Chapter 1 (4): The Second Wave -- Wavering Trust
That afternoon.
On the executive floor of Longteng Tower, phone rings echoed without pause.
The normally controlled flow of movement showed slight disruption.
"President, the second main bank is calling.
They've formally requested 'collateral revaluation.'"
Feifei's voice remained calm, but the content was heavy.
"...So it's begun."
Haotian closed his tablet.
Collateral revaluation.
The first sign a bank gives when it's preparing to pull back.
"Not just one bank."
"Correct.
Two others have responded that 'internal review is necessary.'
However--"
Feifei paused for a moment.
"At one of them, a director with strong ties to your uncle has been active since this morning."
"Blatant."
Haotian exhaled briefly.
Markets move on atmosphere more than numbers.
When banks waver, clients waver.
When clients waver, employees waver.
--That's what they're aiming for.
"IR?"
"Statement released as scheduled.
'The company is investigating the facts and will disclose promptly if necessary.'
Share price...down another 4%."
"Good enough."
"...Good enough?"
Feifei couldn't help but ask.
Haotian cast his gaze out the window.
Shanghai's sky was overcast.
"Fear changes quality once it exceeds a certain threshold.
Right now it's 'doubt.'
But if it keeps falling--"
He spoke slowly.
"The atmosphere becomes 'someone should take responsibility.'"
Feifei understood.
The target: current management.
Meaning--Haotian himself.
"The uncle faction is waiting for that moment."
"Exactly.
Wielding a blade called 'the voice of the market.'"
At that moment, the intercom rang.
"President, meeting request."
"Who."
"...Your uncle's representative.
He says, 'Just an informal word of greeting.'"
Feifei's eyes sharpened for an instant.
Haotian's lips curved slightly.
"Let him in."
"--Are you certain?"
"If I refuse here, I become the dictator."
He stood from his chair.
"They think they've come to win.
So just once--"
He retightened his tie precisely.
"Let's see the victor's face."
---
The man who entered the reception room was in his late fifties.
A soft smile. A perfect suit.
"It's been too long, Master Haotian.
Or perhaps...I should call you 'young master.'"
Haotian didn't even sit.
The man shrugged, his voice relaxed.
"The market is somewhat turbulent.
For a company of Longteng's stature to be targeted by external capital--
it's proof of 'vulnerability' in management."
"Your conclusion?"
"Simple."
The man extended a single document.
"Temporarily entrust the helm of management
to 'experienced elders.'"
--In effect, a demand for resignation.
"That way,
the stock price, the banks, public opinion...all will be reassured."
"You would become honorary chairman."
Silence.
Without even glancing at the document, Haotian said:
"Tell my uncle this."
His voice, low.
"--Longteng is not a company that operates on 'reassurance.'"
The man's smile tightened slightly.
"Also."
Haotian stepped closer.
"This acquisition--
an overseas fund withdrew midway, didn't it."
"...I don't know what you mean."
"They don't know my next move."
Something cold ran down the man's spine.
"But
my uncle--"
Haotian stated clearly.
"Should know."
---
After the representative left, Feifei spoke quietly.
"...President.
The preparations are starting to take effect."
"Yes."
Haotian finally lowered himself into his chair.
"Next comes
the moment when the market believes
'they have no choice but to act.'"
Different materials displayed on the tablet.
There--
a glimpse of the trump card Longteng had been advancing beneath the surface.
(Just a little longer.)
The storm hasn't ended.
But control remains in these hands.
