115: Chapter 115 The Backer Behind Hongtai Construction

"This, this... may I ask Secretary Wang, where did you obtain this letter?" Wang Hongtai's brow furrowed as he looked at Secretary Wang with a face full of shock and suspicion. His eyes betrayed a sense of unease and confusion, and fine beads of sweat broke out on his forehead.

Secretary Wang scrutinized Wang Hongtai. Seeing that his reaction didn't seem feigned, he said in a cold tone, "It came by courier. This morning, right after the leader finished his meeting and returned to his office, he received this same-city delivery. Inside was this document."

At this point, Secretary Wang paused for a moment, his gaze turning sharp as he looked directly at Wang Hongtai. "Chairman Wang, let's not beat around the bush. The contents of this document leaked from your Hongtai Construction, didn't they? Chairman Wang, the leader understands that Hongtai Construction is eager to go public, but we live in a society ruled by law. No matter what we do, shouldn't we follow proper procedures and rules? If you try these kinds of tactics with the leader, he will be very angry!"

Hearing Secretary Wang speak this way, it was clear that he already suspected him.

Consequently, Wang Hongtai immediately looked at Secretary Wang with a nervous expression, explaining in a panic, "No, no, Secretary Wang, it's a misunderstanding! I really didn't send this letter to the leader. Even if you gave me ten times the courage, I wouldn't dare use such a thing to threaten the leader!"

As he spoke, Wang Hongtai licked his lips, which were parched from nervousness. He rubbed his hands together and looked at Secretary Wang with a flustered expression, his eyes flickering uncertainly. He hesitated before continuing, "Secretary Wang, to be honest, we... we are also investigating this matter."

"You're also investigating? What do you mean? Are you saying you received the same letter?" Secretary Wang's tone betrayed a hint of surprise.

"It wasn't just a letter. I'll tell you the truth; actually, this morning, a lawyer named Wang Ming came to the company to see me. He said he was representing Lintai Investment Company to discuss a partnership. Then, he produced a 'Acquisition Letter of Intent.' It was called a 'Letter of Intent,' but in reality, the contents were a list of projects involving back-room dealings that Hongtai Construction has engaged in over the years. This document sent to the leader is just one page from that 'Letter of Intent'..." As Wang Hongtai spoke, he unconsciously wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

Upon hearing this, Secretary Wang's pupils dilated in shock. He immediately realized that the situation might be even more complex than he had estimated.

He promptly frowned, a flash of gravity appearing in his eyes as he asked in a low voice, "How did they manage to get such detailed information about what Hongtai Construction has done over the years?"

"I suspect he might have bribed one of our company's senior executives to get these Materials," Wang Hongtai responded, glancing at Secretary Wu with a guess.

"What is the other party's objective?" Secretary Wang followed up with curiosity.

"That lawyer named Wang Ming said the boss of Lintai Investment wants to acquire forty percent of Hongtai Construction's shares for ten million. Secretary Wang, you know that Hongtai Construction is about to go public. What's the difference between such a low acquisition price and highway robbery? Naturally, I didn't agree," Wang Hongtai responded indignantly.

"So, this document sent to the leader was actually a warning to you?" Secretary Wang raised an eyebrow, a barely perceptible cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth, his eyes carrying a hint of mockery.

"Yes," Wang Hongtai nodded helplessly, his brow furrowed as he continued with a heavy expression, "It seems so."

Having understood the origin of the matter, Secretary Wang felt slightly more at ease. As long as the leader wasn't being intentionally targeted, he could relax.

Immediately after, Secretary Wang's eyes shifted. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then continued, "Since the other side has already made their move, how does Chairman Wang intend to respond?"

"I originally thought about verbally agreeing to cooperate to stall them for a while, while simultaneously using my connections to urge the China Securities Regulatory Commission to speed up the listing process..." Wang Hongtai said, his tone revealing a mix of anger and helplessness. He continued, "But I didn't expect this Wang Ming to be so audacious as to dare to threaten the leader..."

Secretary Wang raised an eyebrow, took a sip of tea, and looked at Wang Hongtai, saying in a playful voice, "Chairman Wang, I know a little about Hongtai Construction's equity. You and your son hold nearly eighty percent of the shares, don't you? Forty percent is indeed quite a lot, but if it can ensure the stability of our ship, it shouldn't be too big a problem for you, Chairman Wang, right? You mustn't be so foolish as to be penny-wise and pound-foolish."

"Secretary Wang, it's not that I don't want to yield, but Lintai Investment is simply being insatiable. They want to take half my shares for just ten million—how is that possible! You know that once Hongtai Construction goes public, its market value will be at least seven or eight billion. Forty percent would be two or three billion. Ten million is just too far off." Wang Hongtai's voice rose a few notches, clearly extremely dissatisfied with the matter.

"Then, since Chairman Wang doesn't want to be slaughtered like a lamb, I presume you already have a way to deal with it?" Secretary Wang said, looking at Wang Hongtai with a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

"This, well..." Wang Hongtai stammered, unable to give a clear answer for a long time. Finally, he shook his head as if in resignation and replied with a sigh, "To be honest, the boss of Lintai Investment has far too much influence. I was hoping the leader could step in and do some work on their end, even if it's just to raise the acquisition price a bit."

"Oh? Is there someone in Shanghai that your Hongtai Construction can't handle? What's the background of this Lintai Investment? Is it a local Shanghai company?" Secretary Wang's eyes showed a hint of curiosity and inquiry.

"No, it's not. Lintai Investment is a company from the capital. The boss is named Zhao Lintai," Wang Hongtai said, his tone unconsciously carrying a hint of awe.

"Zhao Lintai?" Secretary Wang's brow furrowed slightly. He thought for a moment, his eyes showing some confusion as he shook his head and asked, "This is the first time I've heard that name. What's his background?"

"Uh..." Wang Hongtai lowered his voice, continuing with a hint of trepidation, "Secretary Wang, you know of the Zhao Family of the Capital, right? The current head is named Zhao Weiguo..."

"Who? Zhao Weiguo?" Upon hearing this, Secretary Wang looked shocked. An unbelievable light shone in his eyes as he looked at Wang Hongtai, and he pointed upward to confirm, "Is it that Zhao Weiguo from the capital, Old Man Zhao?"

"Exactly. It's that Old Man Zhao from the capital... This Zhao Lintai is that Old Man Zhao's grandson."

Secretary Wang took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He picked up his teacup and took a gentle sip to calm his excited emotions.

A moment later, as if he had made a decision, he looked at Wang Hongtai and spoke slowly, "Chairman Wang, we've known each other for a while, so I'll give you a piece of advice: a wise man submits to fate. Although Old Man Zhao Weiguo has retired, his connections, relationships, and background are all still there. You're just a businessman; how can you compete with the scion of a powerful family? As the saying goes, you have to lose a fly to catch a trout. Since Young Master Zhao has taken an interest in your Hongtai Construction, then be generous. Just consider it finding yourself a bigger ship. As for the leader's side, I'll report to him when I get back. I'm sure the leader would also be very happy to see Hongtai Construction develop better and better in the future."

After speaking, Secretary Wang stood up. Wang Hongtai was about to stand as well, but Secretary Wang raised a hand to stop him. "Chairman Wang, please stay. I have to rush back to report to the leader. Use this time to think carefully about how you should choose."

Wang Hongtai felt helpless but could only quickly instruct Secretary Wu beside him, "Little Wu, go and see Secretary Wang out for me. While you're at it, settle the bill and bring two more bags of tea for the leader."

Secretary Wang did not refuse this time. Subsequently, accompanied by Secretary Wu, he walked out of the tea room.

A short while later, Secretary Wu was seen carrying two ordinary-looking gift bags, accompanying Secretary Wang with a fawning expression as they slowly walked toward a black Passat.

Secretary Wu nimbly opened the trunk and carefully placed the two gift bags inside. Then, he quickly turned around and respectfully opened the car door for Secretary Wang, his face covered in a diligent smile.

Before getting into the car, Secretary Wang extended his right hand and lightly shook Secretary Wu's. With a deep look in his eyes, he spoke in a polite yet indisputable tone, "Secretary Wu, we are both secretaries, so I'll be blunt. Although they say a powerful dragon cannot suppress a local snake, if that dragon is a fierce one crossing the river, then that's a different story. We're all in the same boat. Let's not let this crossing dragon capsize the boat in the end. If that happens, no one will have a good time."

Secretary Wu nodded repeatedly, his smile slightly stiff, a hint of imperceptible worry flashing in his eyes. "Yes, yes, what Secretary Wang says is absolutely right, absolutely right."

Secretary Wang lightly patted Secretary Wu's arm and said earnestly, "Secretary Wu, you are the person Chairman Wang trusts most. You should advise him when you get back. In some matters, the bystander sees more clearly than the person involved. The road ahead is still long; we all have to take the long view, don't you agree?"

Secretary Wu quickly promised, "Rest assured, I will certainly advise Chairman Wang well. I won't let the leader worry over this matter."

"Good, then I'll leave it to you." Secretary Wang nodded with satisfaction, patted Secretary Wu's arm again, and then sat in the driver's seat, started the car, and drove away.

...

Secretary Wu stood in place, watching Secretary Wang's car gradually disappear from sight before quickly returning to the tea room.

"Did you see Secretary Wang off?" As soon as he entered the tea room, Wang Hongtai's voice came from within, carrying a hint of inquiry.

"Yes, he's gone." Secretary Wu walked into the tea room, picked up his cup of tea—which had already gone cold—and downed it in one gulp. Then he curled his lip. "This stuff isn't even that good; it's a real waste of money. Boss, you wouldn't believe it—just four hundred grams of tea, less than a pound, and it cost fifty thousand yuan!"

Wang Hongtai shook his head helplessly and said in a low, somber voice, "You think it's about the quality of the tea? The tea isn't important; the owner of the tea room is!"

Secretary Wu froze for a moment, then suddenly realized. "You mean, this tea room actually belongs to Mayor Qian?"

"Yes, his wife's," Wang Hongtai said flatly, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

"Oh, so that's how it is... These officials really have many ways to rake in money," Secretary Wu remarked, his face showing a mix of disdain and envy.

"Alright, enough of that. Be careful, walls have ears," Wang Hongtai warned. Then he changed the subject. "What else did Secretary Wang say before he left?"

"He just said I should advise you more, to be careful not to let that crossing dragon capsize the boat..." Secretary Wu reported truthfully, his face showing a hint of worry.

"Sigh," Wang Hongtai sighed helplessly upon hearing this. He then stood up and said with a dark expression, "Let's go, back to the company!"