Ten Years of Yearning. My Love, Let Me Protect You.

"Girl, what's your name?... Your age? What about your family members?! And...your birth year…? The university you have studied at… Blah Blah… more blah blah..."

Even the blind could see that Elder Leng was out to get a good girl to match with his degenerate grandson! 

The dear grandson who had made a huge scene at a bar and caused him a lot of headache in his old age… How infuriating!

Watching his gossipy auntie-like behaviour, Elder Bin and Elder Wang moved their ears and rubbed those gently. As if it would help them to listen to those murmurs clearly even though they despised his shamelessness!

Pan Er Jiu nudged her glasses and like a good girl, tried to answer everything. "Name Pan Er Jiu, age 24…"

Even though she got educated to never expose one's personal info to unknown people since her very young age, currently all those teachings were thrown outside and went down the drain… the teachings ultimate destination was the vast sea... 

The more Elder Leng and Elder Bin heard her answer, the more they liked her. In their eyes, a normal family was fine as long as the girl was perfect! Also, they knew that Pan Er Jiu was an ex employee of Sheng Ruming thus they knew she was bound to be talented.

But Elder Wang was different. His little girl was too dazzling so the other girl, who didn't have much in her bag of accomplishment, looked pale. Even though there was a big generation gap between those two said people!

Right then, one staff member came and greeted them with a stiff face, "Guest, actually you are sitting in the wrong area."

Elder Leng mouthed, 'Me?' and the man nodded. 

"Only the one who will participate directly in the event can sit here." The man replied awkwardly. 

The three areas were divided clearly yet the elders came to sit here intentionally. They didn't think that the people attending this high end event would act like this. 

Elder Bin harrumphed and mumbled, "We have already sat down. Why make a mess? Let others sit there."

The staff felt troubled and contacted his superior via Bluetooth earpiece. When the other person knew it was Elder Bin who had said that, he instructed the staff to leave. They could only give face to the old honourable guest. 

Thus, the arrangement was useless and people sat down randomly. 

When Yan Luhan came, he witnessed the vast hall full of humans. But when his eyes swept around, he saw Sheng Ruming who only nodded in return though he saw Yan Luhan. 

Yan Luhan felt cheated. As for why only he knew.

… 

The bid finally started when all the seats of the hall got filled. In real life, the government usually didn't give away projects like this but in the current society, to portray a fair image, wherever a new big project should be given to someone, it would become too high class. 

A man with a professional black suit went up to the stage and began his speech with a calm face, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. We are very honoured to have all of you here at this very event. " 

His greetings were applauded with warm claps and appreciation, making him smile as he gripped the mic firmly. But the sound was very vague and it died down easily.

"With every honoured guest eagerly waiting for the bid to start..." He pauses for a bit, roaming his eyes around, "... I would like to say that the waiting time is over." 

He smiles nodding his head and continues, "Even though it's not like those auctions, today, we will see and judge the plans submitted by the various major companies and give the project to the best plan which company will present." He roared through the mic while the others started to become extremely serious. 

"Shall we start the bidding?" The man whispered while glancing at the man beside him. When he got the green signal, he immediately started the official event of the day.

"So, the multi-billion project which is believed to be connecting our three big cities into one, we believe this project would bring us great fortune and benefits." He then grabbed the mic while he walked back and forth looking around.

"Whoever will get it, we hope that you will finish it with all your effort. Even though it will take several years, we are optimistic. You will be doing a great deed, indeed." He continues making everyone chuckle. After all, all kinds of projects would take years to finish and it's very normal.

Sometimes, unexpected situations could arise and some projects get abandoned without being completed. The government couldn't play around with important ones!

"And here it starts! " He shouted out loud with people looking ahead. Instantly, the hall became dark and the multiple projectors concentrated on the large white surface ahead.

…

The vision about the bridge and its connection to the three major cities was displayed clearly to the front through a projector. 

Also, all the assistants and related persons were on the stage with a draft copy of their plans handed overhand to the main authorities. 

After the authorities would check those, they would only choose 5 companies. Then, the company's spokesperson would come and vaguely explain the plans. 

Whoever would be able to convince them with their words and plan, would get the project. But ability, reputation and power mattered the most!

Sometimes, the authorities would give the project to more than one person to complete. That was for the process to finish in the least time possible. 

Pan Er Jiu, Shen Shubin as well as other people went ahead and submitted their draft. Pan Er Jiu was very excited when she saw her idol from the business world. 

The man's smile was demonic and it seemed as though she could die for that smile. But in the end, they were told to enter backstage for some reason.

After five minutes, "Look at the stage…" The man who was in charge of the stage moved aside and the projection of a page was shown on the white surface. 

Then, one by one, the plans were shown to the masses and their respective spokesperson would come forward and briefly explain. 

"First, let's invite the spokesperson of Murong Industrial…"

Just like that, the first person was summoned. Whoever could be among the lucky chosen ones, their plan must be super good. 

"Second will be Fang Corporation…" Another slot was gone just like that. 

Currently, Luo Lixi was very nervous. They had prepared for this for a long time. Even if they couldn't get the project, it would be a shame if they couldn't be among the five presenters. 

It was the very thought of several people among the crowd. All of them were the pillars of the country and the biggest Corporations and industries which helped the country to run. 

Every opportunity could be vital for them for a breakthrough to a new height!

"Next, it is Sheng Industry and Corporation's turn…"

Luo Lixi turned around and muttered in a low voice, "You are lucky, Ruming. I envy~" 

Sheng Ruming chuckled when he saw her envious look and mouthed, 'Always.'

When Sheng Ruming went to the stage, the young man looked very dignified. The way he spoke, moved and talked seemed very dominant and authoritative!

Madam Wang glanced at the face of Luo Lixi who was currently smiling vaguely. She moved beside Luo Lixi's ear and murmured, "Girl, you are very lucky to get the man. I hope your happiness will last forever…"

"Ah?!" Luo Lixi became flustered and turned around but before she could watch her, Madam Wang had already retracted back to her previous state. 

Nonetheless, she returned her eyes ahead. Sheng Ruming's magnetic voice flowed towards her, "... we are confident that we can complete this bridge in five years if nothing goes wrong…" The man continued with a serious face. 

When 7 minutes was over, he walked down the stairs. Because it wasn't a normal event, there wasn't any clapping noise to support and cheer him. 

When the man came beside Luo Lixi and sat down, he couldn't help but whisper, "The other plans of various companies are also good. It will be tough to snatch the project."

"Hmm…" Luo Lixi nodded as she saw the next person going up to the stage. It was none other than Yan Luhan. 

Currently, the man didn't have the easy going aura rather a cold, dignified and confident Yan Luhan was walking through the stairs. When he turned around and the projector replaced Sheng Ruming's pages with his plan's page, his lips rose up.

Luo Lixi turned towards him and smiled, "Your good friend is present too. Come to think of it, he didn't come to meet you after he has arrived… sigh!"

Sheng Ruming snorted, "Hey, don't try to act like you are fine. I can see that you are very nervous. I can see you sweating like hell, tsk!"