Peng Shiyi knew only too well that Fang Jiangyi's Achilles' heel was his mother. As long as she held this card tight, Fang Jiangyi couldn't shake her off.
Fang Jiangyi never let his mother see those online news stories. So every time Peng Shiyi visited her looking dejected, his mother would know that the two must have had a fight and would specifically tell Fang Jiangyi to treat Peng Shiyi well.
After that, all she had to do was wait, for Fang Jiangyi would come to her on his own initiative.
Today's lunch was set in a private dining room with an elegant and absolutely secluded environment.
Fang Jiangyi and Peng Shiyi waited for more than ten minutes before Wang Keding and Yuan Qiuping showed up late.
Even though some unpleasant rumors had spread about them some time ago, neither of them had made any public response. Especially Wang Keding, in his position and having just married Yuan Qiuping, had to consider his reputation.
So they still looked like a loving couple as they walked in gracefully.
Wang Keding said with a lazy smile, "Mr. Fang, you've been waiting."
Fang Jiangyi stood up to greet them. "We just arrived."
During the meal, it was mostly the men talking. After a few exchanges, Fang Jiangyi brought up the Xinghai Bay project, hinting that he wanted the reclamation approval from Wang Keding.
But Wang Keding didn't give a direct answer. He knew this was an ace in his hand.
Whether it was Fang Jiangyi, Lu Qianzhou or Lu Sheng, all these people were so attentive to him because of the reclamation approval in his hand.
Wang Keding pretended to sigh. "Mr. Fang, you know that the government generally doesn't support reclamation. But now that Xinghai Bay is abandoned and has no other use value, if it can be transformed into a project beneficial to the people, the situation will be different."
All these people had made full preparations and were just waiting to get the approval.
Fang Jiangyi naturally knew that this old fox wouldn't give the approval easily, but he still held his temper.
"So, since the news spread about the transformation of Xinghai Bay, so many people have been vying for the initiative. I also have to consider the overall situation and carefully choose the most suitable group for this project."
Fang Jiangyi's smile froze on his lips. It seemed that since Wang Keding started to beat around the bush, he had hardly said a word and just watched Wang Keding perform throughout.
"I naturally understand that Director Wang has to consider the overall situation."
Peng Shiyi had been keeping an eye on the situation at the table. Suddenly, she interrupted with a smile. "Director Wang and Brother Jiangyi aren't cooperating for the first time. I heard that physical engineering projects have always been a weak point for Shengshi.
But since Brother Jiangyi took over Shengshi, not only has the market value of Shengshi skyrocketed, but the engineering projects have also improved a lot.
This is enough to show Brother Jiangyi's ability. He is definitely the most suitable candidate for this project. Director Wang, you must think it over carefully. If you choose the wrong person, it will be a great loss."
She kept smiling all the time.
She had been brewing these words in her heart for a long time and finally summoned up the courage to say them.
She wasn't a fool. The smoother Fang Jiangyi's path was, the more benefits she could get.
She remembered that she had started waiting for Fang Jiangyi when he hadn't yet gained real power in Shengshi. At that time, her father, Peng Chao, didn't think highly of Fang Jiangyi. Now that he had turned things around, Peng Shiyi wanted to prove to him that her judgment was right.
"Miss Peng is really eloquent. You and Mr. Fang have such a good relationship." Yuan Qiuping suddenly smiled at Wang Keding. "Sure enough, you young people are different."
Wang Keding laughed. "When Mr. Fang and Miss Peng get married in the future, you must invite me to share your happiness."
By the end of the meal, Wang Keding still hadn't agreed to give the reclamation approval to Fang Jiangyi. Fang Jiangyi knew that this matter wouldn't be easily resolved.
Meanwhile, Peng Shiyi, who had been on her phone, saw another shocking piece of news. She saw Lu Sheng in her WeChat Moments.
A little sister had posted in her Moments that she had originally gone to watch Lu Qianzhou play basketball. Unexpectedly, she had also seen Lu Sheng on the spot. When they were leaving, she even managed to take a photo of Lu Sheng walking towards the basketball court and chatting happily with Lu Qianzhou.
Although it was just a back view and the person was wearing a cap, Peng Shiyi was sure it was Lu Sheng!
Peng Shiyi looked at Fang Jiangyi absent-mindedly. He had always thought that Lu Sheng and Lu Qianzhou's relationship had broken down, which was why he trusted Lu Sheng so much. But their relationship was obviously very good. So, wasn't Fang Jiangyi being calculated?
She decided to find out. So she excused herself to go to the bathroom and called that little sister.
She asked directly, "What's going on with that post in your Moments? I thought the relationship between Lu Sheng and the Lu family had broken down. Why are they still playing basketball together?"
The little sister was a bit surprised that Peng Shiyi had called, but she still answered truthfully.
"I went there for Lu Qianzhou yesterday. You know, he's so handsome and from a wealthy family. So many girls are trying to get a chance to hook up with him. I finally got the chance to watch him play basketball. I was hoping to create some opportunities, but he didn't even glance at the audience once. There were all beautiful girls there who had dressed up for him."
"I'm not interested in this." Peng Shiyi was impatient. "I want to know if Lu Sheng and Lu Qianzhou really seem to have a good relationship?"
The little sister thought carefully and her tone was a bit sour.
"Speaking of this, I remember how protective Lu Qianzhou used to be of Lu Sheng. He would take her everywhere. But then I thought, Lu Sheng is an adopted daughter of the Lu family. They have no blood relationship. Do you think... there might be some special feelings between Lu Qianzhou and Lu Sheng?"
Peng Shiyi suddenly had an epiphany. After hearing what the little sister said, she suddenly understood.
The little sister on the other end was still analyzing on her own. "Otherwise, how can we explain their close contact now? Lu Qianzhou doesn't dote on his many younger brothers and sisters, but shows special favor to an adopted daughter. Oh, maybe Lu Sheng is a child bride-in-law raised for Lu Qianzhou!"
The more she talked, the more excited and absurd she became.
Peng Shiyi frowned tightly and her anger flared up instantly. If Lu Qianzhou and Lu Sheng really had that kind of relationship and Lu Sheng came to Shengshi to flirt with Fang Jiangyi, then they must have joined hands to calculate Fang Jiangyi.
"Why aren't you saying anything?"
"I'm here." Peng Shiyi thought for a moment and said, "If that's really the case, then this Lu Sheng is not only shameless but also very scheming."
The little sister asked why.
Peng Shiyi said indignantly, "She has been using work as an excuse to get close to Brother Jiangyi recently and even said she wanted to compete with me fairly. But according to what you said, since she's already with Lu Qianzhou, how can she be two-timing and seducing other men?"
"What?" The little sister was also surprised. "Aren't you already the official girlfriend publicly admitted by Fang Jiangyi? What's there to compete for?"
Peng Shiyi gritted her teeth. "That's why I say she's shameless!"
Scheming bitch! She never expected her to be so calculating!
"I won't talk anymore. I will definitely find a way to expose her conspiracy." Peng Shiyi hung up the phone.