“Alright!” Mrs. Han replied.
Tang Hao left the place, went home, and continued packing.
He returned to the apartment complex to pick up Han Yutong and her mother, and they returned to Westridge.
Meanwhile, in a moving car on the road, Liu Yufen sat in the backseat while looking at her swollen face in a hand mirror. Her face was contorted with anger the more she looked at it.
Her eyes were deep with resentment.
“How dare you hit me, you filthy kid? I won’t let you get away with this! So what if you know the Vice Governor? And you dream of ruining my Yu Lin Group? Do you think that you’re some hotshot?”
She mumbled through gritted teeth.
She thought for a while before tossing the mirror away, picking up her phone, and dialing a number.
The call was answered very soon.
“Hello, Bro Chen!” She said eagerly.
“Hey, isn’t this Ol’ Sis Liu? We haven’t talked in a long time! What’s up?” A low, throaty voice was heard on the other end of the phone.
“It’s like this, Bro Chen. You’ve heard of Haotian Group, right?” Liu Yufen said.
“Haotian? Oh, I know that! Why wouldn’t it? Their sports drink has been very popular recently… oh, I understand now!” He said.
Yu Lin Group’s bestselling beverage was a sports drink. Haotian Group’s new beverage happened to be a sports drink as well, and it was extremely popular.
The people in Yu Lin Group must be very worried!
“You’re a smart one, Bro Chen!” Liu Yufen said with a smile.
“I’ve heard that Haotian Group isn’t any normal company. They have powerful people backing them.” Bro Chen hesitated.
“Don’t worry, Bro Chen. You’ll be compensated adequately,” Liu Yufen said.
“Heheh, you’re a smart one too! I like working with you. You’re simple and direct!” Bro Chen laughed.
“So, what do you want to do to them?”
“Well, Bro Chen… I’d like you to at least slow down the sales of that drink. If you can somehow get the recipe, then the price… will go up by several times.”
“Hmm, the recipe will be difficult, but I have a lot of ways of ruining their reputation,” Bro Chen said after giving the matter some thought.
“It’s all up to you now, Bro Chen!” Liu Yufen said with a smile.
“Don’t worry. You can wait for my good news!”
After the call ended, viciousness flashed across Liu Yufen’s face. “You won’t get to ruin my Yulin group that easily, you filthy kid,” she whispered.
…
Back at Westridge, Tang Hao took the next two days off.
He spent his time accompanying Sis Xiangyi in those two days.
They woke up early one morning feeling raunchy. Just when they were about to get intimate, his phone started ringing.
The two people were surprised, and the mood was extinguished.
Qin Xiangyi hugged his neck and kissed his cheek. “Go and answer it! There might be something urgent,” she said with a smile.
Tang Hao took the phone and saw that it was from Liu Yan.
He immediately became alert and sat up.
Liu Yan must be calling him about official business. If it was so early in the morning, it must have been very urgent too.
“What’s wrong, Sis Yan?” Tang Hao asked.
“Bad news, Chairman Tang!” Liu Yan sounded worried.
Tang Hao’s expression changed immediately.
“What’s the news?” He asked sternly.
“It’s Vitality Sports Drink. At about nine o’clock last night, there was news on the Internet that someone became dizzy and vomited after drinking it. He’s now in the hospital.
“It didn’t receive that much attention last night, but it’s been spreading like wildfire since this morning. The news is trending now.”
Tang Hao furrowed his brows.
‘Dizzy spells, vomiting, and even a hospital visit?
‘That’s impossible!
‘There are no harmful or toxic ingredients in the sports drink, so that wouldn’t cause those symptoms. Could there be a problem with the production process?
‘That’s possible, but not very likely. I’ve always kept a strict eye on the process, and there hasn’t been a problem so far.’
Liu Yan continued, “In my opinion, someone is slandering us and trying to ruin our reputation.”
Chapter 498 - Turning the Tables
“Someone’s causing trouble?” Tang Hao furrowed his brows.
“That’s right. There’s something fishy about the incident. The news wouldn’t have spread so fast unless someone is fanning the flames.
“There are many new negative reviews about Haotian Group on the Internet. They’re all about how our products are unsafe and toxic, and how those amazing effects come with a heavy toll on one’s health.
“People all over the country are attacking our reputation. It’s not looking good for us,” Liu Yan said.
Tang Hao’s brows were locked even more tightly after he heard that.
“It must be Yu Lin Group!” Tang Hao said.
He could not think of anyone else that would attack Haotian Group at this crucial moment.
“That should be it,” Liu Yan said, “The market share of Yu Lin Group’s sports drink had fallen drastically. They must be worried.”
She paused for a while and continued, “Chairman Tang, we… have to treat this incident seriously. Otherwise, that will be a stumbling block to our future growth.
“I understand!” Tang Hao said. “I’ll head to the company for discussions now.”
“Alright!” Liu Yan replied.
Tang Hao got up from the bed after the call ended.
“What’s wrong?” Qin Xiangyi asked out of concern.
“There’s a problem with the company, but it’s nothing too serious. I’ll have to go now. You should rest for a while more!”
Tang Hao got dressed, pecked her on her cheek, and left the house.
Liu Yan and the other managers were already waiting at the company.
“Look at this, Chairman Tang!”
Liu Yan handed Tang Hao a tablet computer.
It was a video clip of an interview.
The background of the video was a hospital, and the interviewees were naturally the “victims”. They all had sickly faces.
After watching the video, Liu Yan also showed him screenshots of various articles and comments.
Those comments came from online retailers, medical experts, and many other types who said that the ingredients in Haotian Group’s products were harmful and the company was unscrupulous.
Tang Hao rolled his eyes when he read those comments.
“Medical expert? More like monetary expert! I wonder how much he got paid to spread false news!” Tang Hao chuckled.
“They must’ve spent a lot of money on this. They’re hell-bent on bringing us down!” Liu Yan said.
Tang Hao held the tablet computer and thought for a bit before saying, “If they’re willing to spend money, then we ought to do the same thing. We’ll protect our reputation with as much money as it takes.
“Try to implicate Yu Lin Group if possible. Say that they’re the ones attacking us. Remember to pay for more commenters. Money is not a problem.”
“Understood!” Liu Yan replied.
She thought of something and smiled. “Well, we do have an army of volunteers too. They call themselves the Cult of Masculine Wind, and they’re fighting back the negative comments on the Internet.”
Tang Hao chuckled when he heard that.
“Alright, I’ll leave this to you. I’ll head to Provincial City to pay a visit to the ‘victims’.”
Tang Hao left the company and drove to Provincial City.
There were three “victims” in total. One was at the First Public Hospital, while two were at the Second Public Hospital.
Tang Hao went to the First Public Hospital first.
He saw many media vans parked at the entrance.
The hospital room was packed with media reporters. The patient sat on the bed and was talking spiritedly, accusing Haotian Group of various wrongdoings.
The people around him clicked their cameras.
The patient became more lively as he spoke, as though he was enjoying the attention.
Tang Hao observed the situation at the door.
Then, he smiled coldly.
‘This guy is quite a convincing actor.’
He soon thought up of an idea. He cast a concealment spell on himself, squeezed past the crowd, and secretly dropped a Truth Pill into a jug of water next to the bed.
“You must be thirsty. Drink some water!”
Tang Hao yelled and handed the patient a cup of water.
“Oh, thanks!”
The person took the cup without looking at Tang Hao and continued speaking without missing a beat.
He was indeed thirsty from speaking for so long. He lifted his chin and downed the cup of water.
He placed the cup next to him, wiped his mouth, and continued, “This Haotian Group is so unethical! They would stop at nothing to make profits.
“Why should the company profit at our expense? We should boycott it and see it go bankrupt.”
The person became more excited as he walked.
The media reporters were also very excited. It was the biggest scoop of the day.
Suddenly, the man stopped speaking. His gaze went vacant for a while.
“Eh, what’s wrong? Continue speaking!” A journalist shouted.
The person lifted one hand and slapped himself on the face.
Everyone was shocked when they saw that.
“Boo hoo! I’m worse than an animal! I’ve sinned!
“There is no problem with Vitality Sports Drink. Someone paid me twenty thousand yuan to ruin the reputation of Haotian Group! When it’s done, they’ll pay me another thirty thousand!”
The person started crying. Tears and snot flowed from his face.
The journalists in the room were utterly shocked.
Then, they exclaimed in surprise.
They did not understand why the man suddenly had a pang of conscience, but it was a big scoop nonetheless.
“Quick! Take a close-up shot! This is big news!”
“Start drafting! We’ll have to be the first website to publish the news.”
The journalists were extremely excited.
Tang Hao stealthily sneaked out of the room, left the hospital, drove to the Second Public Hospital, and did the same thing.
On the Internet, the tide was turning after Haotian Group retaliated. The battle became one-sided once the victims’ confessions were published.
“I was right after all. I’ve never had any problems after drinking an entire crate of that stuff. It turns out to be a targeted attack!”
“Tsk tsk! What an underhanded scheme!”
The comments on the Internet became more intense.
After Haotian Group’s retaliation, the comments turned to attack Yu Lin Group. Much of Yu Lin Group’s dirt was bared for all to see.
Yu Lin Group’s reputation fell. The company was universally condemned.
…
“How could this be?”
In a mansion somewhere in Provincial City, a middle-aged man sat in his office. His face was red with anger and he looked extremely unpleasant.
He was watching a video clip on the computer in front of him.
“Boo hoo, I’m worse than an animal…”
He could hear that person crying.
“Dammit, they’re all useless! How can they mess up something so simple?”
He roared, picked up the item closest to him, and flung it at the computer screen.
He sat there, panting. His expression was utterly gloomy.
He spent so much money to hire actors and paid commenters. He was about to succeed in ruining the reputation of Haotian group, but those cowards turned on him at the most crucial moment.
They were even crying as they confessed, as though they had suddenly found their conscience.
‘… F*ck!
‘If they’re so conscientious about it, they should’ve declined the job! Why would they botch it at the most crucial moment?’
He was furious, but at the same time, he thought that it was quite uncanny.
‘Even if Haotian Group bought over those three people, how did they change so abruptly?’
A call from Liu Yufen interrupted his thoughts.
Chapter 499 - There’s A Freak In Huaxia
“You’d better have a good explanation for this.” Liu Yufen was seething.
“I’ve paid you good money, Bro Chen, but look at what you’ve done! The Internet is attacking my Yu Lin Group now, and our reputation is ruined.”
Bro Chen laughed apologetically. “I’m sorry! That was a mistake!”
“A mistake? Do you think an apology is enough?” Liu Yufen said angrily, “If this goes on, my Yu Lin Group will be finished.”
“Well…”
Bro Chen felt guiltier than ever. His mistake might have cost him his reputation too.
“Ol’ Sis Liu, well… I don’t think I can do anything about the situation anymore. Haotian has a lot of money, and they’ve bought way more commenters. That’s not even including their fan club. They’ll crush us easily.
“Also, those bastards admitted to the media that it’s all made up. There’s… nothing else I can do.”
“So what should I do then?” Liu Yufen shrieked.
Bro Chen had no reply. He could only listen to Liu Yufen’s heavy panting.
Suddenly, Liu Yufen spoke with an eerily sinister voice. “I think I get it now, Bro Chen. I’ve been too merciful to that kid. Why should I bother with ruining his reputation when I can end his life?”
Bro Chen felt a chill up his spine.
“You want his life?”
“That’s right, I want his life. If he wants to ruin my Yu Lin Group, I want his life,” Liu Yufen said viciously.
“Well…”
“Why, are you scared?”
“No, it’s just that you ought to think through this carefully!”
“Tell me, how much do you want?”
Bro Chen took out a cigarette with his right hand, lit it, and dragged it heavily.
His eyes were slightly narrowed. He was hesitating.
A long while later, he replied, “I’ll do it, but it’s only because it’s you. Don’t worry. I won’t make another mistake. You can wait for my good news!”
After ending the call, Bro Chen continued sitting there, puffing out clouds of smoke.
He had not claimed someone’s life for a very long time.
After all, it was a lot riskier when human lives were involved.
After finishing the cigarette, he lit up another one. With his other hand, he flipped through his contact list and found a number.
He narrowed his eyes, which flashed with coldness.
If he decided to do it, then he would need to do the best job he could. He had to find the best assassin he knew to assassinate Haotian Group’s chairman.
The person he was calling was one of the best assassins in Huaxia. His nickname was Flying Shadow, though he was more like a reaper of death.
“Hmph! You’re dead for sure, kid!”
He glanced at a photo on his table and dialed that number.
The call was soon answered. A low and hoarse voice was heard over the phone.
“Yes?”
That single word sent chills up Bro Chen’s spine.
‘What formidable killing intent! Truly, he is the top assassin of Huaxia!’ Bro Chen thought.
He composed himself. “I’m looking for someone!”
“Where?” The voice was low and hoarse as usual.
“Z Province, Provincial City.”
“Name?” The voice became lower, almost metallic.
Bro Chen became more fearful.
�
��He is a true expert. Even his voice inspires fear!’
“His name is Tang…” He said fearfully.
“Not bad. And the rest of his name?”
“… Hao! His name is Tang Hao!”
“Tang… Hao?”
Flying Shadow wondered where he had heard of the name before.
“Pfft!” Bro Chen suddenly heard Flying Shadow do a spit take on the other end of the phone.
“Wh… wh… what? Tang… Tang Hao? Are you sure he’s called Tang Hao?” The assassin said incredulously while coughing.
His tone of voice was obviously flustered.
Bro Chen was baffled.
‘Oh my god!
‘What am I hearing?
‘The incredible Flying Shadow, the top assassin of Huaxia, did a spit take when he heard that kid’s name? Are you sure that’s Flying Shadow on the other end of the line?
‘What happened to his deep and cool voice?’
He eventually came to his senses and replied, “Yes, his name is indeed Tang Hao! What’s wrong?”
The other person was silent for a while. “Ow!” He suddenly yelped. “I’m sorry, I’m suffering from diarrhea recently. I can’t take this mission.”
He ended the call immediately.
Beep…
Bro Chen was stunned as he listened to the busy tone of the call.
He felt as though he had to revise his worldview.
‘How would Flying Shadow, a notorious name in the assassin world of Huaxia, get diarrhea and could not take on a mission?
‘Just what the hell is going on?
‘Unless… there’s something behind Tang Hao’s name?
‘That’s impossible! Isn’t he just a businessman? He might have some political connections, but why would his name scare Flying Shadow?’
“He might really have diarrhea! But how serious could it be? Whatever, I’ll look for someone else,” he mumbled to himself as he dialed another number.
“Who are you looking for?”
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