Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 308 Deception

Upon hearing this, Zelena had a different idea and asked, "How much cheaper is the second-grade price compared to the first-grade?" "Almost by a third."

Zelena was instantly surprised.

That's quite a difference.

She smiled subtly, sensing an opportunity to profit.

Being the student council president definitely had its perks.

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Over the next few days, Zelena inquired about the prices of second-grade goods from several factories in Quinston. She discovered that one factory's second-grade products were the cheapest, almost half the price of the first-grade ones!

If she reported these second-grade goods as first-grade, the school wouldn't notice, and she could pocket the difference.

Zelena immediately contacted the factory's manager. The manager, being a savvy businessman, figured out Zelena's scheme. He also wanted to secure this procurement deal with the school, so he quickly agreed with Zelena.

Zelena reported the second-grade goods' prices from their factory as if they were first-grade, slightly reducing the prices compared to other competing factories.

She handed the form to the logistics department teacher, Janice.

Janice took a quick look and immediately noticed the cheapest factory.

"Oh, this one's a few dollars cheaper than the others. Is it the same quality?"

Zelena confidently replied, "Of course. I went to the factory with a few classmates and checked personally. I had to bargain hard with the owner to get the price down."

"Seems like this factory is quite sincere. Alright, I'll keep the form and notify you after we discuss it in a meeting with the other teachers."

"Okay, Ms. Janice, I'll head out now."

"Okay."

Zelena turned and left the office, a sly smile appearing on her lips.

She was certain the school would choose the cheaper factory. After all, money didn't grow on trees, and if the quality was the same, saving a bit was always better.

Just after Zelena walked out of the office, Violeta knocked and entered.

"Ms. Janice."

Janice looked up.

"Violeta, you're here. Come on in."

Violeta said, "Ms. Janice, I found out what you asked about last time. Here's the price list I got."

She handed over the document as she spoke.

White Group had a subsidiary that specialized in stationery and sports equipment, with three medium to large factories producing these items. Janice knew through a counselor that Violeta was the daughter of White Group's owner.

In the past, Anton had also donated sports equipment.

This time, the school had a budget for replacing a batch of new equipment, so three days ago, Janice decided to explore multiple channels for price inquiries and asked Violeta for help.

Violeta didn't know the wholesale prices from her family's factories but agreed to find out.

That's why Violeta was now in the office with the price list.

The prices Violeta provided were very detailed.

She included not only the prices for first-grade products but also for second-grade ones.

The factories under White Group's subsidiary were medium to large in size, backed by a powerful parent company and never short on business.

They had contracts with many

sports brands, so even their second-grade products were of much higher quality than the average market offerings and had passed national quality inspections.

After looking at the form, Janice murmured, "The prices are indeed higher."

Violeta said, "You get what you pay for, Ms. Janice."

Seeing another form on the desk, Violeta guessed it was the one Zelena submitted.

"Ms. Janice, can I take a look at this price list?"

Janice handed it to her readily, "Of course.

"This form was collected by the student council. The school has worked with these factories in the past."

Janice also knew that Violeta's family factories were contracted with top-tier brands, ensuring not only quality but also ergonomic designs.

Naturally, their products were much better than those from ordinary factories.

If Toland University could negotiate the price down and procure the brand-equivalent products, it would be a great success.

Handling this well could even lead to a promotion next year.

She had her own plans in mind.

Violeta quickly scanned the list and noticed that one factory's quote was significantly lower.

"Ms. Janice, which one are you leaning towards?"

"The school budget is tight, so I have to choose something that's good value for money. Your family's factory products are excellent, but the price is ...

"

Janice trailed off.

Violeta understood she meant the prices were too high.

Comparing the two lists, Violeta saw

that her family factory's

second-grade prices were the same as the first-grade prices from the ordinary factory Zelena had listed.

The factory with the abnormally low quote was definitely suspicious.

Violeta wanted Zelena removed from her position but didn't want the school to end up buying poor-quality equipment.

Such a purchase could lead to student injuries and even bigger issues down the line.