8: Ling Tianshi's Scheme

Compared to his experiences over the past three years, this scene really did feel like child's play.

As a rich second-generation heir, he had managed to reach the fifth stage of cultivation from scratch within three years.

He had never relied on the system.

Before the system arrived, he lived in fear every day, desperately fighting to improve his strength.

Only he knew the bitterness of those hardships.

Several other directors who relied on Luo Hongyuan also chimed in:

"Indeed, Chairman Ling. President Luo has been with the group for many years and has extensive experience. With him overseeing things, we can rest easy."

"It's good for young people to have drive, but don't they also need the support of someone mature and steady?"

"..."

As they spoke one after another, the atmosphere in the conference room suddenly became somewhat subtle.

Ling Xian's gaze swept contemptuously over Luo Hongyuan and the few people around him. He didn't respond to them, but instead cut straight to the point:

"Before I formally begin my work, there is one matter that needs to be handled first."

Ding Huashi, standing behind him, wanted to step forward and take action, but at that moment, Ling Wu and Wu Poshan walked in from outside the conference room.

The moment he saw Ling Wu, Luo Hongyuan's heart was in turmoil.

He had seen Ling Wu by Ling Tianshi's side from a distance when Ling Tianshi was handling certain matters.

One could say that Ling Wu was Ling Tianshi's eyes.

Now, Ling Tianshi had actually handed even Ling Wu over to Ling Xian; the meaning behind this was far from simple.

Ling Wu stepped forward and connected a tablet computer to the conference room's projector.

"According to investigations by the group's internal audit department and my private channels..."

Ling Xian's voice wasn't loud, yet it felt like a heavy hammer striking everyone's heart. "It has been discovered that within the group, there are serious instances of abusing professional positions to damage the company's interests."

On the projection, clear screenshots of financial statements, bank statements, transaction records of related companies, and even some hidden communication records and photos began to be displayed page by page.

The smiles of Luo Hongyuan and the other executives and directors froze instantly, and their faces turned pale in a flash.

"Vice President Zhang Tao, utilizing his position in procurement, has embezzled a total of eighty-seven million in company assets over the past three years through methods such as inflating prices and taking kickbacks."

"Financial Director Li Li misappropriated the group's liquid funds for personal securities investment, creating huge potential risks and forging accounts."

"Director Wang Hai used the group's resources to funnel benefits to holding companies owned by himself and his relatives, involving a massive amount of money."

"..."

Ling Xian was like the King of Hell calling out names; whoever was marked on the Ledger of Life and Death was doomed.

On the projection screen, the corresponding evidence was listed point by point, incredibly clear and irrefutable!

Those whose names were called sat on pins and needles, breaking into cold sweats. Some tried to explain, but in the face of the evidence, their words were pale and powerless.

At this moment, everyone knew that Ling Xian wasn't here to play house; he had come out with a finishing move, the kind that was instantly fatal, without giving them a single chance.

The conference room was dead silent.

Only Ling Xian's cold voice calling out names and the sound of some people gasping remained.

Even the neutral observers now looked at Ling Xian with shock and awe.

They hadn't expected that this Young Master, who had been missing for three years, would strike with such thunderous force the moment he acted, directly flipping the table!

His methods were even more ruthless than Ling Tianshi's.

Luo Hongyuan finally couldn't sit still anymore. He slammed the table and stood up, his face ashen as he pointed at Ling Xian and roared, "Ling Xian!"

"What is the meaning of this? You come in and immediately start this groundless purge of those who disagree with you!

These are all veteran officials who have made great contributions to the group!

Is this how you treat them? Do you even have any respect for your father?"

Groundless?

The evidence was all right here, yet he was still making excuses.

He was trying to use seniority, contributions, and even Ling Tianshi to suppress him.

Wasn't he just hoping to muddy the waters and elicit empathy from the others?

He wasn't afraid; he just knew it was almost his turn.

"Contributions?"

Ling Xian laughed loudly, then swept his gaze over everyone like a black blade. "The contribution of hollowing out the group? Or the contribution of oppressing ordinary workers? Or perhaps the contribution of breaking the law?

Answer me!"

Ling Xian didn't want to waste any more words and flipped directly to the final part of the document. Evidence related to Luo Hongyuan appeared on the screen!

"Vice Chairman Luo Hongyuan used his position to conduct fraudulent transactions with the group through a shell company controlled by his son, Luo Jun, siphoning off over three hundred million in funds!

And during last year's real estate project bidding with the Zhao Family of the West City, he privately accepted a massive bribe from the Zhao Family, causing the group to lose a key plot of land and resulting in indirect losses of over one billion!"

"This... this is pure slander! Forgery!"

However, Luo Hongyuan's voice was no longer as powerful as it was at the beginning.

His brain also began to analyze things on its own; everything had a trail that could be followed.

"Hahaha! I see, I see now.

So that's how it is!"

Luo Hongyuan seemed a bit crazed, but he also felt a heartfelt admiration for Ling Tianshi.

"Three years ago, when you ran away from home, Ling Tianshi began planning everything.

He intentionally relaxed his guard to give us an opportunity.

Including lying on that hospital bed, it was all to lure you back.

He is using us as whetstones to sharpen you, his fine blade."

Luo Hongyuan's spirit was drained. Thinking of his own son and then of Ling Xian's methods, he hung his head in dejection.

"Impressive!

Like father, like son!

Ling Tianshi used us as pawns; be careful that he doesn't use you as a pawn too.

The familial affection of any great hero in this world is almost non-existent."

This was Luo Hongyuan's final tactic: a scheme to sow discord.

Regardless of whether it succeeded, it would leave a scratch in Ling Xian's heart.

He had treated Ling Tianshi as an opponent, but looking back, the other party hadn't even made a proper move.

How pathetic!

How truly pathetic!

"Alright, everyone, either let me acquire your shares, or go to prison obediently. Pick one."

Ling Xian broke into a smile, but this time, they didn't dare to belittle him.

Wu Poshan tactfully distributed share acquisition contracts to these people.

"Wait, this amount isn't right. Why is it only one-third of the market price?" one of the directors asked in a low voice.

"With the way you people are, do you deserve to have me buy them back at the original price?" Ling Xian's contempt forced them to sign their names.

Compared to prison, at least they would have their freedom, right?

"In the name of the Chairman of the Ling Group, I hereby announce..."

"Effective immediately, Luo Hongyuan, Zhang Tao, Li Li, Wang Hai, Ding Huashi... and nine others are stripped of all their positions within the group!"

Just when everyone thought it was over, the sound of police sirens outside the company startled everyone.

"Ling Xian... you're not keeping your word? This isn't what we agreed on!" Luo Hongyuan's eyes were nearly splitting with rage.

Everyone present nodded in agreement.

Ling Xian's actions were indeed somewhat untrustworthy.

This was a major taboo in the business world.

The most important thing for a businessman was integrity.

"I think you've misunderstood... I wasn't the one who called the police.

This is the vented anger of the ordinary workers you oppressed."

"Security!"