Chapter 96: Multiple Parties Reach Out

However, Ren Yi’an occupies that position and has firsthand information; giving preference to family is only natural.

That’s how the upper circles operate.

Yu Moxun had long grown accustomed to it.

He clenched his teeth and said, “Our company definitely needs to collaborate with others to scale the project, but lately I just can’t stand Ren Jifeng…”

Rong Ci knew he was upset because Ren Jifeng liked Lin Wu.

Rong Ci truly didn’t care.

She said calmly, “The priority is ensuring the project proceeds smoothly and securing the greatest benefit for us; everything else is secondary.”

She had met Ren Yi’an once.

He may have personal motives, but given their teacher’s attitude toward him, Ren Yi’an is genuinely trustworthy.

Yu Moxun said: “I know.”

He was just venting.

He tilted his chin and snorted, “Since we still have time before our official investor outreach, I’ll let him wait a while.”

Rong Ci smiled: “Fine.”

As long as he’s happy.

After Ren Jifeng’s call, Rong Ci and Yu Moxun continued discussing business matters.

But half an hour later, Yu Moxun’s phone rang again.

Seeing the caller ID, this time he was both dismissive and smug.

Rong Ci knew it was another acquaintance calling and asked, “...Who?”

Yu Moxun smiled: “He Zhangbai.”

“Also seeking collaboration?”

“Very likely.”

Like Ren Jifeng, he and He Zhangbai, Qi Yuming had little to no contact in daily life.

He Zhangbai wouldn’t call him unless he had a reason.

Besides, the He family, like the Ren family, has influence in both politics and the military.

They’re well-informed.

Yu Moxun asked Rong Ci: “Answer it?”

Rong Ci is Feng Tingshen’s wife; He Zhangbai and the others, as Feng Tingshen’s childhood friends, looked down on her but accepted Lin Wu, the mistress, and even became close to her.

In his view, He Zhangbai was even more despicable than Ren Jifeng.

Rong Ci said: “Answer it.”

She didn’t want Yu Moxun acting on impulse.

Yu Moxun picked up the call.

As he expected, He Zhangbai, like Ren Jifeng, was calling to seek collaboration.

After explaining his purpose, He Zhangbai said: “I’m currently on a business trip out of town; I’ll return to Ducheng tomorrow noon. Dinner tomorrow evening?”

Yu Moxun replied coolly: “Thank you, Director He, for your kind offer, but our project is still in early development and our company is swamped. I truly can’t spare time tomorrow. Let’s try another time.”

“What about Thursday?”

Yu Moxun: “I’m not sure I’ll have time, but if I do, I’ll contact you immediately.”

He Zhangbai knew both of their company’s projects would become highly sought-after; Yu Moxun had no trouble finding investors.

He said: “Alright, I’ll be waiting for your call, Director Yu.”

After hanging up, Yu Moxun slapped the table in delight, laughing uncontrollably: “Perfect!”

Rong Ci smiled too.

Yu Moxun’s laughter suddenly faded as he looked at Rong Ci and said: “Do you think… Feng Tingshen might also want to collaborate with us?”

By comparison, our company and Xundu are similar.

We’re competitors.

But competition doesn’t preclude collaboration.

Didn’t Feng Tingshen himself approach us before, interested in our language system?

Looking closely, there are actually many areas where our two projects could collaborate with Xundu…

Rong Ci replied calmly: “I don’t know. But we should base decisions solely on the project itself; personal grudges can wait.”

“I know.”

A little petulance is fine, but when it comes to real decisions, he never acts on impulse.

Speaking of which, Yu Moxun genuinely looked forward to Feng Tingshen calling him.

But his anticipation went unfulfilled.

After that, he received several more calls.

All from people seeking collaboration on new projects.

But none from Feng Tingshen.

However, just before quitting time, he received an unknown call.

He glanced at it twice, then answered.

The other side spoke first: “Director Yu? This is Lin Lihai, Lin Wu’s father.”

Yu Moxun immediately stopped walking.

He pulled the phone away slightly and said to Rong Ci: “Lin Lihai.”

Rong Ci looked at him, silent.

Having known each other for years, Yu Moxun understood her meaning perfectly.

If one could overlook personal grievances with others and prioritize collaboration,

then with the Lin family, there was no such need.

Yu Moxun returned the phone to his ear, his tone light but his eyes cold: “So it’s Director Lin. What can I do for you?”

Lin Lihai had indeed come to seek collaboration with Yu Moxun.

After explaining his purpose, Yu Moxun said: “I understand your intent, Director Lin. If it’s suitable, we’ll certainly consider you first—please rest assured.”

Lin Lihai wasn’t foolish; he knew Yu Moxun’s words were perfectly polished, yet the reality remained entirely unclear.

He tried to invite Yu Moxun to dinner, but Yu Moxun excused himself with a busy schedule and hung up.

He looked at Rong Ci and said: "He Zhangbai and Ren Jifeng are among the top aristocratic families in the country; I can understand them getting the news first. But the Lin family..."

The Lin family are outsiders in Ducheng, barely even settled, yet they received the news so quickly—this suggests…

Rong Ci knew he was implying the Lin family might have learned the news from Feng Tingshen or He Zhangbai.

Given Feng Tingshen’s feelings for Lin Wu, and He Zhangbai’s close ties with her, it wasn’t surprising they’d leak the information to the Lins.

Yu Moxun curled his lip.

His good mood had been ruined.

But he knew Rong Ci’s mood was worse.

He said: “Come on, Senior Brother has plenty of money—he’ll treat you to a feast!”

Rong Ci’s mood wasn’t as bad as Yu Moxun thought.

She had truly let go of many things.

Her emotions were no longer easily swayed by them.

Besides, this time, the initiative was in her hands.

She had nothing to worry about.

Still, since Yu Moxun wanted to treat her to dinner, she had no reason to refuse.

She smiled: “Thank you, Senior Brother.”

Then she stepped out with Yu Moxun.