Chapter 1 (10): The Press Conference
Camera flashes
were already raining down like a storm.
"Longteng President's emergency conference--"
"Hostile takeover?"
"Another family dispute?"
"Will the President take responsibility?"
Murmurs spread like waves,
reporters' gazes converging on a single point.
---
The moment Haotian appeared,
the raging flashes paused for just one beat.
Waiting for the room to quiet,
Haotian spoke without once glancing at his notes.
"Thank you for gathering today.
I am Li Haotian, President of Longteng Group."
A beat.
"I'm aware that rumors and speculation about this matter are circulating in the market.
Today, I will convey only the facts, concisely."
Flashes fired.
"First.
There is currently no change in Longteng Group's management.
Our board of directors, executive structure, and core business operations continue as normal."
Murmurs arose, but Haotian paid no mind.
"Second.
Regarding market trading of our company shares."
A concise diagram appeared on screen.
"We have confirmed multiple acquisitions of our shares via overseas investment vehicles.
This itself, as long as it complies with laws and regulations, is not illegal."
Here, he paused for just an instant.
"However--"
The air tightened.
"In the sourcing of acquisition funds
and the collateral arrangement process,
we have identified suspicions of serious legal violations."
The room fell silent.
"Specifically:
breach of fiduciary duty,
disclosure obligations,
and violations of capital regulation laws."
Someone among the reporters drew a sharp breath.
"Currently, our company has already
submitted all relevant materials to financial supervisory authorities and judicial authorities."
Here, for the first time, he stated clearly:
"--The investigation has begun."
Flashes intensified.
"Third.
Longteng Group's response policy."
Haotian continued matter-of-factly.
"Our company
will not recognize
capital intervention built on illegal conduct,
nor management interference based upon it."
"At the same time,
we will strictly respect
the rights of legitimate shareholders,
domestic or foreign."
Words without contradiction, without escape routes.
"To financial institutions, business partners, and employees:
I state clearly here that this matter
will not impact our company's financial soundness or business continuity."
A beat.
"Longteng does not respond to threats or trade on rumor."
Haotian's gaze pierced through the cameras--
in other words, the market itself.
"Based on law and fact,
we will take all necessary measures."
Drawing breath,
"That is all."
A bow, neither deep nor shallow--precise.
---
Q&A with reporters continued.
"It's reported that a group company used assets as collateral for overseas financing--
what impact on Longteng's management?"
Feifei, standing by the conference room door, drew a slight breath.
That question was too sharp.
But--Haotian answered immediately.
"None."
The room fell silent.
"Longteng's core technological assets
belong not to headquarters, but to separate entities.
There is no cause for concern."
From the press seats, an uproar.
The world--realized.
Longteng's crown jewels are held separately under Haotian's control.
The stock price chart--you could almost see it
moving behind the scenes in real time.
Before the microphone cut,
one last reporter shouted:
"President--
Isn't this matter an internal Li family issue?"
"President.
Some voices are questioning whether you'll resign over this.
How do you view your own responsibility?"
Haotian stopped, turned back.
And just one phrase:
"--The law does not see surnames."
Saying only that, he left.
The moment Haotian exited the room,
Longteng shares began surging in the Hong Kong market.
Shanghai followed.
The market had delivered its answer.
"This round goes to the Tyrant CEO."
