So Smart And Yet So Dumb

A month later, all five companies eagerly waited for the results.

Chen Mu Sheng, as the Chen Groups president, was no different. He'd thought about giving up on it but changed his mind in case that Yan Shu didn't win it.

San Renji was the same, though for different reasons. To him, winning this project would be a way for Yan Shu to prove herself, so he submitted his project to add even more of a challenge. He hoped it'd work as a stepping stone for her.

Once again, various influential people gathered in the hall to see who would win this project. Everyone talked about who they believed would win, and most of them wagered on the San Groups. That was to be expected, considering the company's power; what wasn't expected was how many people talked about another, much smaller company: SYS Holdings.

Created less than a year ago, it already managed to compete with other giant companies in this bidding process. Not only that, but its president was also barely out of college. While San Groups was the favorite to win, SYS Holdings managed to be viewed as the underdog.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," the same host from last time spoke with a cheery voice. "We don't have much time, so I'll go straight to the point." He opened an envelope and read its contents. "And the winner is… SYS Holdings! Now, a round of applause for their chairwoman, Ms. San." He started clapping, mostly by himself. Everyone was else was still shocked by the result. 

They just witnessed a dark horse's victory. Not only that, but their chairwoman's surname was also San. Was it perhaps related to the San Renji?

Wearing a fiery red dress, a woman in her early twenties walked up to the stage. She had her hair styled to one side, and various crystals on her chest area, giving her a beautiful look.

"Now, I'd also like to call the other four groups to congratulate our winner," announced the host.

San Renji was the first to go. "Congratulations my child, I'm very proud of you," he said, confirming everyone's suspicions about their relationship. Following San Renji, the Yang, Zhao, and Chen representatives also came to the stage to congratulate her. 

When everyone was done, she finally signed the contract.

"Congratulations, Ms. San," said the host. "You showed everyone that you're not only beautiful but also extremely capable. If I were a few decades younger, I'd ask you to marry me," he said with a laugh.

Most of the audience saw his words as what they were: another cringy attempt at a joke. But there was one exception.

"No," Chen Mu Sheng practically shouted. "If anyone's going to marry her, then that will be me."

From the audience, Go Jichen facepalmed. How could his friend be so smart, and yet so dumb?

The host gulped. "O-Of course. I was just joking." Receiving a glare in response, the man immediately worked to put the target on someone else. "Now, Ms. San, what would you say to Mr. Chen's sudden proposal?"

"No," she answered straight away as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. She proceeded to ignore him as she thanked the host, walked down from the stage, and returned to her friends.

***

The next day, reports about the event appeared in every newspaper. Strangely, though, there were no photos. They reported on whatever little info they could dig about this mysterious woman, but the focus was obviously what happened between her and Chen Mu Sheng.

Little did they knew that she had already put it out of her mind, her focus back to her company. Winning that project was just her first towards the top of the

business world.

***

End of volume 1

Editor: JohnnyKbca