Chapter 962: A Moment of Softness

A woman over forty, dressed in a professional suit, walked in.

"Chairman, did you ask for me?" Wang Can's voice was clear and steady, with a hint of sharpness in her brows and eyes; she was the type of career-oriented "iron lady" one could recognize at a glance.

Jiang Yuanliang stood up from the sofa, and Shen Ci followed suit. Then she heard Jiang Yuanliang introduce her: "A-Ci, this is Wang Jingli Can from the group's Construction Department. You can call her Auntie Wang."

"Wang Jingli, this is my eldest daughter, A-Ci, whom I mentioned to you last time."

Upon hearing this, a look of realization dawned on Wang Can's face. Shen Ci hurriedly took the initiative to reach out her hand: "Hello, Auntie Wang, I am A-Ci."

"Hello, A-Ci."

After exchanging greetings, the three of them sat back down on the sofa. Jiang Yuanliang looked at Shen Ci, his tone slowing down as he explained: "Haven't you always wanted to participate in the 'Winter Olympics' bidding project? Wang Jingli is experienced in bidding for major projects of this type, so I have specifically assigned her to assist you. In addition, Wang Jingli will select a few reliable employees to form an exclusive work team to help you handle all the trivial details, so you don't need to feel pressured."

Shen Ci looked pleasantly surprised: "Dad, you've already arranged everything for me?"

Jiang Yuanliang said with a smile: "There isn't much time left, so I have to help you build the team in advance, lest you get flustered when the time comes."

Wang Can also nodded from the side: "According to my understanding, most groups intending to participate in the bidding have already drafted their 'bidding proposals,' so we really must hurry."

Shen Ci asked humbly: "Auntie Wang, what kind of format is a 'bidding proposal'? I don't understand it at all..."

"It doesn't matter; we can handle this kind of professional work," Wang Can said with a smile.

Jiang Yuanliang looked at his daughter, his tone gentle: "For a project this big, it's impossible for you to deeply participate on your first try if you have absolutely no experience. So for this first time, Dad wants you to focus on the experience."

Shen Ci nodded obediently, though a trace of imperceptible indifference flashed in the depths of her eyes—she had no interest in this major project at all; the only reason she took the initiative to participate was to make the Li family's plans fall through.

At that time, at the Qiu family's residence.

"Come, Li Xiao, have some fruit."

Mrs. Qiu enthusiastically pushed the washed fruit toward Li Xiao, asking in a gentle tone: "Why did you come back so suddenly this time? I didn't hear Keying mention it at all."

Li Xiao sat upright; whenever such moments arose, he could always appear well-mannered and appropriate in front of Qiu Keying's parents.

Hearing this, he gently set down the teacup in his hand before speaking unhurriedly: "My father suddenly fainted a few days ago, so I rushed back temporarily."

Mrs. Qiu's expression changed slightly, and she hurriedly asked with concern: "Fainted? Is he alright? It's nothing serious, is it?"

"Thank you for your concern, Auntie." Li Xiao curled his lips into a faint smile: "He's fine; he was just exhausted. He'll be discharged from the hospital very soon."

Just then, Qiu Chu happened to come down from upstairs, and Li Xiao hurriedly stood up to greet him.

Mrs. Qiu went up to meet him and said to her husband: "Chairman Li fainted a few days ago."

"Oh?" Qiu Chu was also startled, then turned to look at Li Xiao and asked: "Your father is ill? How is his condition?"

"Uncle Qiu, no need to worry; it's nothing serious anymore," Li Xiao replied.

Qiu Chu nodded slowly, then glanced upstairs and added: "I really didn't know about this. Later, have Keying accompany you to the hospital to see your father." ===== CHAPTER 963 =====