Summit Farmer
Chapter 1667 - 1655: Open and Fair

Chapter 1667: Chapter 1655: Open and Fair

Peter Brown had just submitted the tender when the whole subsidiary began sighing and groaning.

"Brother Wang, did you hear? Mr. Carter’s project has failed."

Leah Nelson entered excitedly, added some hot water for Peter Brown, and then whispered.

Her trendy attire emanated a delicate feminine fragrance as she bent down to pour the water, stirring the heart.

As Peter looked toward Leah, his gaze fell into her neckline, and the delicate whiteness of her cleavage was even more stirring.

Seeing Peter look towards her chest, Leah blushed slightly, but deliberately or otherwise, she lingered, allowing Peter a clearer view.

"It sounds like quite a few projects are in jeopardy!"

Peter collected his thoughts. He was not overly enthusiastic about women, considering at home, Sadie Smith was completely devoted to pleasing him in every way possible, daily varying her methods, leaving him without much further desire.

Regarding the intentions of women like Leah Nelson, Peter was fully aware. A fling might be acceptable, but he never considered taking her home as a wife.

Currently, the gap between himself and Leah wasn’t too significant, and she harbored some thoughts about him. When the gap between them increased down the line, she’d surely need to reassess their relationship.

"What’s the situation in the office?" Peter changed the topic.

"Brother Wang, everyone has quieted down now. Imogan hardly goes to Manager Harrison anymore. I think there’s been some unhappiness," Leah said.

Peter was aware that Imogen Jones had come to understand a lot, visiting his office more often and occasionally acting flirtatiously, clearly aiming to seduce him.

"Just focus a bit more on work. If we really secure the Riverwater Valley Reservoir project, a project department might be set up and focus would shift there."

Leah hesitated before asking, "What kind of project would it be?"

"It’s too early to say now. We’ll only know once we secure the project."

"Are we really confident?"

"Nobody dares to be confident until the end. If I end up in charge, are you interested?"

His statement was a heads-up for Leah, merely suggesting that she should consider it herself.

As Leah walked out, Peter sat in contemplation. He had thought about it before: the likelihood of securing the project was high. If they won, the Group would manage all the engineering directly, possibly leading to a structure independent of the subsidiary. He might very well end up as the manager and needed to start preparing his team.

Hank Carter approached Peter at the end of the day and said, "Peter Brown, shall we dine together?"

Lately, Hank had been somewhat arrogant, not bothering to invite Peter for meals. Today’s sudden invitation made Peter realize he was aiming to suppress him, showing off his competence now that his project had failed and looking for an ally.

Peter, not wanting to indulge him, shook his head and said, "I’ve already made plans with county leaders; we’re tackling some issues today. Some other time."

"All right then."

With that, Hank said, "Not winning the tender isn’t our fault. The province has made some changes, with new leaders emphasizing transparency in tendering, thinking corruption starts here. So this time, it’s meant to be open and honest throughout the province. Rumor has it they’ll nab anyone who stretches their hand."

"Well, that’s a good thing. It’s an opportunity for companies with real capability," Peter said calmly.

Hearing this, Hank looked at Peter with a slightly sour expression, "Do you think the Riverwater Valley project still has hope?"

"Whatever the case, as long as it’s transparent, there’s some hope, surely more than before."

"Peter Brown, just with the management folks at our subsidiary?" Hank shook his head, patted Peter’s arm, and left.

Shortly after Hank left, Matthew Clarkson appeared.

For some reason, perhaps because everyone was sticking together for warmth, Matthew Clarkson also thought Peter’s project was doomed. Thus, worried about his own failing project, he started showing goodwill towards Peter.

"Mr. Clarkson, does your project have hope?"

"Hard to say, the climate is tough right now; no one dares claim they have hope."

Recently, neither Hank Carter nor Matthew Clarkson had focused much on producing quality tenders, spending more energy on networking. Now, with a sudden reversal, they were caught off guard.

At the next meeting, Hank’s expression was grim as he scanned the attendees and said, "These next two days mark the peak of tender opening, yet the results are disappointing. Several promising bids have encountered issues. So far, our company hasn’t won any tenders. Comrades, we’re far from meeting the annual goals set by the headquarters, and the blame will fall on all of us."

Matthew sighed, "There’s nothing we can do about it. We’ve established enough connections, paid the necessary bribes, but no one expected this kind of shift. Whether those who took advantages will expose us is the key!"

Upon hearing this, everyone’s expression darkened, previously only concerned about not winning the tenders, not considering this graver possibility. If true, the problem could be severe.

Hank’s expression grew even grimmer, knowing the backdoor dealings he’d engaged in to secure the project.

Several leaders also shifted uncomfortably.

Seeing everyone’s expressions, Peter frowned, thinking some might get dragged down with this.

If that was the case, it could spell big trouble for the subsidiary.

With Matthew Clarkson’s words, everyone lost interest in continuing the meeting. Hank glanced at Peter and said, "The biggest remaining untendered project is the one Peter Brown is handling, the Riverwater Valley Reservoir. Let’s hope for some success there!"

Everyone knew that even in the current situation, given the subsidiary’s ability to produce a tender, there wasn’t much hope, especially with the lack of precision likely in targeting. Hank was merely speaking rhetorically; no one took him seriously.