Chapter 534: The Goal is Survival

"Wow, cousin, I didn't know you are this thorough!" Earl Ren couldn't help but compliment Gabi when he heard her words. "You are right, I did my research but I might have missed a few things about them." Though Earl Ren was confident of his job. He knew that he wasn't perfect. As a human being, he could easily miss a few things.

"I already check the politics in Southern Area, but it seems that everything seems good. They wouldn't dare do something about this development. Younger cousin, can you please tell me the things that I missed?" Earl asked. Though he seldom met with Gabrielle, he to have heard that she was really smart. It was unfortunate that she had a sickly body. If she was healthy, Earl would be very proud to work under her.

"Hmmm. I read your research." Gabi responded with a smile. "It was very thorough. I am impressed. However, you forgot something."

"What is it?"

"It's people's capability to scheme."

"Gabi, what are you talking about? Did I miss something?" Grandfather Ren asked. "I also reviewed his research about this matter, and I agree with what you said. It was very thorough. Not many people could come up with us a clean report."

"The Mayor of Upus City, where the project is located, is not opposed to this. In fact, all the council members were not opposed to anything about this project. They wanted the project to start as soon as possible and I believe that they have already tried talking to you. Isn't that right, grandfather?"

"You are right."

"However… the mayor is a very ambitious and greedy person. Many people are aware of this, but not many can prove it. What do you think would happen if a scandal about it suddenly erupts?"

"Gabi, I think you are thinking too much about it. As business entrepreneurs, it is natural for us to risk it." Grandfather Ren said. "The bigger the risk, the bigger the gain. So, there is no need to worry about things like this."

"Grandfather, I want to listen to Cousin Gabi's reasoning behind this," Earl said. "Gabrielle is a very logical person. I am sure that she already took everything into consideration before even meeting us here. Isn't that right, cousin?"

Gabi responded with a confident smile. "The vice mayor is going to release evidence about the scandal soon."

"What did you say?" Earl and Grandfather Ren asked at the same time.

"To be more precise, they will release the news after the construction of the Arena starts. To have the biggest impact, some collateral damage is needed. And the collateral damage is going to be the company who is going to take on the project."

Earl turned silent. Now that he thought about it, this was indeed a possibility. The Vice Mayor and Mayor had been insulting each other for some time now. It is known that the reason why the mayor couldn't pass most policies is that more than half of the council members are from the faction of the Vice-mayor! However, the construction of the Arena and a couple more projects passed without any problems.

"So, they wanted to bring down and the mayor and bring down some companies as well."

Gabi smiled as if she already knew that he would say this.

"Grandfather… this…" Earl looked at the old man who was already stroking his chin, a habit that he does when he is contemplating something.

"I won't ask how you know this." Grandfather Ren said after a few minutes of silence. "However, I want you to keep this information for now. Let's keep it low-key for now."

"What about the bidding?"

"We needed to join." Grandfather Ren said. "If we back out last minute, the other company would suspect us."

"I trust that grandfather already had a plan?"

"Of course. I will take care of this. Thank you so much for this information, Gabi. I didn't expect you to work so fast. Earl, I hope you will support your cousin. This will help us in the long run. For now, I needed to leave the two of you. I have to go see someone."

The old man immediately left with his secretary, leaving Earl and Gabi alone. Of course, Earl knew that the old man purposely did this to give them some time to talk in private.

"Do you hate me?"

Gabi's sudden question made him speechless. "Ah?"

"It's a simple question, cousin. Do you hate me?"

"Of course, not. Why would I hate you?"

"Are you not scared that I will take over the company?"

"Ah? Cough! Cough! What are you talking about?" Her direct words is making him speechless! "The company has always been yours, to begin with." Earl started working for the company even when he was still in college. At that time, he was already aware of Gabi's existence. Even his parents and everyone else in the family knew that Gabi is going to own the company soon. So why would he feel scared?

"You are the most competent candidate to become the next CEO and you are telling me that you are not scared?" Gabi raised an eyebrow. Despite the smile on her face, the words that she just said were cold, freezing even.

Earl shook his head. "Cousin, the Ren Family is one of the oldest families in the country. Do you know why that is?"

"Because everyone in the Ren Family is kind."

"What?" Why does it seem like this woman is different from the woman earlier? "Cousin, why are you making it sound like it was such a bad thing? We, the Ren Family, never had fought for who is going to be the next family head. The Ren Family almost always has one heir. I believe you knew this already. The people inside the Ren Family are a bit… how do you say this…"

"Boring."

"What?" This again. Why was she too direct? "Yes, you could say that. We don't really have that much ambition, so we are boring, I guess." However, hearing Gabi's blunt words seemed to make him smile. Because it was the truth. "Anyway, we have been like this for years now. The Ren Family's goal is not to be too powerful. It is survival. As long as we live and survive, then it is fine."

Gabi lowered her gaze. "You are right. The greatest goal should be survival."

Her words were right, but for some reason, Earl could sense an ominous tone behind it. Gabi sounded angry.