Chapter 15 A Difficult Game

Étienne had already changed his clothes on the plane, everything was in order, and he rushed to the bidding venue just in time for the intense moment. Everyone thought he was just putting on airs, and seeing that he could still be late for such an important bidding session, they were even more convinced that he had little ability, so they didn't pay much attention to him.
This auction was for the latest search engine developed by a small company. After testing its speed, it was indeed much faster than the average device on the market, and it also saved a lot of space. It was an excellent product. This was the final bidding, with only two companies participating in this round - The Chevalier Group represented by Étienne and the WTT Group represented by the Menier family.
Étienne knew that the other party's representative was an extremely arrogant person, so he capitalized on this mentality and had confidence in the bidding process.
Halfway through the bidding, neither side gave in.
Leo leaned over and said, "Sir, I'm afraid they won't go any higher."
"No, I must win this thing. Otherwise, it would be too embarrassing." Étienne intentionally raised his voice.
This tactic seemed to have some success. They played this trick a few more times, and in the end, Étienne felt it was enough and stopped. The bidding price had become astonishingly high, surpassing the expectations.
In order to retain its practical value, Leo continued to wear an expression of regret, which pleased Étienne even more.
On the way back, Leo asked, "Sir, what's next?"
"How's the progress with the research and development team?" Étienne asked.
"Smooth progress, especially with the people you brought back. They are truly remarkable," Leo replied.
The person Leo referred to as remarkable was a senior from Étienne's time studying in the United States, a genius in software development. Without him, Étienne would never have dared to take action. "There's really no need to worry about the team he brought with him."
The auction this time was actually nothing. The real key moment would be the product demonstration next week. Only the company that emerged as the leader would have the rare opportunity to secure a development project in collaboration with the top 18 companies in the world's internet industry. That was Étienne's true objective.
The search engine acquired by the WTT Group at a high price would undoubtedly be showcased at the presentation for the new product. However, if this engine wasn't the fastest, the outcome would be uncertain.
"For now, keep the specific plans confidential, including the location of the research and development team. Withstand the pressure from the board of directors and everything will be fine by the end of this week," Étienne instructed.
"Understood. You should take a good rest in the meantime," Leo said.
"Make it clear, I am the boss," Étienne grumbled.
Leo looked at Étienne, shrugged, and replied, "Sure, go ahead and exhaust yourself."
"The board of directors knows about the auction, right?" Étienne asked.
"Yes, they informed us of the meeting time in an email. It's scheduled for three o'clock this afternoon," Leo answered.
"If it's so urgent, then let's go and attend," Étienne frowned.
The company was bustling with activity as all 23 directors gathered for the meeting, which started promptly at three o'clock.
Étienne presided over the meeting and got straight to the point without any unnecessary words. "Let's learn from our past lessons and experiences to pave the way for the future. Is this not clear to everyone? If we constantly worry and hesitate because of past events, we will always be the losers."
The directors exchanged glances. After all, this young heir had limited experience, and they wondered if they should really follow him this time. What if they failed? It was simply unthinkable, especially considering his embarrassing performance at the auction today.
"In business, is dignity more important or is capital more important? That's the only thing I want to ask everyone right now," Étienne said confidently. Although he was a member of the Chevalier family, he didn't grow up here. Standing here now, he appeared more like a "paratrooper" in the eyes of outsiders. It was normal for everyone to doubt him.
"That's true, but Sir, losing at the auction was the key to victory this time. Do we really have a guaranteed victory in the next battle?" one respected elder questioned.
"From what I know, all the elders present here didn't just sit in their current positions without going through hardships. Why can't we summon that same courage now?" Étienne challenged.
"Empty words are useless without capital. What use is such courage?"
"Now that I can stand here."
"Surely there is confidence here."
"What proof do you have?" Voices of skepticism filled the room.
Étienne raised his voice, intimidating everyone. "The demonstration next week will prove it, right? I'll bet my shares on it!"
With these words, the large conference room fell silent.
Étienne knew people still had concerns, so he asked his assistant to distribute the prepared proposal. The lights in the conference room dimmed, leaving only the projector emitting light.
The screen displayed the software to be launched at the demonstration. After seeing it, no one showed any interest in collaboration. How could they compete for a partnership with the other company with such a configuration? It was a joke.
"Now, what I'm about to demonstrate is the engine system that our competitors took at today's bidding meeting. If we can get back what they got at the price they paid, I ask you, is it worth it?"
No one spoke this time. "So, don't doubt me anymore! I only have this requirement. If we fail to secure a partnership at the demonstration, I will give up all my shares."
"Fine, I won't say a word. Consider it agreed."
"You really have your father's style back then, haha."
"Yeah! This is the territory for young people from now on."
"Well, let's not make it difficult for the young man. I agree too."
Seeing Étienne betting his shares, everyone expressed their approval.
Leo followed Étienne out of the conference room. "Sir, the wager is too big."
"Look at those people inside. They stuff money into their pockets when they make profits, but when it's time to contribute, it's like asking for their lives. But can they swallow this wager they want to take? Hmph!" Étienne irritably tugged at his tie.
This would be a do-or-die battle. If they truly failed, his father in the hospital, surviving a gunshot wound, would probably be half dead from this news alone.
"For now, let's not mention anything about the hospital. Keep it under wraps."
Étienne knew this was something he could only do when he was young. In a few more years, he feared he would have to consider many more things and wouldn't be able to do things like this anymore. He made his way to the senior developers' studio, where everyone was working diligently, unaware of his arrival.
He reached the doorway and then backed out. Going in now would only add pressure to them. It's would be better to let them do their work unaffected and forget about it.
After resting at the hospital for a few days, Evelyn returned home once the doctors and nurses started to get annoyed with her. There was hardly any news online or in the media. That's the good thing about this industry - everything is easily forgotten. It wouldn't be bad if individuals could also have such forgetfulness.
The biggest annoyance for people is having a good memory. If we could forget everything, every day would be a new beginning.
Passing by the supermarket, she bought some ingredients. Surprisingly, she suddenly felt like cooking. Being alone felt lonely, so she had to find something to do.
When she got home with the groceries, she regretted it a bit. In the spirit of not wasting, she grabbed her iPad and went to the kitchen to start cooking. Following the recipe step by step, she calmly and methodically prepared the soup that was still simmering, the rice was almost done, and now she just had to stir-fry a few side dishes.
Indeed, women are naturally talented in the kitchen. When she finished stir-frying and prepared to serve the dishes on the dining table, she suddenly felt strange and turned around.
Not far away, William was eagerly watching her.
Seeing Evelyn's astonished expression, William felt that this trip was well worth it. "I confess, I came in when you were pouring that plate of shrimp with a mischievous look in your eyes."
"Mhmm, and you didn't close the door properly. I didn't secretly duplicate the key." Of course, that was a lie.
Evelyn was amused by his solemn pledge, but as she stood there staring at him, the two of them silently locked gazes.
Just as Evelyn turned around to check on the soup, William quickly approached and grabbed her arm. Evelyn turned back and found herself pressed between the refrigerator and his chest, with the light behind her, unable to make out William's expression, but his familiar scent of mint was already wafting towards her.
The two were in close proximity, William leaning against Evelyn, and seeing the dumbfounded look on her face, he felt even better. He asked softly, "May I?"
Evelyn was speechless. How was she supposed to answer such a question at a time like this?
With a growing smile on his face, William felt both amused and exasperated. Just a second before Evelyn could push him away, he kissed her earnestly.
His lips were soft, that was Evelyn's final thought.
William felt the same way, unable to describe the beauty of it. He patiently explored her lips until she grew weak and leaned into his embrace, then he gently pried open her mouth.
He reluctantly released her when she was out of breath, his eyes shining as brightly as the stars they had once observed on the rooftop. "Thank you for the reward you've given me."
Blushing slightly, Evelyn pushed him away and went to serve the soup. William hugged her from behind, but as she struggled to get free, he chuckled softly, "Be careful not to get your sleeves stained with oil." He then reached out to roll up her sleeves.
"Now step back immediately," Evelyn commanded firmly. This time, William had no choice but to obediently comply.
As they sat at the dining table, Evelyn could still feel her heart pounding.
"I can't believe it's the first time you've cooked," William exclaimed dramatically as he picked up a tomato, prepared to give some sincere praise. But with just one glance from Evelyn, he hurriedly stuffed it into his mouth.
The taste... Evelyn looked at the ever-changing expression on William's face and guessed the outcome of her first attempt at cooking.
"Is it bad?" she asked.
William quickly swallowed and smiled, "No, not at all. It's delicious. Let me try this meat. The color is beautiful, and it must taste great too."
With a brave face, William stuffed the meat into his mouth, chewing once, then twice, and kept on chewing, trying hard to control his expression. What's going on? "It has a great chewiness, perfect for exercising the jaw."
Seeing him like this, Evelyn said, "Forget it, don't eat it!"
"No, it's very tasty, really."
In the end, William practically finished the entire table of food, and no matter how aloof Evelyn's disposition was, she couldn't help but warm up to William. With someone like him accompanying her in this lifetime, what else could she ask for?
After dinner, the two of them settled on the couch to watch TV. When Evelyn noticed something interesting, she turned her head and saw William already sitting beside her, arms crossed, fast asleep with his head tilted. He looked so peaceful, like a child.
Evelyn went to the bedroom and fetched a blanket to cover William. She then stayed by his side, quietly watching him. She couldn't help but wonder if work had been tough for him. Despite that, he still came running over like this. Evelyn was deeply moved and wondered what she should do.
The TV was playing a boring variety show as the two sat on the couch. This simple and mundane life felt real and precious to Evelyn. At this moment, that's exactly how she felt.