Chapter 23: Late?

"Without an appointment, you simply cannot enter. These are the rules. If you keep pestering me, I'll call for backup!"

The Security Guard's attitude was very rigid; no matter what Gu Ran and Ye Feng said or did, he simply would not let them inside.

Gu Ran's expression grew increasingly unsightly, and the documents in her hand were nearly deformed from her grip.

Seeing this, Ye Feng furrowed his brows.

Just then, a burst of footsteps suddenly came from afar.

A middle-aged man wearing a dark gray suit walked over, followed by several people who looked like assistants.

"What is going on?"

The middle-aged man's voice was low and powerful, carrying an air of authority that commanded respect without anger.

As soon as the Security Guard saw him, his expression changed instantly, and he hurriedly nodded and bowed: "President Xie, why have you come?"

"These two people have no appointment and insisted on forcing their way in; I am currently handling it."

Upon hearing the words "President Xie," Ye Feng's heart stirred. He looked closely and immediately recognized the other party—it was none other than Xie Junhao, the Vice President of the Tianhai Chamber of Commerce, whom he had helped before!

Xie Junhao also recognized Ye Feng, a flash of surprise appearing on his face, before he smiled and walked forward: "Little brother? Why are you here?"

Ye Feng smiled slightly and nodded politely: "President Xie, long time no see. I am accompanying President Gu to discuss a partnership, but I didn't expect to be blocked at the door."

Hearing this, Xie Junhao's expression darkened. He turned to look at the Security Guard and said sternly: "What is going on?"

"Is this how you treat guests?"

The Security Guard was frightened pale by Xie Junhao's aura and stammered: "Pre... President Xie, I really didn't know... President Li didn't give instructions..."

Xie Junhao let out a cold snort: "Enough, don't explain!"

"President Gu, little brother, come with me. I will take you in."

Gu Ran looked at Ye Feng with some surprise, clearly not expecting him to know such a heavyweight figure as Xie Junhao.

But she quickly regained her composure and nodded: "Then I will trouble you, President Xie."

Xie Junhao waved his hand and smiled: "No trouble. This little brother helped me with a big favor before; this little matter is nothing."

Amidst their conversation, the three of them had already entered the building of the Tianhai Technology Group.

Along the way, Xie Junhao briefly introduced the situation of the Tianhai Technology Group to Gu Ran and inquired about the Gu Group's intentions for this partnership.

Gu Ran answered one by one, her tone calm and unhurried, displaying her professional competence as a president.

Soon, the three arrived at the president's office.

Xie Junhao knocked on the door, and a low voice came from inside: "Come in."

Pushing open the door, a pot-bellied middle-aged man was sitting inside.

Upon seeing Xie Junhao, the man immediately stood up, a fawning smile appearing on his face: "President Xie, why have you come in person? Please, sit!"

Xie Junhao glanced at him and stepped aside to reveal Gu Ran and Ye Feng: "President Li, let me introduce you. This is Gu Ran, the president of the Gu Group, and this is her driver, Ye Feng."

"They came today to discuss a partnership, but were blocked at the door by your security. Is this how your company treats clients?"

Hearing this, Li Haiwen's expression turned awkward instantly, and he hurriedly stepped forward to shake Gu Ran's hand: "President Gu, I am truly sorry!"

"The people below are ignorant and have caused you to suffer a grievance. Please, sit, let's talk in detail!"

Gu Ran smiled slightly, her tone composed: "President Li is too polite. It was just a small misunderstanding; there is no need to take it to heart."

After speaking, the three sat down one after another.

Once seated, Li Haiwen personally poured tea for Gu Ran and Ye Feng, then got straight to the point: "President Gu, you came this time for the new energy project partnership, right?"

"Our Tianhai Technology is very interested in this project. I wonder what specific plans the Gu Group has?"

Gu Ran took a detailed partnership proposal out of her document bag and handed it to Li Haiwen: "President Li, this is the new energy project plan for our Gu Group."

"We have unique advantages in both technical research and market promotion, and we hope to join forces with the Tianhai Technology Group to jointly promote the development of this project."

Hearing this, Li Haiwen smiled, took the proposal, and began to flip through it carefully.

His expression gradually changed from initial seriousness to earnestness, and in the end, he even showed a hint of approval: "President Gu, this proposal is very detailed, especially the technical research section; it is very forward-looking."

"However, I have a doubt... can the Gu Group's capital investment in this project be sufficient?"

"The research cycle for new energy projects is long and the risks are high. If the capital chain cannot keep up, I'm afraid..."

Before he could finish, he heard Gu Ran say firmly: "President Li, rest assured, the Gu Group has already prepared sufficient capital support for this project."

"Moreover, we are also actively seeking more partners to ensure the smooth progress of the project."

Hearing this, Li Haiwen pondered for a moment and turned to look at Xie Junhao: "President Xie, what do you think?"

Xie Junhao smiled and said: "I am aware of the Gu Group's strength."

"President Gu is young and promising, and she acts with vigor and resolution. I am very at ease leaving this project to her."

"Furthermore, this little brother is also someone I trust. With him here, I feel even more that this partnership is worth a try."

Hearing this, Li Haiwen nodded: "Since President Xie has said so, what else do I have to hesitate about?"

"President Gu, our Tianhai Technology Group is willing to partner with the Gu Group!"

Seeing this, a rare smile appeared on Gu Ran's face. She stood up and extended her hand toward Li Haiwen.

Li Haiwen also stood up and shook Gu Ran's hand: "Happy to cooperate!"

"Happy to cooperate..."

In the time that followed, both sides held an in-depth discussion on the specific details of the partnership.

Ye Feng sat to the side; although he did not participate in the discussion, his presence made Gu Ran feel exceptionally at ease.

After the meeting ended, Li Haiwen personally escorted Gu Ran and Ye Feng to the elevator and expressed his hope for more partnership opportunities in the future.

Gu Ran responded politely a few times, then left the Tianhai Technology Group together with Ye Feng.

After walking out of the building, Gu Ran let out a long sigh of relief, a relaxed expression appearing on her face.

She turned to look at Ye Feng, her tone carrying a hint of gratitude: "Ye Feng, thanks to you today. If you didn't know President Xie, we might not have even been able to get through the door."

Ye Feng waved his hand and smiled: "President Gu is too polite. If you didn't have outstanding ability, I believe it wouldn't have mattered who came!"

Gu Ran did not reply, only smiling slightly.

After returning to the company, Gu Ran resumed her usual icy expression and walked straight to her office with the documents in hand.

Ye Feng smiled helplessly and walked toward his workstation.

Just as he returned to his workstation, he saw a furious man in a suit shouting at him, "It's only your second day on the job, and you actually dare to be late!"