In her previous life, Old Master Lu often provided guidance on Qin Sheng's artwork, frequently lamenting that he could not keep pace with her. When his paintings were placed alongside Qin Sheng's, even anonymously, people invariably believed her work to be superior.
Qin Sheng narrowed her eyes, recalling that the registration for the H City competition was within these few days, and the submission of artworks to the H City Painting Association would be in two weeks.
Upon her return, she overheard Qin Churou claiming to have already registered.
Qin Sheng opened the registration page, filled out the necessary information, and clicked to confirm her entry.
In truth, she had no intention of entering the competition; painting was merely a hobby. However, Qin Churou had provoked her, and she was not one to suffer indignities silently.
Thus, registering for the H City painting competition was a way to overshadow Qin Churou.
In her previous life, Qin Churou had received an award of excellence in the Youth Painting Contest. Though her ranking was not high, those who could participate were almost always the elite of their age group.
Qin Hai had boasted about this achievement to his friends for a long time, and Qin Churou had enjoyed a moment of glory.
Qin Sheng was determined not to give Qin Churou such an opportunity.
Currently, Qin Sheng had ceased taking on projects related to computer security systems. After completing the registration, she shut down her computer and picked up a blank canvas.
She had been occupied with company affairs for the past few days and had little free time. Now, with ample leisure, she set her brush to the paper. After a considerable pause, she inscribed a single word: Regret.
---
Qin Sheng had declined Fu Hanchuan's offer of assistance, but Fu Hanchuan had nonetheless instructed Assistant Lin to investigate.
Within a day, results were delivered to Fu Hanchuan.
"President, Qin Churou is highly suspicious. Her actions are covert, and I have been unable to gather concrete evidence," Assistant Lin reported over the phone.
Fu Hanchuan rarely visited the company, and matters were generally conveyed to him at home by Assistant Lin.
For trivial matters, no signature was required, and Assistant Lin conveyed instructions through the phone.
"Qin Churou," Fu Hanchuan's lips parted slightly, his voice icy, "Doesn't Qin Hai desire that plot of land? Acquire it, no matter the cost."
Fu Hanchuan was protective and would not tolerate anyone bullying his associates. While Qin Churou was meant to be dealt with by Qin Sheng, it did not mean he would remain inactive.
Assistant Lin nodded, "Understood."
The land in question belonged to a partner of Fu Hanchuan's company. Upon learning of Fu Hanchuan's interest, the partner, eager to curry favor with HD Group, immediately agreed to transfer the land.
Opportunities to please HD Group were rare.
Assistant Lin still purchased the land at market value, as HD Group would not want to accrue a debt of gratitude.
The Qin Real Estate and Fang Group had not yet finalized their contract. The Fang Group had reneged, leaving Qin Hai helpless. Frustrated, he immediately called, "Director Fang, we had a deal, didn't we?"
Qin Hai's tone was exceedingly respectful; he dared not offend the powerful Fang Group.
Director Fang's eyes narrowed into slits as he smiled, "It's not that we haven't signed the contract yet. I'm in a difficult position. Someone else has purchased it, and they are formidable. I cannot afford to offend them."
Qin Hai was exasperated.
The claim of not having signed the contract was a clear indication that the deal was now void, and he could do nothing about it.
"Director Fang, we can renegotiate the price, just as long as you are willing to give me the land," Qin Hai pleaded, desperate for the parcel.
Director Fang did not relent. "Director Qin, it's not a matter of money. It's primarily about the fact that someone else has acquired it. I cannot afford to offend them."
(End of Chapter)