Double evil in the business district

As soon as Shen Ting finished speaking, the atmosphere in the banquet hall subtly changed. The crowd that had originally surrounded Xiao Yue gradually dispersed, and whispers rose and fell.

Xiao Yue's heart sank. She knew that Shen Ting's "this is just the beginning" was not just a simple encouragement.

Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yue forced herself to calm down. She understood that the high-ranking guests' enthusiasm was based solely on Shen Ting's endorsement, and the other guests' interest was equally fragile. She needed to make them truly see the value of Xiao's new business, rather than relying on anyone's influence.

"Everyone," Xiao Yue's voice was clear and firm, once again attracting everyone's attention. "I know you all still have many questions about our new business. Instead of relying on hearsay, let's discuss it in depth from the perspective of market potential and development prospects."

She began to elaborate on the new business's market positioning, target users, and competitive advantages, citing numerous data points and case studies, striving to ensure that every guest clearly understood the value of Xiao's new business. Some guests began to listen attentively, their eyes reflecting their thoughts.

However, Lin Xiao had no intention of giving up. She calmly called her attendant to her side and whispered a few instructions. Soon, rumors about Xiao's financial difficulties spread quietly among the guests.

"I heard that Xiao's cash flow hasn't been smooth lately."

"Is this true? Then can their new business still be carried out smoothly?"

"I think it's a big deal. I don't want the funding chain to break before the project even starts."

These rumors spread like a virus, causing the guests to doubt Xiao's new business again. The guests, who had been somewhat shaken, began to hesitate again, and their eyes turned to Xiao Yue with complicated expressions.

Xiao Yue sensed the change in the atmosphere and couldn't help but feel powerless. She knew that Lin Xiao was deliberately spreading rumors in an attempt to damage the Xiao family's reputation. But she didn't have time to pursue these matters now; she had to stabilize the situation as soon as possible.

She took a deep breath and raised her voice. "I know there have been some rumors circulating about our Xiao Corporation recently. I can clearly tell you that these are all false. Our capital chain is very healthy and sufficient to support the smooth development of new businesses."

With a firm tone and a piercing gaze, she attempted to dispel the guests' doubts with her sincerity and confidence. However, the power of rumors was far stronger than she had imagined. While the guests didn't explicitly express distrust, the suspicion in their eyes lingered.

At this moment, Shen Ting walked over to Xiao Yue again. He didn't say anything, but just stood there quietly, gazing at Xiao Yue with a firm gaze. His presence seemed to give Xiao Yue a shot of adrenaline.

"I know this road is not easy," Xiao Yue turned to look at Shen Ting, her tone filled with a hint of fatigue, yet also full of determination, "but I won't give up."

Shen Ting nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes. He reached out and gently patted Xiao Yue's shoulder, whispering, "I believe you."

These four simple words were more powerful than a thousand words. Xiao Yue felt a warm current surge in her heart, and her originally tense nerves gradually relaxed.

On the other side of the banquet hall, Lin Xiao watched this scene, a sinister glint in her eyes. She walked over to Yang's opponent and whispered, "Looks like we need to think of another way..."

When the discussion began, Yang was surrounded by other competitors, like the center of a crowd. They chatted and laughed, discussing the industry's prospects, and occasionally burst into hearty laughter, as if this was the center of the party.

Xiao Yue and her team, however, were like forgotten relics in a corner, unattended. The occasional guest who passed by would simply nod politely before quickly departing to join the lively discussion.

Xiao Yue understood that this was a deliberate move by Yang's rivals. They wanted to isolate Xiao's company, make its new business seem unattractive, and deter potential partners. She clenched her wine glass, her fingertips turning slightly white. But she remained undaunted. She took a deep breath and told herself she had to take the initiative.

She put down her glass and walked over to a group of small and medium-sized enterprise representatives who were chatting quietly. Although these people were small in scale, they were the most active force in the market. If they could win their support, it would be of great help to promote Xiao's new business.

"Hello everyone," Xiao Yue said with a sincere smile. "I'm Xiao Yue, the business representative of Xiao Enterprises. I'm very happy to be here to communicate with you all."

Several guests responded politely, but there was still a hint of hesitation in their eyes. They had obviously heard the negative rumors about Xiao's and were skeptical about Xiao's new business.

Xiao Yue didn't shy away from these questions. She answered them candidly and presented in detail the advantages and market prospects of Xiao's new business. With clear logic, detailed data, and passionate language, she gradually won the trust of some guests.

A young entrepreneur listened carefully to Xiao Yue's explanation, with a gleam in his eyes: "Ms. Xiao, your project does have great potential, but we are also worried that Xiao's current financial situation will affect the progress of the project."

Xiao Yue answered without hesitation: "Our Xiao Group's capital chain is very stable and sufficient to support the smooth development of new businesses. The rumors in this regard are purely slander from malicious competitors." Her tone was firm and her eyes were frank, making it difficult for people to doubt her sincerity.

Another older entrepreneur also expressed his concerns: "Ms. Xiao, we also understand that the Shen Group does not seem to support your project..."

Xiao Yue smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Shen is very concerned about our project and has given us a lot of valuable suggestions. We are actively communicating and cooperating, and I believe there will be further news soon." She cleverly avoided the issue of Shen Ting's attitude and focused on the possibility of cooperation.

As the discussions deepened, more and more representatives from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) became interested in Xiao's new business. They began to ask questions and discuss the details of the partnership with Xiao Yue. Xiao Yue patiently answered each question and actively exchanged contact information with them, agreeing on further discussions.

Xiao Yue's efforts gradually reversed Xiao's passive position in promoting new business. Although Yang's opponent's cold shoulder strategy continued, a small group of genuinely interested potential partners had already gathered in front of Xiao's booth.

On the other side of the banquet hall, Lin Xiao was chatting and laughing with a distinguished guest. She gracefully raised her glass and gently swirled the red wine in it, her eyes occasionally glancing in Xiao Yue's direction, a barely perceptible sneer curling up at the corner of her mouth.

"Mr. Gao, do you really think Xiao's new business has prospects?" Lin Xiao asked casually, with a hint of doubt in his tone.

The high guest took a sip of red wine and shook his head: "To be honest, I am not optimistic. Xiao's financial situation is worrying."

Lin Xiao leaned closer to the high-ranking guest, lowered his voice, and said mysteriously, "Also, I heard that there are different opinions on this project within Shen's company, and President Shen himself doesn't seem optimistic about it. You know, the business world is like a battlefield. Without Shen's support, it will be difficult for Xiao's company to turn around."

She paused, observing Mr. Gao's expression. Seeing his frown, she continued, "What's more, Xiao's new business overlaps with Lin's. They're trying to grab our market share. Mr. Gao, you should think twice."

Gao Binke was already skeptical about Xiao's new business, but after hearing Lin Xiao's words, he became even more resolute. He put down his glass and said seriously, "Ms. Lin is right. The business world is extremely risky, and we must proceed with caution. I think we should just give up on this Xiao project."

Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Lin Xiao was secretly delighted, but his face remained calm. He raised his glass and smiled sweetly, "Mr. Gao is wise."

Elsewhere, Xiao Yue was still diligently communicating with potential partners. Her mouth was dry, but she dared not slack off. She noticed that Shen Ting had been standing in the corner of the banquet hall, his eyes constantly fixed on her. His eyes seemed to contain a complex mixture of worry, admiration, and... hesitation?

A glimmer of hope ignited in Xiao Yue's heart. Perhaps Shen Ting had not completely given up on her, but was just waiting for the right opportunity.

However, Shen Ting never came over. He just stood there quietly, like a bystander, watching everything with cold eyes.

A small business owner from the south showed great interest in Xiao's new business. He asked about the details of the project in detail and expressed his willingness to conduct more in-depth cooperation negotiations. This gave Xiao Yue great encouragement, as if she saw a ray of light in the darkness.

"Ms. Xiao, your project is very promising. We are very willing to cooperate with your company." The small business owner said enthusiastically, "However, we are also worried about the current situation of Xiao's company..."

Before he could finish his words, Yang Dui suddenly walked over, a fake smile on his face, and patted the small business owner on the shoulder. "Old Li, you have to be careful too. Some projects look glamorous, but they actually carry hidden risks. Don't be blinded by sweet talk."

The small business owner looked at his opponent Yang, then at Xiao Yue. The smile on his face gradually disappeared, and hesitation appeared in his eyes.

Xiao Yue took a deep breath and was about to explain when Lin Xiao and Gao Binke came over. Lin Xiao took Gao Binke's arm in an intimate gesture, with a victorious smile on his face.

"Ms. Xiao." Lin Xiao's tone was frivolous, with a hint of provocation in his eyes. "How is your project going?"

Xiao Yue suppressed the anger in her heart and said calmly: "Thank you Miss Lin for your concern. Everything is going well."

"Really?" Lin Xiao chuckled, turned to guest Gao, and said, "Mr. Gao, why don't you talk to Miss Xiao as well? Maybe you can give her some valuable advice."

Gao Binke cleared his throat and said in a lecturing tone, "Ms. Xiao, it's not easy for young people to start a business. You need to be down-to-earth and not be too ambitious. Some projects are not suitable for you, so it's better to give up as soon as possible."

Xiao Yue clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms. She felt a huge pressure, as if a mountain was pressing down on her, making it difficult for her to breathe.

Lin Xiao looked at Xiao Yue's pale face, and the smile on her lips deepened. She gently patted Xiao Yue's arm and said in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "Xiao Yue, you're doomed."

Xiao Yue didn't say anything, just looked at Lin Xiao quietly, her eyes burning with an unyielding fire. She knew that she had reached a very difficult time and she had to find a way to fight back, but...

"Miss Xiao," a waiter walked up to Xiao Yue and handed her a glass of champagne, "Mr. Shen asked me to bring this."

Xiao Yue was stunned for a moment. Shen Ting? Why would he give her champagne? Could it be... A flicker of doubt crossed her mind. She took the champagne and took a sip. The wine slid down her throat, bringing a hint of coolness, but it couldn't quench her anxiety.

Seeing this, Lin Xiao's eyes flickered and she chuckled, "Oh, Mr. Shen is really considerate. Miss Xiao, you must seize the opportunity." Her tone was full of sarcasm, and the guests around her also cast meaningful glances at her and whispered to each other.

Xiao Yue tried to remain calm, nodded slightly to the waiter to show her gratitude, then turned to look at Lin Xiao and said calmly: "Ms. Lin, you are joking. Mr. Shen was just being polite."

"Polite?" Lin Xiao raised an eyebrow. "Why do I feel like Mr. Shen seems to be paying special attention to you? His eyes have been fixed on you since just now."

Xiao Yue ignored Lin Xiao's provocation. She knew that the most important thing now was not to argue with Lin Xiao, but to find a breakthrough and reverse the current situation. Her eyes swept across the banquet hall, searching for a glimmer of hope.

Gao Binke coughed lightly and interrupted their conversation: "Ms. Xiao, I advise you not to waste any more time. Your project has no future."

Yang's opponent also echoed: "Yes, Miss Xiao, he who knows the current situation is a hero. The sooner you give up, the less loss you can suffer."

Their words were like sharp knives, piercing Xiao Yue's heart. But she didn't give up. A determined glint gleamed in her eyes. She took a deep breath and said slowly, "Everyone, I know you have doubts about Xiao's new business, but I can assure you that this project has absolute potential and will change the entire industry landscape."

However, her explanation did not receive any response. The guests just looked at her indifferently, as if they were looking at a clown.

At that moment, Xiao Yue's gaze fell on the banquet hall entrance. A familiar figure appeared there. Tall and imposing, he was none other than Professor Wang, a renowned domestic industry expert. Professor Wang had publicly expressed his optimism about Xiao's new business, and his presence undoubtedly brought new hope to Xiao Yue.

A bold idea germinated in Xiao Yue's mind. She knew that the only way now was to invite Professor Wang to the stage and use his expertise and influence to turn the situation around. But how could she do it? Professor Wang hadn't received an invitation, so why did he suddenly appear here?

Xiao Yue's heartbeat quickened. She took a deep breath and walked towards Professor Wang with firm steps...

"Professor Wang," Xiao Yue's voice trembled slightly, but she tried to remain calm. "It's great that you can come."