Chapter 15: Playing LOL Tonight

Upon hearing this, Bai Lu frowned and said, "Two million is already quite high. After all, we are a manufacturing enterprise. Our focus is on increasing output value; research projects are not our priority."

Chen Xiao replied, "I understand, but because of the complexity of this project, the drones need to be tested in various challenging scenarios, which makes them prone to damage and heavy wear. Therefore, we hope to increase the investment to ensure rapid and advanced research and development."

Then he turned to Feng Feifei and said, "Also, President Feng, for this project, we need to publish at least five academic papers and apply for some science and technology progress awards. I propose we secure a naming quota for the design institute."

Feng Feifei's eyes lit up—who said Chen Xiao didn’t understand the business? She hadn't thought of this, and Yuan Kai sat there like a mute, asking others if they were champions while he looked like a turtle shell.

"Of course!" Feng Feifei responded resolutely.

Hearing Chen Xiao’s suggestion, Bai Lu was somewhat moved. After much thought, she said, "Alright, then three million. I’ll take charge of securing this within the company. I hope you can accelerate the R&D process and aim to see preliminary results within three months!"

Thus, the project was approved. Chen Xiao realized Bai Lu truly held power—she dared to make decisions on the spot, and no one from the design institute found it unusual.

Feng Feifei stood up, happily shook Bai Lu’s hand, and invited her to do some beauty treatments together sometime.

For some reason, the mention of beauty treatments made Bai Lu a bit uneasy. She glanced at Chen Xiao and said, "Let’s pick a holiday; we’re too busy during regular workdays."

Feng Feifei said, "Evenings work too!"

Before Bai Lu could respond, Yuan Kai, ever so familiar, joked, "On regular evenings, Assistant Bai needs to ‘let loose’!"

Chen Xiao, walking last, almost sprayed out his water!

Bai Lu’s expression changed. She didn’t know what “let loose” meant, but it sounded pretty vulgar!

Feng Feifei shared the same thought, her smile stiffened. She wondered what was wrong with Yuan Kai—was he trying to be a clown?

The group pretended not to hear and walked out. Feng Feifei tried to ease the mood, "Assistant Bai, let’s add each other on WeChat. We can arrange meals or beauty sessions later."

Bai Lu opened her WeChat QR code for Feng Feifei to scan. Yuan Kai also took out his phone, "Let me add you too!"

Bai Lu gave no quarter, moving her phone away, "President Feng, from now on, please have your company contact Chen Xiao directly. No unrelated people need to be involved."

Yuan Kai was bewildered. What did that mean? Why? He wanted to add her WeChat to play games together—wasn’t that just agreed upon?

Feng Feifei awkwardly said okay and left without a word to Yuan Kai.

"Ping~! Doctor Feng Robot and Jiangzhou Transportation Design Institute research project officially approved."

"Task completion 150%, random rewards: 1. Endurance +5; 2. Dedication +2; 3. One fully equipped Mercedes-Benz CLS 300!"

The rewards were generous; the Mercedes CLS 300 alone was worth nearly 600,000 yuan, Chen Xiao’s dream car. The system truly understood him!

Dedication +2 would boost Chen Xiao’s bonus income significantly.

Most heartening was the Endurance +5. Previously, his endurance was 60, making him anxious about dating, fearing poor performance and contempt—a lifelong shame…

These five endurance points nearly moved Chen Xiao to tears. He also wondered what his combat effectiveness would be at 100 endurance!

Back at the company, Feng Feifei immediately said to Yuan Kai, "Manager Yuan, please take charge of drafting the project approval document."

Yuan Kai agreed, "Chen Xiao will assist me."

Feng Feifei paused, then said thoughtfully, "Let Chen Xiao handle it himself. He’s not good at this."

"..." Who’s naturally good at it? Yuan Kai worked with a sour face, glancing resentfully at Chen Xiao in the corner, beaming as if he’d scored a pentakill.

Chen Xiao was not one to live for games. He only played when there was nothing important at work. Seeing the system constantly reward dedication, he resolved to get out and negotiate business. "Hard work brings wealth!"

That afternoon, Chen Xiao planned to visit Jiangzhou Zhongjian Equipment Co., Ltd. This company was national, with Jiangzhou as a branch. They mainly acted as general contractors for large procurements, often involving various testing equipment. Doctor Feng Robot’s company only produced some parts; the general contractor integrated products from various suppliers to bid together.

Jiangzhou Zhongjian Equipment was located in the city center, on the 22nd floor of Yunfeng Tower—the most upscale office building in Jiangzhou. Nestled by mountains and water, from the lobby one could see the vast White Egret Lake shimmering beautifully under the sun.

Chen Xiao entered the lobby just as an elevator was about to close. He hurried in, exhaled in relief, pressed the 22nd floor button, and then noticed a professional-looking woman inside.

The elevator arrived, and the woman stepped out on the same floor. Chen Xiao watched her approach the front desk. "Hello! I have an appointment with President Yang. I’m Xu Wu from ‘Zhifei Aerospace’."

The receptionist replied, "Please wait a moment. May I ask who you are, sir?"

"I also have an appointment with President Yang. I’m from Doctor Feng Robot’s company."

Hearing this, Xu Wu glanced back disdainfully, then quickly turned away, exuding an air of arrogance.

Once the receptionist went inside, only Chen Xiao and Xu Wu remained.

Judging by their names, the two companies were rivals. Chen Xiao, new to the industry, was not very familiar with Zhifei Aerospace, but Xu Wu knew them well.

She smiled with feigned concern, "I heard most of your people have left?"

Chen Xiao sensed mockery and replied, "Those who shouldn’t leave haven’t left."

Xu Wu sneered, then said, "Still, you guys are impressive. You grabbed the Transportation Design Institute contract quickly. Congratulations. Looks like your financial problems are solved!"

At that moment, a voice called from inside, "Quickly invite President Xu in! And that... whoever from Doctor Feng Robot, have you checked their position? Don’t let just anyone in!"

The office was quiet, and the voice was loud and clear. Xu Wu looked smugly at Chen Xiao, swaying her slim waist as she walked into the office area.

Chen Xiao touched his nose, thinking today’s start was rough. After all, business was never that easy. The Transportation Design Institute contract had come by luck and a small incident with Bai Lu, whose straightforward, responsible, and decisive character had made the difference.

That contract was truly a stroke of luck for Chen Xiao.

The receptionist came back to ask his position. He honestly replied he was a sales staff. She then invited him to wait a moment at the front desk. Since he was here, it was only polite not to turn him away.