64: 64. The Storm Hits

Lu Feng slept until he naturally woke up, feeling refreshed and invigorated.

The first thing he did after getting up was rush into the bathroom for a hot shower, thoroughly washing away the smell of alcohol from the night before.

As soon as he dried his hair and came out, he saw his phone ringing; it was Yu Tianxiong.

"Sir, the procedures have been completed."

Yu Tianxiong's voice came through the receiver, "But there was a small incident... Liu Jinquan recognized me."

Lu Feng frowned slightly, tapping his fingertips lightly on the table, and said, "He probably saw your signature."

"Yes, but he can't do anything to us for now."

Lu Feng said calmly, "Don't mind him; he wouldn't dare expose this matter. You should come back and get some good rest, then... wait for good news."

"Yes, Sir."

Hanging up the phone, Lu Feng stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the morning light. He knew that a storm was brewing... After Starry Sky Real Estate completed such a large land transaction, the official website naturally issued an announcement, which immediately attracted the attention of relevant media. Of course, this was also related to Wang Dongliang's intentional publicity.

Starry Sky Real Estate had finally gotten rid of its long-stalled land plots, receiving a large influx of funds, which was entirely good news for the company, so naturally, they wanted to publicize it more.

As for whether the 'sucker' who bought the land would be implicated, he couldn't care less.

That morning, the news spread throughout the local business circle and was successively published on major financial and economic websites.

For netizens who didn't follow this aspect, it wasn't worth mentioning, but for professionals skilled in analyzing industry trends, this was very strange. They all inquired about who was so foolish as to buy abandoned land plots.

One must know that while buying it was cheap, the subsequent investment would face huge hidden debts, and it was a bottomless pit. Not only did they have to resolve the land's debt issues and project arrears, but also compensate pre-sale owners of the land, and so on. The amount of capital required was too vast to even calculate.

If it could be revitalized, that would be one thing, but the key was that this land had no prospects whatsoever.

As professionals meticulously investigated, a company named "Tingfeng Capital" appeared before everyone's eyes. No one had ever heard of this company.

With a registered capital of only a few million, and the company established less than a month ago, how dared it spend 450 million to take over three universally recognized 'waste' plots?

This was truly too suspicious, as if it had been registered solely for the purpose of buying land.

Subsequently, capable individuals immediately uncovered the backing qualifications, which surprisingly involved Donghai Group. For a time, many industry insiders were shocked.

Major financial media quickly published articles:

"Suspected Shell Company Established by Donghai Group, Targeting Abandoned Land Plots?"

"Four Hundred and Fifty Million to Take Over Waste Land: Strategic Error or Hidden Agenda?"

"Shocking! What is Donghai Group Up To?"

A well-known financial big V even made a sharp comment on social media: "Actually, it's very easy to understand. As long as you focus on the Chairman of Donghai Group, you'll see. Chairwoman Xu has only been parachuted in for a short time. Although her resume is impressive, she is a woman with very little experience. And not long ago, she carried out a major purge of senior management, claiming to clean up corruption, but it's clearly a case of a new official taking office with three fires, eager to achieve results. Under this mentality of rushing for success, it's not surprising that foolish moves frequently occur..."

Netizens also complained:

"What the hell kind of operation is this? I don't understand it at all. Is Donghai Group giving up on itself?"

"That land plot looks like it has no value whatsoever. Is Donghai Group's standard this low? Impossible, right?"

"They even used some Tingfeng Capital as a cover. It seems they also know this operation is very strange, tsk tsk tsk."

"A 28-year-old Chairman is still too young, acting recklessly."

...Fangming Real Estate, Chairman's Office.

Zheng Mingtao sat on the sofa with a grim expression. In front of him was Zheng Hongyun, the founder of Fangming Group.

The white-haired old man was currently facing away from him, standing in front of the glass floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the city skyline.

"You put someone in the ICU, and you're still angry?" the old man said calmly, without turning his head.

"Dad, that bitch even hooked up with my private doctor. I was already merciful by not beating them to death," Zheng Mingtao said through gritted teeth.

"I know. You did well in this matter. My Zheng Family's dignity is not to be insulted casually. You don't need to worry about the aftermath; I will handle it."

"It's not over, Dad. Xu Ting of Donghai Group, and that pretty boy, made me lose face at last night's banquet! My reputation in Jiangcheng's wealthy circles is ruined! I'm going to kill them!"

The old man narrowed his eyes.

He had heard about this matter; his son had provoked it first. But he only had this one son, born late in life, so he naturally doted on him immensely. This also led to his son developing a promiscuous nature, becoming spoiled at a young age.

However, Xu Ting of Donghai Group dared to mock his son's illness, which had already touched his reverse scale.

"The Xu Family's power should not be underestimated, but in Jiangcheng, we don't need to fear them. Dad will help you vent this anger, but to deal with Xu Ting, we must use commercial means."

"What means?"

"Now that she foolishly bought several abandoned land plots, she's already caught in a storm of public opinion. We just need to give her a push to send her into the abyss," a cold glint flashed in the old man's eyes.

Although Zheng Mingtao was a profligate son, he wasn't entirely useless. He frowned and said, "But public opinion among ordinary people is of no use."

The old man turned around, walked to his side, ruffled his hair, and said kindly, "Public opinion among ordinary people is indeed useless, but sometimes they are blind and easily swayed, stirring up the waters can also have unexpected effects. Furthermore, you must remember that the Xu Family is not monolithic. Starting from within will hurt her more."

Zheng Mingtao said somewhat unwillingly, "Dad, then... that kid, I can use other methods, right?"

"As you wish. He's just an insignificant nobody."

Zheng Mingtao said sinisterly, "Hehehe... insignificant nobodies need a good education!"

That afternoon, Fangming Real Estate bought off a large number of media outlets and began to exert pressure.

"Deep Dive into Donghai Group's 'Money Laundering' Suspicions"

"What Secrets Lie Behind Xu Ting's Shell Company?"

Articles continuously began to exaggerate Donghai Group's investment failures, while simultaneously fostering another narrative: "Chairwoman Xu Ting is laundering money!"

These rumors, fueled by malicious individuals, began to spread. What was originally small-scale, niche news rapidly expanded, attracting widespread attention from netizens.

At the same time, a chain reaction began: Donghai Group's stock price plummeted by 12%, wiping out nearly billions in market value.

Everything happened too fast, catching Xu Ting completely off guard.

She never imagined that assisting Lu Feng in purchasing the three land plots would push the company into the eye of the storm.

The secretary said anxiously, "Someone must be fanning the flames behind this, Chairwoman Xu. Many shareholders are already questioning us. We must respond quickly. I'll get the public relations department over now."

Xu Ting shook her head: "Call an emergency board meeting!"

Under Xu Ting's arrangement, the board meeting was quickly convened.

In the luxurious conference room, a high-grade solid wood conference table stretched north to south, now filled with people.

The last time Xu Ting saw such a scene was when she took office as Chairman. She never expected to be forced to convene one again so soon, and this time, she could feel the palpable hostility.

She smiled bitterly in her heart: "Little Lu, you've really caused big sister a lot of trouble this time."

The atmosphere was very serious. Xu Ting took a deep breath and slowly began, "I believe everyone has seen the current public opinion. The main reason I've called this board meeting is to emphasize..."

She was interrupted before she could finish.

"Chairwoman Xu, you really should give us an explanation. Your decision this time was too hasty. Spending 450 million to buy three waste plots without even a market survey?"

"Yes, this matter itself is minor, but the consequences are too great. It's not fair that we all have to bear the results of your reckless actions."

"Our Donghai Group has always developed steadily; aggressive methods are not suitable, and even less... are they for you to gamble with. You must know that it's our money that's evaporating!"

"Everyone, please calm down and listen to Chairwoman Xu's explanation."

"Explanation for what? They're already suspecting money laundering, and it looks like it to me too."

At the board meeting, many shareholders vehemently expressed their dissatisfaction. Some, unable to bear it, spoke up in Xu Ting's defense, but they were all drowned out by the verbal barrage.

The secretary's face was terrified. This was too wrong. Why were these guys so aggressive now?!

Xu Ting's expression turned cold. She surveyed the crowd, her heart tightening, and she sneered, asking, "Go on, is the next step to dismiss me as Chairman?"

At these words, the conference room immediately fell silent, and everyone remained quiet.

"No, why would anyone dismiss a Chairman over this? Isn't that a joke?"

"Yes, yes..."

A few scattered, dry laughs sounded, but the speakers, seeing the silent expressions of those around them, also changed their complexions.

There was no admission, but also no denial; the attitude was very clear.

Xu Ting sneered. She knew someone must be backing them or had promised benefits, which was why these guys didn't even want to hear her explanation and were determined to dismiss her.

As for who was behind it... "Bang!"

At this moment, the door was pushed open, and a middle-aged man in a suit walked in, with a triumphant smile, saying, "Xiao Ting, it seems you really aren't suited for this position. Second Uncle told you long ago."

Xu Ting sat in the Chairman's seat, seemingly unsurprised by Xu Jianfang's appearance, but her fingers under the table were already clenched white. She knew she had been set up.

"Second Uncle, is there something you need at my company?"

Second Uncle Xu Jianfang walked to the other side of the conference table, looked directly at Xu Ting, and said slowly, "What am I here for? Look at you, how long have you been in office, and you've turned Donghai Group into this state. How could I not come and see? Your grandfather also said that you handled this... very poorly. He asked me to investigate and incidentally help you clean up your mess."

Xu Jianfang looked at the shareholders' fawning smiles, his own smile deepening: "It seems the group internally has a lot of opinions about you. I think you should listen to us elders. It's time for you to step down and go for further studies."

Xu Ting remained unmoved: "I have my own considerations for what I do. You don't need to tell me what to do."

"Considerations?"

Xu Jianfang sneered, slammed the table, and said sternly, "I think you've been blinded by that kid Lu Feng, haven't you? Doing such a foolish thing, or is it true what they say outside, that you established a shell company to transfer assets? To launder money? Xu Ting, oh Xu Ting, you owe the shareholders present an explanation."

"Listen to Second Uncle's advice, step down yourself. It'll be more dignified. Don't let it end up looking terrible."

Xu Jianfang felt immensely pleased. He had waited for this opportunity for too long.

Thinking about how Xu Ting and that Lu Feng had caused his son to have to hide abroad, and how Donghai Group was handed over, he couldn't swallow that anger.

Now it was good; the other party had done such a thing, essentially handing him a knife. Xu Jianfang had no reason not to stab a few times.

To use their own methods against them, let's see how you die!

"That's right, give us an explanation."

"The stock market has fallen again, now down 15%. Investors are not optimistic about us either. We must restore their confidence!"

"Chairwoman Xu, you shouldn't have acted on your own in this matter. Even if you were borrowing qualifications, you should have followed procedures!"

"..."

Everyone's attitude was firm, constantly pressuring her.

Xu Ting also felt immense pressure. There were only two paths before her: either swallow the bitter pill and step down to give them an explanation, or resist to the end.

Surrender was not in her nature, but to resist?

Xu Ting's heart wavered. Was it worth sacrificing so much to help Student Lu?

Just then, a phone ringing "Ding-a-ling-ling" echoed through the conference room; it came from the secretary's hand.

The secretary picked it up, then quickly handed the phone to Xu Ting: "It's Student Lu."

Hearing this, Xu Jianfang, who had been pressing relentlessly, suddenly sneered: "What? Are you plotting something? Since you think you have no problems, then put the phone on speaker and let us hear what's going on?"

He was betting that Xu Ting wouldn't dare, which would further confirm her issues.

Xu Ting frowned. She had a clear conscience, so she unhesitatingly put the phone on speaker and said, "Hello, Student Lu, Big Sister is busy right now."

The young man's voice came from the other end of the line: "What's wrong?"

Xu Ting looked at the situation where she was surrounded and shook her head, saying, "Just a small matter, Big Sister can handle it herself."

"Okay, I just wanted to say thank you for this matter. I really couldn't have done it without your help."

"It's nothing. Alright, I can't talk now; I'm still busy."

"Okay. By the way, Sister Xu, you've helped me so much, and there's nothing I can do to repay you, so I'll give you some good news first. Now, turn on the TV, tune to the financial channel, and remember to watch."

Everyone around listened, their brows furrowing. Was it really such a trivial matter that he called her work number?

Xu Ting fell into thought. She hadn't originally paid attention to Lu Feng's words, and it wasn't the time to watch TV now, but a sudden thought flashed in her mind, remembering Lu Feng's mysterious mention of "the tenth"!

Today was indeed the tenth. As if by a strange impulse, she waved her hand, signaling the secretary to turn on the conference room's TV projector.