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In January 1986, Forbes magazine published its list of the world's richest people.

Suning has become the world's richest person for the first time with a net worth of US$185 billion.

In the cover photo, he stands in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of Lemon Tech's Santa Monica headquarters, with the Los Angeles night view behind him.

The headline is eye-catching: "From the Vietnam War to the World's Richest Man: A 43-Year-Old Chinese Legend".

The magazine broke sales records within a week of its release.

What followed was unprecedented attention and trouble.

On Tuesday afternoon, January 15th, a Los Angeles tabloid called "Gossip Weekly" published a front-page report:
Exclusive! The hidden background of the world's richest man: His biological parents come forward, claiming they were forced to abandon him!

The report quoted a Chinese couple in their fifties as saying that Suning was their son, born in Shanghai, China in 1943. They claimed that due to the hardship and war at the time, they had no choice but to leave their three-month-old baby at the church door.

“We remember very clearly that the child had a birthmark on his left shoulder, which looked like a maple leaf.” The “father” who claimed to be surnamed Chen said in the report, “We have been looking for him all these years, and we only recognized him when we saw the Forbes report on TV.”

The report also included a blurry old photo, which was said to be a "family photo" from back then.

The news caused a media frenzy.

The entertainment news programs of the three major television networks rushed to reprint the story, and the host of "The Tonight Show" joked on the show: "So even the world's richest man has experienced being abandoned. This story is more exciting than a movie!"

Lemon Technology's public relations department received hundreds of media inquiries that day.

PR Director Lisa angrily threw down the newspaper: "Who would believe such an obvious lie? The boss was born in Alabama in 1943, we have his birth certificate and baptismal records!"

General Counsel Roberts remained calm: "But the public doesn't care about the truth, they only care about the story. Abandonment, searching for relatives, the richest man... these elements are too eye-catching."

When Suning saw the report, he was having dinner with Brooke Shields.

Brooke pushed the newspaper towards him, looking at him worriedly: "Sue, this..."

“It’s fake.” Su Ning glanced at it and continued cutting his steak. “I was born in 1943 and was adopted by the Green Field Orphanage right after I was born. These people don’t know my specific situation, so their stories don’t make sense.”

"What should we do then? Should we clarify?"

“No need,” Su Ning said. “The more you clarify these kinds of rumors, the more they’ll escalate them. Just let it cool down, and nobody will remember it in a few days.”

But this time, he underestimated the allure of the title "world's richest man".

Even if DNA technology were mature, such rumors would still have a large market.

Three days later, the second pair of "parents" appeared.

This time it was an elderly couple living in Flushing, New York, who identified themselves as surnamed Li.

They gave an exclusive interview to The New York Post.

"We are Suning's true parents!" Old Man Li said tearfully during the interview. "In 1943, we gave him to American missionaries in Hong Kong. Hong Kong was too chaotic at the time, and we were afraid our child wouldn't survive..."

The couple was more "professional," producing so-called "evidence": a yellowed photocopy of an adoption agreement, a faded baby anklet, and a reply from a "missionary."

The New York Post devoted two full pages to the story, with the sensational headline: "The Hong Kong Story of the World's Richest Man: Family Separation in Turbulent Times."

Next is the third pair.

This time, it was a couple from Taiwan who made a public appeal through Taiwanese television: "Suning is the child we sent away in Keelung in 1952, and we are willing to do DNA testing!"

Three media outlets, three pairs of "parents," three versions of the story—all of which seem particularly absurd to Suning.

But the media doesn't care about the truth; they only focus on trending topics and public opinion.

CNN even did a special feature on this: "The mystery of the world's richest man's origins: three sets of parents, which one is the real one?"

The program invited "experts" to analyze the content and also asked viewers to vote.

The voting results showed that 38% of people believed the Hong Kong version, 32% believed the Shanghai version, 20% believed the Taiwan version, and only 10% believed they were all fake.

What annoyed Suning the most was that some mainstream media outlets also started to follow suit.

The Los Angeles Times published a lengthy article in its weekend edition, with a seemingly objective title: "Tracing the Roots of the World's Richest Man: The Collective Memory and Identity Confusion of Chinese Immigrants."

The article states, "Whether these 'parents' stories are true or false, they all reflect a reality: amidst war and waves of immigration, countless Chinese families experienced the separation of loved ones. Suning's story touched upon the collective memory of this group..."

The Washington Post went even further, directly contacting a sociology professor to write a commentary: "The 'parents' of the world's richest people are an emotional projection of the feelings of lower-class Chinese towards successful Chinese Americans. Whether true or not, this phenomenon is worth pondering."

These articles, though seemingly profound, actually all suggest that these stories may contain elements of truth.

To make matters worse, financial media outlets have also started getting involved.

Barron's published an analysis stating, "If the birthright lawsuit comes to fruition, it could affect Lemon Technology's shareholding structure. Theoretically, biological parents have the right to inherit a portion of the property."

This report caused LEM's stock price to fall by 3%.

Although the company quickly rebounded, it sent a dangerous signal: rumors were beginning to affect the company's value.

On Monday morning, January 25, Suning held an emergency meeting.

All the executives looked grim.

Lisa reported first: "In the past ten days, we have received 487 media interview requests, 63 of which directly asked about my background. We followed your instructions to handle them quietly, but it seems... it's not working."

Robert offered a legal analysis: "Currently, three pairs of 'parents' have spoken out through the media, but none of them have formally filed a lawsuit. This is because if they were to file a lawsuit, they would have to provide evidence in court, which they clearly haven't."

“But the media has already caused damage,” said CFO Kevin. “Last week’s stock price fluctuations resulted in a loss of at least $500 million in market value. Although it has recovered, it shows that the market is sensitive to this kind of news.”

"The most troublesome thing is that some people say you're cold-hearted and don't acknowledge your biological parents. Others say you're guilty, which is why you're not responding. Even if we tell the truth, these idiots won't believe us."

Su Ning was silent for a moment, then asked Robert, "What legal means do we have?"

“You can sue the media for defamation,” Robert said. “But defamation lawsuits are very difficult to win. You have to prove that the other party ‘knowingly spread false information.’ These media outlets are very cunning and use phrases like ‘allegedly,’ ‘reportedly,’ and ‘the parties involved claim.’”

"Then sue the 'parents'."

"What are we suing them for? They haven't even formally asserted their rights; they're just telling stories in the media. If we sue them, it will only get them more attention."

The conference room fell into silence.

Finally, Suning said, "Then let's change our approach. Instead of suing for defamation, let's sue for... extortion."

“Extortion?” Robert’s eyes lit up. “That’s a good angle. If they contact us for money, it’s extortion.”

“They will definitely want money,” Su Ning said with certainty. “These people are making up stories with the ultimate goal of money. When they ask for money, that will be our opportunity.”

The next day, Lisa, through an intermediary, conveyed a tentative message to the three sets of "parents": "Mr. Gan saw the report and is willing to contact us privately to learn more about the details."

Sure enough, all three pairs took the bait.

The first couple (Shanghai version) responded through their lawyer: "We hope to receive reasonable compensation for the emotional distress suffered over the years and the expenses incurred in searching for our child. The specific amount can be discussed."

The second pair (Hong Kong version) was even more direct: "Ten million US dollars, and we'll disappear forever. Otherwise, we'll hold a press conference and release more 'evidence'."

The third couple (Taiwanese version) was the most cunning: "We don't want money, we just want to be recognized as relatives. But after the recognition, we hope that our son can support his parents, which is only natural."

Robert organized the phone recording and written reply: "Boss, the Hong Kong version clearly demands money, which constitutes attempted extortion. The Shanghai version also counts. The Taiwan version... is a bit vague, but we can give it a try."

“Then let’s sue the Hong Kong version first,” Suning said. “Let’s target the most obvious ones.”

Where should I file a lawsuit?

“New York. Extortion is a federal felony, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York is interested in this type of case.”

"clear."

On January 30, Lemon Technology filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of New York federal court against a couple surnamed Li who claimed to be the Hong Kong version of "parents," as well as the New York Post, which first reported the case.

The complaint is long, but the core points are clear: 1. The Li couple fabricated facts and attempted to extort ten million US dollars from Suning Gan by threatening to disclose false information, which constitutes the crime of extortion.

2. The New York Post, knowing the story was dubious, still reported on it extensively, providing a platform and assistance for the extortion, thus constituting complicity.

3. The plaintiff requests the court to prohibit the defendant from continuing to disseminate false information and to compensate for reputational and economic losses, with initial claims of US$50 million.

Robert held a press conference on the day the lawsuit was filed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, over the past two weeks, certain individuals and media outlets have exploited public sympathy to fabricate false stories about Mr. Gan's background. Today, we are taking legal action."

The reporter asked, "Mr. Robert, why doesn't Mr. Gan just do a DNA test to prove it once and for all?"

“Because it’s simply unnecessary.” Robert produced the documents. “Mr. Gan has complete birth records, medical records, and school records. These ‘parents’ can’t even tell the truth about Mr. Gan. A story that gets the basic facts wrong isn’t worth verifying with immature DNA technology.”

"But the public wants the truth."

“The truth is right here.” Robert showed a page of evidence. “This is the record of the Li couple’s arrest in Florida last year for fraud. They specifically targeted elderly Asians; it was their usual method.”

There was an uproar at the scene.

chain reaction
As soon as the news of the lawsuit broke, the other two pairs of "parents" immediately disappeared.

The Shanghai couple issued a statement through their lawyer: "We may have mistaken you for someone else, and we apologize for that."

The editor-in-chief personally called Robert: "Mr. Robert, we are willing to remove all related reports and publish an apology. Could we... reach a settlement?"

“The apology statement must be on the front page for three consecutive days,” Robert said. “We have to review the content.”

"Ok, Ok!"

"Furthermore, disclose your source. Who contacted you? How did they contact you?"

“It was an intermediary named David Wang, who ran an immigration consulting company in Chinatown. He provided us with a ‘lead’ and charged us a ‘fee’ of five thousand US dollars.”

"Give us the information."

Three days later, the New York Post issued an apology on its front page:
"Our previous report on Mr. Gan's background was based on inaccurate information and was not fully verified. We hereby apologize to Mr. Gan and our readers. The relevant personnel have been suspended from their duties pending investigation."

The middleman, David Wang, fled before the police arrived, reportedly to have gone to Canada.

On February 15, the hearing began in the New York federal court.

The Li couple hired a legal aid lawyer, but the evidence was irrefutable...

Audio recordings, written requests, and past criminal records.

The judge ruled in court: "The evidence in this case is sufficient, and the defendant is guilty of extortion. Given the large amount involved (ten million US dollars) and the defendant's prior criminal record, bail is denied pending formal trial."

As the couple were handcuffed and taken away, they cried out to the camera, "We are innocent! We just want to acknowledge our son!"

But nobody believed it anymore.

Three months later, the formal trial began.

The Li couple pleaded guilty in exchange for lighter sentences: five years in prison each and a $200,000 fine.

After the trial, the prosecutor told the media, "This case serves as a warning to everyone: don't assume that celebrities are easy targets for blackmail. They have the resources, the determination, and will pursue the matter to the end."

Having dealt with the most arrogant pair, Suning began to clear up other rumors.

He instructed Robert to send lawyer's letters to all media outlets that had covered the matter:
"Your organization recently published/broadcast false reports about Mr. Su's background. Please provide detailed information and verification records of the source within seven days. Otherwise, Lemon Technology reserves the right to pursue legal action."

Most media outlets chose to apologize and retract the article.

Only one small TV station stood its ground, and as a result, it was sued by Lemon Technology.

Three months later, the television station lost the case, was ordered to pay three million US dollars in damages, and went bankrupt.

After this battle, the media circle realized: Suning is not to be trifled with.

The world's richest man's money is not easy to earn.

……

In March 1986, Forbes published a follow-up report:
"The bottom line of the richest man: Suning is willing to use legal weapons to defend his privacy, which teaches all celebrities a lesson."

In the article, Suning gave a rare interview, sharing his views:
“I understand the public’s curiosity. But curiosity should have boundaries. Fabricating stories, harassing my family, and affecting my company crosses those lines.”

“My mother is over seventy years old, and these rumors make her very uneasy. She adopted me from an orphanage and gave me a warm home, and now I feel particularly sorry for her. Moreover, my employees have to waste a lot of time dealing with nonsense. My investors have to bear unnecessary stock price fluctuations.”

"So I have to fight back. Not only for myself, but also for everyone who could become a target—if you succeed, there will be people who want to exploit you. The weaker you are, the more rampant they become."

"I hope this case can send a message: everyone is equal before the law. You shouldn't be harassed just because you have money, nor can you do whatever you want just because you don't have money."

After the report was published, public opinion completely shifted.

The voices of sympathy for the "parents" have disappeared, replaced by condemnation of the rumor-mongers.

LEM's stock price rose steadily, reaching a new high.

After the storm subsided, Suning and Bo Ji had a long talk.

"Why didn't you just do a DNA test back then?" Brooke asked. "Wouldn't that have been the fastest?"

“Because that’s a trap,” Su Ning said. “If I do a DNA test, it’s tantamount to admitting that the logic of ‘whoever claims to be someone’s parent, celebrities have to prove their innocence’ is reasonable. Then I’ll have to get a DNA test for anyone who makes up a story?”

"But many people think, 'Wouldn't it be clear if we just got it tested?'"

“This time it’s clear, but what about next time? And the time after that? There will always be new stories and new ‘relatives’ appearing. I can’t live my whole life in the context of DNA testing.”

Brooke thought for a moment and nodded: "That makes sense. You're setting the rules—it's not about whoever shouts the loudest who's right, but whoever has the evidence who has the right to speak."

“Yes,” Su Ning said. “In this world, many people want to take shortcuts. They make up a story, ride a trending topic, and think they can gain both fame and fortune. I can’t encourage this trend.”

"But you've also become a thorn in the side of many people."

“Then let them hate me.” Su Ning laughed. “There are plenty of people who hate me, a few more won’t make a difference.”

Outside the window, the Los Angeles nightscape remains dazzling.

This farce lasted two months, cost millions of dollars in legal fees, and consumed a great deal of energy.

But Suning felt it was worth it because he sent a clear signal: people wanted to make money off him by fabricating stories.

Then prepare to go to jail.

This signal is more effective than any public relations statement.

From then on, there were no more "biological parents".

Instead, they are replaced by all sorts of "distant relatives," "childhood friends," and "lifesavers"...

But they only dared to talk about it within a small circle; no one dared to openly ask for money.

The title of the world's richest person is not easy to hold, but Suning has found its own way to do so.

You can stare at me, but don't even think about reaching out your hand, and certainly don't try to take money out of my pocket.

Otherwise, the law will teach you a lesson, and that's how he handled this situation.

Tough, direct, and leaving no room for compromise.

And as it turns out, sometimes this is the most effective way.

...(End of chapter)