Zhan Mohan emerged from the building, the flashes of cameras still dazzling even in daylight. A throng of reporters, who had been waiting at the entrance, swarmed towards them, microphones held aloft.
"Mr. Zhan, what is the outcome of the investigation? Could you please explain?"
Zhan Mohan turned his head, looking at the superior who had seen him out. "Regarding the full story, I believe it would be more convincing if a professional were to explain it to everyone."
The reporters naturally extended their microphones to the man beside Zhan Mohan. "Please, explain to everyone. The public has the right to know the truth."
This request caught the superior completely off guard. He had intended to apologize to Zhan Mohan and consider the matter settled. Who could have predicted such a crowd of reporters outside?
However, meeting Zhan Mohan's gaze, he knew he couldn't refuse. He reluctantly took the microphone.
"This incident was due to our incomplete investigation, and we mistakenly suspected Mr. Zhan. In fact, Mr. Zhan is also one of the victims. We will thoroughly investigate the truth as soon as possible to provide everyone with the facts and clear Mr. Zhan's name."
Having been in the political arena for so long, such eloquent words flowed effortlessly. Zhan Mohan sneered dismissively, allowing the reporters to continue their barrage of questions.
"Arresting someone at their home without evidence, that doesn't seem to comply with regulations, does it? Could there be any suspicion of ulterior motives involved?"
It was common knowledge that the accusation of acting on personal vendetta carried severe consequences.
Watching the man beside him wipe sweat from his brow as he tried to explain the situation to the reporters, Zhan Mohan walked through the crowd and got into his car.
As for why he, the person involved, wasn't intercepted by the numerous reporters for further questioning, that was a question for Zhan Yichen.
He had understood Zhan Mohan's intention and had specifically arranged for these reporters to be there, waiting for Zhan Mohan to be released, so they could launch a counterattack.
Suffering in silence when being schemed against was not in the Zhan family's ethos.
"Big brother, the fish has taken the bait."
He informed Zhan Mohan about releasing two percent of the shares. Zhan Mohan smiled. Indeed, when it came to fighting, brothers stood together. Their level of understanding was exceptionally high. With just a look from Zhan Mohan before getting into the car, Zhan Yichen knew how to proceed.
"Who is the other party?"
Zhan Yichen replied, "Fang Xun is investigating. He said it's from an overseas account."
Upon hearing this, Zhan Mohan merely shook his head. The account's origin being overseas did not mean the person was no longer within the country.
"Once the news is published and the storm passes, the stock price will rebound. We'll reel them in after it stabilizes."
He was quite curious as to who was plotting against him from behind the scenes.
These reporters were all arranged by Zhan Yichen. After concluding their interviews here, they immediately returned to their respective news outlets to write and publish their reports. The news was released two hours later, and the situation took another turn.
Now that the authorities had clarified that Zhan Mohan had been wronged, the previous rumors naturally collapsed on their own. As for the paid online trolls who had been hired to smear Zhan Mohan, Zhan Yichen had already had their accounts banned, rendering them unable to clamor any longer.
The incident, which was already in its fermentation stage, gained even more traction with the subsequent reversal. The stock price, which had previously plummeted, quickly rebounded, even surpassing its previous high.
The following morning, Zhan's Corporation convened a shareholders' meeting. This time, it was specifically to meet their new shareholder.
Although the shares Zhan Mohan released were only two percent, for a colossal enterprise like Zhan's Corporation, a two percent stake would translate to dividends in the tens or even hundreds of millions by year-end.
Businessmen focused on profits. Buying at the lowest stock price and then enjoying higher profits than before made this new shareholder the biggest winner of the entire incident.
Of course, everyone was not foolish. Those well-versed in the rules of the business world knew that this person harbored ill intentions. Had Zhan Mohan not managed to salvage the situation by only releasing two percent, they might have bought even more.
And in the long run, anyone daring to buy shares at this juncture would undoubtedly possess significant ambition.
Therefore, at this shareholders' meeting, even though this individual arrived late, everyone waited for them.
Half an hour after the meeting began, the conference room door opened again, and a young man, appearing no older than twenty-two or twenty-three, walked in.
Zhan Mohan observed him from afar and then shook his head at Zhan Yichen.
"My apologies, everyone. It's my first time in the Zhan's Corporation building, and I got lost. I hope you won't mind."
Zhan Mohan remained silent, merely gesturing with a smile for him to take a seat.
"This is our new shareholder. I didn't expect them to be so young."
Zhan Yichen understood the meaning of Zhan Mohan's shake of the head. He asked a few perfunctory questions and found that, despite his youth, the man was quite knowledgeable. Had he not been on the opposing side, he might have become a capable subordinate in a few years.
During the meeting, the man gave a detailed self-introduction. While his extensive experience was genuine, none of his personal information was true.
This was all within Zhan Mohan's expectations. After all, the man had come with a purpose; why would he reveal his true identity to them?
"Han Zhen." Zhan Mohan looked at the resume the man had submitted and read the false name, then chuckled. "Since you are already a shareholder, do a good job. I hope to see your capabilities."
After completing this standard procedure, the shareholders' meeting concluded, and everyone dispersed. Zhan Mohan and Zhan Yichen remained in the conference room, waiting quietly.
It was only when Fang Xun called that the two of them rose to leave the company.
As Zhan Yichen drove, he asked, "Brother, do you think this person could be someone we know?"
Zhan Mohan had a name in mind, but they would need to verify it once they arrived.
Fang Xun had provided them with the location of a private villa, a level of luxury that only families with the financial capacity of the Zhan family could afford. Han Zhen, while seemingly young and promising on the surface, was likely putting on an act.
Upon arriving at the villa, Fang Xun had already bound Qin Zhen tightly with his men, waiting for Zhan Mohan and the others.
Seeing Qin Zhen, who had shed his façade of a social elite and looked like a quivering mess, Zhan Yichen couldn't help but mock him.
"What, did you really think you could fool us? I've met people who are much better at pretending than you. What kind of third-rate acting academy taught you?"
He gently patted Qin Zhen's face. Even without much force, it was enough to make the man break out in a cold sweat. If not for Fang Xun holding him down, he would have likely fallen to his knees and begged for mercy.