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Shaun had not mentioned it before but Cate somehow knew roast pork was his favorite dish.
Upon looking at her receding silhouette that was heading toward the butcher, he reached for his phone with a faint smile and made a phone call to Chase. “Pull some strings so that Cate Cox from Imperial Design can participate in the bidding event of Melbourne Culture and Technology Center.”
This took Chase by surprise. “I’ve never heard of that sh*t company. Are you trying to help Cate? This is out of your character.”
“What kind of character?”
Chase remained silent but thought to himself, ‘The character of a cold-hearted and callous man.’
Of course, Chase dared not voice out his opinion. “I know the person in charge of the center quite well. Should I just pull some strings to give her company the project? As far as I know, many other big companies, Summit included, are participating in the bidding too. It’s a fierce competition.”
“There’s no need for that. The chance is already presented to her. If she fails to acquire the project, it simply means that she’s not capable. Just ensure it’s a fair competition.”
Chase was impressed. This man really showed no mercy even to his own wife. “Right, I’ll do as you say.”
Five minutes later, Cate returned with a bag of streaky pork. “It’s sorted,” he said casually.
She appeared startled. Was that all it took? This uncle of Nathan must be a powerful man.
“Thank you,” she said sincerely.
The corners of his lips curled into a smile. “Now, let’s head home for roast pork.”
A look of mock surprise washed over her face. “I wasn’t going to make that. I’m thinking of making pork and potatoes stew.”
He was speechless.
His face changed as a whole range of emotions flashed across it. “Pfft.” She chuckled. “I’m messing with you. I’m planning to make roast pork.”
“Cate Cox,” he enunciated each word carefully. How dare this woman tease him?! Was she taking advantage of him after he displayed a hint of kindness?
Upon realizing he was getting upset, she quickly stuck out her tongue and said in a playful manner, “Is it that difficult to admit you like roast pork? There’s no shame in admitting one’s guilty pleasure.”
He gave a snort of disdain.
She questioned with a grin, “Do you know what I like to eat?” “Cat food,” he said.
She did not know what to say.
What the hell? She should stop cooking for him.
‘I like to eat you the most.” She pouted her lips adorably and winked flirtatiously.
Shaun threw her a sideways glance. “Did no one warn you about flirting with a man in the car?” Cate became nervous. What about flirting in the car? Could it be possible that he wanted to…
Cough, thinking about that made her blush. She was not that open-minded.
‘It’ll lead to a rollover accident.”
His tone was as cold as a bucket of ice water.
She kept quiet.
He smiled slightly upon seeing the embarrassment written all over her face. “We’re here.”
Once home, she made him a delicious lunch. He did not return to work until his stomach was full and satisfied.
Meeting room.
President Yates had already received news from the center. Like a child bubbling with excitement over a popsicle, he ordered for an emergency meeting.
The ones participating in the meeting included Cate, President Yates, the project manager, and another designer, Henry Moore.
“Cox, I didn’t think a young woman like you could be this capable. You actually got us the chance to participate in the bidding.
This is the mega project that Melbourne has been building for the past five years. It’s going to be one of Melbourne’s landmarks in the future.”
President Yates could not stop showering her with compliments. “Even if we can’t get this project, being able to participate in the bidding is also a tremendous push for our company’s future.”
“President Yates, I’m sure we can win the bid with a great concept. We need to have faith in ourselves. Although the size of our company is small, perhaps we can subcontract to other designers. This is no small feat, but we can take it on,” Cate said earnestly.
The project manager exclaimed, “It’s not that easy. Among the bidders are two listed companies, not to mention the several other companies with decades of experience in the field and numerous branches. I think Summit is probably going to be the winner of this competition.”
Cate felt a tightening feeling in her chest.
It was not unusual that Summit was participating too. After all, big projects like this not only brought lots of profit but also honor.
She had no idea which designer would represent them for this project. However, she was not concerned anyway. No one knew the designers working at Summit better than she did. Those people had plenty of experience but lacked creativity.
After a brief consideration, she said, “President Yates, we should be courageous and take on the challenge. The Culture and Technology Center will be open to the public in the future. I think we can combine both cultural aspects and science concepts into the design to give users a different experience of the future advancement.”
“Good point,” President Yates complimented. “Well, you and Henry can collaborate to work on the design. We have half a month left until the deadline. Leave the other projects aside and focus on refining this idea.”
Cate was concerned upon hearing this.
Although they had not spent much time together, she noticed that Henry could be quite an impulsive person. He was always using the fact that he was two years her senior to criticize or give her orders when he did not have the capability to do those tasks well himself.
More often than not, he simply imitated the designs from available images. This style of working could work for common interior
designs, but he was not at all qualified to handle big projects like this one.
She suggested politely after giving this some thought. “President Yates, I think it’s better if Henry and I work independently. After all, every designer has different ideas and working together might create conflicts. Besides, we’re still young, thus a friendly competition might give us new inspiration.”
President Yates remained silent as if considering the proposal. On the other hand, Henry took this as a personal insult. “What do you mean? You think you’re better than me—”
“No, I’m suggesting a fair competition.”
“You’re a few years younger than me and lacking experience. Instead of learning from your senior, you aim too high and are overconfident in your abilities.”
Henry’s tone was harsh. “15 days isn’t enough for a big project like this. Not only do you refuse to assist me, but you’re also wishing to create a design of your own. Is showing off more important to you than the company’s success?”
President Yate’s impression of the woman evidently changed upon hearing this.
Cate took a deep inhale. “It’s true that I’m a few years younger, but I’ve participated in several large-scale projects like this
before. Not to mention that I studied abroad—”
The corners of Henry’s lips twitched into a sarcastic smile. “So what if you’ve studied abroad? Does speaking an additional language somehow make you more special? You wouldn’t have joined our small company if you’re as capable as you claim.
Show us evidence instead of blowing your own trumpet. I can also claim to have taken part in designing the queen’s palace.”
‘I’ve said that this should be a fair competition based on abilities.”