Chapter 24: Striking the Mountain to Frighten the Tiger

Xinhai Technology Co., Ltd. is located in the Chongqing World Financial Center, not far from the Jinke Jiuqu River.

This was Chen Jiong’s first time in Chongqing. The bustling mountain city filled him with a sense of novelty, and he looked curiously at the surrounding skyscrapers while waiting at a red light.

Tan Weibo, by contrast, remained calm. Having grown accustomed to the prosperity of urban life, he kept his eyes on the passersby and the vehicles on both sides, only relaxing once he had confirmed there was no danger in the vicinity.

As Chen Jiong had often wondered, with Tan Weibo’s skills, he could have made a name for himself anywhere; why waste his life working at a nightclub? Moreover, the big boss of the Chief Mansion had always held him in high regard, yet Tan refused every promotion or raise.

Why such an anomaly? In truth, back on Mount Longhu, Nie Yunyang’s master had cast a fortune for Tan, labeling him a "Heavenly Lone Star"—if he did not wander the mortal world, he would be destined to lose his family and home. But if he could survive a great tribulation, he would enjoy immense wealth, a house full of descendants, and the joys of family in his later years. While many dismissed such things as feudal superstition, Tan believed it implicitly, for his own father was a legendary figure comparable to a deity. Shortly after Tan turned forty, his father had ordered him to leave Nanchang to shift his fortunes; that was the primary reason he had come to Chongqing.

"At the board meeting, just listen to what they have to say first. Once they are finished, state your decision directly. Leave the rest to me," Nie Yunyang instructed.

Mu Qingyao smiled slightly and replied, "All right, I’ll listen to you."

In the 55th-floor conference room of the World Financial Center, the directors of Xinhai had all gathered. There were no outsiders present; they were all veterans and executives who had built the company alongside Mu Bolin. At this moment, the group was divided into three factions led by Han Fucheng, Miao Xingyu, and Chen Yunze. They were arguing incessantly, and while everyone was waiting for Mu Qingyao’s decision, not a single person actually held her in any regard.

When the conference room doors were pushed open and Mu Qingyao entered with Nie Yunyang and the others, the room instantly fell silent. Chen Jiong and Tan Weibo stood guard at the door as Mu Qingyao slowly took her seat at the head of the table. Nie Yunyang stood behind her, casting a cold, indifferent gaze over everyone in the room. Han Fucheng, Chen Yunze, and the others stared back at them.

Mu Qingyao looked toward Miao Xingyu and said, "The board meeting may begin now."

Immediately, a chorus of intense voices erupted from below. Some discussed the company’s outlook, others the plummeting stock price, but most questioned Mu Qingyao’s competence.

Miao Xingyu stood up and said loudly, "Everyone, quiet down. Since the young lady is here, let’s begin our meeting. There is no set agenda today; everyone, feel free to speak your minds. The company’s situation is dire, and there are many problems that need solving."

"Mu Qingyao, you’ve finally returned. If you had stayed away any longer, the company would have truly gone bankrupt. Our capital chain is nearly severed, suppliers are demanding payment, and the staff is clamoring for their wages. Everything is in complete disarray," Han Fucheng declared.

Mu Qingyao kept her lips sealed, watching them with cold, detached eyes.

Chen Yunze hesitated for a moment before adding, "Several banks have decided to stop our loans and are demanding interest. If I didn’t have some connections with their leadership, the company would likely have been sued already. Furthermore, the research projects in Qianjiang and Fuling have come to a standstill; they are in urgent need of funding."

Mu Qingyao remained unmoved, silent as ever.

"There are only a few million left in the company account. If we don’t find a way out, the creditors will be coming to cause trouble soon. I, for one, don't want to be blocked at my own door," Miao Xingyu said.

The group began to chatter all at once, turning the conference room into a cauldron of noise. Everyone was pressuring Mu Qingyao, but she gritted her teeth, clenched her fists, and struggled to maintain her composure.

"Mu Qingyao, everyone is going out of their minds. At least say something—after all, you are Master Mu’s daughter," Han Fucheng noted, unable to resist chiding her when she remained silent.

Mu Qingyao let out a cold laugh. "I don’t understand a single word of what you’re all saying. What kind of opinion could I possibly give?"

Chen Yunze and Miao Xingyu exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of what to say. If they pushed too hard, it would only backfire.

"Mu Qingyao, it’s actually quite simple. We are short on cash, and solving this isn't difficult. First, persuade the banks to continue providing loans; if they all sue at once, it will be the end of the company. Second, find a consortium with a strong background to invest and optimize our equity structure. Third, sell off the company’s more valuable projects or assets," Han Fucheng said volubly, showing no respect for her.

Mu Qingyao sighed. "Uncle Han, I understand everything you’ve said, but I am powerless to act."

"Mu Qingyao, you have to find a way! You can’t just watch Master Mu’s life work crumble like this, can you?" Chen Yunze’s expression shifted, and he immediately challenged her.

Miao Xingyu, feeling helpless, asked, "Mu Qingyao, what exactly are you thinking?"

Mu Qingyao turned to look at Nie Yunyang. Seeing him nod with a smile, she summoned her courage and said, "Since the company is in a desperate state and I am unable to save it, let’s file for bankruptcy and reorganization. It’s better to part ways amicably."

"Bankruptcy and reorganization?"
"Have you lost your mind?"
"Master Mu’s body is not yet cold, and you’re going to abandon his legacy?"

The crowd was stunned, and they began to question her decision in a frenzy. If Mu Qingyao withdrew from Xinhai, everything would be handed over to the creditors. They would lose all leverage, and the company would be completely transformed or even forced to exit the Chongqing stage entirely.

"We do not agree! We absolutely do not agree!"

The news ignited the room. Everyone voiced their opinions, but their ultimate goal was to prevent Mu Qingyao from exiting Xinhai.

Nie Yunyang stepped forward slowly and roared, "Shut your damn mouths! Are you finished yet?"

"Who the hell are you to tell us what to do here?" someone retorted on the spot.

Nie Yunyang’s face remained expressionless. "Who I am doesn't matter; I’m certainly better than you idiots. Do you really think I don’t know what you’re planning? You all rode Master Mu’s coattails to success, growing fat and greedy. Now that the company is in trouble, none of you have the courage to take responsibility—you’ve all become spineless cowards. Some of you are even worse, colluding with outsiders and daring to stir up trouble during the Zhen’an incident, hiring assassins to murder Mu Qingyao, which even led to the deaths of Old Qiu and Chang Zhicheng. Don’t let me get my hands on evidence, or I will make sure you die a miserable death!"

The words fell, and everyone was struck dumb.

"You all have very clever schemes, don't you? As long as Mu Qingyao is dead, you can sit back and reap the rewards, carving up the life’s work of Master Mu? But now, Mu Qingyao has returned safe and sound, sitting here watching your pathetic performances. Some of you must be panicking, right? What’s the big deal about simple bankruptcy and reorganization? If I’m not mistaken, you’ve already paved your own escape routes. Besides, you’ve all embezzled enough over the years to live comfortably for the rest of your lives—I just wonder if you’ll live long enough to enjoy it!"

"You’re pretty full of yourself, aren't you? Why don't you go find trouble with President Sun and Master Xue instead of showing off your power here?" someone finally couldn't help but snap back after being berated by a young man.

"Sun Yufan, Master Xue—neither of them will escape the judgment of the law. I’ll state this clearly: the company will go through bankruptcy and reorganization, and Mu Qingyao will renounce her inheritance of all assets. Do whatever you want with the rest. But if anyone dares to plot against Mu Qingyao again, I will tear out your intestines and strangle you with them!"

Han Fucheng’s face turned livid. He sneered, "You bumpkin, we live in a society ruled by law. You can't solve problems just by spouting threats. Go home and play in the dirt."

"Director Han, it seems you aren't convinced. I wonder, if you were to fall from here, would your brains be smashed out?" Nie Yunyang walked up to Han Fucheng and looked down at him.

The entire room was struck with terror, falling silent as cicadas in late autumn. Someone actually dared to threaten Han Fucheng? Was this kid tired of living?