Wen Xinya received a call from Secretary Cao during the three days that she had to make preparations in order to stop the entertainment city project from proceeding.
Wen Xinya hurriedly rushed to Autumn Wind Jade Dew Pavilion.
Autumn Wind Jade Dew Pavilion was one of the most renowned clubs in the city, just like Ninth-Heaven, the symbol of status, and the Jiayuan Club, which was a paradise for the rich. Fragrant tea and wine were served in Autumn Wind Jade Dew Pavilion which was known for its elegance and scholarly vibe.
It was a popular joint amongst the wealthy members of the upper-class society who enjoyed being pretentious.
As soon as Wen Xinya entered the main atrium of Autumn Wind Jade Dew Pavilion, Secretary Cao rushed towards her and said, “Wen Haowen has invited all of the directors to a banquet here under the pretext of celebrating Ning Shuqian’s new position as director. I’ve only found out about this just now.”
Wen Xinya pressed her lips gently together. She had already guessed that Ning Shuqian merely agreed to give the shareholders three days to consider approving the fund for the entertainment city, simply because she did not wish to offend the directors during the Wen Corporation’s board meeting.
However, Ning Shuqian was no fool and she was obviously well aware that the longer they dragged the development on for, the more trouble there would be. Hence, it was only expected that she wouldn’t sit back and do nothing.
Their purpose of throwing a banquet and inviting the shareholders was actually to cozy up to the shareholders in order to have the funds approved as soon as possible, and not to celebrate Ning Shuqian’s new position.
Although the shareholders were given three days to decide, they could come to a decision within a shorter period of time too.
That was Ning Shuqian’s motive. During the board meeting, she had given the directors face and the directors were no fools at all. Since the funds had to be approved sooner or later, they felt that it didn’t matter whether or not there was a delay. Since Wen Haowen and Ning Shuqian showed them due respect, they had to do the same.
What a seamless plan.
Wen Xinya asked coldly, “How many directors are present?”
It was impossible for all of the directors to be convinced by Wen Haowen and Ning Shuqian. Hence, she was excited to see how Wen Haowen managed to convince them.
Secretary Cao answered softly, “24 out of the 36 members of the board are present today. I’ve already consolidated a name list.”
Secretary Cao found out the list of names at the instant that he found out about the banquet.
Wen Xinya remained silent.
In order to create a vintage vibe, the owners of Autumn Wind Jade Dew Pavilion opted for an Ancient Chinese-style walkway which was elegant and grand. There were also live water features and a pond in the courtyard, in which there were some water lilies and green lotus leaves. There were also some disporums and chrysanthemums which bloomed the most vibrantly in August. They were lush and pleasant.
Autumn Wind Jade Dew Pavilion truly lived up to its name.
Secretary Cao said, “According to what I know, Wen Haowen has ordered ten cartons of 1988 Chateau Lafite Rothschild.”
Ten cartons! It would be impossible to finish all of them during the banquet.
Wen Xinya sneered. “Wen Haowen is indeed very generous.”
Chateau Lafite Rothschild was one of the top five wineries in Bordeaux, France. The best Lafite wine was produced in the year 1982, followed by 1985, and lastly year 1988. Although the Lafite produced in 1988 was not as delectable as that of 1982, and much less exquisite than 1985 Lafite, it was extremely expensive, with each bottle costing at least four to five hundred thousand yuan.
Wen Haowen obviously wouldn’t use money to bribe the directors since they were the spokespeople of the shareholders. If anything were to go wrong, he would infuriate the shareholders.
Besides, it may not be possible to win them over with money. After all, they were all outstanding individuals of the Wen Corporation who held high positions and treasured their future.
Gifting them with red wine was a viable option. Firstly, the wine was incredibly expensive, thus proving Wen Haowen’s sincerity and respect towards them. Secondly, it was normal for one to have a bottle or two of superior wine and the little token could not be considered to be a bribe. The directors would then not have to worry about damaging their reputation. Of course, red wine was an elegant gift and would bring Wen Haowen a lot of glory.
Secretary Cao asked, “The banquet has just begun. Missy… ”
Wen Xinya shook her head and refuted. “I’m not a member of the board and I’m in no place to attend the banquet. I would be ruining my reputation if I do.”
Secretary Cao frowned slightly and asked, “Are you going to continue letting them pull these cheap tricks?”
He thought that Wen Xinya had rushed to Autumn Wind Jade Dew Pavilion with the purpose of stopping Wen Haowen. After all, the current circumstances were very disadvantageous to them and the Wen Corporation might be in deep trouble once the funds were approved.
One day had already passed, they only had two days left to come up with a solution to stop the entertainment city project from proceeding. However, he was well aware that two days was too little and they might not even get two days after what Ning Shuqian and Wen Haowen had done.
Instead of answering his question, Wen Xinya asked, “I remember telling you to consolidate the detailed data of the Wen Corporation’s current operations and market sales. How’s it going?”
There was no way she could stop Wen Haowen or Ning Shuqian at all. Since there were new employees, it was only normal for them to gather for a meal. Hence, it seemed reasonable for Wen Haowen to throw a banquet under the pretext of celebrating Ning Shuqian’s new position. Once the directors accepted the gifts later, they would understand Wen Haowen’s intentions and their plans would succeed.
What could she do even if she attended the banquet?
Expose Wen Haowen and Ning Shuqian for their ulterior motives?
She was not that silly. Unless she wanted Wen Haowen and Ning Shuqian to attack her. She did not wish to offend the directors, either.
After calming himself down, Secretary Cao found that he was a little rash too. “It’s almost ready. I just have to tally the remaining data.”
Seeing how composed she was, Secretary Cao could not help but feel ashamed by his failure to remain as calm as a young girl. He reckoned that she must have already thought of a way to deal with them.
Noticing that Secretary Cao was gradually becoming calmer, Wen Xinya nodded and said, “No matter what Wen Haowen and Ning Shuqian get up to, you just have to keep an eye on them and finish consolidating the data that I asked for. Don’t worry about the rest, I know what to do.”
She could understand the reason for Secretary Cao’s anxiety. He would obviously be worried since there was nothing they could do while Wen Haowen and Ning Shuqian went ahead with their schemes.
“Missy, rest assured,” Secretary Cao said with a nod, though he was unsure if he should voice his doubts.
