Chapter 459: The Game (2) Hannah's Tacit

Tan frowned, pondering quietly. "That's difficult to say. I think we should wait for tomorrow's negotiation."

Hannah nodded, satisfied with his caution. "Let's follow the plan. You drafted a project for Bead Chain's transition, right? We can revise it tonight and negotiate with him tomorrow morning."

"Okay," Tan agreed.

"Can we finish it tonight?"

"It should be manageable."

"I'll work with you," Hannah said. "Let's inform our previous e-commerce team. We'll do this together."

"Yes."

"Small meeting room, twenty minutes. Let's discuss."

"Yes."

Hannah oversaw the process, then worked with Tan and the team. The project had numerous complex elements, each demanding considerable time. Starting in the afternoon, they worked through the evening, night, and into the early morning.

They finalized the project at 5 AM. Exhausted, everyone slept at the table. Hannah, however, remained awake. She left the meeting room and made black tea in the break room.

As she prepared the tea, Tan appeared. "Aren't you sleeping, Ms. Hannah?"

Hannah turned. "Are you?"

"I was sleepy, but not anymore," Tan smiled. "Perhaps the excitement. I never thought we could create such a perfect project in one night. I've admired your work for a long time, and it's an honor to witness your abilities and leadership firsthand. Reflecting on how you transformed chaos into order... Ms. Hannah, I'm so glad I returned to my homeland. It's helped me immensely."

"Don't flatter me," Hannah said calmly. "I simply have extensive experience; e-commerce is familiar territory."

Tan seemed unsure, but Hannah didn't elaborate. "I'm going home; you should rest. We'll negotiate with them tomorrow morning."

"Okay," Tan nodded. Hannah left the break room.

Water on the floor went unnoticed. She slipped in her high heels. Instantly, Tan caught her. Hannah, startled, found herself in his arms.

"Are you alright?" Tan asked, concerned.

Hannah quickly disentangled herself. "I'm fine. Thank you."

"No problem," Tan added, "Be careful, Ms. Hannah." Hannah nodded and departed cautiously, still shaken by the near-fall. She wondered if she was being paranoid; Tan's reaction seemed incredibly swift, especially given their distance. A slight pause, and she would have fallen.

A subtle change in Tan's expression was noticeable. He slowly clenched his fingers, lingering on the sensation of Hannah's skin, a wave of emotion washing over him.

...

Hannah returned to the company after 9 AM, having slept for three hours. She joined Tan and Rose to visit Bills' hotel. The night shift was allowed to rest.

They arrived at the hotel at 9:50 AM. Hannah took a deep breath and knocked. Bills' assistant greeted them warmly, "Welcome, Ms. Hannah. Mr. Jones is waiting for you in the meeting room."

They were led to the presidential suite's private meeting room. Bills, sipping red wine by a floor-to-ceiling window, enjoyed the November sunlight of Kensbury City. Seeing them, he gestured, "Please, sit."

Hannah sat near Bills. A waiter poured her a glass of wine. Bills said, "I imported it specially. Please, Ms. Hannah."

Hannah sampled the wine. "Fragrant, mellow, balanced, and lingering."

Bills smiled. "If we build the international e-commerce platform, high-quality wines like this will be available in Northfield."

"A benefit for Northfield's people," Hannah agreed.

"I've considered your banquet suggestions and investigated Bead Chain as you requested. It has significant potential," Bills stated directly. "However..."

Hannah listened intently.

"It's too small. While Cooper strives to build an e-commerce platform, it can't meet my standards, nor achieve the scale or operational efficiency, within such a short timeframe. Three months earlier, and I'd have chosen you without hesitation. But now, I'm sorry," Bills explained.

Hannah remained composed. She anticipated challenges, but hadn't expected their night's work to be futile.

Calmly, she said, "We won't trouble you further. Thank you for your time and explanation. I hope for future collaboration." Hannah stood to shake his hand. Bills, surprised by her composure—most people reacted with disappointment to rejection—was impressed. He shook her hand, stating, "I wish so as well."

Hannah departed with Tan and Rose. Rose, simmering with frustration over their wasted night, held back her anger.

As they left, Hannah paused, turning back. "Mr. Jones, a favor?"

"Ask away."

"You're a pioneer in e-commerce, and Cooper Group seeks to expand into this area. Would you review our project and offer any advice?"