Chapter Four: More Doors, Narrower Roads

“We promised not to use team members as bargaining chips. Those votes aren't mine alone.” Wanqing smiled faintly. “Xu Zhi wrote that rule. Had you listened to her three years ago, you might not be here.” No settlement appeared. This time Wanqing held the door, yet she was the one denied. A rejection without a reward felt strangely clean. The next day, Cold Chain Association secretary-general Han Shouzheng reviewed their materials and acknowledged that the technology met the standard, but refused mutual recognition. “Eighteen directors; eleven use Gu warehouses. My approval means nothing.” “Then convene a technical hearing.” “That requires three directors to cosponsor it.” “Which three will?” “Mr. Zhou, you know the answer.”