Tens of thousands of netizens left comments discussing the matter.
Some sympathized with the villagers, feeling their demolition compensation was inadequate.
Others lamented the cutthroat competition within the industry, making it increasingly difficult for conscientious businesses to operate.
There were also those who felt pity for the excavator driver, mistreated and assaulted.
The public relations department compiled the comments and submitted a document to Zhan Beijue.
Zhan Beijue immediately registered a Weibo account and declared his company's stance to the online public.
"We do not accept settlement. The personal safety and dignity of our employees have always been of paramount importance to our company."
"If justice is not served, I will resign on the spot."
As soon as the post was published, it was reposted by several major marketing accounts.
Soon, the incident was once again trending in the public discourse.
Netizens' attention was drawn to the assault on the employee.
The comments section was filled with consistent messages:
"Many people these days rely on demolition to get rich, forcing developers into difficult positions."
"Since the price was reasonable and they signed the contract, there's no basis for demanding more money, nor is there a right to assault. We support President Zhan's pursuit of justice."
"Exactly. Aren't excavator drivers human? Don't frontline workers deserve dignity?"
"They resorted to violence so readily. If the boss doesn't stand up for his employees now, they will be truly disheartened."
"Support President Zhan's pursuit of justice, waiting for updates!"
"Aren't they just relying on the fact that the law is slow to catch up with the masses to act like this? They can't just take the beating without consequence, right? Support the fight for justice!"
"Agree with the above, waiting for updates."
The villagers were no exception, seeing the news on their phones.
Seeing that the men who had assaulted the staff had been arrested and were still not released, they began to waver under the unified public condemnation.
They couldn't afford to confront such a large corporation; perhaps they should stop protesting tomorrow?
Within a few short hours, Zhan Beijue had completely turned the tide in his favor.
Ke Jingyu, also watching the news, let out a disdainful cold laugh.
He instructed his staff to increase their efforts and negotiate with the villagers overnight.
As long as they insisted on canceling the contract and unified the demolition rights under him, he would upgrade their resettlement housing to fully furnished units.
Not only would they receive high-value compensation, but they could also move in immediately. Their wavering resolve was instantly stabilized.
When others could offer such generous terms, why shouldn't Zhan Group?
They were just relying on influence to manipulate public opinion, weren't they?
We're not afraid of him!
We'll fight him even if it costs us our lives!
The next day, the demolition team dispatched ten more excavators and forklifts to the small fishing village.
The village, which had calmed down the previous day, was now even more agitated.
Not only their immediate families but also their extended relatives were summoned.
The entire village, comprised of several hundred people, blocked every entrance and exit.
Wielding shovels and hoes, they immediately charged and attacked upon seeing the approaching vehicles.
Witnessing over a dozen staff members swallowed by the human tide, their bloodlust ignited, the demolition office, fearing severe consequences, had no choice but to call the police station.
One police station's personnel were insufficient, so officers from several nearby stations were called in, but the manpower was still far from adequate.
They had to call in the armed police and the fire department.
To retrieve the staff members from the villagers' grasp, the fire department deployed high-pressure water cannons, plunging the scene into utter chaos.
With such a significant incident, Zhan Beijue had to go to the scene.
As long as no lives were lost, everything could be managed. However, with over a dozen staff members in the hands of the villagers, the potential for fatalities was immense.
Not only would his Zhan Group be ruined, but the entire upper echelon of Nan Cheng might be overthrown.
Ke Jingyu's move was exceptionally brilliant!
Seeing him stand up with a grave expression after taking the call and preparing to leave, Jiang Nan Fang knew her fears had materialized.
She couldn't stay at home and insisted on accompanying Zhan Beijue.
"What are you going for? It's a mess out there, and you're pregnant..."
Jiang Nan Fang interrupted him.
"If you know I'm pregnant, then don't make me worry alone at home. If I go with you, I'll feel a little more at ease even if I'm just watching from afar."
Zhan Beijue knew she was the type to worry constantly.
It would be better to have her accompany him than to leave her home alone to overthink.
The two got into the car together.
The scene was even more spectacular than Jiang Nan Fang had imagined.
It was like watching a World War II movie, filled with a deafening clamor and utter pandemonium.
Villagers confronting the police, clubs and high-pressure water cannons flying everywhere – it was utterly absurd.
Even with Zhan Beijue at the scene, there was little he could do.
Despite being the CEO, he was still a mortal.
With so many police officers unable to control the situation, he couldn't even get close. He could only hope for more police to be dispatched.
Jiang Nan Fang reminded him.
"This kind of chaos not only has a negative social impact but also harms innocent civilians, which you wouldn't want to see."
"Why don't you proactively call Ke Jingyu?"
"Not for anyone else, but for yourself and your employees. You should talk it out."
At this point, there was no other choice.
If this old fox wanted the small fishing village, he could have just said so directly.
Considering their past relationship, Zhan Beijue could have easily handed it over to him. Why resort to such a situation?
The noise here was too great to hear clearly, so he turned to the back to call his staff and have them connect him with Ke Jingyu.
Jiang Nan Fang stood alone by the car, watching. Suddenly, a little girl caught her eye.
The girl was about four or five years old and had been separated from her parents.
Lost in the chaotic crowd, she was being pushed and jostled like a piece of meat between adults.
Crying out of fear and helplessness, she clutched her head with her hands, stumbling and swaying.
Surrounded by adults pushing and shoving with bloodshot eyes, no one noticed her.
If she were to stumble and be trampled underfoot, the consequences were unimaginable.
Seeing this, Jiang Nan Fang's heart leaped into her throat. Without a second thought, she dashed towards the girl.
When Zhan Beijue finished his call and looked back, Jiang Nan Fang was gone.
"Nan Fang? Where did she go?"
"Jiang Nan Fang? Where did you go?"
He searched around the car, but she wasn't there.
Opening the car door and looking inside, he saw her phone on the seat, but she was still nowhere to be found.
Where had she run off to?
He anxiously cast his gaze towards the chaotic crowd.
The sight almost made him furious.
Jiang Nan Fang had rushed into the crowd, holding a little girl, tossed about like a fallen leaf in the throng.
Unable to stand steady, unable to get out, she could only push and shove with those around her.
Her full, primal strength was unleashed at that moment.
Zhan Beijue sprinted into the crowd.
One, two, three… he pushed aside the obstructive people like emotionless wooden logs.
Finally, Jiang Nan Fang appeared before him.
While shoving people aside, he extended his arm to her.
"You're still in the mood to care about others at a time like this?!"
"Quickly, come out with me and give me your hand!"
The child in her arms was crying loudly, clinging tightly to Jiang Nan Fang's neck.
She could barely see the path ahead, let alone have a free hand to give him.
She could only look in his direction and desperately try to push her way towards him.
As she pushed, her foot was tripped.