Early in the morning, the area surrounding the Han Group's Coal Industry headquarters was bustling with an immense crowd, packed so tightly it was impossible to move. Many held the fragrantly colorful newspapers, eagerly pushing their way forward.
At the main entrance of the Han Group building, security personnel stood in formation, a human wall preventing any ordinary citizens from approaching. Police were also present, maintaining order and forbidding anyone from getting too close.
Despite these efforts, the sheer number of onlookers and the agitated emotions of victim families made the scene incredibly chaotic.
"Make Han Guangyao come out!"
"We are the families of the victims, and we demand justice for our children!"
"What is going on with these pictures in the paper?"
"Ever since my child saw this newspaper, he's been hiding in his room, refusing to see anyone!"
Amidst the disarray, an elderly person with a trembling voice roared with anger. Each shout made them shake as if they might collapse, causing both the police and security guards to hesitate, fearing an incident.
"May heaven punish this beast surnamed Han! He has defiled so many innocent people! If such a villain isn't punished, it's an affront to heaven!"
"Oh, heavens, is there any law left in this world!"
Some sobbed uncontrollably, their grief unbearable.
"You son of a bitch, Han Guangyao, get out here, I'll kill you!"
"You dared to rape my wife, you cuckold me!"
"I'm suing you! I'll put you in jail!"
Others, as if they had nothing left to lose, openly declared themselves victims, disregarding their shame.
It was almost nine o'clock. While all other companies had long since opened for business, the Han Group's office building was eerily deserted, with only a handful of employees working in isolation. The contrast with the outside world was stark. It wasn't that employees didn't want to work, but they couldn't even get in. Furthermore, with such a massive incident, no one had the inclination to work; they were all engrossed in the spectacle.
The commotion attracted people from nearby office buildings, many of whom gathered around, craning their necks from windows to watch and discuss the unfolding events.
Inside the Han Group building, Han Zongshu, who had been summoned, stood with a grim expression before a floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the throng of people at the entrance.
"Mr. Han!"
Urgent footsteps echoed, and a trembling figure entered the office. Han Zongshu turned, his gaze icy.
"I've already called those people as you instructed, but none of them answered. Their phones are all switched off," the subordinate reported nervously.
"Have people been sent to their residences?" Han Zongshu asked.
"Yes, they have been dispatched. They are closely monitoring every move of the individuals on that list, ensuring they remain within our sight," the subordinate replied.
Han Zongshu's expression softened slightly. "Keep a close eye on them. You will be richly rewarded for this," he said. The subordinate turned and left excitedly.
Alone, the eldest son of the Han family gazed at the bustling scene below. His usually gentle and courteous face contorted into a sinister smile.
"My dear father, is this retribution from heaven, as fate would have it!"
"If you were to go in now, your life would have been truly worth it!"
Han Zongshu muttered to himself. If anyone had heard him, they would have been stunned. Such words were hardly those of a son to his father.
"Do you know that I've been waiting for this day for a very, very long time? But you old man have always been so healthy, making me grow white hair while you're still alive, holding onto power tightly in your own hands."
As Han Zongshu surveyed the lively scene below, he glanced at his temples in the reflection of the window, where indeed strands of white hair were visible, indicating his age was greater than his appearance suggested.
"We sons are merely slaves at your beck and call, doing whatever you order. A slight displeasure from you, and you can strip us of the little authority we hold."
"If it were just this, it would be one thing. But recently, you've brought in two illegitimate brats from who knows where, insisting they are also members of our Han family!"
"For two sinful wretches, you're willing to expend so much effort and connections. Aren't you treating us like utter fools?"
"Our family's fortune is limited, and now there are two more competitors. Heh, did you get consent from us three brothers?"
...
As the entire Han family plunged into unprecedented trouble and chaos, in a similarly tall building about five hundred meters away from the Han Group's Coal Industry headquarters.
A high-powered telescope was set up at a window, providing a panoramic view of the entire Han Group building.
The person paying such close attention to the Han Group was naturally Qin Chuan and his companions. To get a clearer, firsthand view of his masterpiece, Qin Chuan, the Lin siblings, Shan Xiongjin, and Wang Bailin had quietly relocated from their suburban villa to this location early that morning. They had braved immense risk just to witness the entire process. The result was, as expected, deeply satisfying. Seeing the once invincible Han Group thrown into such disarray overnight, with everyone in a panic, filled them with an indescribable sense of exhilaration. If they had to describe it, it would be one word: satisfying. Super satisfying!
"What are these people below doing? Why are they losing steam so quickly?"
However, as time wore on, Shan Xiongjin, who was observing the spectacle through the telescope, began to express dissatisfaction. Among the crowd gathered at the Han Group's entrance were their men, who were tasked with making the situation even more heated.
"I think it's time for us to move to the second phase. What do you think?"
Lin Xiang turned his gaze to the back, where an old man and a young man were quietly sitting by a tea table, enjoying their tea.
"Mr. Wang, what's your opinion?"
Qin Chuan, hearing Lin Xiang, turned his attention to Wang Bailin.
"Haha, Qin Chuan, you are the professional consultant of our alliance, a strategist like Zhuge Liang. Why ask me, this old man, about such matters!" Wang Bailin laughed heartily, his laughter clear and robust, betraying his excellent mood today.
Qin Chuan pursed his lips, then stood up and said, "Then let's proceed with the second phase as planned!"
"However, after this step, I believe the Han family's resources and methods will quickly lead them to trace us. At that point, we will lose our current advantage of being in the shadows while they are in the open, and it will become a real, head-on battle. Everyone... are you ready?!"
Qin Chuan's sharp gaze swept over everyone after he finished speaking.