.

“Wanqing, can we meet?” His voice was weary and worn, a stark contrast to the confident tone he had carried at the annual meeting.

Gu Wanqing hesitated but ultimately agreed. She wanted to understand what Cheng Yu was after now.

They met at a quiet café. Cheng Yu appeared gaunt and drained, with dark circles under his eyes, looking a far cry from his usual self.

“Wanqing, I know I was wrong,” he said, admitting his mistakes with genuine regret in his voice.

Gu Wanqing looked at him, her emotions unreadable—only a quiet detachment remained.

“Does it even matter now?” she replied, her voice cold and calm.

“I know I hurt you. I truly regret it. I shouldn’t have done it. I didn’t deserve your love,” Cheng Yu’s voice cracked with emotion.

Gu Wanqing let out a humorless laugh. “Your regret? I suspect it’s more about the project Shen Xubai suspended than anything else.”

Cheng Yu’s face drained of color, caught off guard by her bluntness.

“I... I admit, that’s part of it. But Wanqing, my feelings for you are real. I was just... just blinded by momentary foolishness,” he tried to explain, but his words were hollow.

“Feelings?” Gu Wanqing scoffed. “Do you remember what you said backstage at the annual meeting? ‘Feelings are the least valuable collateral.’ Those words were spot on, and now, you are the perfect embodiment of that sentiment.”

Cheng Yu’s face twisted in anguish as he fell silent. After a moment, he looked up at her, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions. “Wanqing, I know I’ve done a lot wrong, but... after all these years, can’t you forgive me just once?”

“Forgive you?” Gu Wanqing almost laughed at the absurdity. “Cheng Yu, you betrayed not just our relationship, but my trust and everything I invested in you. You ruined not just my roadshow materials, but my hopes for our future. What makes you think I could forgive you?”

Cheng Yu was speechless, lowering his head, his face contorted with pain and despair.

“Then what do you want from me?” he rasped.

“What do I want?” Gu Wanqing’s gaze was steely as she looked at him. “I only want to focus on my work and make sure Jinlin Technology is successfully listed. As for you... there is no longer any connection between us.”

With that, she stood up, turned, and walked out of the café without a second glance, leaving Cheng Yu alone, like an abandoned child.

Back at the office, Gu Wanqing felt an overwhelming fatigue wash over her. Her meeting with Cheng Yu had offered no relief; if anything, it had strengthened her resolve for vengeance. She would make her success her ultimate retaliation, slapping those who had wronged her with the force of her achievements.

In the following days, she increased her communication with investors, using her professional expertise and eloquence to restore their confidence in Jinlin Technology