Chapter 316
They had to keep the news about Manchotech’s investment under wraps for now. If the news were to leak out prematurely, it would inevitably attract unwanted attention at a stage when GrabCheap needed more time to develop.
After landing Manchotech’s investment, Birgitte and her team were completely fired up. Aubree couldn’t help but marvel at how motivated her team was. Then a thought popped into her head: “Maybe I should give them a chance to shine?”
Thus, Aubree decided to take a well-deserved break.
Coincidentally, Bowen Turner had also just wrapped up his work in Rithol City and was planning to visit her. He gave her a video call.
“Not at home?” Aubree asked, taking advantage of the free time to revise her undergrad coursework. Her phone was propped up beside her. On the screen, Bowen was leaning against what looked like a balcony railing in casual clothes.
“Mm-hmm. Mark’s brother is getting engaged today, so I’m here for the engagement party.”
Mark King hailed from the prominent King family in Rithol City with powerful connections to the political elite and the military. Mark himself served in the military. His eldest brother and youngest brother both entered politics, while his youngest sister joined a theater group affiliated with the ruling political party.
One could say the whole family was practically on the government payroll.
“Tomorrow I’m coming to Südlichen Strand. I miss you.” Bowen’s unexpected confession made Aubree’s ears flush pink. In reality, she was starting to miss him too.
“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I’ve secured investment from Manchotech for the GrabCheap project. My plan is to partner with both Manchotech and Tengu, though Tengu still seems undecided,” Aubree said, sounding frustrated.
In truth, things had always been smooth sailing for her. This was the first time she had run into such a thorny situation with a potential business partner like the Tengu Gruppe.
“Bree, if Manchotech was able to ink the deal with you so quickly, maybe you should approach Tengu Gruppe’s matter from a different angle.”
Having spent years in the business world, Bowen could easily discern what was really going on from Aubree’s casual grumbles. There were only two possibilities: either Tengu Gruppe wanted to gauge Aubree’s sincerity more thoroughly, or something else was going on.
For the first possibility, it was perfectly normal to be cautious in business. But if it were the second possibility…
Bowen kept his suspicions to himself. He knew that depending on others was no substitute for depending on oneself. Being strong on one’s own terms was the best strategy.
If Aubree couldn’t see through the subtle game here, maybe a minor setback was just the lesson she needed.
Bowen’s eyes glinted. “Not everything will be smooth sailing in every endeavor.”
Aubree mulled over Bowen’s words, her eyes narrowing slightly. ‘Maybe it’s time to push Tengu Gruppe a little and see what they’re really up to,’ she thought.
“Alright, let’s not dwell on this now; I know you can handle it. But, I hope you’ll save the next few days just for me, Bree.”
Aubree’s expression softened into a smile. “You bet.”
They exchanged a few more words before ending the call.
Before Bowen had time to put his phone away, Ollie Lane sidled up with a sly grin and mimicked sarcastically, “I miss you…”
Bowen only looked back at Ollie calmly. “What? Are you jealous I’ve got a girlfriend?”
“Pfft! Don’t flatter yourself. She’s just your girlfriend for now, got it? The kind who can up and leave you anytime,” Ollie scoffed.
Bowen shot him a smug look that implied, “You’re just jealous.” Ollie simply rolled his eyes dramatically in response.
“You have been working your ass off these few days. You must have made plans for the next few days, haven’t you?” Ollie asked accusingly.
Bowen raised an eyebrow without confirming or denying.
Mark King was puzzled. “So what if he has made plans?”
“Didn’t you learn anything from last year’s cold shoulder? Or have you forgotten what special day is coming up in just a few days?” Ollie glared ominously.
The realization hit Mark at once. Aubree’s birthday was coming up.