Tech startup: I really do make mobile phones!

Chapter 135 Dark Clouds Press Down, Threatening to Destroy Orange

In early September in Shenzhen, the bleak autumn winds have arrived once again, but they cannot suppress the surging excitement within Orange Technology.

The "Orange Wind Breaking Waves New Student Plan" has swept through the ivory towers of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen with an orange whirlwind. The price of 299 yuan is like a precise scalpel, cutting open the shy wallets of new students and also cutting open the first-tier market dominated by domestic and foreign giants.

Looking at the sales figures for the first three days of September alone, with an average of 12 units per day, the trend is absolutely fantastic!

The 168-hour inventory cycle supply chain management system that Zhao Tiezhu obtained from wheat suppliers in Beijing was a timely boon.

Gong Yun looked at the 18% logistics cost reduction forecast curve submitted by the company's financial budget analyst, her eyes and brows brimming with barely suppressed laughter.

Everything was going so smoothly it was almost unreal; Orange Technology was now in full bloom, feeling like it was being cooked in a blazing fire.

Even District Chief Zhang personally brought a weighty "Takihwa Domestic Smart Phone Components Summit" planning document to our door, the core of which was Chen Mo's previously proposed "Domestic Components Centralized Procurement Alliance".

It's just that the framework is larger and the ambition is greater.

He wants to integrate small and medium-sized manufacturers, establish a research and development fund, build a permanent venue, and provide supporting policies, seemingly aiming to create a trillion-yuan-level smartphone hardware industry cluster in Takihawa District.

"President Chen, this responsibility belongs to Chengzi alone!"

District Chief Zhang's eyes were bright and full of expectation.

As Chen Mo flipped through the planning document, his fingertips traced over phrases such as "reduce component costs by more than 30%" and "increase the local sourcing rate to 60% within fifteen years," but a sense of unease, difficult to articulate, swept through his heart.

September started off too smoothly. But things always turn around when they reach their extreme. He felt as if there was an invisible hand pushing Orange from behind, pushing him toward a predetermined position.

This ominous premonition was suddenly confirmed on the eve of the founding conference of the Unified Procurement Alliance on September 4.

Late at night, Chen Mo's phone screen lit up; it was Lei Jun.

The voice on the other end of the phone was as gentle as ever, but lacked its usual cheerfulness, carrying a sense of hesitation and stagnation.

"Mr. Chen, I'm so sorry, I may not be able to attend tomorrow's meeting!"

He paused, seemingly considering his words.

"In addition, wheat will also be temporarily unable to join the centralized procurement alliance. This is a sudden matter, and we hope you will understand."

The phone call ended, but the echoes lingered.

Immediately afterward, Mr. Jin from the Bubu Gao (a type of ointment) group called, his tone even more slick and worldly.

"Oh, Mr. Chen! We're so sorry, but all three of us from the Bubu Gao team have urgent matters to attend to tomorrow and can't get away. We'll have to postpone our cooperation on the Tongcai Alliance until another time! Please forgive us!"

Before Chen Mo could process the series of unexpected events, a text message from Shen Yiwei pierced through the fog like lightning.

"Xiao Chen! Someone's trying to harm you! Watch out!!!"

June 9th, cloudy.

The inaugural meeting of the "Domestic Parts Procurement Alliance," which was originally scheduled to be packed with distinguished guests, was completely empty, despite the elaborate arrangements of flowers, red carpets, neatly arranged chairs, and flashing spotlights.

Only a few staff members at Orange looked at each other, an awkward silence filling the air.

District Chief Zhang rushed over, his face ashen. He pulled Chen Mo aside and said in a very low voice, filled with frustration and a hint of fear, "President Chen, the plan has been rejected by the province!"

The orange storm that Orange Technology stirred up on university campuses in first-tier cities in September seemed to be instantly gripped by an invisible hand from the sky, and the air seemed to become thick and dangerous.

In the midst of this suffocating silence, a middle-aged man dressed in a traditional Chinese jacket, holding a folding fan, and with a shifty gaze strolled into the front desk of Orange Technology.

He called himself "Master Lin" and muttered to the young receptionist, Xiao Zhou, "Young lady, tell your boss that your company is facing a dark cloud and impending disaster!"

"However, I have a solution. For just 100,000 yuan, you can exchange it for 60% of his shares. I will guarantee his good fortune and help him reconcile with Mr. Liu of Fantasy and Ah Li Ma."

Xiao Zhou nervously relayed the message to Gong Yun, fearing that Master Lin would unleash a set of Mad Monkey Fist techniques on her on the spot, and that she wouldn't be able to get compensation because the other party was a patient.

Gong Yun frowned and strode into Chen Mo's office.

Chen Mo was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the gray sky outside, his back exuding a repressed and cold aura.

After hearing Gong Yun's retelling, he didn't turn his head, only uttering three words that sounded like ice shards hitting the ground.

"Let him go!"

The storm officially arrived the moment Master Lin "rolled" out of the Orange Gate.

September 6th, sunny turning cloudy.

A tsunami of public opinion erupted suddenly and without warning on this sunny day.

It trended on Weibo, appeared on major portal websites, and was featured in the technology sections of print media.
The entire page was flooded with smear articles claiming that "Orange 1 phone uses a defective screen from a small factory!"

The article provides detailed information, directly pointing out that the first batch of 1000 Orange 1 phones used defective screens produced during trial production by a small factory, raising questions about the source of subsequent screens.
Accusations of "cutting corners" and "deceiving consumers" followed closely behind.

The three-person team from Orange E-commerce immediately issued a clarification statement on Weibo.

"The first batch of 1,000 units were indeed trial production screens from a small factory, but only the multi-touch function had flaws. The Orange 1's function design is only single-touch, but the screen function fully meets the standards!"

A screenshot of the test report is also attached.

Gong Yun also urgently contacted the editor-in-chief of a familiar print media outlet to prepare a clarification article for publication.

However, Orange's counterattack was instantly swallowed up by a larger wave of public opinion.

More media outlets flocked to the scene like sharks smelling blood, escalating the wave of questioning.

One widely circulated "in-depth analysis" article took taking things out of context to the extreme.

"Breaking news! The Orange phone has a battery capacity of only 800mAh, but the cost is calculated to be as high as 58 yuan! Compared with conscientious manufacturers, a 1500mAh battery only costs 15 yuan! What is this if not a 'smart phone'?"

The article makes no mention of the high-cost, high-performance, and high-safety gaseous lithium battery used in the orange, while the comparison object uses ordinary ternary lithium batteries, and makes no mention of the technological differences and cost structure.

When Orange tried to speak out on Weibo again, she found that the official account had been banned and the topic she had started had disappeared.

When Gong Yun dialed the phone number of a familiar print media outlet, the response was surprisingly consistent.

"President Gong! We're really short on space lately, we can't fit it in."

"Oh, I'm sorry! We're not going to follow up on this topic for the time being."

Orange's "silence" in the public eye has been interpreted as a sign of guilt.

Those "righteous people" in first- and second-tier cities who had never even encountered an Orange phone were completely enraged.

The online outcry was deafening, with some even launching a petition demanding that the government revoke the national subsidy for oranges and "transfer the quota to the true conscience of domestic production—Fantasy!"

The overwhelming negative public opinion, like a black tide, instantly drowned out Orange Technology's orange-colored counterattack.

Any attempt to explain was labeled as "Orange Army water army" and drowned in a sea of ​​spittle accusing them of "taking money to whitewash."

Just as public opinion was in an uproar and people were filled with anxiety, Master Lin once again appeared calmly at the front desk of Orange.

This time, he directly handed over two business cards—one from Liu, the CEO of Fantasy, and the other from Ma, the CEO of Ali, both with his autograph on the back.

He spoke to Xiao Zhou in a low voice, but it clearly reached the ears of every employee who was listening intently.

"Tell your boss Chen, 10,000 yuan for 99% of the shares. This is the last chance. If you don't know what's good for you, next time it won't be as simple as public opinion."

Gong Yun relayed every word to Chen Mo's office.

Chen Mo sat behind his large desk, his face showing no anger, only a deep, calm stillness.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, making a soft tapping sound, then looked up and a very faint smile appeared on his lips.

"Sister Gong, tell him to get lost!"

After Gong Yun left, the office fell into a deathly silence.

Chen Mo opened the drawer and took out the leather notebook whose edges were already worn and frayed.

Turning several pages, a plain white card with no title and only a string of ordinary phone numbers lay quietly in the insert.

This was given to him privately by the secretary of the top leader after he received the award at the Great Hall of the People last time.

He lingered his fingertips on the card for a moment, feeling the slightly raised numbers.

Outside the window, the sunlight that had been there was now obscured by dark clouds, dusk was falling, and the sky was as black as ink.

Asking for help?

Given the disruptive nature of the technology that Orange will possess in the future, today's encirclement may not be the last.

Mountains will fall if you rely on them, and you will run if you rely on people.

No one likes to keep trying to support a giant baby who can't be helped.

At home, your parents can support you, but abroad, who will indulge you?

This sudden storm may well be the best opportunity to temper the Orange team!
Real combat trains strong soldiers, and adversity forges true gold.

Only by continuously improving action and thinking capabilities through overcoming obstacles can the concept of "technology equality" truly take root in the hearts of employees, and can a core team with independent survival capabilities be selected through extreme pressure.

This is a hurdle that all early-stage "startup teams" must overcome to transform into "core teams".

The company culture that is merely superficial must be internalized into the team's spiritual core during times of difficulty, thereby uniting the core strength that the company can truly rely on and trust.

However, the predicament that Orange faces is "a little bit" bigger than that of an average company, because it has taken away the "cake" of too many people!

When there are many people kicking someone when they're down, it seems to create a huge stir.

Chen Mo slowly closed the notebook and sealed the card again.

The hesitation in his eyes faded away, leaving only a rock-hard coldness.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, a torrential downpour poured down, seemingly knocking down the tender branches and leaves that had just sprouted from the orange trees.

September 7th, rain

Supply chain in crisis!
Several key component suppliers suddenly cut off supplies, citing reasons such as "insufficient production capacity" and "equipment failure"!

The contract manufacturer's production lines were forced to shut down!

With Zhao Tiezhu far away in Beijing, Chen Mo braved the raging storm to personally visit each supplier, resorting to threats and inducements, and even going so far as to urgently introduce several high-priced foreign alternative suppliers at a price 30% higher than the market price.

The cost of Orange 1 and the "X" machine manufactured by the OEM was artificially increased by 3%, and the production line finally started running again amidst the burnt smell of electrical circuits.

Heavy rain on September 8th.
Before they could catch their breath, the channel collapsed!
Taobao issued an official notice stating that the Orange Flagship Store's "some business qualifications are questionable and need to be re-examined," and the store was immediately taken down!

When Orange tried to file a complaint, she received a curt, indifferent reply from customer service: "Please submit new documents. They are currently under review. Please wait patiently."

On the same day, several television stations received notices from relevant departments: Orange 1's TV shopping advertisement was "suspected of violating regulations" and must be stopped immediately!

Lu Laowu called Chen Mo for help: his directly operated stores in many places were being "targeted," with fire and environmental protection officials taking turns to "serve" them, making it impossible to conduct business!
Chen Mo's voice was as cold as iron: "If this involves stores, all Orange phones will be removed from shelves. We will only sell your Nietzsche phones!"

Hail on September 9th.

The ice block finally crashed into the ivory tower.

In universities in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, the roll-up banners carefully set up by Orange's on-the-ground promotion team were overturned and the flyers were torn to shreds.

A group of people, incited and claiming to be "parents of deceived students," surrounded the stall, shoved and verbally abused people, which eventually escalated into a violent conflict.

Several Orange sales promoters were injured and hospitalized!
In the chaos, Zhao Tiezhu protected a young temporary worker who had been knocked to the ground and threw a punch to retaliate, only to be instantly overwhelmed by more punches and kicks.

With sirens blaring, Zhao Tiezhu was taken away for "fighting and injuring someone." The scene was filmed by someone with ulterior motives and posted online with the headline "Orange Executive Violently Resists Law Enforcement," adding fuel to the fire.

When Gong Yun walked into Chen Mo's office with the latest bad news and financial report, he was facing away from the door, gazing at the dark night sky outside the window.

"Mr. Chen, what about Xiao Zhao?"

"How is the injury?" Chen Mo interrupted her, his voice calm.

"Five of our men sustained minor injuries, two are hospitalized, all with superficial wounds. Xiao Zhao has a bruise on his face and is still at the station!"

"One of the other party suffered a fractured nose and insisted that Xiao Zhao was the one who hit him. In addition, three other employees were verbally abused and shoved by unidentified people on their way home from get off work, and one of them was hit with a brick and suffered a mild concussion."

"Seven more people submitted their resignations today!"

Gong Yun spoke very quickly, her voice tinged with suppressed anxiety.

"Furthermore, the cash pool currently holds 12.5 billion yuan. Due to the suspension of the 'Autumn Wind Action,' the average daily net inflow of funds has rebounded to around 3200 million yuan, and the overall financial situation remains healthy and stable."

Chen Mo turned around, his face showing none of the anxiety or anger that Gong Yun had expected.

He nodded: "Understood! Pass the word down that the 'Orange Wind Rises' project is to be completely halted, and all ground promotion personnel in first-tier cities are to immediately withdraw to Shenzhen."

"The company will cover all medical expenses for injured employees and pay them triple wages. Temporary workers who were assaulted will be given priority for permanent employment after recovery!"

"President Chen, the employees are demoralized. Should we..." "Not yet!" Chen Mo's tone was resolute: "Do as I say, first consolidate our forces!"

After Gong Yun left, Chen Mo picked up the phone and dialed Lin Junfeng.

"Brother Lin!" His voice, coming through the receiver, was devoid of emotion: "You told me before that wolves eat meat, so now I'm telling you that you can't just think about speculation and not get involved yourself. Otherwise, you'll only ever end up eating shit!"

"Now that Orange is in dire straits, this is your last chance to get on board. Are you in or not?"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Lin Junfeng's signature light laugh.

"Since President Chen has given the order, how dare we disobey?"

"Alright! Then I won't stand on ceremony. Brother Lin, go to the capital and bring that kid Zhao Tiezhu back to me safe and sound!"

"a piece of cake!"

September 10th, cloudy

Lin Junfeng, carrying Zhao Tiezhu with a bandage on his forehead and a slight limp, still stood before Chen Mo, looking travel-worn.

There were no pleasantries, no words of comfort.

Chen Mo's gaze swept over the injuries on Zhao Tiezhu's face, and he immediately ordered: "Zhao Tiezhu! The supply chain is yours. Immediately reduce production to recover funds, cut all non-core market investments, and concentrate resources to protect the basic market in townships!"

Chen Mo's rebirth has consistently overlooked the historical context. It's estimated that it will take us 50 years to surpass Japan and become the world's second-largest economy. We are now accepting the global division of labor, because those who benefit from it do not want to change.

"Keep a close eye on the suppliers! We'd rather pay double the price to find backup options than let the supply chain break down again!"

"Yes, Brother Chen!"

Zhao Tiezhu's eyes were fierce, and he was suppressing a raging fire.

It's like you're enjoying Peking duck in Beijing, indulging in the gentle embrace of a beautiful Beijing woman, and suddenly you get "beaten up" and locked up. You'd be furious.

Zhao Tiezhu specifically emphasized what "the US's trap" means. He said it refers to the strategies of the Thirty-Six Records, specifically the "Using a Plan to Counter a Plan," "Killing Two Birds with One Stone," and "Borrowing a Path to Conquer Guo."
"Thank you for your hard work, Brother Lin!"

Chen Mo turned to Lin Junfeng, his eyes sharp as knives.

"But you can't rest yet. I got the basic information of the first 1000 buyers from the stall owner of the account 'Flawed Screen' that exposed the 'tech conscience anti-counterfeiting person Fang Chuanzi' online, in order to do a big anniversary giveaway later!"

“He’s not on the buyer list at all. Find out where his phone came from, secure the evidence, and then wait for my signal. We’ll try our best to sue him for spreading rumors and causing us huge losses within the statute of limitations!”

Gong Yun came in carrying several newly delivered newspapers, her face grim, especially pointing to the cover story of the latest issue of the Southern Doomsday Weekly.

Peeling back the "orange": The rise and lies of a counterfeit empire.

The article is extremely scathing, denigrating Orange 1 as "electronic waste cobbled together from inferior parts" and portraying Chen Mo as "an opportunist who exploits information asymmetry and marketing rhetoric to exploit small-town users."

Chen Mo took the newspaper, his gaze sweeping over the malicious words, and the corners of his mouth slowly curved upwards, eventually even letting out a low laugh.

Gong Yun was taken aback: "President Chen? You?"

"Southern Last Days?"

Chen Mo shook the newspaper, his smile carrying the knowing mockery of a clown.

"I know that the editor-in-chief and key editors of this company have been funded by that 'North American Engiguo Organization' for many years. The more they jump around and the harsher their accusations become."

He raised his eyes, his gaze fixed intently on Gong Yun: "The more the enemy jumps around, the more it proves that we at Orange are on the right track. They are afraid that we will continue to persevere!"

Chen Mo's composure, remaining unmoved even in the face of a collapsing mountain, acted like a shot of adrenaline, instantly calming the bewildered hearts of the Orange "high-ups".

The calmness of the top management spread like ripples, and the grassroots employees, amidst days of pressure and panic, gradually regained their sense of security.

Yeah! What's the panic?
For the past two weeks, waves of pessimism have been rising one after another, making a deafening noise, but has Orange fallen?
Township markets are the foundation of orange production!
What were the sales figures during the height of the media storm over the past two weeks?

60 units!

It only decreased by 13.15% compared to last month! And only decreased by 1.35% compared to last week.

This perfectly aligns with the normal sales decline curve for a phone three months after its launch.

Fun fact: nearly half of a smartphone's sales are concentrated in the first three months, and the normal sales life cycle is 7 to 9 months. Therefore, mobile phone manufacturers usually need to produce two products to ensure that there is always stock to sell throughout the year.

Sales began to decline in September, which is a sign that Orange 1 is slowly reaching market saturation, not a sign of collapse!

Although e-commerce, Nietzsche's direct-sale stores, and TV shopping have been restricted, their influence remains. Jingdong still has Orange mobile phones, and you can still make shopping calls and send out flyers. Mobile phones can still be sold behind the counter.

Huabei Qiang's intricate distribution network remains stable and reliable, acting like capillaries, supplying Orange Technology with 2200 million yuan in cash every day from rural markets across the country!
Despite the storm, Orange Technology not only didn't lose money, but thanks to Chen Mo's decisive "Autumn Wind Action" to stop burning cash, its cash pool increased by 0.5 billion compared to the beginning of the month!
With 12.5 billion yuan in cash on hand, Chen Mo has the confidence to remain calm and composed in the eye of the storm!
Just as Chen Mo was alone, Wang Kai from the market investigation team knocked on the door and came in with a serious expression.

The investigation results he brought, regarding the sudden and repeated targeting of Orange Technology in September, made Chen Mo frown.

"Mr. Chen, the investigation is basically complete!"

"The source is that on September 5th, we announced the establishment of the unified procurement alliance. On the same day, District Chief Zhang's 'Longhua Summit' plan was highlighted in the Shenzhen Daily and also reprinted by the central official daily newspaper."

"September 6th and 7th happen to be the days when Fantasy Group and Ali Group respectively held the 'China Top 500 Exchange Summit' and the 'Zucchini Sword Debate'."

"The hype surrounding our 'Unified Procurement Alliance' and 'Takihwa Planning' has been interpreted by some media outlets as 'Orange challenging' or 'establishing a separate territory,' directly stealing the spotlight from the carefully prepared 'sword fight' between those two bigwigs, but..."

Wang Kai swallowed hard: "But they're definitely not the only two families kicking someone when they're down!"

Chen Mo tapped his knuckles on the table, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"What's the background of that Master Lin?"

Wang Kai broke out in a cold sweat instantly, and in a very low voice, he announced a name.

Chen Mo's eyes narrowed suddenly, as if ice had frozen deep within his pupils.

He stared at Wang Kai, his voice icy cold: "Keep it to yourself, get out!"

Wang Kai felt like he had been granted a pardon. Wiping away his sweat, he almost staggered as he fled the office.

As soon as the office door closed, Gong Yun pushed it open again. This time, her expression was not only unpleasant, but also showed a hint of unbelievable absurdity.

"Mr. Chen! That Master Lin is here again! This time, he said he wants to buy 99% of Orange's shares for 10,000 yuan!"

Chen Mo suddenly stood up, placed his hands on the table, leaned forward slightly, and showed no anger at being humiliated. Instead, he had an extreme, cold calmness, and even a faint, almost cruel smile on his lips.

He looked at Gong Yun and spoke each word clearly.

"Sister Gong, get him out of here!"

At the same time, in the capital city, at the headquarters of Yudong.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was heavy.

President Wang Mingjian, a middle-aged man with a strong and unyielding style who came from the Iron and Steel Group, slammed a thick "Public Opinion Compilation Report" heavily on the table, making a dull thud.

"The evidence is conclusive! Orange phones are a fraudulent product configuration, causing a public outcry and severely damaging the reputation of the national subsidy policy!"

He surveyed the assembled executives, his gaze sharp: "I propose that we immediately initiate the process to revoke Orange Technology's national subsidy eligibility! This is of utmost urgency!"

Vice President Li Dalai frowned and voiced his opposition.

"President Wang, this is only one side of the story, and the truth is still unclear. As a state-owned company, how can we draw conclusions based solely on rumors? We must investigate thoroughly!"

"investigation?"

Wang Mingjian sneered and tapped the table with his finger.

"Public opinion is outraged, and people's grievances are boiling! If we delay any longer, Yudong will be accused of covering up wrongdoing and dereliction of duty! As the company president, I must be responsible for the company's reputation! This matter is settled!"

Just after Wang Mingjian made the final decision, Lin Junfeng, the legal representative of Orange Technology, submitted a thick complaint to the case filing window of the Longhua District People's Court.

The party to the lawsuit: Yudong Communication Group Co., Ltd.

Charges: Unfair competition and commercial defamation.

The lawsuit requests: cessation of infringement, elimination of adverse effects, and compensation for losses. An attached page details all evidence that Yudong is required to provide in its claim that Orange committed "fraud."

After signing the papers, Lin Junfeng watched as the judge stamped the case with a bright red seal, a cold, confident smile curving his lips.

Chen Mo's instructions echoed in his mind: strike first, set the battlefield on our side, do not seek a quick victory, but delay and wait for the situation to change!
Once a case is filed, the evidence disclosure procedure can be initiated, dragging Yu Dong into a long and transparent legal quagmire! Time is ultimately on Chengzi's side!
Meanwhile, at this moment, in the Takihawa Ward Government Building.

District Chief Zhang was frantically answering a phone call from a provincial leader, his tone respectful but unable to hide his exhaustion.

"Yes, yes, leader, we will definitely cooperate with the investigation to ensure that the investment promotion work is standardized and transparent. Our district committee fully affirms Comrade Li Bin's work. Excellent, excellent, we will certainly deeply understand and implement his spirit."

The storm raged, struggled, and spread in every corner.

At the very heart of the storm, in the general manager's office of Orange Technology, overlooking Shenzhen, Chen Mo stood alone in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, looking up at the future planned Shenzhen-Zhongshan Avenue.

Outside the window, dark clouds rolled in, and lightning flashed faintly deep within the clouds; an even bigger thunderstorm was brewing.

He gripped the worn-out notebook tightly in his hand, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force.

Deep within an ancient temple in the western suburbs of Beijing, where incense burns brightly yet remains remarkably serene.

The Buddhist hall, filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, was solemn and dignified.

The enormous gilded Buddha statue lowered its eyelids, looking down compassionately at all living beings.

The "Master Lin" who used to be so arrogant at the front desk of Orange Technology, constantly talking about buying shares for tens of thousands, now seemed like a completely different person.

He stood at the entrance of the Buddhist hall, hands clasped and body bowed, holding his breath and remaining still. A fine layer of sweat covered his forehead, and he dared not even breathe loudly.

In the center of the Buddhist hall, an elderly gentleman with gray hair and a kind face, dressed in a simple gray jacket, was performing a deep bow with utmost piety.

He clasped his hands together, raised them above his head, paused, then slowly lowered them to his chest, separated them, palms facing upwards, and bowed deeply, his forehead lightly touching the blue bricks in front of the prayer mat.

His movements were meticulous and full of reverence.

He kowtowed three times before slowly rising.

Master Lin immediately stepped forward and handed over a warm, damp towel, his posture so humble it was almost unbelievable.

The old man took the towel, slowly wiped his hands, his eyelids still half-closed, his voice calm and unreadable.

"Is the airline matter settled?"

"In response to your question, sir!"

Master Lin bowed even lower, his voice filled with utmost respect.

"It's all settled! The bank withdrew the loan very 'timely,' and the debt-to-equity swap agreement was signed 'smoothly.' Now, that one dollar is ours."

"Ok!"

The old man, referred to as "Master," let out a barely audible hum from his nose, casually handed the towel back, his gaze still fixed on the compassionate face of the Buddha statue, as if asking a question on a whim.

"What about the oranges?"

Master Lin's back was instantly covered in cold sweat.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he forced himself to remain calm: "Sir! That kid's roots are firmly planted in the muddy soil of the countryside; the whip of public opinion can't reach the bottom!"

"Moreover, he's been incredibly resilient since he started out, never touching large bank loans, only small private loans. His cash flow is frighteningly thick. Using conventional methods, he'll be in trouble anytime soon."

He stole a glance at the young master's expression, and seeing that the other remained calm and composed, he mustered his courage and tentatively suggested, "How about... I find some 'unconventional' way to get him..."

"Nonsense!"

The old man suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as lightning, instantly making Master Lin tremble and almost kneel down.

The authority in his eyes was completely different from his honest appearance.

But then, that sharpness quickly subsided, returning to the calm of an ancient well, though his tone still carried an undeniable force.

"Don't be so arrogant! Remember, if you're going to be in this circle, you have to follow the rules and don't cross the line!"

"And don't even mention it." He paused, lowering his voice further, but each word carried immense weight: "It will affect gaseous lithium batteries, which are a limited resource. If you touch them, no one can protect you, understand?"

Master Lin trembled all over, as if enlightened, and instantly his clothes were soaked with sweat, and he nodded his head like a pestle.

"Understood! Understood! I will remember your teachings, Master! I would never dare to touch them! I would never dare to cross the line!"

The elder man stopped looking at him and looked up at the huge Buddha statue again, his hands clasped together and his lips moving silently, as if he were chanting something.

The wisps of smoke enveloped his dignified figure in a hazy and unpredictable light and shadow.

Inside and outside the Buddhist hall, only Master Lin's suppressed breathing and the sound of his rapidly beating heart could be heard.

(End of this chapter)