Meanwhile, Zhao An's rest and recuperation seemed a bit of a defensive measure. Tang Wu, the one who had taken the initiative, was now overwhelmed. The building serving as the core southern headquarters had lost its power and water supply. Phone calls were unavailable, and even normal work couldn't be carried out. He couldn't work without using the restroom, could he?
Most devastatingly, the server had no power, so the livestream couldn't start. After a day's financial loss, they were forced to evacuate and relocate to other locations. They used diesel generators to generate power while resuming the livestreaming platform.
Ingeniously, the Zhandou platform sent a pop-up message, announcing that their company had been shamelessly attacked by a competitor and would pursue legal action to protect its rights.
The water tank exploded, the pipes burst, the electrical wiring malfunctioned—it all seemed incredibly clever, almost a bit contrived.
However, there was no evidence that Future Group was behind this, and Zhao An didn't seem like the type to engage in such treachery. He was already working on a multi-billion dollar project, so he had no desire to engage in such underhanded tactics.
As the two companies engaged in a fierce battle, passersby could only watch, neither stepping down to rally support. Each claimed his own, and who knew if it was a conspiracy on both sides?
Zhao An deployed a professional army of trolls to exploit the situation. Some speculated on conspiracy theories. Perhaps the two platforms were secretly colluding to boost their profile, aiming for a major headline and boosting their reputation, much like those sleazy entertainment stars.
Wow, the post almost instantly shot up the trending search rankings. Crucially, the post was well-reasoned and presented with ample evidence, the most compelling being that Zhao An and Tang Wu had dined together. If there wasn't some ulterior motive, why would the bosses of two major companies dine together? And the platforms are all about traffic; if they're not afraid of a lack of traffic, they'll surely do.
After seeing the PR department's feedback, Tang Wu was so furious he practically vomited blood. "I'm cooperating, you're paralyzed! Damn, who posted this? Find out, beat him to death!"
Lately, Tang Wu has been incredibly irritable. Someone's not sure if it's because he's afraid of losing his position as heir.
In reality, Tang Wu is only a strong contender for the next succession. He has the upper hand now, but the result hasn't been announced until the end of the year, so he can't really be considered the heir. Tang Bing is still the heir, but he's lost his influence, so no one's paying attention to him.
Qian Yuling sat in her villa, smoking a mint cigarette, her well-proportioned legs crossed, their whiteness more radiant than a twenty-year-old's. I wonder how she maintains this look. She doesn't look her age at all, and her figure doesn't seem out of shape. If she dressed up and said she was twenty, people would believe she was. She exuded the air of a queen, the aura of a mature queen.
Qian Yuling held a cigarette in one hand and typed with the other, her delicate nose clad in expensive gold-rimmed glasses to prevent nearsightedness. Her notebook contained data on the direction of public opinion, all of which indicated one thing: someone was behind all this.
"Zhao An, you truly astonished me. How on earth did you do it?" Qian Yuling's beautiful eyes, hazy in the rising smoke of cigarette smoke, looked incredibly alluring.
As a powerful woman, she had a nickname: the 'Silver Fox of Business,' known as a vixen. Her stunning face, voluptuous figure, and powerful aura all betrayed her desire to be conquered by a powerful man. However, at her social status, rape was unrealistic, and so was simply physical attraction. Such a ruthless woman wouldn't show mercy just because of a fleeting romance.
Qian Yuling was somewhat confused about how the accident at the group building had anything to do with Zhao An. No one would believe her claim of no connection. However, there was no evidence to suggest Zhao An had tampered with the group building, and there was no reason to force such an absurd claim. After all, the man was in class at the time of the accident, and no suspicious individuals were seen at the group building.
Either it was done by one of their own, or they hired someone else.
In either case, there was no evidence. Even slanderous accusations should have some logic. Unfounded attacks will ultimately lead to legal proceedings. Unbridled defamation is defamation, and will result in compensation!
Qian Yuling had almost completely relinquished power, partly to enjoy a more private life, and partly at the behest of the Tang family elders. Tang Wu was a skilled communicator and a master at currying favor with the elders, so they supported him strongly.
This was a half-forced, half-persuaded relinquishment of power. Although Qian Yuling was incensed, she didn't refuse, despite her lack of affection for her son or daughter. But giving it to one's own people is always better than giving it to outsiders; it's better to keep the wealth within the family.
Currently, Tang Wu was clearly at a disadvantage in his confrontation with Zhao An. A scion of a prominent family couldn't even defeat a peasant; it was undoubtedly a disgrace.
The issue of face is sometimes inexplicable. Some things can be easily resolved if you put aside your pride. But once you can't, it becomes truly difficult to resolve.
Qian Yuling, thinking this, picked up the phone and dialed, seemingly seeking information.
Tang Wenxiu was also watching the news at home and had naturally seen the news about the Southern Branch headquarters building. A skeptical look crossed her face. The phone rang, and she picked up the phone. "What's going on?"
"Do you think Zhao An was responsible for the building incident?" Qian Yuling asked bluntly, without missing a beat.
Tang Wenxiu pondered for a moment. "I don't know. As far as I know, I don't know him very well."
Qian Yuling was also silent for a moment. "What's your relationship with him?"
"Nothing. He's just a beast!" Tang Wenxiu's tone was calm, even tinged with a hint of disgust. Zhao An had fucked her so hard that she felt a little uncomfortable walking today. It was pleasurable, but it was just lust without any emotional foundation. No matter how lustful it was, it was just lust.