"I wonder who will end up securing the contracting project presided over by Nami. Undoubtedly, it's bound to be among Taimei Company, Wanpu Company, and Chu Group. In my opinion, the likelihood of Chu Group obtaining the contract is minimal. After all, Chu Group is new to Ba Country, and their footing isn't stable yet, whereas Taimei Company and Wanpu Company are well-established entities."
There were many such discussions, as all factions present at the banquet sought suitable partners, which would allow their industries to flourish more broadly. Securing a new business ally would be ideal.
As for the major project that Nami was set to announce, they didn't dare to dream big; merely expanding their business opportunities would be satisfactory.
Doing business on Kasam's turf naturally depended on Kasam's disposition. Without sufficient power, they didn't even have the privilege of being arrogant and could only be humble businessmen.
Habson and Okamura Jiro's attitude towards Ye Fan and Mengyao was one of caution, seeing them as business rivals. The marketplace is akin to a battlefield; without reason, conflicts of interest easily turn them into enemies.
Of course, there were exchanges of interest between them, but in pursuit of greater benefits, they were also adversaries.
"President Chu, Mr. Ye, this project is certainly going to Chu Group. With your current influence, securing this project is practically a foregone conclusion," Zheng Jia Mei praised them.
In truth, she, like the others, didn't think Chu Group would win this major project in her heart.
What everyone didn't know was that this project had long been within Chu Group's grasp.
"Thank you for your kind words, Miss Zheng." Mengyao smiled wordlessly. How could she not understand Zheng Jia Mei's insincere words? She could also guess everyone else's thoughts.
However, given that Chu Group was new to Ba Country, it was understandable for everyone to have doubts and dismiss them.
Zheng Jia Mei's praises weren't just superficial. If Chu Group missed this project, it would be a setback, which, in her eyes, could be seen as an alternative consolation.
Soon after, Nami appeared and, after greeting everyone, took the stage.
"Here, I thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend this banquet," Nami began with a few words of gratitude to everyone, and then announced, "Under Kasam's instruction, I formally announce that the contracted project will be handed over in full authority to Chu Group."
These words shocked all present, causing an uproar.
The smiles on Habson and Okamura Jiro's faces froze. They had been eagerly awaiting to hear that this project would fall on their shoulders. For this, they had been waiting with bated breath for the good news.
They had mobilized vast networks and funds, pulling all available strings to secure this project.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that winning this project was a given, yet the phrase "Chu Group" thundered in their hearts, leaving them dumbfounded.
Even if it was impossible for both of them to have the contracting rights of the two major regions, it was certain that each company would secure one.
But they never expected that they would have no chance at all to manage the operations of the two major regions.
"How can this be? This makes no sense, the truth shouldn't be ," Habson was stunned, bewildered.
"Did I hear wrong? How could a newcomer force from Huaxia be so highly regarded by Kasam?" Okamura Jiro was dumbfounded, staring blankly at Nami, his thoughts in chaos, as though he forgot how to think.
"Kasam's decision is incredibly baffling, isn't it?"
Everyone was in an uproar.
"Congratulations, congratulations."
"Congratulations to President Chu and Mr. Ye for winning this major project."
"What a joyous occasion."
"If there's an opportunity, we hope to establish a partnership with Chu Group."
Once the shock subsided, words of congratulations and flattery enveloped Ye Fan and Mengyao.
Zheng Jia Mei couldn't comprehend it, though now all she could do was offer her congratulations. Even if she had her own thoughts, she didn't dare to express them.
After today, Chu Group would attract many partners. As long as Chu Group was willing, many in Ba Country's business arena would be eager to become Chu Group's associates, even benefiting minimally would be appealing.
Chu Group's influence had increased, and by obtaining this major project, they were taking a large slice of the pie in Ba Country. It's a stroke of luck many could only dream of.
As the banquet ended, the various forces gradually dispersed, though the shock rooted in their hearts remained quite strong.
As this news spread, it was sure to shake all of Ba Country.
The name of Chu Group would become widely known.
After Nami addressed the issues, she left together with Ye Fan and Mengyao.
"Who is Nami exactly? In Ba Country, she's second to none, yet how is she aligned so closely with Chu Group?" This news was surprising once more. Kasam's directive to have Nami remain with Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao to develop Yu Group was unknown to other forces.
Habson and Okamura Jiro gathered with dissatisfaction.
"I thought that for the management rights of the two major regions, we could take one each; that would've been a fair distribution. Unexpectedly, Kasam's decision was completely unforeseen," Habson spoke first, visibly displeased.
"How capable is Chu Group? They're just relying on the people of Poisonous Spider to flaunt some power, right?" Okamura Jiro dismissively sneered. "Compared to our forces, those of Poisonous Spider amount to nothing, merely birds of a feather, insignificant and not worth worrying about."
"The rise of Chu Group is sure to disrupt the benefits of this Ba Country pie; we can't sit idly by. Although we're competitors looking to gain the most benefits, I absolutely cannot allow a third party to interfere in the pursuit of high-level interests," Habson declared confidently.
"If that's the case, then we should find a suitable opportunity to eliminate this threat, and the action must be seamless so that Kasam doesn't find any traces. Otherwise, Kasam's dissatisfaction would be the outcome we don't want to see," Okamura Jiro chuckled.
"So it's decided. We'll plan carefully," Habson laughed heartily.
Simultaneously, the news of Chu Group's rise in Ba Country reached Meng Yinglong's ears.
The killing intent from Meng Yinglong surged instantly.