Wang Linchi returned once again to the energy company after becoming a mber of the Federal Parliant.
Initially, the matter had been mired in disputes. It wasn't until the threat of the ssy situation expanding to directly impact the council mbers' interests, even dragging them down into a quagmire, forced their hand. Eventually, they had no choice but to let Wang Linchi take over in exchange for a solution.
It was a simple compromise, not a significant event. Although the parliant mbers deeply resented Wang Linchi's inclusion, he couldn't care less. He rely needed an opportunity; everything else was a piece of cake.
After his successful maneuvering, Wang Linchi restructured the company and rehired all the forr staff. He also didn't dismiss the employees who had remained with the company; instead, he retained them. As a result of these combined actions, the company's scale hadn't shrunk; on the contrary, it had expanded hundreds of tis larger than when he had sold it.
With the assistance of capable individuals from various quarters and the new company structure, nurous pressing issues were resolved, and overall operations were back on a profitable track.
So still harbored jealousy, but unfortunately, the federal higher-ups capable of taking over Wang Linchi's company had lost interest. In their eyes, although the new energy sector seed profitable, it was rely a facade. They had dealt with it before.
Taking it back now—not to ntion Wang Linchi was now a council mber—even if they did, they couldn't guarantee its profitability.
Wang Linchi yawned. "You say my company has problems? What problems?" He had recently t an old friend, Emperor Xuwen Li Wen'an, whom Bai Xuan had summoned as a Heroic Spirit. Consequently, Wang Linchi's surveillance of Bai Xuan had beco increasingly strict.
Unexpectedly, soone had co to him that day claiming his company had issues. He couldn't help but wonder if another stroke of luck was about to fall into his lap.
The last ti soone tried to seize his company, not only had it led to business expansion and new ventures, but it had also landed him his council seat. Now, soone was stirring up trouble again, and he was curious to see what they would bring him this ti.
The person opposite him was a young man, impeccably dressed, his arrogant deanor evident at first glance. His upbringing was clearly extraordinary, reflected in his polished manners. For instance, Wang Linchi was already treating him with such disdain, yet the young man, despite his arrogance, managed to endure it. Wang Linchi had almost expected him to start cursing.
"Councilman Wang, your company's..." The other party began to rattle off a list of alleged problems.
However, Wang Linchi still looked half-asleep. After rattling on for a good while, the young man couldn't help but ask, "Councilman Wang, are you listening to ?"
"I'm listening, but I don't understand. It's pointless talking to about this because I'm not in charge of day-to-day affairs." After guzzling a large mouthful of his drink, Wang Linchi continued, "I'm only responsible for two things: signing docunts and selling the company. Signing docunts is an internal company matter, so you can't approach about it."
"However, if you want to buy my company, you can indeed talk to . As long as you can et the price and manage all its operations effectively, we can discuss it right now."
"For anything else, you'd be better off asking the security guard at the door or the cleaning crew. They probably know more than I do."
Wang Linchi wore an expression that clearly said, 'You've got the wrong guy.'
This made the young man's eyes widen. He strongly suspected Wang Linchi was just fobbing him off.
And indeed, Wang Linchi was doing just that.
"If Councilman Wang isn't even aware of such things, what happens if employees beneath you commit so transgression?" the young man retorted.
"Exactly. I wouldn't know," Wang Linchi affird. He was the epito of a hands-off boss. As long as it didn't interfere with his plans, he turned a blind eye to his subordinates' actions.
"So, regarding these matters you've raised, not only do I not know how to answer you, I don't even know if they've actually happened or not. You'll have to verify them yourself."
Wang Linchi grew even more brazenly indifferent, like a dead pig unfazed by boiling water.
He knew it was nothing more than soone who, upon seeing his thriving company and wanting a share of the pie, was resorting to these tactics to suppress him.
This young man before him had backing, connections, and capability; his only shortcomings were experience and worldly wisdom. That was why he had been sent as 'poisoned bait,' intended to lock horns with Wang Linchi. No matter the outco, it would be beneficial to his backers.
If he succeeded, those pulling the strings would get their cut.
If he failed, Wang Linchi would inevitably form a grudge against the young man. This would serve as a 'lesson' to Wang Linchi, orchestrated by the instigators—gaining such an enemy would surely lead to trouble for him down the line.
Unexpectedly, Wang Linchi didn't play by their script. He claid to know nothing.
"Having said that, do you have sufficient evidence for these allegations?" Wang Linchi asked again.
The young man nodded. "Yes."
"And what if they're false? That would be slander and false accusation, matters not so easily dismissed with a simple claim of ignorance."
"My ignorance stems from genuine unawareness, and I'm not breaking any laws. But if you investigate our company based on unverified evidence, then 'I was unaware' won't be enough to smooth things over," Wang Linchi kindly pointed out.
The young man wasn't foolish. He nodded. "After I've verified that your esteed company has no such problems, I will then investigate further."
"And what if your investigation yields no results? If people can just show up day after day with evidence from who-knows-where, claiming my company has problems, how am I supposed to keep this new energy business running?" At this, Wang Linchi's smile vanished, his voice filled with pressure.
That was the question he had been waiting for.
The pressure instantly mounted. The young man, who had been about to retort, found himself unable to utter a word.
"I know you," Wang Linchi said, sensing the atmosphere was about right, and softened his tone. "You co from a good family, possess a strong sense of justice, and are still green; it's easy for soone like you to be exploited."
"You need to keep your eyes wide open. Consider this a favor from : this ti, I will arrange for my people to cooperate with you. Next ti, if so clueless individual like yourself tries sothing like this, I hope you'll do a favor in return." Wang Linchi was offering the young man a graceful exit.
However, afterward, it would be up to the young man to deal with those who had exploited him and provide Wang Linchi with an explanation. If he failed to appreciate this warning, then he couldn't bla Wang Linchi for taking matters into his own hands to get that 'explanation.'
"Yes, yes, yes. Thank you for your cooperation, Councilman Wang." A cold sweat broke out on the young man's forehead; he clearly understood the implications.
So, people say Wang Linchi is just a puppet? Whoever spread that rumor must be an idiot. Soone like him could play ten of to death. Fortunately, he had shown my family so consideration, offering a way out and sparing utter disgrace. Otherwise, my future prospects would certainly be ruined.
Wang Linchi's position as councilman was not nominal or powerless. It carried real authority; he only appeared harmless at first glance.
"Alright, don't be so tense. We're all serving the Federation." Wang Linchi resud his usual puppet-like deanor, offering him a drink. "Sobody..."
Wang Linchi called out. His secretary, expressionless, walked in. The secretary had long grown accustod to Wang Linchi addressing him simply as "sobody."
"This is a special envoy assigned by the Federation to investigate our company. Guide him and request our staff to cooperate with the investigation," said Wang Linchi.
"Alright, Boss Wang." The secretary led the envoy away.
The rest went smoothly. There wasn't much for the young man to find. Unless he were to infiltrate the company surreptitiously, he would only see what Wang Linchi allowed him to.
However, the young man also realized his own misstep. He didn't press the issue, went through the motions of an investigation, and then returned.
The next day, he sent Wang Linchi a gift as an apology.
"They even have things like this?" Wang Linchi was amazed upon receiving it.
"Saint Emperor's Divine Blessing Diagram..."
The apology gift was a painting. It was unknown who had painted it, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that it depicted the scene when King Heaven Equivalent was deified. This painting was considered one of the few artifacts related to Dongyue Tianqi Emperor of Life and Benevolence, a figure who had spanned three dynasties.
Regrettably, no one could resonate with it and summon Dongyue Tianqi Emperor of Life and Benevolence.
For ordinary people, it was a highly prestigious item. However, in the eyes of the Federal Parliant mbers, it wasn't of much use. The Heroic Spirits from the Jing, Heng, and Xuan dynasties were just so-so. The Holy Emperor's Heroic Spirit was probably not as powerful as those from the stronger, earlier dynasties.
But as a collector's item, it was certainly valuable. This was sent to Wang Linchi as an apology gift, one that demonstrated both face and value.
It was also a gesture from the young man's family elders, a peace offering indicating they wished to "bury the hatchet." Wang Linchi's acceptance of the gift signified his agreent.
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