Cao Bangxi dared not conceal the truth and recounted in detail his intent to violate Xiao Ming's wife.
After listening, Cao Zhining was so angry he couldn't speak, and even lacked the strength to discipline his son physically, feeling only waves of darkness before his eyes and a pervasive weakness throughout his body.
Although Xiao Ming had timely rescued his wife, it obviously could not make up for Cao Bangxi's sin. Hadn't the accomplice Zhang Anli already been thrown into jail?
And thinking back to Yang Hanqing standing behind Xiao Ming, it was almost certain that he had been subdued.
Destroying a man's career, stealing his wife, and swallowing his company whole—utterly ruthless and malicious to the extreme.
As the mastermind, would Xiao Ming let Cao Bangxi off?
Simply impossible!
It required blood to make amends, far more than just an exaggerated threat.
No way!
No matter what, Bangxi is still my son, and I absolutely cannot let Xiao Ming harm him.
The younger generation, relying on a bit of skill, disregards the old man. Let's see, once the old man steps in, whether you will still be able to take your revenge.
After a long contemplation, Cao Zhining sneered coldly and instructed his assistant, "Send people to the slums to spread the news about the city's plans to build Yanjiang Park.
Make sure to hype up the potential for property prices to soar several times, and harshly stimulate those tenants who've already sold their houses to Maohe!"
Having said this, he suddenly kicked his son fiercely and said malevolently, "Cao Bangxi, from today onward, if I hear of you touching women you shouldn't be touching again, I'll personally castrate you!"
Elsewhere, in the business van just leaving the venue, Yun Shi Yu looked hesitant, as if she had something to say but stopped herself.
Xiao Ming glanced at her sideways, "Are you constipated?"
Yun Shi Yu punched him, saying, "You were so blatantly provocative to Cao Zhining just now, aren't you worried about alerting the enemy?"
"Do you really think so?"
Yun Shi Yu sighed, "It's rare to have a calm conversation with you, and still, you have to be such a jerk. Hurry up, what bad idea are you cooking up now?"
Xiao Ming chuckled and turned his head to say, "Before I explain, I owe Hanqing an apology."
"Ah?" Yang Hanqing was stunned, "What... what for?"
"I did indeed provoke Cao Zhining intentionally, to alarm the enemy." said Xiao Ming.𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖
"Actually, the reason Dabang Group was willing to spend four billion to buy the slums is that the Cao Family already knew about the Yanjiang Park project.
And this plan, I leaked it to them."
"What?" Yang Hanqing was shocked beyond measure, "Why would you do that?"
"Because the slum area is a bait rich enough to occupy a large amount of Cao Family's liquid capital, thus creating an opportunity for us to take over Dabang."
"Then shouldn't we avoid alarming the enemy even more?" Yun Shi Yu asked.
Xiao Ming shook his head, "In the end, Dabang is Longyin's leading real estate business, a major taxpayer. Whether it's the city government or the banking institutions, they will provide assistance when necessary.
It's only four billion after all, most of which is through loans, and it's not enough to cause Dabang to hurt its vitality and experience a financial crisis.
Therefore, we must force it to spend more money beyond the prepared development capital, to an extent that even the cooperating banks cannot cope with in the short term."
"Only in this way will the directors of Dabang seek outside help, introduce foreign capital, and increase the number of shareholders."
Yun Shi Yu and Shen Siyi exchanged glances. Just as they were about to speak, they heard Yang Hanqing ask, "So you're apologizing to me because you never intended to buy the shantytown from the beginning, and I've been busy for nothing all these days?"
"It's not just that," Xiao Ming said with an apologetic tone, "If nothing goes wrong, I predict that Cao Zhining will definitely send someone to spread the news about the park throughout the shantytown, causing an uproar.
And those homeowners who have already sold their houses to Maohe will surely band together to cause trouble, demanding Maohe return the property to them."
"What right do they have to do that?"
Shen Siyi's eyes widened, "We paid cash for property, fair and square, without any deceit or violation of regulations. If they want to return the property, it's they who are breaching the contract, and we would win if it goes to court."
"That may be true, but just look at the homeowners on the news holding banners, claiming their rights. If the property value increases, it's because of their investment savviness, something they deserve; if it falls in price, then it's the developers being heartless and cheating them with high prices.
These days, there aren't many who will listen to reason, not to mention groups formed by the lower class.
To put it nicely, their views are simplistic; to say it less kindly, they're just selfish.
The last thing officials want is a mass incident, especially one caused by the poor. In such situations, justice hardly matters; the weaker side is right; whoever has the louder voice is the one who's right."
"We can't just let them run wild, can we?"
"Of course not."
Xiao Ming's expression suddenly turned icy, "As a businessman, when facing a disadvantaged group, I don't mind making concessions at the right time, donations and giving away money are all fine.
But if they want to take undue advantage, to treat me like a pig for butchering, then I'll have to make them understand what equality for all truly means."
"You look thoroughly disgusting with all your cunning plans, but I like it!" Yun Shi Yu's eyes sparkled, "Spill it, what's your plan?"
Xiao Ming gestured them closer, and four heads huddled together, whispering a plan. Yun Shi Yu and Yang Hanqing were silent, while Shen Siyi looked at Xiao Ming as if seeing a ghost.
A moment later, he grabbed Yun Shi Yu's hand excitedly, "Yu, thank you for your discerning eye, for not becoming enemies with Ming back then.
Dear heavens! This guy looks so harmless usually, but his moves are deadly!"
"Get lost!" Xiao Ming kicked him, laughing and scolding, "Believe it or not, I'll ruin you first?"
Yun Shi Yu let out a complex sigh, "Now, I can be one hundred percent certain that our Ruiye will soon grow and become a well-known domestic investment company within a short period.
It's just that this 'reputation' will certainly not sound very pleasant."
Xiao Ming laughed heartily, undisturbed.
Business is like a battlefield; as long as it's within the bounds of the law, one must use every available means. In his previous life, he wasn't called the financial shark and acquisition demon for nothing.
Amidst the banter, Xiao Ming noticed Yang Hanqing was constantly looking out the window, her expression melancholic. He wanted to offer a few words of consolation but hesitated for a moment and then patted the back of the driver's seat.
"Lan, pull over up ahead to let me out."
"Where are you going?" Yun Shi Yu asked, "Aren't we celebrating? I've kept the private room at the restaurant."
"I just remembered something personal I haven't taken care of. You all go ahead without me. When this whole thing is beautifully concluded, we can celebrate properly then."
Xiao Ming smiled, and as soon as the car stopped, he opened the door and stepped out.
Standing by the roadside, he dialed Jiang Xue's cell phone.
"Wife, I just made a big deal for the company and I'm feeling pretty happy. If you have the time, I'd be honored if you'd join me for dinner!"