Chapter 1408 - 1402: Doubts
Tian Tian fluttered her eyelashes at him: "Mr. Lin, don't be so stingy. Even if it's just a little bit—or just a tiny bit—of a secret, you could share it with me. We're cooperating with each other, aren't we? If there's any news that needs to be released promptly, I can persuade the editor-in-chief to give your company the front page!"
"That's no small favor. So, how about we see what the specific issue is?" Lin Chuan nodded and said.
As time slipped by with their questioning, an imperceptible hint of suspicion flashed in Lin Chuan's eyes. The tried-and-true tactics of these journalists aimed to gradually ease the atmosphere, creating a more relaxed environment for conversation, thereby making it easier for him to answer their questions naturally.
However, at this moment, Lin Chuan saw more in the eyes of Wu Peisheng and Tian Tian. After his "lesson" at the beginning, Wu Peisheng was now much more composed, but under Tian Tian's flirtations, there still seemed to be a hint of tension and disdain.
The tension was understandable; after all, he was deliberately giving them both a sense of pressure, even employing a breathing technique he learned from Cong Liang. Yet, after being questioned for so long, she should have been able to ease that tension. Now she seemed even more nervous than she had been initially!
And what is that disdain about?
Lin Chuan felt as though the two of them were weaving a vast net, closing in on him ever since they'd entered the office!
But what exactly were they planning to ensnare him with, and what was their motivation?
"Mr. Lin, I wonder if you have recently come across an intriguing connection?" Wu Peisheng and Tian Tian exchanged a glance, then suddenly switched topics and asked.
Lin Chuan was aware they were poised for an assault: "With such a vague suggestion, how could I possibly know what news you're talking about?"
Tian Tian smoothly broke the ice with a smile: "Oh dear, Peisheng, how could Lin possibly guess with such a sudden comment? Mr. Lin, here's the situation: your Sichuan University Group has attained its current status, largely thanks to the successful Red Origin Mobile. But if a phone superior to the Red Origin Mobile, and at a lower price, appears on the market now, do you think you will still achieve such success? Or could you be replaced by an up-and-coming company in the short term?"
Lin Chuan looked at them with a cold smile: "I think if you have any news, you should just say it straight. There's no need to beat around the bush. Sichuan University Group has weathered many storms. It's not possible to talk about being replaced over a minor problem, is it?"
Wu Peisheng picked up where Tian Tian left off, laughing as he "explained": "Mr. Lin, perhaps you're being a bit careless. This time, what has arisen is no small issue. We've received news that a very famous mobile phone brand has emerged in Xichuan Province, gaining significant traction. In certain regions, it's even starting to show signs of replacing your Red Origin Mobile!"
Lin Chuan calmly stated: "There are so many trend-following and knock-off phones everywhere nowadays; it's inevitable that certain noteworthy products will emerge in specific areas temporarily. What's there to be alarmed about?"
"Is that all it is?" Clearly dissatisfied with his response, Wu Peisheng pressed further, "But the other side has already started submitting articles to our company, claiming that due to their tremendous local success, they are preparing to launch nationally. Isn't this significant? Or has your company lost its former pioneering spirit?"
Tian Tian took a deep breath, making a decision in that instant: "Yes, Mr. Lin, as far as I know, Xinhuan Pharmaceutical's new health product has yet to garner a response, and your company's performance hasn't been notably impressive. I've heard it's due to technical inadequacies?"
As they revealed their trump cards, Lin Chuan instead showed a relaxed smile.
Considering the nature of Jiangbei City's local enterprises, they would not be able to motivate Wu Peisheng and Tian Tian, meaning it's likely they're associated with the Budweiser Group. More specific intel requires an investigation or may simply be unnecessary.
All he needed was to see what their media reports would say tomorrow to understand their intentions.
At the very least, he knew the reports would contain information he would not want to see.
"Say whatever you like. I think our conversation can end here, given that you're making completely unfriendly speculations about my company."
Tian Tian and Wu Peisheng were taken aback. They had thought that, after revealing this trump card, Lin Chuan would crumble. Such a critical moment, if investors' confidence wavered further, the disadvantage he was already facing would be insurmountable.
In their expectations, if Lin Chuan were a novice, he would now be in despair or attempting futilely to bribe them with "benefits." If he had a strategy against the Budweiser Group, he might divulge some authentic details to bolster their confidence or that of the investors, which would yield them more valuable news.
However, Lin Chuan, like an old fox, remained unmoved, showing no signs of despair, nor any willingness to compromise with them.
Judging by his current conduct, who would believe he was just a fresh face in the business world, only in his twenties and having joined the fray just a month ago?
At this instant, Wu Peisheng felt a pinch of jealousy prick at his heart. All along, he'd thought himself among the best of his peers! Yet, compared to Lin Chuan, he seemed to fall short by a level.
No, more than just a level!
If so, then he must tear away the mask of pride from Lin Chuan and expose his ugliness to everyone!
"Alright, since you put it that way, we have nothing more to say. If you have a chance to glance at our headlines tomorrow, I think I'll feel quite honored."
Tian Tian looked at Wu Peisheng in shock, not expecting him to choose to directly show their hand so quickly, contrary to what they'd planned. However, regardless, she was already in league with Wu Peisheng, at least in Lin Chuan's eyes. She had no choice but to leave with him.
"Lin Chuan, how did you handle those two senior journalists? I noticed they seemed a little agitated when they left." Mo Xiaoqi asked upon seeing Lin Chuan enter his office.
"Yeah, those who presume to be clever often appear that way. But we need to act swiftly. Once they publish their reports tomorrow, it might well be the moment they launch their full offensive."
"Oh? So, those two are on the opposing side?" Tian Tian asked with a sly smile.
Lin Chuan chuckled and said: "It might be more than that. I think they hold higher positions, not belonging directly to any media force. While they wield some influence in media circles, it's unlikely their media affiliations would bother them. The key is that they're both young and very smart. They know aligning hastily with any faction is premature and doesn't benefit their future. Anyway, you and our group's General Manager Tang Yumeng should take note of them and keep them under certain scrutiny."
After talking with them for an hour and seeing them off, Tang Yumeng entered, saying: "Lin Chuan, well done, Gao Xiaoxiao's on cloud nine over there, yet you failed to bother calling."
"I'll call her right now." Lin Chuan smiled faintly, picked up his phone, and dialed a number.
"Hello, my dear Mr. Lin. I thought you must be incredibly busy right now. Why would you choose this moment to call me?" Came Gao Xiaoxiao's coquettish voice from the other end.
Since she had started collaborating with Lin Chuan, her mood had greatly improved, and you could hear the smiles in her voice over the phone.
"Of course, it's about the company's issues, Sister Gao. I need to redirect some of the company's funds back to address some of our troubles. So, I need to notify you."
But Lin Chuan didn't hear the response he was expecting—it became rather silent on the other end.
"Sister Gao?" An uneasy feeling rose in Lin Chuan's heart.
"Well, Lin Chuan, all our company's funds are currently tied up. I'm afraid there isn't much we can pull out anytime soon!" Gao Xiaoxiao finally replied. Her tone was light and cheerful as if she had no awareness of Lin Chuan's current predicament and had merely proposed canceling a casual evening gathering.
"Sister Gao, I hope you understand, I need funds now to tackle the pressure facing Sichuan University Group!" Lin Chuan stressed his words.
"But Lin Chuan, it's true that I'm unable to pull out any funds. All our money is in the bond market at the moment, and it will take time to liquidate." Gao Xiaoxiao explained helplessly.
Lin Chuan said: "Our previous investments were in short-term bonds, right? There should be quite a portion maturing soon, maybe even rolling over already, correct?"
"True, but that capital needs to be reinvested to continuously generate profit. Moreover, the recent investments are all mid to long-term. Even if we wanted to sell now, it would take time to find trading partners. Lin Chuan, from what you're saying, it feels like you're trying to trick me. If you don't believe it, you can come over and check the accounts yourself." Gao Xiaoxiao, for reasons unknown, was dodging Lin Chuan.
Seeing Lin Chuan hang up the phone, Tang Yumeng curiously asked: "What's the matter? Did Gao Xiaoxiao also run into some trouble? Even if that's the case, we have to prioritize the parent company here."
Lin Chuan smiled wryly and said: "It's not that she's in trouble. She's currently relishing her earnings. It's we who are in big trouble. Gao Xiaoxiao told me she has already invested the company's funds into new projects, and they're all mid to long-term."
"How dare she!" Tang Yumeng's momentum surged, displaying her "power" as the company's chairperson, but she quickly calmed down: "We've already emphasized several times that the funds only be used for short-term purposes. Do you believe this is just a coincidence?"