Throughout this period, Qin Ming had not only successfully retained the majority of the company's staff and middle-to-high-level management but had also gradually clarified the company's domestic operations.

The only aspect not yet fully under his control remained the few overseas subsidiaries.

It was only after taking over Headline Technology that Chen Yan and Qin Ming discovered just how rapidly the company was growing.

Previously, Headline Technology's core was the news app "Headline," but now, due to the evolution of the times, it had shifted to the short video app "Douyin."

Because Douyin's domestic competitor, "Man Shou," had the advantage of being first to market, Zhang Yonghao's development strategy was to lay low domestically and grow quietly.

Meanwhile, they would strike hard internationally to secure the global market before nourishing the domestic front.

This strategy, from a current perspective, was undoubtedly successful.

While "Man Shou" was focused on domestic growth, Douyin had already expanded across the international market.

By the time Zhang Yonghao left, Douyin had topped the short video domain in twenty or thirty countries.

Thus, the international market had become one of Douyin's most core businesses.

Furthermore, since they had just taken over the company, Chen Yan and Qin Ming, in the interest of stability, were still continuing Zhang Yonghao's strategy to bridge this period.

Once the company was stable, if there was a better development path, they could discuss it then.

Now, the strategy of Chen Yan and Qin Ming seemed successful.

At least during this time, although Headline Technology had changed hands, it had not encountered any chaos.

And Qin Ming did not disappoint Chen Yan; he managed such a vast enterprise diligently and still made phone calls every few days to Chen Yan, reporting on the current progress and situation…

...

The call was made and after a five or six-second delay, it was answered.

After connecting, Qin Ming's apologetic voice came through, "Brother Chen, were you looking for me? I was dealing with the company's reports just now and didn't see your call."

Chen Yan offered reassurance, "No worries. This is your busiest time, I understand."

"But don't overwork yourself. You are my only general, and if you fall, the company won't function."

Hearing Chen Yan's words, Qin Ming quickly responded, "I will. Once I'm through this busy period, I'll take a break."

As a collateral member of the He family, Qin Ming was smart but had not had many opportunities since childhood, often developing in the shadow of He Mengxue.

This made him seize every chance he got.

Before, when Chen Yan entrusted him with the investment company, he diligently managed it with great order.

And now, as he had been given such a large-scale company like Headline Technology, he was even more careful, not daring to slack off for fear of losing this life-changing opportunity.

Chen Yan understood his thoughts and did not persuade him further, instead, he began discussing Zhang Yonghao.

After hearing Chen Yan's introduction, Qin Ming pondered for a while and then shook his head, saying, "Brother Chen, I've been too busy lately and haven't paid attention to Zhang Yonghao's situation."

"But my thoughts are the same as yours."

"Zhang Yonghao bullies the weak and fears the strong. If he dares to publicly criticize you and oppose you, he must have someone backing him."

"I suspect, could it be the Zhao family again?"

"After all, Zhang Yonghao had sided with Zhao Qingtian before. Although you took back the shares from Zhao Qingtian, who knows if he compensated him with something else."

Upon hearing Qin Ming's words, Chen Yan also began to ponder this possibility.

The more he thought about it, the more it seemed reasonable.

After all, Zhao Qingtian was the most likely and capable person to support Zhang Yonghao now.

If it weren't for the Zhao family's backing, on what basis would Zhang Yonghao be so defiant?

So... could it really be Zhao Qingtian playing tricks?

As these thoughts ran through his mind, Chen Yan talked with Qin Ming for a few more sentences before hanging up.

During their chat, Qin Ming also requested Chen Yan's permission to visit Douyin's various overseas subsidiaries next week.

And to avoid any issues, he planned to have He Mengxue come and temporarily oversee the company's headquarters.

Chen Yan hesitated, then agreed.

After all, it seemed reasonable.

After hanging up, Chen Yan thought for a moment and then made a call to Zhao Xuan.

If Qin Ming was the person closest to Zhang Yonghao in Chen Yan's circle, then Zhao Xuan was the person closest to Zhao Qingtian.

As a significant force in the Zhao family and Zhao Qingtian's current "collaborator," if Zhao Qingtian made any moves, it was impossible for Zhao Xuan not to know.

Thus, Chen Yan planned to ask him to investigate and see if there were any clues regarding the Zhang Yonghao incident.

After dialing, the phone rang a "Dong... Dong... Dong…" and soon connected.

Chen Yan sweetly greeted, "Uncle Zhao, good afternoon. It's Chen Yan."

Instead of Zhao Xuan's voice, Zhao Ying's dazed voice answered, "Chen Yan? Are you looking for my dad?"

"But why is your name 'a pig'?"

Hearing Zhao Ying's question, Chen Yan was stunned for a second, then quickly realized the "malicious intention" behind Zhao Xuan's choice.

However, he couldn't explain this "intent" to Zhao Ying, so he awkwardly changed the subject, "Brother Ying, you're with Uncle Zhao? Can you hand him the phone?"

Thankfully, Zhao Ying was quite simple-minded and easily got sidetracked by Chen Yan's request, responding with an "Okay" before saying, "Alright, just a second."

After saying this, the sound of the phone being placed on a table could be heard followed by Zhao Ying's distant calling, "Dad, Chen Yan is looking for you. Dad, where did you go?"

A short while later, Zhao Xuan's voice came from the receiver; he coughed and said, "Xiao Chen, what's up? What do you need?"

Hearing Zhao Xuan's voice, Chen Yan said despondently, "Uncle Zhao, you actually set my contact name to 'a pig'…"

"Eh," Zhao Xuan hesitated before laughing heartily, "Oh, it's just a nickname. Don't take it too seriously."

Finished, he asked once more, "Anyway, what did you need?"

Seeing Zhao Xuan not addressing the issue, Chen Yan did not pursue it further and shared the matter of Zhang Yonghao, asking Zhao Xuan to help investigate.

Zhao Xuan hesitated momentarily before agreeing.

He said he'd get back to Chen Yan with information.

No more than 10 minutes after hanging up, Zhao Xuan called back.

Upon connecting, Chen Yan said with surprise, "Uncle Zhao, you found out so quickly?"

Zhao Xuan replied with a chuckle, "It was just coincidence."

"It happens to be within the scope of my surveillance, so when I inquired, I found that my subordinates had already prepared a report for me."

"A coincidence?" Chen Yan couldn't help but ask, "Does this have something to do with you?"

Zhao Xuan admitted, "Not really. It's related to you."

He coughed and said somewhat secretively, "Recently, I saw your company was facing many issues and I had just taken over some of Zhao family's powers."

"So, I had someone specifically keep an eye on one of your enemies for you."

Hearing Zhao Xuan's words, an image flashed through Chen Yan's mind, "Xu Zhaorong?!"

As Chen Yan mentioned the name, Zhao Xuan confirmed with a smile, "Right. Him."

"My people reported to me that Xu Zhaorong and Zhang Yonghao had met a few times recently. And then the two also visited someone from a court in Tiandu together."

"Looks like he's the one behind this," Chen Yan said.

After finishing, Zhao Xuan added, "However, I've also checked out the people at that court. They aren't very formidable figures. The influence they can exert is limited."

"So, if you like, I can make a move and suppress this matter for you."

Upon hearing Zhao Xuan's words, Chen Yan refused, "There's no need, Uncle Zhao. The transaction between Zhang Yonghao and me was faultless from the start. It was he who couldn't hold out and pulled out early, which is why he lost money."

"Even if the court holds a session, I don't think I'll lose. I'll just hire a good lawyer at that time."

"However... Xu Zhaorong actually getting in touch with Zhang Yonghao is something I hadn't anticipated."

Zhao Xuan nodded and evaluated, "Xu Zhaorong is not a simple man. Don't underestimate him. Treat him cautiously."

Chen Yan acknowledged with a sound.

Then the two exchanged a few more words before hanging up.

After ending the call, Chen Yan stared at his phone for a while, then shook his head with a chuckle.

Because he really didn't know what to say.

Ever since Zhao Xuan had compromised and reconciled with Zhao Qingtian, he might have felt some guilt toward Chen Yan, and was truly meticulous in his care for Chen Yan.

He always thought of Chen Yan in everything, taking precautions on his behalf for any issues that may arise.

Whenever Chen Yan encountered trouble, he would also leverage the Zhao Family's power to handle things for Chen Yan.

For example, the last time when Chen Yan intentionally mentioned a need for money, Zhao Xuan had been ready to lend him several billion right away. Like this time, when Zhao Xuan found out Xu Zhaorong was scheming behind the scenes, he asked if Chen Yan needed help suppressing it.

In the past, this would have been unimaginable.

So for a moment, Chen Yan felt... Zhao Xuan's compromise actually brought him so many benefits.

He almost wanted to thank Zhao Qingtian...

After finishing his thoughts about Zhao Xuan, Chen Yan began to ponder the current situation with Zhang Yonghao.

The first thing he could confirm was that someone was definitely behind Zhang Yonghao's antics.

But... was it really Xu Zhaorong?

Or to put it another way... Xu Zhaorong alone?

After all, not long ago, Xu Zhaorong had still been trying to get on good terms with Chen Yan, so it seemed somewhat off for him to help Zhang Yonghao at this time.

As he thought this, Chen Yan couldn't help but consider a possibility: Could there be someone behind Xu Zhaorong?

Perhaps... Zhao Qingtian.

After being thwarted by him, Zhao Qingtian might have been indignant and directed Xu Zhaorong to draw Zhang Yonghao to his side to stir trouble for him.

The more Chen Yan thought about it, the more he felt it was possible.

However, whether or not this possibility was true, Chen Yan intended to deal with Xu Zhaorong and Zhao Qingtian either way. So he thought it actually saved him some trouble; it was like killing two birds with one stone.

If that were the case, things would be much simpler.

After handling official business, Chen Yan's thoughts inadvertently drifted to personal matters: Zhao Ying was now in Tiandu and He Mengxue would soon be going to Tiandu as well.

As the company grew, Qin Island was gradually proving less convenient than Tiandu.

For instance, Yang Rou often had to travel to Tiandu on business to discuss collaborations with various actors, producers, and satellite televisions.

The Charity Organization's development within Qindong Province was nearing its peak. The next step would be nationwide expansion, which also necessitated establishing an office in Tiandu.

And Lu Man was even clearer. Almost all domestic first and second-tier celebrities were rooted in Tiandu or Mogul, rarely in other cities.

Thus, Chen Yan felt that perhaps he really should consider setting up a central office in Tiandu and bring Yu Qiao Qiao, Lu Man, Yang Rou, He Mengxue, and the others over to change their base of operations...

However, with so many women together, wouldn't it cause some sort of chaos...

While thinking this, Chen Yan felt somewhat troubled.

Just as Chen Yan was feeling troubled, his phone suddenly "ding-a-linged" with a ring.

Chen Yan snapped back to reality and looked at the phone on the desk.

The incoming caller's name was displayed on the phone: Xu Zhaorong...

Seeing the name, Chen Yan was stunned: Xu Zhaorong is calling me?

Isn't he backing Zhang Yonghao?

Why the sudden contact?

While thinking this, Chen Yan gathered his thoughts and picked up the phone to answer.

Upon connecting, Xu Zhaorong's hearty voice came from the other end, "President Chen. Good afternoon. Are you free?"

Chen Yan, smiling insincerely, replied, "I'm alright. I have time for a brief conversation."

Hearing Chen Yan's discourteous response, Xu Zhaorong wasn't annoyed.

He said with a laugh, "Well, I want to discuss a business proposition with President Chen."

"I wonder if the recent matter with Zhang Yonghao has caused you any inconvenience."

"If President Chen requires, I can solve this issue."

"Whether it involves getting him to withdraw the lawsuit, keeping his mouth shut, or even ensuring he loses the legal case, I can make it happen."

"I don't know... are you interested, President Chen?"

Hearing Xu Zhaorong's words, Chen Yan almost wanted to laugh.

Zhang Yonghao, this unlucky fellow, truly pitiable. Everyone wants to sell him out.

Is it because he's a bad person, so he can't meet anyone decent?

However, while Zhang Yonghao might not be a good person, Xu Zhaorong isn't any better.

With this thought, Chen Yan bluntly said, "President Xu. Are you aware that if I recorded what you just said, you wouldn't be able to escape a charge of manipulating the judiciary?"

"The outcome of the case, you alone can decide?"

"Do you have some sort of personal relationship with the judge, or do you have some unspeakable secret?"

It was evident Xu Zhaorong was an old fox, too; if he dared to say it, he certainly had an answer that could smooth things over.

So he replied with a laugh, "President Chen is exaggerating. You've misunderstood."

"How could I possibly manipulate the judiciary?"

"There are many ways to lose a court case. For instance, the plaintiff might fail to submit evidence, or the plaintiff could remain silent during the trial, both of which are legitimate."

Hearing Xu Zhaorong's explanation, Chen Yan was taken aback: truly, an old fox is slick.

His statement clearly implied the possibility of manipulating the justice system, yet his explanation made it seem reasonable.

It looked like acting on these minor points wouldn't affect him much.

While thinking this, Chen Yan retorted, "Since President Xu speaks with such certainty, it looks like Zhang Yonghao's current behavior stems from your involvement behind the scenes?"

Xu Zhaorong chuckled, "It wasn't much. I just offered him some legal assistance."

Upon hearing Xu Zhaorong's response, Chen Yan scoffed and said, "Don't you find it rather funny?"

"You first assist my adversary."

"Then you turn around and betray him. Providing me with a favor."

"This situation... it just doesn't seem right, no matter how you look at it."

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