I Stole the Male Lead's White Moonlight [Transmigration] - Chapter 35

The scandal surrounding Fangyin Group’s tax evasion and production of carcinogenic body wash intensified online. The next day, local Longcheng newspapers reported on the matter with harsh language, condemning Fangyin Group as a company that exploited ordinary people.

On the third day, Longcheng TV’s midday news singled out Fangyin Group for criticism, with the anchor sternly urging the government to take swift action against such companies.

Almost everyone knew that Fangyin Group was doomed.

Retail investors rushed to sell their shares in Fangyin Group, causing the stock price to plummet repeatedly. Every trading day began with the stock hitting the lower limit, and the company’s shareholders grew increasingly dissatisfied with Zhu Yin. Some even contacted Zhu Yin, hoping to sell their shares to her. As the stock price continued its daily decline, those holding larger stakes suffered greater losses.

To lower Li Heng’s guard, Zhu Yin maintained a visibly distressed appearance in public every day. When intercepted by reporters, she would only shake her head and sigh without saying a word. Persistent journalists were promptly driven away by her bodyguards.

Li Heng browsed online discussions about Fangyin Group with immense satisfaction.

However, the stock price hadn’t fallen enough. To oust Zhu Yin from power, he needed to acquire over 40% of Fangyin Group’s shares.

Just two more days, he thought, and Zhu Yin’s troubles will extend far beyond mere distress.

Li Heng smiled as he stared at his computer screen.

Though Li Heng lacked funds, Zhu Yin had plenty. Confident that the stock price would eventually rebound, he saw no risk in buying at the current low prices. With a wave of his hand, he acquired approximately 2% of shares from retail investors and proceeded to purchase stakes from several minor shareholders who had lost confidence in the company.

Zhu Yin originally held 25% of the company’s shares, while Fang Fang owned 5%. After subsequent acquisitions of 30%, Zhu Yin divided these newly acquired shares into two portions: 15% for Zhu Xinya and 15% for Fang Fang.

Now, Zhu Yin held 25% of Fangyin Group’s shares, making her the largest shareholder. Fang Fang followed with 20%, and Zhu Xinya’s 15% stake elevated her to the third-largest shareholder.

The Zhu family collectively controlled 60% of the company’s shares. Even if Li Heng acquired more shares, he could never surpass the Zhu family’s holdings.

Unaware that over half of Fangyin Group’s shares were held by the Zhu family, Li Heng waited for the stock price to hit his target before attempting to buy. To his shock, he discovered that retail shares had already been fully acquired, and even the minor shareholders he had previously approached had sold their stakes.

In the general manager’s office, Li Heng gripped the edge of his desk, knuckles white. “The minor shareholders sold their stocks yesterday?”

Fang Huai, oblivious to his fury, replied calmly, “Yes. When I contacted them today, I found they had already sold their shares.”

“Who would buy stocks from a company destined to collapse at a time like this?” Li Heng slammed his fist on the desk, the impact reddening the side of his hand, though he seemed oblivious to the pain as he glared at Fang Huai.

Fang Huai lowered his gaze. “Zhu Yin bought them herself.”

“What? Is that old woman drowning in excess cash? Playing the savior now?”

Li Heng was furious that Zhu Yin had thwarted his plans.

“What should we do now?” Fang Huai asked.

“Keep spending money. Have the media ramp up their coverage and guide people to file complaints against Fangyin Group. Hah, does old man Zhu Yin think he can stage a rebound? I won’t give him that chance.”

A strange glint flashed in Li Heng’s eyes. “I just thought of a brilliant idea.”

After explaining his plan to Fang Huai, Li Heng was brimming with confidence. “So what if he has money? I’ll make sure he loses every last cent!”

Fang Huai left the general manager’s office with his new assignment and, half an hour later, appeared in the chairman’s office of Fangyin Group.

“Chairman Zhu, Li Heng wants me to bribe several terminally ill cancer patients to claim they got cancer from long-term use of Zhuxin Body Wash and demand huge compensation from Fangyin Group. His intentions are truly malicious.”

Zhu Yin smiled. “Thank you for your hard work. Go ahead and carry out Li Heng’s plan, but make sure to sign contracts with those people stating they are acting on Li Heng’s behalf.”

“Don’t worry, Chairman Zhu. Leave it to me. I’ll make sure nothing goes wrong.” Fang Huai patted his chest confidently.

On the fourth day, several cancer patients suddenly appeared online, claiming they would collectively seek justice from Fangyin Group. They wept bitterly on camera, insisting that their cancer was definitely caused by long-term use of Zhuxin Body Wash.

Fangyin Group was now being roasted over the fire, with no apparent way out except to be devoured by the public once thoroughly cooked.

Zhu Xinya ran into the former couple in the cafeteria. The boy, holding another girl’s hand, taunted his ex-girlfriend in front of her. “Zhang Tingting, do you still think Fangyin Group is innocent?”

Zhang Tingting had called the number Zhu Xinya gave her and confirmed she would intern at Fangyin Group over the summer. The head of the marketing department had already added her to the work group chat, allowing her to get to know her future colleagues in advance. Everyone in the group was kind, optimistic, and welcoming to newcomers. Most importantly, they all believed in their company.

Moreover, the company had internally debunked the rumors two days prior, clarifying that the massive online backlash was a deliberate frame-up. The company was urgently gathering evidence and would submit it to the police by Friday. They vowed to pursue legal action against the vile schemers to the fullest extent.

Zhang Tingting knew that this boy had once applied to Fangyin Group, and after being rejected, he began boycotting the company. When the scandal broke, he was overjoyed, a classic case of petty behavior.

“I don’t see how this concerns you. There’s no need to seek validation in front of me.” Zhang Tingting shot her ex-boyfriend a cold glance and walked past them.

Not giving up, the boy chased after her and pointed at Zhang Tingting, announcing to those around them, “This classmate still believes Fangyin Group is innocent and defends them in private. She’s an accomplice!”

Student emotions were easily stirred. Seeing the situation turning volatile, Zhu Xinya quickly stepped forward, grabbed Zhang Tingting’s hand, and they ran out of the cafeteria together.

“Whew, your ex-boyfriend is insane. If we hadn’t run in time, those agitated students might have done something reckless.”

Zhang Tingting’s eyes filled with disappointment. “I must have been blind back then.”

“Thank you for today. This is the second time you’ve helped me.” Zhang Tingting expressed her gratitude sincerely.

Zhu Xinya waved it off. “It’s nothing. I helped you because I think you’re a good person. No need to be so polite.”

From a distance, Que Hanfu saw Zhu Xinya pulling a girl out of the cafeteria and running to a secluded spot under a tree, their hands still clasped together.

Que Hanfu, who had been heading toward the office building, changed her course and walked up to Zhu Xinya. “Yaya, what are you doing here?” she asked, her eyes fixed on Zhu Xinya’s hand gripping Zhang Tingting’s.

Zhu Xinya was pleasantly surprised to see Que Hanfu. “Sister, what are you doing here?” she exclaimed, only then noticing that Que Hanfu seemed a bit off her gaze was icy as she stared at her hand holding Zhang Tingting’s!

Zhu Xinya quickly let go and hid both hands behind her back. “Sister, I just forgot to let go earlier. It wasn’t intentional,” she explained, feeling inexplicably guilty, as if she had been caught in the act, even though she hadn’t done anything wrong.

When Zhang Tingting saw Que Hanfu approaching, she was stunned. Que Hanfu was like the bright moon in the sky, the untouchable flower atop a high peak. In the entire school, fewer than ten people dared to muster the courage to approach her. Yet here she was, walking over and even initiating a conversation with Zhu Xinya!

Just who was Zhu Xinya? She had the phone number of the marketing director of the Fangyin Group, could make Que Hanfu come over and strike up a conversation, and even called Que Hanfu “sister”! Zhu Xinya was truly mysterious and impressive!

Zhang Tingting’s eyes burned with curiosity as she glanced back and forth between Que Hanfu and Zhu Xinya.

Zhu Xinya took the initiative to grab Que Hanfu’s hand and said to Zhang Tingting, “My sister and I have something to attend to, so we’ll be going now. Bye~”

As Zhu Xinya led Que Hanfu away, she explained why she had been holding Zhang Tingting’s hand. “If I hadn’t acted quickly, the cafeteria might have descended into chaos.”

“Then why didn’t you let go of her hand after leaving the cafeteria? Was her hand that pleasant to hold?” Que Hanfu asked, her eyes cold.

Under her gaze, Zhu Xinya felt increasingly in the wrong. “If I told you I forgot, would you believe me? Besides, I don’t even remember what her hand felt like. I was just trying to help someone, and holding her hand was unavoidable.”

“Are you sure it was just because you forgot?” Que Hanfu’s expression softened slightly.

Zhu Xinya nodded eagerly. “I swear, I really forgot.”

The two arrived at Que Hanfu’s office. As soon as they entered, Que Hanfu pinned Zhu Xinya against the door.

Lifting Zhu Xinya’s chin, Que Hanfu gazed deeply into her eyes and slowly leaned in. “Yaya, I make myself hold back every day, but I can’t hold back any longer.”

Que Hanfu’s red lips pressed against hers, and Zhu Xinya’s eyes widened in surprise.

When the kiss ended, Que Hanfu’s cheeks were tinged with a faint blush, and she breathed unsteadily. “Yaya, I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself.”

Zhu Xinya licked her tingling lips, the sound of her heartbeat echoing in her ears.

She hadn’t expected kissing to feel so wonderful like eating cotton candy, sweet enough to melt her heart. “If kissing requires an apology.” Zhu Xinya wrapped her arms around Que Hanfu’s neck, stood on her tiptoes, and brought her lips to Que Hanfu’s once more, “then let me apologize to you now.”

The thin air made her feel breathless, and fireworks seemed to explode in her mind. Zhu Xinya wanted to marry Que Hanfu right then and there!

Support