An Nuan watched as Gu Yan Sheng grew increasingly agitated.
She discreetly glanced at Wu Wenzheng's expression, which clearly showed profound disappointment.
In Wu Wenzheng's eyes, he had probably concluded that Gu Yan Sheng valued money over people!
The first impression between people is crucial and sometimes can become deeply ingrained, making it difficult to change.
In a composed manner, An Nuan said to Gu Yan Sheng, "I set this price to preserve the reputation of the Gu family and to allow the Wu Group to have a better explanation to the outside world."
"You're doing this for yourself!" Gu Yan Sheng retorted coldly.
An Nuan appeared as if she didn't want to argue with the Gu family. She turned to Wu Wenzheng and said, "Wu Group, indeed, I considered this price from a higher standpoint. I don't deny that An Group needs to recover its losses, but that is only a minor reason. The important thing is that I want to bring this matter to a close without leaving any handle for anyone. Firstly, for the Gu family, they took our proposal, regardless of who took it or whether it was related to the Gu family's top management. But at least the Gu family used someone else's ideas, and for a company, this can have a significant impact on its reputation. If the Gu family doesn't step forward to apologize or offer substantial compensation, their reputation in the industry will plummet."
Wu Wenzheng nodded, feeling that An Nuan made sense.
Gu Yan Sheng, at that moment, though aware that An Nuan was plotting against him, found himself unable to refute her.
"Secondly, it concerns the Wu Group. I know the Wu Group wants to achieve good performance, and the Gu family knows it too. All the businesses, big and small, in Qingcheng are watching you to see how you handle and balance this situation. If you let the Gu family withdraw directly, you will leave room for criticism because, after all, the Gu family has already made significant investments in this project, which also goes against the terms of the contract. And if you choose to unconditionally or at a low value give the project proposal to the Gu family, it will be unfair to An Group. In this way, people will suspect that you are using your power to suppress An Group, and you won't be able to justify it externally."
Wu Wenzheng kept nodding, acknowledging An Nuan's viewpoint.
He couldn't help but admire how thorough An Nuan was in her thinking.
Gu Yan Sheng's face turned green as he listened.
Today, An Nuan truly played the role of a good person to the fullest.
"Lastly, if I remember correctly, on the day the Gu family won the bid, your father clearly stated in front of the media that this project is a livelihood project, and the Gu family does not seek profits. So, if it's a public welfare project, does the Gu Group still want to make a huge profit from it?! I calculated the Gu Group's investment this time, after deducting all costs, including labor, the Gu family can still make a profit of 100-200 million. In that case, paying a fee of one billion for the proposal won't incur any losses." An Nuan smiled lightly at the corner of her mouth. "Or perhaps Mr. Gu's father was just casually mentioning public welfare in the media, and it isn't the zero-profit concept I understood? Could it be a matter of how much profit is gained?"
An Nuan's words were a biting mockery directed at Gu Yan Sheng.
In fact, within the unspoken rules of the industry,
the so-called "public welfare" of businessmen is merely about maximizing profits, whether more or less.
It is impossible to achieve without any profit.
For them, any lack of profit is considered a loss.
This is an unwritten rule among businessmen, which An Nuan mentioned in front of Wu Wenzheng, but he couldn't dare to admit it.
Once admitted, it would truly expose their hypocrisy and reveal the rules of the business market.
At that point, they would truly become the target of public criticism!
Gu Yan Sheng endured it, his face contorted.
"Mr. Gu, it's not a big deal if you're personally embarrassed, but it would greatly affect the reputation of the company. Don't make it too difficult for your father to step down! After all, he boasted to the media about how hard Gu Corporation worked for this project, with all the hardships, the concept of karma, and the rewards of diligence. It's already embarrassing enough. And now, for a little profit, you would put Gu Corporation in an even more unethical position... Of course, every company has its own way of operating, and I'm just offering my advice. In the end, it's up to Gu Corporation to decide." An Nuan's words were forceful, yet there was no flaw to be found.
She added, "I've just made a promise to Wu Department about withdrawing from the construction of Nanwan New City. Since we're withdrawing, we'll withdraw regardless of whether Gu Corporation gives a single penny or not. So Gu Corporation can think about what price is appropriate. We, An Corporation, will accept it."
In one sentence, An Nuan cornered Gu Yan Sheng into a dilemma.
This woman was truly too clever for him to resist.
Before, she had forcefully demanded one billion, but now, after analyzing the situation and knowing that he couldn't refuse that one billion, she asked him to make the decision.
Indeed, An Nuan had said everything!
Even at this moment, asking him to make the decision was making him openly acknowledge her thorough consideration of this matter!
He had already swallowed a lot of grievances, and now she wanted him to acknowledge her too?!
In all his years, he had never hated someone to the point of grinding his teeth in frustration and powerlessness like this.
"I have a very important meeting in half an hour," An Nuan lowered her head to check her phone. "I've already expressed my thoughts to Wu Department today, which is basically what I wanted to say just now. Now that I've finished speaking, I won't delay Wu Department's time any further. As for how Gu Corporation wants to resolve this, just let us know. I've already said that An Corporation will accept any outcome."
Saying that, An Nuan stood up.
It seemed like she could dispose of this project however she pleased.
She was completely giving face to Wu Wenzheng.
"Alright!" Gu Yan Sheng suddenly agreed.
He also knew that he had to agree.
An Nuan had already pushed things to this point, and if he hesitated or tried to negotiate further, it would be clear that he didn't regard Wu Wenzheng highly.
Undertaking this project serves two purposes. On one hand, it is aimed at enhancing the reputation of Gu Corporation, as it is a project that directly affects people's livelihoods. By doing a good job, positive promotion can be obtained. On the other hand, it is also intended to prove our capabilities. An Construction, as a leading company in the construction industry, was directly defeated by us in this project. The abilities of Gu Corporation will receive great acclaim. Moreover, it must be said that Gu Corporation has indeed brought benefits in this project, as evidenced by the rise in the stock market, which is a wave of dividends. Another aspect is to handle the public relations with Wu Wenzheng properly.
Since it involves public relations, he naturally cannot afford to offend Wu Wenzheng at this moment, otherwise, it would be a case of losing more than gaining!
This An Nuan.
Truly, she didn't gain any benefits from this project. After all, the stock market plummeted like crazy after the scheme theft was exposed, and now she also carries the burden of a bad reputation!
