Chapter 1409 - 1403: Ambitious Designs
Lin Chuan said with a bitter smile, "She's not the one in trouble; she's making money and happy about it. We're the ones in big trouble. Gao Xiaoxiao told me that she's already invested the company's funds into new projects, and they're all long-term projects."
"How dare she!" Tang Yumeng's aura surged, showcasing her "strength" as the company's chairwoman, but she quickly calmed down, "We have emphasized to her several times that this money can only be used for short-term purposes. Do you think this could be just a coincidence?"
Lin Chuan shook his head, "It's no use saying these things now. At most, we can check the accounts. If the situation aligns with what was said, we flat out cannot recover enough funds right now. We need to think of a way to solve the funding issue immediately."
Tang Yumeng responded, "Okay, I'll try to think of a way. After all, my network is broader, and you don't need to worry too much; the company still has enough funds to hold on for a while."
Lin Chuan said, surprised, "Wait, Yumeng, you're not angry?"
"Of course I'm angry, but not at you because you didn't do anything wrong in this." Tang Yumeng said calmly, "The one at fault is Gao Xiaoxiao! And I think this isn't as simple as it seems. Leave her to me."
"Leave her to you?" Lin Chuan wasn't quite sure what this meant.
"Haven't you heard? The best way to deal with a beautiful woman is through another beautiful woman. Besides, isn't she my classmate?" Tang Yumeng smiled sweetly, instantly disarming any allure Gao Xiaoxiao might have.
News topics tend to get hotter and hotter; when Wu Peisheng and Tian Tian boldly "predicted" Lingyu Group's decline, sales immediately skyrocketed. Their performance later seemed to verify how foresighted the younger generation is. Subsequently, countless media jumped on the bandwagon, creating a storm seemingly set to tear Sichuan University Group apart!
Amid this storm, Sichuan University Group again welcomed a guest from the media world.
Lin Chuan, who was gathering all the company's upper management for the final arrangement of plans, received a phone call from the front desk and could not quite believe his ears.
"Who did you say she is?" Lin Chuan asked, a bit surprised upon receiving the front desk call.
"Mr. Lin, the caller said her name is Mu Hong." The front desk was equally puzzled. Hadn't two journalists already visited Mr. Lin recently? And afterward, the company's situation only worsened, so there was little welcome for media arrivals.
A picture of Mu Bai flashed in Lin Chuan's mind. This woman here named Mu Hong, could she be connected to Mu Bai? A hint of doubt flashed in his mind.
"I think it might be worth meeting her. If it's confirmed that her intentions aren't malicious, we can use their platform for our plans. Their image has been predominantly candid and determined, holding quite a standing in the financial field!" Tang Yumeng persuaded.
Lin Chuan, being agreeable, said: "Alright then, I'll see what this pretty journalist wants to pull. If her intentions are like Wu Peisheng and Tian Tian's, then I won't mind drawing her into our trap too, following up with a big slap in their faces two days later."
"You are just too naughty!" Upon hearing Lin Chuan's remark, everyone in the room burst into laughter.
Arriving at the reception room, Mu Hong was there waiting for him.
Walking into the office, a woman was sitting on the sofa, her age not exceeding her twenties, reasonably good-looking but she did not look like Mu Bai.
Lin Chuan felt a bit relieved; it seemed he was overthinking. This woman merely happened to share a resemblance with Mu Bai as a child star.
Yet the proud beauty showed no signs of dissatisfaction, waiting for Lin Chuan very calmly.
"Miss Mu, sorry to have kept you waiting, I was just in a meeting and only now could find the time." Despite everything, she was a famous reporter, and without knowing her intentions, Lin Chuan wouldn't deliberately offend her.
Mu Hong laughed, "It's alright, it was just ten minutes. I am somewhat informed about Sichuan University Group's current situation. If you weren't busy, I would find it rather peculiar."
"Haha, Miss Mu proves to be even more approachable than her appearance suggests. I didn't expect this." Lin Chuan laughed and, to Mu Hong's surprise, another woman joined him as he walked in.
As a renowned journalist in financial columns, she immediately recognized the woman whose beauty rivaled her own: the former City Committee Secretary of Jiangbei City, now the first Executive Director of Sichuan University Group, Tang Yumeng!
Lin Chuan said to Mu Hong, "I suppose there's no need for an introduction. Although Miss Mu is here for an exclusive interview with me, some Sichuan University Group matters might be better explained by Ms. Tang. You won't mind, will you?"
Mu Hong smiled slightly, "Of course not. In fact, I should be happier because this further confirms my earlier speculation."
"Oh? I'm interested to know what kind of speculation made Miss Mu decide to suddenly come for an exclusive interview." Lin Chuan was curious about her demeanor.
Tang Yumeng also took an interest, sitting beside Lin Chuan, watching Mu Hong. She already knew of this young reporter's reputation.
Any accomplished woman inherently harbors comparability toward other accomplished women; especially since she, after all, is a renowned businesswoman, having personally assisted Lin Chuan in completing the initial Xinhuan Pharmaceutical financing, while Mu Hong, regardless, was just a reporter with a pen!
Facing two formidable figures, Mu Hong seemed even more composed than last time with Wu Peisheng and Tian Tian.
"My guess is quite simple; Sichuan University Group has been quite prominent recently. I want my theme to center around this, conducting a follow-up interview with Mr. Lin. I bet it would be a fascinating report. Do you agree?" Mu Hong laughed.
"Oh?" Lin Chuan looked at her, somewhat surprised by her initial words; "I wonder, Miss Mu, if there's some mistake. Right now, we're getting hammered without having much ability to fight back, not to mention any kind of strong counterattack."
Mu Hong smiled slightly, "Mr. Lin, let's not beat around the bush. We're not like other domestic media who are news-tight. Facing such attacks, even if your company's expansion in overseas markets isn't enough to fully recover, it should at least reassure investors' confidence; yet you haven't done any of this. Hence I can only have one speculation to explain your behavior."
"Oh? What are the four words?" Lin Chuan asked with curiosity.
"Aiming for bigger plans!" Mu Hong articulated.
Mu Hong laughed, "You guys are making such a helpless display simply to deceive others, yet in reality, your backhand probably extends far beyond just overseas markets; though I can't pinpoint your other tactics. The more unsure I am, the greater my curiosity grows. Hence, I decided on the spot, under the guise of an exclusive interview, to ask you directly."
Laughing broadly, Lin Chuan replied, "I didn't expect you to be so straightforward. With someone like you, I find it awkward beating around the bush. Alright then, let General Manager Tang Yumeng answer your inquiries. Meanwhile, I hope Miss Mu can put today's report on the front-page headlines tomorrow."
Mu Hong raised an eyebrow, "You know those decisions are made by our senior editors, not by mere reporters like me."
Tang Yumeng laughed, "Well, that's up to how genuine Miss Mu's intentions are. Trust me, this is just the first part to amaze you; Mr. Lin's counterstrike will fill your follow-up reports, certainly not disappointing you or your readers. However, if your capability isn't adequate, we can bring in someone else to release the news, and the chosen person will likely be more candid than you."
A bit dissatisfied, Mu Hong glared at Lin Chuan, "Hmph, you're affecting media impartiality."
Lin Chuan chuckled, "Don't be so sensitive. I see this as merely a standard transaction. Moreover, it's a deal you absolutely won't regret!"
Mu Hong pondered a moment, quickly deciding, "Okay, I can agree with you for now, but if the information you provide isn't satisfying to me, then you'll have to pay the appropriate price!"
Lin Chuan laughed, "Haha, that's more like the Mu I know. Yumeng, you heard it; make sure to satisfy Miss Mu's curiosity, otherwise, Sichuan University Group will be in big trouble."
Tang Yumeng nodded with a smile, turning toward Mu Hong; no trace of disdain left in her gaze.
This "lady with the pen" indeed has her complexities, merely by a few clues she deduced they possessed stronger tactics hidden behind. Thankfully, she hasn't truly guessed their methods, or else she would almost be a female Zhuge Liang!
"As Mr. Tang explains, may I ask a question? Could your actions be hidden within the real estate projects?" Mu Hong looked at Tang Yumeng and asked.
Tang Yumeng was inwardly startled; this woman truly isn't simple, she said, "You can temporarily understand it like this. Since this is a follow-up report, you might as well be patient. We'll reveal how we proceed soon. Meanwhile, just take a look at this."