Chapter 1407 - 1401: Caught Off Guard
Back in the office again, Gao Xiaoxiao stood up nervously and looked at Lin Chuan, asking: "How is it, does Yumeng have any opinions?"
Lin Chuan showed a reassuring smile: "Don't worry, she sympathizes with your situation too, so she won't have any opinions. She's just a bit concerned about the recovery of funds. How's your side prepared?"
Gao Xiaoxiao said happily: "Very smoothly, maybe that old guy feels guilty. When I suggested reallocating some funds, he had no objections. Now I can move over four billion in funds, but of course, to avoid suspicion, I can't allocate it all to one project at once."
Lin Chuan was startled, it seemed Gao Xiaoxiao was really pushing hard for her future.
After clearing his throat twice, Lin Chuan said approvingly: "It's great that you could secure this much funding. How about this, the project I have in mind is about financing loans for enterprises in the Po Xiao Village electronics industrial park. It's like handling bond transactions for them, and we'll purchase some bonds too. Right now, we need short-term loans due to the tight funds turnover in our company—this way the risk is lower and funds can return quicker."
Gao Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up: "That's a great project, and I'm quite familiar with this type of business. But what are the development prospects for the Po Xiao Village electronics industrial park?"
Lin Chuan laughed: "It's personally approved by our Mayor Gu, a city and province-backed innovative industrial park focused on foundational research and manufacturing of electronic devices. Its prospects are very promising. Do you not trust my recommendation?"
Gao Xiaoxiao said: "Alright, I'll discuss with your company's investment department now, and then have you, the CEO, make the final decision. The sooner, the better."
Lin Chuan laughed and said: "Perfect, the head of our investment department is your old colleague, Liang Ruoyu. You two will surely cooperate well."
However, Gao Xiaoxiao's expression changed subtly for a moment before quickly returning to normal: "Oh, it's Ruoyu—it's even better then. We'll trust each other more. Well, I'll now muster all my energy and go for it."
Seeing Gao Xiaoxiao leave, Lin Chuan specifically called Liang Ruoyu to discuss their plans.
While it meant another business for Sichuan University Group, for these routine tasks, Liang Ruoyu could easily assign a subordinate, or even bring in group personnel if needed.
Though they appeared busy thereafter, they were efficiently organized. With Tang Yumeng's effective assistance, every position had a clear understanding of its duties and the prioritization of various tasks.
As the confrontation with the opposing side heated up, Sichuan University Group moved steadily forward like an ark in stormy waters.
With the showdown officially starting, Lin Chuan learned the opposition planned extensive actions through Huatai, a securities firm. He immediately used funds to crush Huatai's bonds, making them worthless in days. Huatai was unable to withstand this pressure with its already stretched funds and had to seek help from the parent company.
When the funds arrived just two days later, their bonds collapsed again, as if timed, leaving the newly acquired money only enough to redeem the previous bonds, with little remaining.
On the stock market, countless people cheered wildly at the big board, quickly rushing to their trading terminals.
"What's with these old-timers, suddenly going crazy—are we about to witness a market crash again?"
"Are your ears broken? They're all cheering! I'd say instead of a crash, it's a bull market arriving, right, old-timer?"
In a corner, a few young people were buzzing around an old-timer, asking questions.
The old man looked steadily at Sichuan University Group's stocks, slowly shaking his head: "No big deal, what stock traders fear most is a stagnant market. Even a whiff of blood draws them in, let alone fresh meat like this!"
"Fresh meat?" The young men seemed to understand vaguely, realizing: "So is a huge opportunity waiting for us then? Old-timer, have you spotted the opportunity?"
The old man turned back mockingly: "Opportunity? Ha! Have you forgotten the advice I gave on your first day? Never reach into an irrational market, or face a burial at sea scenario. You can't discern if you're grabbing bloodied battlefield remnants—between these giants, you won't have a chance of escape!"
As various rumors spread, everyone recognized Sichuan University Group was in crisis. Ironically, despite rising crisis levels, its stock price soared incredibly high. The individual forces involved now transcended the initial probing giants, all waiting for market stabilization.
But to the investors' dismay, after a rapid climb, Sichuan University Group's stock suddenly plummeted! Countless unprepared investors were caught.
They hoped this was merely a correction before further climbs, expecting an upswing ahead.
Unfortunately, although its price stabilized, there seemed no rebound. It hovered awkwardly.
Previously dormant rumors resurged on the market. Xinhuan Pharmaceutical's long-rumored health product development still lacked updates, proving their claims baseless over time.
Moreover, what about the funds Xinhuan Pharmaceutical attracted via rumors? Did Sichuan University Group siphon them for itself, leaving Xinhuan an empty shell?
Such rumors quickly spread, shaking investor confidence. People dug up past press releases from Lin Chuan and colleagues, seemingly validating the rumors of time elapsed. Was Lin Chuan merely a hypocrite, profiting fraudulently via shell companies?
Sichuan University Group's stock performance had already rattled investors severely, creating fertile ground for fearful rumors to spread.
Xinhua Pharmaceutical's shares faced swift dumping, causing considerable decline.
Despite an apparent effort to stabilize the market, the force was easily traced to Sichuan University Group's funds. The overt approach was ineffective against the overall selling pressure.
As a result, Sichuan University Group was left retreating.
Rumors flew wildly, drawing myriad media outlets for interviews with Lin Chuan. He wished to leverage media to clarify matters, thus inviting two journalists from Financial Weekly: one named Tian Tian, the other Wu Peisheng.
Before ten in the morning, a receptionist ushered a man and a woman into the office.
Lin Chuan didn't show his confusion outward but discreetly invited them to sit, smiling: "What brings both esteemed journalists today—a rare honor for Sichuan University Group indeed."
Wu Peisheng, a man in his thirties, laughed: "You're too kind, Mr. Lin. We've been looking forward to the interview you promised us. We've already planned it with the chief editor, capitalizing on Sichuan University's trending period to boost our sales."
Lin Chuan replied calmly: "No need to rush explanations, Mr. Wu. I haven't questioned your motives."
Wu Peisheng's face shifted slightly, realizing unexpected nervousness before Lin Chuan! Hence making such a novice mistake.
His explanation not only raised Lin Chuan's suspicions but put him on the defensive early on!
Usually, he shouldn't make such errors, regardless of client stature.
Quickly regaining composure, Wu Peisheng remarked: "Of course you didn't ask, but out of courtesy, I felt compelled to clarify, lest I be misjudged as a Budweiser Group spy or some unfriendly entity."
"Ha, Wu Peisheng's humor is notable—no wonder he's such a prominent journalist." Lin Chuan chose not to confront them outright.
Tian Tian sensed the tense atmosphere, graced with a seductive smile, quietly glided beside Lin Chuan.
Even he had to admit Tian Tian's walking style involved effort, as every twist guided a man's gaze from her legs to her waist.
Lin Chuan found himself allowing conductance, feeling overly meticulous would be petty.
"Mr. Lin, you're a bit harsh today, getting us all riled up. Shouldn't we have some coffee or wine, and chat humorously? That way, you showcase your masculine charm."
Sweetly enticing, causing Lin Chuan minimal resistance: "Alright, esteemed journalists, please sit. If there's anything I can address without breaching company secrets, feel free to inquire."