The three of them sat there in silence, all at a loss. Just yesterday, the situation seemed promising; how could it have changed so drastically overnight?
This matter increasingly felt like someone was orchestrating it rather than it being a coincidence!
But who was behind it? Jiang Liang had a premonition that it must be Jiang Chen. As for how Jiang Chen was involved, that remained unknown.
"Uncle Hui, did Jingzhu go shopping alone last night, or did she bring someone with her?" The newspaper only mentioned one female customer, so Jiang Liang hadn't initially considered whether Jiang Chen had gone with her.
"She went with Jiang Chen. They have been childhood friends, so my daughter Jingzhu always likes to invite Jiang Chen along," Uncle Hui replied.
Jiang Guangming frowned slightly; why was he bringing up his daughter’s childhood friendship with Jiang Chen? Little did he know that Lin Shihui already sensed that Taiping Apparel Company was now surrounded by enemies, and failure was only a matter of time. What would they do then? They could only rely on his daughter, hoping that maintaining a good relationship with Jiang Chen might provide the Lin family with a way out.
It really was Jiang Chen! Jiang Liang felt his suspicion was correct.
“Dad, Uncle Hui, since Jingzhu brought Jiang Chen along last night, the quality issue with our clothes must have been orchestrated by Jiang Chen. The stock situation should also be his doing.”
“That’s unlikely, right? How could he possibly orchestrate something like this?” Lin Shihui secretly felt the same way. If it were indeed man-made, it had to be Jiang Chen without a doubt; however, he still couldn't figure out the specifics.
Recently, this kid had given him too many uncertainties! It made sense to attribute the puzzling matters to him. Hoping for a reconciliation with Jiang Chen in the future, Lin Shihui did not echo Jiang Liang's opinion.
Jiang Guangming also shared this feeling.
It was just a feeling; they had no evidence and couldn’t explain it clearly. However, considering Jiang Chen's recent actions, which of them could be explained through normal reasoning?
How could Lin Shihui not have this feeling? Or was it him...
“I agree with Xiao Liang; I think it must be Jiang Chen behind this! But how did he manage to pull it off? It’s hard to explain!”
“The stock situation can still be explained. After all, Jiang Chen is currently managing two companies and undoubtedly has access to substantial funds to buy our company’s stock at a low price. Taiping Apparel's stock has been hitting the limit up for several days. Now he’s cashing out at a high point while negative news about our company comes out; clearly, he intends to short us. This means Taiping Apparel's stock could face several limit downs! Until it gets delisted!”
“Yes. Xiao Liang’s analysis is correct! We need to think of a solution quickly; we can’t just wait for Jiang Chen to short Taiping Apparel Company!”
Lin Shihui actually thought of a plan but hesitated to mention it in front of Jiang Guangming and his son.
“I do have an idea: we can take drastic measures. I’ll find some people to kidnap Jiang Chen and force him to back off!”
“That’s an idea worth considering!” In the past, Jiang Guangming would not have supported such a notion from Jiang Liang since it was illegal! Given the current situation, however, there was no room for such concerns anymore.
Rather than allowing the company to be shorted and face bankruptcy, it might be worth taking a risk; perhaps there is still a glimmer of hope!
After agreeing with his son's opinion, Jiang Guangming posed another question. "Let's not discuss whether Jiang Chen will agree to back off. Now, let's assume he does agree; can we change the status of our company? After all, the shareholders are already disappointed with Taiping Apparel's stock, customers are unwilling to buy our brand's clothing, and stores are no longer stocking our products."
This was indeed a valid concern. If Jiang Chen's withdrawal had no effect, then kidnapping him would be meaningless.
"As long as Jiang Chen agrees, he will definitely have a way! I can already think of a few methods. For instance, with the funds from liquidating his stocks, he could reinvest and halt the decline in our stock prices. Regarding returns, since our products have no quality issues, we could rebrand them under Dongsheng or Jiahua and sell them that way."
"Yes, Xiao Liang, your analysis makes sense! Go prepare for it! Be careful!"
Lin Shihui was pleased as well. If Jiang Guangming and his son could persuade Jiang Chen to back off and turn the situation around, why wouldn't he benefit from it?
With this thought in mind, Lin Shihui expressed his support: "Good, well said. Xiao Liang is quite clever!"
Hearing both elders agree with his idea, Jiang Liang immediately set out to prepare.
First, he found five underlings, including the two red-haired youths from Xiaoshan Park. He informed them that there would be an operation that night and instructed them to wait at an abandoned house in the suburbs. This house was not far from Xiaoshan Park.
Jiang Liang then arrived outside Gangcheng International High School, waiting for school to let out.
It wasn't long before students began pouring out of the gates.
Gao Wenbin joined the throng and soon found himself next to Jiang Liang. He had received a text message informing him that Jiang Liang was waiting outside.
"Brother Liang, what’s up today?" Gao Wenbin asked excitedly. It was rare for Jiang Liang to wait for him outside school; he must have something important to discuss.
"I need to find Jiang Chen today..." Jiang Liang whispered into Gao Wenbin's ear and explained the situation.
"Alright, brother Liang! You want to teach that little brat Jiang Chen a lesson? You don't need to handle this personally; just leave it to me!" Gao Wenbin was eager to show off.
A thought struck Jiang Liang: why not let Gao Wenbin and his crew handle the kidnapping? He could swoop in later to rescue him... A hero can save a damsel in distress or a brother!
"Brother Liang, what are you doing here?" Just then, Lin Jingzhu appeared before them.
With her striking beauty and tall figure, Gao Wenbin couldn't help but swallow hard upon seeing her. If it weren't for brother Liang's specific instructions, he would have seriously considered making a move on her...
"I'm waiting for Jiang Chen. Jingzhu, have you seen him?"
"No, he might be skipping class again today! Do you need to reach him urgently? I can call him!"
Damn it! That kid isn't around? Well then, let’s give him a break for today!
"There's no rush, just forget about it!" The fewer people who know about this matter, the better. Jiang Liang won't tell Lin Jingzhu.
"Then... I'm leaving!" Lin Jingzhu felt that Jiang Liang and Gao Wenbin looking for Jiang Chen together couldn't mean anything good, so she wouldn't say anything.
Once Lin Jingzhu walked away, Jiang Liang patted Gao Wenbin on the shoulder. "You're right! You can handle teaching Jiang Chen a lesson; I won't get involved!"
Gao Wenbin withdrew his gaze from Lin Jingzhu's back and came to his senses, quickly responding, "Oh, okay, Brother Liang, don't worry! Teaching that kid Jiang Chen a lesson is easy enough. Just let me know how far to go!"
"Alright, I'll explain it to you later. Come on, I invited a few brothers tonight; let's go have some drinks together!"
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