Chapter 2099 Some people are better off unfamiliar than familiar.

Pi Yangyang had no choice but to stop and look at the young female reporter blocking his way, a slight smile appearing on his face.

These interviews today will most likely be broadcast on television.

Although he dislikes being bombarded with questions from reporters, he can't keep people at arm's length either.

He was well aware of the power of the media and saw no need to tarnish his own image or that of the Yan Group here.

Her shout immediately attracted the attention of many reporters nearby, who all turned to look at her.

Although Pi Yangyang is the chairman of Yan's Group, he rarely gives media interviews.

Normally, Su Xueqing and Lan Bowen appear on screen.

In his words, professional matters should be handled by professionals.

When facing reporters, he always felt he didn't know what to say.

"Is that Chairman Pi of the Yan Group? He actually came to the meeting in person today. It seems that the Yan Group attaches great importance to this project!"

A reporter who was preparing to interview Bai Zheteng turned to look at Pi Yangyang and immediately said something in astonishment.

The microphone that had been handed to Bai Zheteng was suddenly pulled back, and the photographer said, "Quick, let's interview Chairman Pi. He's very difficult to interview..."

As soon as he shouted, the reporters who were asking Bai Zheteng questions all rushed over to Pi Yangyang, leaving Bai Zheteng and his son standing there, dumbfounded.

Just a moment ago they were the center of attention, but in the blink of an eye, all the reporters have left, leaving only a few independent media bloggers broadcasting live from them.

Bai Zheteng's face instantly turned extremely ugly.

I originally wanted to take this opportunity to promote the Bai Group.

But to his surprise, Pi Yangyang stole all the limelight from him as soon as he arrived.

Bai Yuanji was so angry that his liver, lungs, and kidneys ached, and his teeth were grinding together. He said angrily, "Why is he everywhere...?"

Bai Zheteng said angrily, "Hmph, he's just being smug for now. Let's see how he'll still be laughing after the bidding starts."

The two were really upset and walked dejectedly into the venue.

Reporters surrounded Pi Yangyang and Lan Bowen, asking them a series of questions.

They were simply asking what Yan's Group thought about the Xingyi Industrial Park, what their goals were in this bidding process, and whether they were confident of success, etc.

Pi Yangyang was at his wit's end and could only say to the reporters, "Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Lan is in charge of the entire project bidding process. He's quite familiar with the details, so let him answer your questions..."

Lan Bowen was stunned: Look at Bai Zheteng, he's like he's on steroids when facing reporters. And you, you're just pushing me out to take the fall?

However, he had seen this situation many times before.

Reporters from business channels often come to interview the Yan Group, but Pi Yangyang always pushes either him or Su Xueqing out of the interview. As for himself, he basically never shows up.

He had no choice but to patiently answer each question, using the same clichés he used to give to reporters.

After answering a few questions, he pretended to glance at his watch and said apologetically, "Excuse me, reporters, the meeting is about to begin, and we must go in now..."

Despite the reporters' persistent pursuit, the two successfully registered and entered the venue.

I thought I could finally relax once I entered the venue, but to my surprise, the reporters followed me in as well.

Fortunately, many more company representatives soon entered the venue, which dispersed the reporters.

Moreover, some people who appeared to be department leaders also arrived one after another, which also attracted the attention of reporters.

There were over a thousand chairs on site, and more than half of them were already occupied.

Guided by staff, Pi Yangyang and Lan Bowen arrived at the front row.

These are the seats prepared for all participating bidding companies; each company is assigned two seats.

The two had just sat down when they heard a commotion behind them.

Pi Yangyang and Lan Bowen turned their heads to look curiously.

Three imposing men strode in.

Judging from their attire, these three people must be leaders of some department.

The man walking in front was in his early fifties. He wasn't tall, had thick eyebrows and large eyes, and a square face. He exuded an air of authority and righteousness.

The two men behind him, around forty years old, carried black briefcases and surveyed the room with sharp eyes.

Behind them, a group of reporters followed, with one reporter occasionally raising a microphone to ask questions.

"Director Bai, what are your expectations for the bidding companies in Xingyi Industrial Park?"

A reporter handed over a microphone and asked.

Upon hearing this, Pi Yangyang's eyes flickered slightly.

It seems that this upright-looking Director Bai must be Bai Xiaopeng, the host of this meeting.

Although he was the deputy director, he was the main person in charge of the entire Xingyi Industrial Park project.

Facing reporters, he calmly stated, "The Xingyi Industrial Park project is crucial to the future layout and development of Beijing's industrial cluster; it's a key project for both Beijing and Xingyi. Our expectation is to create a multi-functional industrial park that is technologically advanced, environmentally friendly, and sustainable, contributing to the economy of Xingyi and even Beijing..."

Hearing these standard official pronouncements, many people showed expressions of appreciation and nodded in agreement.

Bai Xiaopeng gave a brief answer, but a middle-aged man next to him stopped the reporters from asking any further questions.

"Director Bai is about to chair the meeting. Everyone, if you have any questions, there will be a Q&A session later... Thank you..."

The reporters, naturally unable to stop them any longer, dispersed to both sides.

Bai Xiaopeng walked forward with a square and upright gait, head held high and chest out.

Upon arriving at the stage, Bai Zheteng and Bai Yuanji were already waiting there. They quickly went up to him, bowing slightly in greeting: "Hello, Director Bai..."

Bai Xiaopeng merely glanced at them indifferently, then asked with a smile, "Who are you?"

“We are from the Bai Group. I am Bai Zheteng, and this is my son, Bai Yuanji.”

Bai Zheteng answered somewhat humbly.

Bai Xiaopeng said "Oh," and then added, "The Bai Group, oh, I remember now. Your Bai family is quite a large family, isn't it..."

Bai Zheteng humbly replied, "You flatter me. If our Bai Group wins the bid this time, we will do our best to contribute our modest efforts to the economic development of Beijing and Xingyi."

"Yes, very good. The bidding results will be announced soon. Please wait patiently."

Bai Xiaopeng said calmly, then walked towards the steps on the side of the stage, preparing to go on stage.

Upon hearing his words, Bai Zheteng and Bai Yuanji exchanged a knowing smile, their previously anxious hearts finally settling down.

Although they successfully gave away tens of millions to Liu Chang'e, they never actually met Bai Xiaopeng and remained somewhat uneasy.

Although Bai Xiaopeng's words were subtle and understated, they were actually implying that the Bai Group had won the bid.

Reassured, the two found their seats and prepared to sit down.

But when they found their seats, they were surprised to discover that they were next to Pi Yangyang and Lan Bowen.

This left both of them somewhat embarrassed.

However, remembering Bai Xiaopeng's earlier hint, he straightened his posture considerably.

After they sat down, Pi Yangyang asked with a slight smile, "Chairman Bai, you look so smug. It seems you're very confident about this bid?"

Bai Zheteng forced himself to remain calm and said slowly, "I wouldn't dare say I'm absolutely certain, but I'm about 80% sure. Chairman Pi, if our Bai Group can successfully secure one or two bids, please give us your support."

Pi Yangyang said, "Chairman Bai is too modest. I think you and Director Bai are quite familiar with each other, aren't you?"

“This is our first time meeting Director Bai. We’ve never met before, let alone become acquainted with him.” Bai Zheteng’s heart skipped a beat as he cautiously said, “I just didn’t expect Director Bai to be so approachable.”

Pi Yangyang said meaningfully, "Some people are better left unknown than known."

Bai Yuanji was taken aback and subconsciously asked, "What do you mean?"

Pi Yangyang chuckled softly, "It's nothing, just something I said offhand."

Bai Zheteng's heart skipped a beat again. He sensed that Pi Yangyang was not just saying it casually, but was hinting at something to them.

However, he quickly dismissed the idea.

The process of bribing Bai Xiaopeng was carried out in a way that was completely undetected.

If it weren't for Liao Sen's arrangement, he would have had no idea who Liu Chang'e was, and wouldn't have known where to send gifts.

Bai Xiaopeng's connection is so well hidden that Pi Yangyang might not even know about it.

Thinking of this, he perked up and nodded, saying, "Chairman Pi is right. However, our Bai Group bids based on its strength, so we don't have these concerns."

Pi Yangyang said no more, but looked at the stage.

At this moment, there were already twelve people sitting on the stage, but in the very center, there was still an empty seat right next to Bai Xiaopeng.