Divine Doctor and His CEO Wife-Chapter 158: A Battle of Wits!

"A legend of the business world?" Chen Xiao couldn’t help but take another look at the woman. However, as she was wearing a mask, only a pair of indifferent and haughty eyes were visible.

Based on her figure and posture, though, she was definitely a devastating beauty. The cold, proud aura she exuded was enough to make most men keep their distance.

Zhang Yaqing smiled and said, "I’ve heard that in the Capital City’s social circles, countless men have tried to pursue her, only to return in failure. Her excellence is enough to make many men feel inadequate!"

She then added, "Mr. Chen, a thorny beauty like her is someone only you could conquer."

Chen Xiao quickly replied, "Please don’t start rumors."

Zhang Yaqing giggled endlessly.

Luo Qingli was extremely annoyed. Is this woman trying to find a mistress for Chen Xiao right in front of me, his actual wife? Hasn’t she gone too far?

Soon, Leng Baiyu also arrived.

She was very discreet, however, walking in alone and quietly sitting next to Chen Xiao’s group.

But from the moment she entered, Xing Zhanlong’s gaze remained fixed on her, deepening the subtle tension in the air.

In attendance, these two were the highest-ranking individuals present.

And this Sail Raising Conference, to put it bluntly, was a covert clash between the two of them.

Finally, the host, Li Buyi, made his appearance.

Li Buyi looked around with a smile. "I am very pleased to welcome everyone to the Sail Raising Conference," he said warmly.

"This time, the enterprises participating in the competition include the Yuncheng Luo Corporation, the Yuncheng Zongheng Commerce Chamber, the Yuncheng Wei Corporation, the Yuncheng Lin Corporation, and Yuncheng’s Genesis Technology."

"Additionally, I, Mr. Li, extend a warm welcome to all the dignitaries from various sectors who have come as guests."

Thunderous applause erupted from the supportive crowd.

Although the forces competing for the new port project were nominally local to Yuncheng City, everyone was well aware of the powerful backers behind each one. None of them were simple.

Li Buyi continued, "This time, there are two slots for private enterprises to invest in the Yuncheng port, each representing fifteen percent of the shares. The bidding starts at six billion, with a ceiling of ten billion."

With that, the auction kicked off.

After several rounds, the bids for both slots had been driven up to the ten-billion ceiling. No one was giving up on this opportunity. Everyone knew this was merely a formality. After all, who among them couldn’t produce ten billion? Even the weakest competitor, the Luo Group, could manage it. With their Nourishing Facial Cream selling well and Lu Wushuang’s financial support, they could grit their teeth and scrape together ten billion.

The main event was just beginning.

At last, the perpetually silent Lu Rugao was the first to break the quiet. "City Governor Li, it seems it will be difficult to determine a winner based on money alone. After all, everyone is highly enthusiastic and willing to bid ten billion."

"But there are only two slots."

Li Buyi, being a clever man, followed her lead and asked, "Does Miss Lu have a brilliant idea, perhaps?"

"I wouldn’t dare call it brilliant, but I do have a way to solve this dilemma," Lu Rugao said, her red lips parting slightly. "The competing enterprises could agree on a different kind of contest. The losing party automatically withdraws from the bidding. What do you all think?"

"I agree!" Jiang Tianquan nodded. "But what kind of contest?"

"That is for all of you to decide. As long as it’s fair, I have no objections," Lu Rugao replied, her expression calm.

No matter the competition, she had absolute confidence. After all, she had come to Yuncheng City incognito to support the Lin Family and had prepared for every eventuality.

Wei Ziheng also spoke up. "Since everyone is so enthusiastic, why not have a contest of skill? What do you think?"

With Qiao Xiong at his side to back him up, a competition involving strength would naturally give him an advantage.

Zhang Yaqing scoffed. "You brought Helmsman Qiao from Hongmen to back you up, so you obviously want to settle this with force. My Zongheng Commerce Chamber, however, isn’t skilled in brawling. We didn’t bring anyone like that today, so how could we participate in a contest of skill?"

Wei Ziheng sneered back, "Then Miss Zhang will just have to find a solution on the spot! It’s a poor workman who blames his tools, isn’t it?"

Luo Qingli also chimed in, "If we were to compete based on martial strength, our Luo Group would definitely be at a disadvantage. I disagree."

"I agree to the contest of skill!" Jiang Tianquan stated coolly. "There’s no time like the present. Since the Sail Raising Conference has begun today, it must be the will of the heavens that we reach a conclusion today."

"I also agree!" Lu Rugao declared at the opportune moment.

Qin Cang sneered repeatedly. "I agree as well. Following the principle of majority rule, if the Luo Group and the Zongheng Commerce Chamber disagree, they can just forfeit! Let’s not waste everyone’s time! Besides, you have no chance of winning a contest of skill anyway!"

Jiang Tianquan added sarcastically, "If you have no chance, just forfeit. It’s less embarrassing. At least you could withdraw with some dignity!"

Instantly, the faces of both Luo Qingli and Zhang Yaqing turned grim.

It was obvious that these three factions were now targeting them, aiming to kick their two companies out of the running. But they had fought so hard for this opportunity. How could they be willing to give it up so easily?