Chapter 41: Nothing to Gain From One Another
"And you haven't even shown us how the app looks or how much time and money you used to create it." Mo Qingchen stopped at the red light. "To speak in fair terms, even the receptionist at Miss Yun's company would chuck your proposal in the bin. That is why you never fixed an appointment and used alternate schemes to talk to her. This way you wouldn't have to feel the pressure with other stakeholders in your company if you don't get the investment. You can just tell them you didn't get an appointment. It wouldn't hurt your pride or make you look like a loser."
Qian Meng tried her hardest not to burst into laughter.
Indeed, Mo Qingchen didn't mince any words. His deduction had been on point. The only reason someone would do this would be to evade the absolute truth and get their word before they got a chance to fully research.
Good opportunities rarely show up like this in real life. In television dramas where emotions overpower the analytical and business mind, these passionate explosions seem plausible. But in reality, they are just a ruse to confuse the mind of people. It doesn't take a very intelligent person to see through this ploy though.
"I will agree to some of what Mo Qingchen has said." Yun Qian Meng didn't need to think much to placate this man. If he could enter the hotel and approach her so easily, he could use other petty measures to get revenge at a later date. "You're going to the Investment Conference already. Keep his points in mind and make a presentation. I assure you, if not us, someone who actually knows how to help you will invest in you."
Jiang Da remained silent in his seat and then sighed.
"I apologize for my impudence. I didn't consider how aggressive and rude my actions would come off. Especially while approaching a beautiful lady. I was short on thought."
Mo Qingchen scoffed.
"Don't worry about it. Give me your business card." She extended two fingers towards him and waited for him. Jiang Da fumbled as he pulled out his wallet and pulled out his business card. He handed her one and then took out another one for Mo Qingchen.
Seeing that he didn't have any intention to take the card, Yun Qian Meng took the other offered card and gave Jiang Da a smile. Seemingly placated, Jiang Da leaned back.
"I'll drop you off now," Mo Qingchen spoke up. His voice was cold. He exuded the aura of having been disturbed by a fly.
Jiang Da coughed but couldn't protest. At this point in the city, it would be hard for him to take a cab. He looked out and saw that the car had stopped on the side of the road. He gave Yun Qian Meng a longing look before sliding out.
"I hope to see you at the convention," she said with a polite smile. Jiang Da could only force a smile and wave when the engine started and the car blazed away.
He was left on the pavement gritting his teeth. So much for ambushing someone and getting benefits. Even though he thought he would be in control, it was all messed up by that Mo Qingchen.
He looked around and realized that it would be near impossible to get a cab from here. He would need to walk three miles to get something. Damn him for not getting the local cab applications when he came to visit.
In the car, Mo Qingchen was fuming over how reckless Yun Qiang Meng was.
"What has got your panties in a twist?" Yun Qian Meng asked when she noticed the tick in his jaw.
"What if that guy had bad intentions?" his voice was cold and ruthless.
"We were in the hotel. Who would hurt me there in front of so many people? Moreover, you were there. I'd just hide behind you." He had a broad back, no one would be able to get past him.
"You're sacrificing others for your own sake. Shark," Mo Qingchen admonished. Her head snapped towards him.
"I'm a businesswoman. If that makes me a shark, so be it." She puffed up her cheeks and looked out of the window.
"I think you trust people too easily. You let him in the same car as you and even heard what he had to say. You keep giving people chances and smiling at them all the time. They think of you as weak." Now, that was where his problems lie. She smiled at people all the time and easily so. Didn't she know that the stereotypical weak female was supposed to act her way? Gracious and smiling even when she is bullied?
He just couldn't understand her.
"Don't be mistaken. I smile easily because it does me good," she countered. "I don't like offending people whom I don't have a grasp over. People get offended at the smallest things and as a businesswoman and generally normal woman, I try not to offend people. The lesser enemies I have, the less I need to scheme about people. These inconsequential people hold grudges and they slowly bite at you. You don't see them coming, so you fall prey to them."
"Good, you know the strategy. Then why don't you smile at me?" he challenged. It was avid curiosity.
"Why should I smile at you? I don't have anything to gain from you and I can tell you anything I want because you're genuine. You don't like to be flattered. And I don't mind showing you this side because if I changed my behavior, you would think I was suspicious."
"Nothing to gain from me?" he challenged.
"What? Should I ask you for your fortune? I have my own money. Your industry is so far away from mine that they don't intersect. Then, in what dimension are we supposed to gain from one another?" She crossed her arms over her chest and waited for him to answer.