chapter 27 Competition insider ===

"Miya Li has strong business skills, and she secured a big contract with Yibo Group for the company. It's only appropriate for her to be the manager... We, at Jiyun Group, always value real talent..." Qi Wang chuckled. The smile on Gloria Ye's face gradually faded; she had not expected this outcome. With a loud noise, there was a commotion in the conference room. "Wasn't Yibo Group signed by Gloria Ye? How did it become Miya Li's achievement?" "Exactly, in terms of ability, Ms. Ye is the strongest." "Do you even need to ask? With Miya Li's seductive charm, she has been cozying up to Mr. Wang for a while." "Lower your voice, this woman is narrow-minded. Who knows how arrogant she'll become after her promotion." Miya Li's face glowed with pride. She held her head high, glanced at Gloria Ye, and then stood up to walk to the center of the conference room. "Thank you, leaders, for your trust in me. With everyone's hard work, Jiyun Group will surely rise to new heights. The contract with Yibo Group is the result of my efforts. And this is just the beginning. I believe there will be more major companies collaborating with us in the future." Before Miya Li could finish, Gloria Ye, who was seated below, coldly interrupted, "I was the one liaising with Yibo Group. When did it become yours?" "Gloria Ye, this is a company decision. Your objection won't change anything," Miya Li disdainfully said. "I have no problem with your promotion, that's the company's decision, but I've been on the Yibo project for three whole months." "Last night, I worked overtime until the early hours, finalizing the details of the cooperation. Now, in the blink of an eye, it's someone else's project. I want to ask Manager Wang, why is that?" Gloria Ye coldly remarked. "Gloria Ye, you're pregnant now. The company is concerned about your health, so we made this temporary decision. Please stay out of the Yibo project from now on." "We are short of staff in the training department. Please go help out for a few days," said Qi Wang. "If you're not satisfied, you can resign. The company can still run without you." Gloria Ye bit her lip. She's always been a competitive person. It was clear that Qi Wang and Miya Li were conspiring against her. However, she couldn't resign. If she did, she'd fall right into their trap. "What's the matter, Gloria Ye, are you not convinced? My appointment is already official. What can you do about it?" Miya Li bragged. "How do you think you are qualified to compete with me?" "The meeting will pause for a moment." At that instant, Qiang Wu suddenly entered the room, followed by two police officers. "Mr. Wu, what happened?" Qi Wang was taken aback. "Qi Wang, you are suspected of setting up a private slush fund using your position and selling company information to competitors. This constitutes a commercial crime. Please come with the police officers," declared Qiang Wu. "What are you talking about? Are you sure you're not mistaken?" Qi Wang was surrounded by the two police officers, and handcuffs were snapped onto his wrists. "The evidence is undeniable, and the amount involved is enormous. The company will hold you legally responsible, starting with a five-year sentence. Qi Wang, cooperate," Qiang Wu stated gravely. "This is a frame-up, it must be!" Qi Wang shouted as he was led away, his voice fading in the distance. There was a murmur of discussion in the room. No one had expected Qi Wang, who was in his prime, to be taken away like that. "Mr. Wu, what's going on? Are you sure there hasn't been a mistake? Manager Wang has always been thinking about the company," Miya Li exclaimed in shock. "Miya Li, considering your close relationship with Qi Wang, the company will initiate an investigation into you. Your promotion is now void due to suspicions of unfair competition. You'll remain in your position while under investigation," Qiang Wu's words left Miya Li stunned. "Mr. Wu, you must have made a mistake. Everyone has seen my abilities," Miya Li screamed. "You know what you've done," Qiang Wu frowned. "Miya Li, know your limits." "Me..." Miya Li didn't know what had happened, but she definitely felt guilty and found herself lost for words. "But Mr. Wu, the position of manager can't be left vacant." Miya Li still wasn't willing to give up. "Gloria Ye from the sales team will temporarily take over the manager's duties. That's it, meeting dismissed." Qiang Wu said, waving his hand. Only then did the people in the conference room snap back to reality. They began leaving in small groups. All eyes were on Miya Li, some mocking, some taking pleasure in her misfortune. The look on Miya Li's face was quite something. She had not hesitated to cozy up to Qi Wang for the manager's position. She thought she had it in the bag, so what on earth had just happened? "Gloria Ye, the company sees potential in you. First, hone your skills in the manager's position. The plan is to groom you for a senior executive role in the future. If there's anything, you can speak directly to me." Qiang Wu said with a smile. "Thank you, Mr. Wu. I'll do my best." Gloria Ye replied, somewhat flabbergasted. Miya Li's face darkened considerably. She glared hatefully at the departing Gloria Ye, her expression venomous. "Thorpe, are you free today?" Thorpe Chen had just left Jiyun Group when Karl Wu called him. "I'm free today. What's up, Elder Wu?" Thorpe Chen asked. "There's a rare antiques exhibition today. Various antique shops will showcase their best items. Also, the buyer who bought your tiger amulet last time wants to meet you. If you're free, come over and let's all chat." Karl Wu laughed. "Alright, send me the address. I'll be there in a bit." Thorpe Chen replied with a slight smile. "Sure, I'll text you the address." Karl Wu sent Thorpe Chen an address. Today's exhibition was being held on the ground floor of the Financial Building. It was an annual event where several renowned antique shops from Fengling City would display their rare pieces. Individual collectors would also bring their personal items for trade, and experts would be on hand to provide explanations and evaluations. "Thorpe Chen, what are you doing here?" Just as he entered, a surprised voice rang out. Turning around, Thorpe Chen saw it was his elder cousin, Lionel Ye. Speaking of Lionel Ye, he was a prideful yet incompetent fellow. His father had gotten him a job in a public sector enterprise through connections, but he quit after just a few days, tried his hand at business, and lost hundreds of thousands within half a year. He's now aimlessly living at home without a job. "I'm just here to have a look around." Thorpe Chen replied. "Heh, just looking around? You think you can find another steal here? Thorpe, do you know how deep the waters run in the antiques world? Last time, you just got lucky. A blind cat caught a dead mouse. You think you can find another treasure?" Lionel Ye sneered. "Well, yes, it was indeed luck." Thorpe Chen didn't want to engage with him. After all, Gloria Ye had been deeply hurt by her maternal family and didn't want anything to do with them anymore. "I'm now in the antiques business. I'm here to see if I can buy a few things and then open a shop on Antique Street. You should learn something, instead of idling around all day." Lionel Ye, with a condescending tone, said, "It's impressive that you made a million, but I bet that money won't even cover your debts. With your gambling habit, you'll lose it all in a few days." "You? In the antiques business?" Thorpe Chen began to doubt his ears. Did his cousin really know his own worth? If he got conned, he'd probably even help count the money for the scammer.