[Ah this… Although I support Mr. Gu, I have to say that from a business perspective, this is indeed a critical blow.]
[It’s already a critical blow. I just checked, and it’s down 3 points. I estimate that by the time the market closes tonight, even if it doesn’t hit the limit down, it’ll be seven or eight points.]
[No! Damn it! I invested my entire net worth in the Xia Corporation! Damn it!]
The comment section was instantly filled with wails of despair.
The press conference continued, all going smoothly.
Finally, when a reporter asked Professor Xiang to say a few words, Professor Xiang picked up the microphone and said with a faint smile, "I have nothing much to say about the institute’s matters. I've introduced a lot to everyone before. Now, I just want to say a few words about my personal situation.
I hesitated for a long time before returning to the country this time, but in the end, I still feel that fallen leaves should return to their roots. I also want to do something for the country again.
I know that my return this time might displease some people and there might be many unnecessary social obligations.
I want to state a few things upfront: I’ve only returned this time to focus on scientific research and to seek welfare for the country.
Therefore, whether you are colleagues or bosses and officials, let's skip the unnecessary pleasantries. It will be better for both of us.
Don’t make me refuse those invitations and overtures, making things awkward for everyone.
Excessive flattery and attempts to curry favor are completely unnecessary.
What I'm saying might sound harsh. After so many years spent solely on scientific research, my skills in social etiquette might be a bit lacking. If I've offended anyone, please bear with me."
After saying this, Professor Xiang placed the microphone back and simultaneously gave a look to a staff member in the audience.
The other party immediately understood and, at this moment, walked onto the stage with a banner sent by Mr. Xia Honglang and said directly, "Mr. Xia from the Xia Corporation has sent a banner. Professor, please take a look…"
Xiang Xueyuan immediately frowned slightly, seemingly displeased with this action.
The entire press conference fell silent.
The scene became quiet, but the live broadcast became even more lively.
[Good heavens, is this what they call trying to curry favor and hitting a snag?]
[The Xia Corporation is basically being made an example of now, aren't they?]
[I also really hate people who try to curry favor like this. My goodwill towards the Xia Corporation has dropped drastically! Spit!]
[To achieve things through merit and instead relying on connections, and now they've run into the incorruptible Professor Xiang. Serves them right! Ugh!]
[I can only say that like father, like daughter~ Remember how Xia Qingtian was in the entertainment industry? Using connections and backdoor deals, she ended up with a good set of resources, and everyone fawned over her! Disgusting!]
[Finally, someone mentioned Xia Qingtian being a resource-dependent celebrity. I also really dislike Xia Qingtian! I don't know how she became popular! She's just so-so in terms of looks!]
[So-so in terms of looks? Shouldn't you take a look in the mirror yourself!]
[Exactly. If you don't even dare to say what you look like, you question Qingtian's appearance? Shameless haters!]
[That's why I hate fan followers the most! Come on! If you want to argue, go argue in your idol's live broadcast room! This is Professor Xiang's live broadcast room! Have you no respect at all?]
[So annoying. I was a passerby who liked Xia Qingtian before, but now I really can't stand her anymore!]
[I’ve also switched from a fan to an anti today. I used to think Xia Qingtian was a breath of fresh air, but now seeing her dad's self-sabotaging and goodwill-damaging behavior, I'm starting to find her annoying too.]
[Take away the celebrity halo, and they are all just ordinary people. What’s there to worship.]
[I feel awkward even for Professor Xiang. Right after he spoke, someone acted so inappropriately. I’m so angry!]
[They can’t even pick a good time to flatter. Serves the Xia Corporation right for their stock to plummet. Let it crash and burn!]
[I don’t think it will take long. Professor Xiang's research direction has too much overlap with the Xia and Gu Corporations. Rather than supporting the Gu and Xia Corporations, it’s definitely better to support the more professional and authoritative Professor Xiang!]
[Yes, I think so too… Anyway, I support Professor Xiang, especially after the Xia Corporation’s behavior today was so off-putting.]
[Me too…]
The live broadcast was abuzz with discussions. On stage, Xiang Xueyuan, as if having finally suppressed his temper, displayed his demeanor and said, "Then… thank you, Mr. Xia, for the banner. Let’s display it briefly and then put it away."
[What's so great about displaying this kind of thing? It's just a token of goodwill.]
[Maybe there are stacks of cash inside~ If they display that… wouldn't that be direct bribery? Public bribery?]
[Hahaha! Damn it! That scene would be amazing! Bribery! I approve!]
[Good heavens, millions of people online watching the Xia Corporation go bankrupt in real-time, right? Hahaha! That would be too epic!]
[Professor Xiang is so graceful! Even at this point, he’s still giving the Xia Corporation some face!]
[Yes, I’m even more infatuated with Professor Xiang. The ceiling of intellectual attraction!]
[You were born before I was born, ahhhh! The regret of a lifetime!]
The live broadcast was again flooded with sentiments of "You were born before I was born…"
Only when the banner was finally unfurled and presented to everyone did everyone fall silent.
There was no scene of expected flying cash. Instead, the seven standard golden characters on the red banner struck a chord deep within everyone's soul.
[Heh, I really don't know what to say.]
Everyone present was also stunned.
They had thought Xia Honglang was trying to beg for mercy and appease Professor Xiang with flattery.
But it turned out…
The seven words, full of mockery, were placed precisely in the center of the red banner, making the mockery reach its peak!
[Good heavens…] someone in the live broadcast finally replied. [I thought it was flattery, but it turns out to be a declaration of war!]
[I take back everything I said before… Dad Xia! You are truly a father! Amazing! Just this! It’s getting intense!]
[Damn it! Like father, like daughter is true! The way Xia Qingtian used to confront everyone in the entertainment industry is fully displayed by her father! ]
[Amazing! Is this the start of the battle for the new energy market? I’m actually looking forward to it!]
[You might not believe me! The Xia Corporation's stock fell three points before, but it has actually risen one point now. It probably won’t plummet today.]
[Damn, even the way big shots declare war is different! Right to your face, slapping your face! Awesome!]
Although Xiang Xueyuan didn't understand the meaning of the seven characters, he knew something was amiss from the subtle looks of those present.
The press conference concluded less than ten minutes later. Xiang Xueyuan immediately got up and headed to his office, followed closely by the heads of various departments. They all followed Xiang Xueyuan back to his office, silent and afraid to speak, not daring to even breathe loudly.
"What is the meaning of the words on that banner?" Xiang Xueyuan finally asked.
"That's a common internet slang phrase used by young people. It’s not meant to express thanks to someone, but rather…" A slightly younger official swallowed and continued, "it’s a kind of sarcastic…"
Before he could finish, Xiang Xueyuan interrupted, "I know. You can all go out now."
After everyone had left, Xiang Xueyuan revealed a sinister and cold expression. "Xia Honglang… he’s really good at pretending to be foolish! Playing the humble servant to catch the tiger now, is he? Fine! Very good! The first one I'll deal with is you!"
The first step in his world-destroying plan was to destroy Xia Honglang, to destroy the entire Xia Corporation.
He would make Xia Honglang pay for the foolish mistake he made today.
He, Xiang Xueyuan, had taken note of the father-daughter duo, Xia Honglang and Xia Qingtian!