As Chairman Jiang finally breathed a sigh of relief, the thought of retaliating against Xie Sui resurfaced. He couldn't just let such a humiliation pass.
However, before he could hatch a plan, he went to work at the association and noticed his employees' unusual demeanor. They kept avoiding eye contact, and their greetings felt forced.
This was typically the expression one saw when facing someone involved in gossip. Chairman Jiang remained composed, but his heart sank. Had something else happened?
Upon reaching his office, his secretary quickly closed the door and anxiously said, "Chairman, something's happened. That mainland guy is determined to ruin you."
"What is it?"
"You see this!"
A newspaper was thrust before him. Chairman Jiang read a few lines and understood immediately. His vision went black, and he fainted.
"Chairman, wake up!"
The terrified secretary pinched his philtrum, finally reviving him. "Do you want to go to the hospital? Are you alright?"
"Xie Sui, I will not rest until I have your blood!"
Chairman Jiang slammed the table, wishing he could confront Xie Sui right then and there. Xie Sui was determined to destroy him, leaving no room for retreat.
A person's life is tied to their reputation, and he was a prominent figure, otherwise, he wouldn't hold the position of chairman. Yet, Xie Sui had effectively ripped off his reputation and trampled it underfoot.
No wonder everyone had looked at him strangely. The news had spread.
Within a day, the entire Hong Kong knew.
"There are many reporters outside, wanting to interview you, Chairman. Should we let them in?"
"No. The chairman isn't a celebrity, what do they want to interview him about? Send them away."
The secretary blocked the front desk, her eyes filled with worry. If this wasn't handled well, the chairman's reputation would be ruined.
Chairman Jiang felt a headache coming on, but he couldn't think of a good way to retaliate against Xie Sui.
"Chairman, why don't you check into the hospital? Then sue him for slandering your name and demand an apology!"
Chairman Jiang's eyes lit up. "Good idea. Call an ambulance. I'm checking in now, let the reporters take photos. You handle the specifics."
"Yes, I'll arrange it."
This secretary was capable. The sight of Chairman Jiang being carried into an ambulance, seemingly unconscious, was captured by all the reporters. He fumed, "Mr. Xie is spreading rumors and slandering us. Our chairman is so angry he's spitting blood. He's so old, Mr. Xie is going too far!"
A reporter asked, "Did Chairman Jiang instruct anyone to bully Mr. Xie's artists?"
"Did Chairman Jiang kneel and apologize?"
The secretary blocked them, and the ambulance sped away.
Some reporters chased after the ambulance to the hospital, while others went to interview Xie Sui. It was a bustling scene.
Xie Sui was at the newspaper office. The once quiet office was as lively as a marketplace, with reporters packed so tightly they could barely move.
"Mr. Xie, Chairman Jiang fainted from anger due to you. What are your thoughts on this?"
"He also intends to sue you for slander and defamation, demanding an apology and compensation. How do you plan to respond?"
"Indeed, was what happened at the banquet that night true?"
Xie Sui was enjoying celebrity treatment, with microphones shoved in his face and flashes popping incessantly, making his eyes water.
"Please quiet down, you're giving me a headache. How am I supposed to answer your questions?"
As the crowd backed away slightly, Xie Sui said, "I wasn't the only one who saw this. Many celebrities and industry insiders were present. You can inquire with them. Don't just badger me. After all, I'm involved, and the public might not believe my word.
You are all peers, and I trust your professional ethics to investigate thoroughly and uncover the truth.
Since Chairman Jiang is so easily angered, I should probably visit him. He is an elder, and I should show him that respect."
The reporters exchanged glances. He was going to visit him?
Xie Sui said to Xu Meiying, "You all come with me. If anyone else is interested, you can follow."
The reporters naturally wouldn't miss an opportunity to stir up more drama, especially with a great headline for tomorrow.
Xie Sui and Xu Meiying rode in the same car. He outlined his plans for the next few days. Xu Meiying nodded repeatedly, thinking that although Mr. Xie wasn't a reporter, his talent for stirring up trouble surpassed that of any journalist. It would be a shame if he didn't pursue journalism.
Chairman Jiang was staying in a private hospital, and it was impossible for so many reporters to get in. Young Master Jiang's eyes blazed with anger when he saw Xie Sui. "What are you doing here?"
Xie Sui said sincerely, "I heard Chairman Jiang is unwell, so I came to visit. Young Master Jiang, one shouldn't hit a smiling face. I've come to visit out of goodwill, and your attitude is rather immature."
"Stop crying crocodile tears here. If it weren't for you, would my father have gotten sick from anger?"
Xie Sui sympathized, "I'm very sorry. I didn't expect him to be in such poor health. I merely wrote down the facts and let the public know. I didn't slander him.
Young Master Jiang, you were there too. Did I write anything incorrect?"
"You, you get out. You're not welcome here."
Young Master Jiang hadn't expected him to persist with the matter and even follow him here. It was too insidious.
Xie Sui replied, "Don't be so resistant. Feeling guilty? Afraid to explain?"
"I have nothing to say to you..."
"Perhaps you're too ashamed? Then I'll wait for Chairman Jiang to recover, and we can have a proper discussion about how I slandered him and which statement was incorrect."
Young Master Jiang wasn't stupid. "Talk to my family's lawyer. You're disrupting the hospital's order."
"Alright, I wish Chairman Jiang a speedy recovery."
Xie Sui made his presence known and even posed for photos with the reporters, his spirited demeanor contrasting sharply with Young Master Jiang's grim expression.
The next day, new headlines emerged. A single photograph was enough for the reporters to weave countless stories. Chairman Jiang read through them one by one, his anger almost making him truly ill.
The secretary said, "This Mr. Xie is truly fearless. He's determined to oppose us. Chairman, what should we do?"
Chairman Jiang replied, "Go and invite Boss Xu of the Sanhe Gang to take care of him!"
"I'll arrange it. It might cost quite a bit, considering Mr. Xie is now quite wealthy."
"No matter the cost, I want him dead. Only then can my humiliation be washed away."
The secretary understood that Mr. Xie had truly offended Chairman Jiang.
With just one move, Xie Sui revitalized the dying newspaper company. Financial Director Li Xingjia had already uncovered Chen Zhuoguang's embezzlement of company funds. He was shocked by the sheer amount: fifty thousand yuan in fraudulent expense claims.
Li Xingjia cautiously observed Xie Sui's expression, wondering how he would deal with Director Chen.
"Call the police. Such a large sum, does it constitute economic crime?"
"Call the police?"
"Yes. I am a law-abiding businessman. If I don't call the police, what else can I do?"
"Alright, Mr. Xie is right."