Film and Television Time Travel: Why Do I Always End Up in Romance Dramas?

Chapter 37: Weakness

Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM, Nie's Group in Shanghai.

Without waiting for his secretary to announce his arrival, Sheng Bokai pushed open the door to Nie Chengyuan's office.

Nie Chengyuan was looking at the quarterly report when he looked up and saw the person who had come in, and his brows furrowed slightly.

"Mr. Sheng, remember to knock next time."

"Next time?" Sheng Bokai tossed a document onto the table. "Chairman Nie, take a look at this first, then talk to me about manners."

Nie Chengyuan opened the file.

Inside was an audit summary from Shuangyuan Procurement Department, as well as a copy of Nie Xiguang's work ID.

"Your daughter is in Shuangyuan," Sheng Bokai sat down opposite him, "You knew all along?"

"I know." Nie Chengyuan closed the file. "I can't stop young people from wanting to train."

"Training?" Sheng Bokai laughed. "Her training is worth a lot. The people I placed in the purchasing department are now cornered by the old grievances she dug up. Lin Yusen signed the suspension order for the purchasing director this morning."

Nie Chengyuan's expression remained unchanged: "Mo Guowei has shady dealings; it's only a matter of time before he's investigated."

"The problem is the timing." Sheng Bokai leaned forward. "I originally intended to use his card to purchase Yu Chen's equipment, forcing Yu Chen to come and talk to me. Now, your daughter has handed the knife to Lin Yusen, and my men have been defeated before I even made a move."

"That's because you made a mistake in hiring people."

Sheng Bokai stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly sneered: "Chairman Nie, if Yu Chen's technology is really implemented, it will be worth a lot of money, but if Yu Chen can't be retained, then we'll have nothing."

"so?"

"So we're in the same boat now," Sheng Bokai said. "I need Yu Chen's technology, and you need the stock price to rise. Cooperation, a win-win situation."

Nie Chengyuan twirled the pen in his hand: "How do we cooperate?"

"It's simple. Have your daughter stop the investigation and seal off the existing data. I'll arrange for Yu Chen to come to Jiekai, a subsidiary of Shengyuan (Chapter 1), giving him an independent laboratory and the title of chief scientist. Shuangyuan can then enjoy the latest scientific research results."

Yu Chen will not agree.

"Then it depends on how you persuade her." Sheng Bokai stood up. "Chairman Nie, the longer your daughter stays in Shuangyuan, the greater the risk. Mo Guowei is the kind of person who will do anything if pushed to the limit. Think it through."

He walked to the door, then turned back: "Oh, and let me remind you. Lin Yusen can't protect everyone. He doesn't have the final say in matters within Shengyuan."

After the door closed, Nie Chengyuan remained silent for a long time before picking up his phone and dialing a number.

"Dad?" Nie Xiguang's voice came.

"Xiguang, go back to Wuxi after get off work today. Don't stay in Shuangyuan anymore."

"What's wrong?"

"Don't ask why." Nie Chengyuan paused. "Is Yu Chen next to you?"

"He's in the lab..."

"Have him call me."

A few minutes later, Yu Chen's voice came: "Chairman Nie."

"Sheng Bokai came to see me." Nie Chengyuan got straight to the point. "He wants you to bring your technology to Shengyuan's Jiekai. Name your price."

"I won't go."

"I know," Nie Chengyuan said, "but you have to think carefully about the consequences. Mo Guowei is Sheng Bokai's man. If you touch him now, it's like slapping Sheng Bokai in the face. There are two factions fighting fiercely within Shengyuan right now, and Lin Yusen may not be able to protect you."

Yu Chen paused for two seconds: "Chairman Nie, if I am kicked out, Shuangyuan's technological upgrade will be stalled. Your 49% stake will then really be just a number on paper."

That's a very direct statement.

Nie Chengyuan laughed: "Are you threatening me?"

"I'm stating the facts," Yu Chen said. "The technological window of opportunity in the photovoltaic industry is very short. If we miss this opportunity, Shuangyuan will be at least three years behind. You know better than I what the market will be like in three years."

Nie Chengyuan remained silent.

He could hear the laboratory equipment running on the other end of the phone.

"Yu Chen," he said slowly, "Sheng Bokai is a man of unscrupulous methods, but he is efficient. Lin Yusen is principled, but he is too young and cannot control the older generation like Sheng Yuan. You are now standing at a crossroads. Think carefully about which path to choose."

"I've made my choice," Yu Chen said. "Chairman Nie, could you please pass on a message to Sheng Bokai?"

"What did you say?"

"If you want the technology, trade it for Shengyuan's shares. I'll wait for their offer at Shuangyuan."

The phone hangs up.

Nie Chengyuan put down his phone, looked out the window at the bustling Lujiazui area, and suddenly smiled.

Young man, you have guts.

---

Suzhou Shuangyuan Laboratory.

Yu Chen had just hung up the phone when Hua Xiangyang rushed in: "Engineer Yu, something's happened at the purchasing department."

"explain."

"General Manager Mo has been suspended, but his cronies in the purchasing department have withheld all the equipment purchase orders," Hua Xiangyang said in a low voice. "Now, let alone new equipment, we can't even get the lab's daily supplies."

Yu Chen nodded: "I expected him to do that."

"So what do we do now? The project kickoff meeting is tomorrow, and we don't even have a beaker. What kind of meeting are we going to have?"

"I'll take care of the equipment." Yu Chen glanced at the time. "Boss Hua, you go and prepare the things for tomorrow's kickoff meeting."

"it is good."

Yu Chen leaned back in his chair, watching the time tick by. Last night, Lin Yusen took those documents to Shengyuan headquarters.

He's waiting for a result.

After some time, a landline number from Shanghai called.

"Mr. Yu, this is Chen Liming." The voice on the other end of the phone was calm and steady. "Chairman Sheng asked me to pass on a message to you."

"Please go ahead, Mr. Chen."

"Chairman Sheng said he knows about Shuangyuan's situation. Mo Guowei should be investigated and dealt with accordingly, but the technology project cannot be stopped." Chen Liming paused, "Chairman Sheng also asked what kind of support you need."

It seems Lin Yusen said a lot of good things about him over there; Sheng Xianmin's words carried a lot of weight.

Yu Chen thought for a few seconds: "The equipment procurement is stuck. I need three imported pieces of equipment to arrive within three days."

"Send me the model number, it'll arrive tomorrow afternoon," Chen Liming said crisply. "Anything else?"

"Yes," Yu Chen said. "Sheng Yuan's technical department will send two people. They need to be truly knowledgeable in the field, not just people with connections."

Chen Liming laughed: "Engineer Yu, your requirements are quite high."

"Technical skills cannot be compromised."

"Okay, I'll arrange it for you," Chen Liming said. "Also, Chairman Sheng asked me to tell you that you don't need to worry about internal matters at Shengyuan. Focus on developing the technology; others will handle the rest."

The phone hangs up.

Yu Chen put down his phone and walked to the window.

Sheng Xianmin's move was very clever; he expressed his support without interfering too much.

More importantly, this was a message to Sheng Bokai: I'm protecting this person.

But Yu Chen didn't want to be anyone's pawn.

He turned on his computer and pulled up an encrypted file. Inside were the core patent abstracts for perovskite stacking technology, as well as the first drafts of three academic papers that were about to be submitted.

These are his real bargaining chips.

---

Two o'clock in the afternoon, in the archives room.

Nie Xiguang was organizing the last batch of data when the office door was pushed open.

It wasn't General Manager Mo, nor was it a security guard; instead, it was three middle-aged men in suits, whose name tags read "Shengyuan Group Audit Department."

"Ms. Nie," the leader showed his identification, "we are from Shengyuan's audit department. We received a report and need to access all the procurement department's contract files for the past five years."

Yin Jie stood up: "Access requires General Manager Lin's signature..."

"The signature is here." The man took out a document with Sheng Xianmin's signature stamp in the lower right corner. "Chairman Sheng directly instructed that all departments of Shuangyuan must cooperate."

Nie Xiguang and Yin Jie exchanged a glance.

Sheng Xianmin personally took action; this was quite a grand undertaking.

"The files are all in the cabinet. I'll help you find whatever you need," Nie Xiguang said.

"No need, we have a list." The man handed over a piece of paper. "Take all these numbered files."

Nie Xiguang took the list and glanced at it, then was startled.

The above list consists entirely of the unusual contracts that she and Yu Chen had highlighted.

"These files are being organized and haven't been filed yet..." she tried to stall.

"Then file it now." The man's attitude was very firm. "Miss Nie, please cooperate."

Just then, Lin Yusen's voice came from the doorway: "Minister Wang, what brings you here?"

The person from the audit department turned around, becoming more respectful: "President Lin, Chairman Sheng has instructed that the audit of the purchasing department be conducted ahead of schedule. These files need to be taken back to Shengyuan headquarters."

Lin Yusen walked in, glanced at the list, and said, "Okay. But the originals must remain in Shuangyuan; you'll need to bring copies."

"This is against the rules..."

"At Shuangyuan, my rules are the rules." Lin Yusen said calmly. "Minister Wang, an audit is fine, but it cannot affect Shuangyuan's normal operations. The copies of the files will take time; please come back in three days to pick them up."

The two stared at each other for a few seconds.

"Okay, three days." Minister Wang nodded. "President Lin, Chairman Sheng asked me to pass on a message to you."

"explain."

"Technology projects are Shengyuan's focus for the next three years, so please ensure their smooth progress." Minister Wang paused, "Other matters can be put on hold for now."

The meaning behind those words is quite clear.

Sheng Xianmin reminded Lin Yusen: prioritize technology, and postpone internal strife.

Lin Yusen nodded: "Understood."

After the audit department personnel left, the archives room fell silent.

"Miss Nie," Lin Yusen turned to look at her, "has the data been backed up?"

"I've backed it up; it's on my cloud drive and hard drive."

"Destroy them all," Lin Yusen said. "From today onwards, you are no longer to be involved in the purchasing department."

Nie Xiguang was stunned: "Why?"

"Because Yu Chen chose a different path." Lin Yusen looked at her. "He wants to use technology to exchange for shares and resolve this matter completely. The data you have is not a weapon now, it's explosives."

He paused, then said, "Believe me, it's best for everyone to leave this matter here."

Nie Xiguang bit her lip: "Then, Mr. Mo..."

"Mo Guowei will be dealt with accordingly, but not now." Lin Yusen glanced at his watch. "Have Yu Chen take you home after get off work. Don't come to the company for the next few days."

After he finished speaking, he gave Nie Xiguang a deep look, and then left.

Yin Jie leaned closer: "Xi Guang, why do I feel... things are getting more and more complicated?"

Nie Xiguang didn't speak. She took out her phone and sent Yu Chen a message: "The people from the audit department came and took away the procurement contract list. General Manager Lin told me to destroy the data."

A few seconds later, the reply came: "Don't delete the data, keep it. We'll talk about it when we meet tonight."

---

7 PM, in the lab.

Yu Chen had just finished a project team meeting when Nie Xiguang pushed open the door and came in.

"Yu Chen, President Lin said..."

"I know." Yu Chen pulled up a chair for her to sit down. "The audit department was sent by Sheng Xianmin. He wants to get things done quickly and resolve the procurement department's issues once and for all."

"Then why are you making us destroy the data?"

"Because Sheng Xianmin doesn't want to make a big fuss," Yu Chen said. "Mo Guowei is backed by Sheng Bokai. If there is a thorough investigation, it will implicate a large number of people. Sheng Xianmin needs stability now, so he chose a compromise—Mo Guowei will take all the blame, and the others will remain uninvolved."

Nie Xiguang understood: "So... this matter is just going to be left like this?"

"No," Yu Chen shook his head, "but the battlefield has changed."

He turned on his computer and pulled up a shareholding structure diagram: "Sheng Xianmin supports me because my technology can enable Shengyuan to lead the photovoltaic field for five years. He wants to use this performance to further enhance the group's status in Shanghai. Sheng Bokai opposes me because I sided with Lin Yusen, which affected his interests."

"So now you..."

"What I need to do now is make them all need me." Yu Chen pointed to the screen. "Technology is my bargaining chip. Whoever can offer me better terms, I will cooperate with them."

Nie Xiguang looked at him and suddenly felt that Yu Chen in front of her was somewhat unfamiliar. The young man who had helped her organize data in the archives was now as calm as if he were playing a game of chess.

"Aren't you afraid they'll turn on you?" she asked softly.

"I'm afraid, so I have to be prepared." Yu Chen turned off the computer. "Xi Guang, starting tomorrow you don't need to go to the archives anymore. I'll apply to Lin Yusen to transfer you to the project team to be in charge of recording experimental data."

Nie Xiguang's eyes lit up: "Really?"

"Really." Yu Chen smiled. "But there's a condition."

"What are the conditions?"

"The next three months will be tough for you," Yu Chen said, looking at her. "I need to produce lab samples by the end of the year. Time is tight, you might have to work overtime, you might be under a lot of pressure, you might..."

"I'm not afraid," Nie Xiguang interrupted him. "Yu Chen, I don't want to stay in the archives anymore. I want to do something meaningful."

Yu Chen looked at her for a long time, then nodded: "Okay."

Outside the window, the night was deepening.

The laboratory lights stayed on very late.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, Sheng Bokai sat in a private room at a private club, facing several men in suits.

"Mo Guowei is beyond saving." Sheng Bokai took a sip of his drink. "But I must get my hands on Yu Chen."

"Berkai, Lin Yusen has Chairman Sheng's support, so it's not easy to touch him," said a bald man.

"So I don't plan to touch him." Sheng Bokai put down his wine glass. "What I want to do is target Yu Chen's weakness."

"You mean... that Nie Xiguang?"

Sheng Bokai laughed: "Nie Chengyuan only has this one daughter. Tell me, if something 'accident' happened to her in Shuangyuan, what would Nie Chengyuan think?"

The private room was silent for a few seconds.

"Berkeley, isn't this going too far?"

"Pass?" Sheng Bokai's eyes turned cold. "The business world is like a battlefield; those who are soft-hearted have long been eliminated."

He took out his phone and dialed a number: "Old Zhao, arrange a few people for me, the smart ones. Yes, keep an eye on someone in Shuangyuan..."

A respectful reply came from the other end of the phone.

Sheng Bokai hung up the phone and looked out at the night sky.

The game has only just begun.

Old Nie, I'm sorry about this time. I will definitely make Xingjie the successor of Shengyuan.

-

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This world can only have one female lead. You can add whatever elements you like later; I know you're all perverts~