Inheritance of Two Trillion Chapter 2405 - 1800: This Is No Small Matter
Previously on Inheritance of Two Trillion...
Bai Xiaosheng and his companions reached Moribido City the following day. Around noon, Lei Ying made his return, coinciding perfectly with the welcome luncheon arranged by the local city government.
With approximately an hour remaining until the luncheon commenced, Bai Xiaosheng discreetly withdrew from the main banquet hall. He convened a brief meeting with Lei Ying and Lin Weiwei to discuss the prevailing circumstances.
Lei Ying provided Bai Xiaosheng with a detailed account of the situation, earning praise for his swift actions. Meanwhile, Lin Weiwei playfully chided Lei Ying for his talkative nature, suggesting he wouldn't pass up a substantial meal even after completing his tasks.
"The immediate issue has been settled for now, but it appears we've inadvertently walked into Caroline's carefully laid trap," Bai Xiaosheng confided in them, voicing his suspicions.
It became apparent that Caroline had orchestrated a high-stakes gambit to sow discord, even putting five of her major corporations on the line and attracting considerable scrutiny.
This was truly an endeavor requiring immense effort!
"At that critical juncture, we couldn't afford to stand by and gauge reactions. Unless we were prepared to disengage entirely, intervening was our only option, even with the foreknowledge of it being a trap."
"It was an unmistakably obvious trap, yet one we were compelled to walk into," Lei Ying and Lin Weiwei echoed in unison, their voices tinged with regret.
After they had voiced their concerns, Lin Weiwei, unable to suppress her apprehension, inquired of Bai Xiaosheng, "So, what is our course of action now? Should we attempt to clarify matters with the Africa Region's business executive, Mr. Brown, to mitigate potential... misunderstandings?"
Occasionally, a degree of consideration for interpersonal dynamics is essential when executing business dealings.
Bai Xiaosheng let out a sigh, explaining, "I attempted to contact his office this morning, but he was unavailable. Since then, I've been immersed in back-to-back meetings, and now another luncheon is imminent. I will endeavor to reach him again later this afternoon."
Bai Xiaosheng was known for his methodical approach; he was not one to act rashly. Indeed, if a simple phone call could resolve numerous needless complications, he would readily make it.
Upon hearing Bai Xiaosheng's explanation, Lin Weiwei and Lei Ying both offered nods of understanding.
Just as the trio prepared to rejoin their respective banquets, Bai Xiaosheng's phone began to ring.
Instantly, all three halted their movements.
Bai Xiaosheng retrieved his phone, glanced at the caller ID, and announced, "It's Mr. Jiang Kuo calling. I hadn't yet had the opportunity to brief him on this matter..."
As the deputy head of the corporate headquarters' inspection department, Bai Xiaosheng's position was recognized by the leaders of all seven major regions.
To expedite such significant actions, only Wen Yan and Bai Xiaosheng possessed the authority to mobilize a substantial contingent from the headquarters' inspection department, enabling the simultaneous apprehension of ten enterprises across two continents.
Given that Wen Yan remained stationed at the headquarters, it was evident that this operation fell under Bai Xiaosheng's purview.
Furthermore, Mr. Jiang Kuo was fully aware of Bai Xiaosheng's presence in Africa.
"I was just contemplating whether Mr. Jiang Kuo might reach out to me..." Bai Xiaosheng murmured as he accepted the call, then offered a smile, saying, "Greetings, Mr. Jiang. This is Bai Xiaosheng speaking."
While Bai Xiaosheng extended a polite opening, Jiang Kuo dispensed with pleasantries, cutting directly to the chase. "Sheng, were the investigations into ten companies across the Africa and North America regions initiated by you?"
This information was already widely disseminated; it was no longer a closely guarded secret.
Bai Xiaosheng responded without hesitation, "Correct. I encountered certain circumstances here, and with the availability of conclusive evidence, Mr. Wen Yan and I jointly resolved to proceed with their apprehension."
Bai Xiaosheng stated the facts plainly.
From the other end of the line, Jiang Kuo's voice conveyed a palpable sense of urgency and frustration. "Sheng, alas... exercising your authority is not inherently wrong, but this action... was perhaps a trifle too hasty! I was attending to business matters when I saw the news and suspected it might involve you. I immediately returned to headquarters to ascertain the situation. The entire headquarters is in an uproar! Oh, and I happened to encounter Mr. Brown, the Africa Region's business executive. You've met him; while he maintains a certain distance, he typically at least acknowledges me. However, this time, he completely disregarded me. I presume you did not provide him with prior notification regarding this matter, is that correct?"
Jiang Kuo's rapid-fire questions were imbued with genuine concern for Bai Xiaosheng's professional standing.
Bai Xiaosheng, hailing from the Greater China Region, was intrinsically considered one of their own. Moreover, he was currently serving as the acting executive president of the Greater China Region.
How could Jiang Kuo not feel a sense of responsibility towards him?
"Indeed, I did not inform him in advance. However, I did attempt to reach his office by phone this morning, but he was not present," Bai Xiaosheng replied candidly.
"I had a feeling... Now that matters have escalated to this extent, attempting to communicate at this late stage might prove somewhat futile," Jiang Kuo remarked, a wry smile evident in his voice.
With the situation having reached this critical point, further discussion on the matter seemed unproductive.
Jiang Kuo found it somewhat baffling how Bai Xiaosheng, typically so cautious, could act with such apparent abandon on this occasion.
In certain professional environments, contemplation often proves more valuable than rash actions when critical junctures arise.
"It is rumored that Mr. Brown is nearing his retirement," Bai Xiaosheng mentioned, his tone casual.
This particular piece of intelligence Bai Xiaosheng had managed to verify earlier that very morning.
Typically, he paid little heed to such gossip.
After all, Bai Xiaosheng was not one to engage in subtle maneuvering for advancement; his gaze was fixed directly upon the chairman's seat, largely indifferent to the squabbles for lesser roles. Consequently, he remained somewhat detached from the flow of internal information.
Jiang Kuo surmised that Bai Xiaosheng's revelation indicated his belief that Mr. Brown's departure was imminent, rendering him no longer a threat. He immediately cautioned, "Sheng, your assumption that Mr. Brown is about to step down and poses no threat is a grave error! Mr. Brown, while still occupying his post, wields considerable authority over the African Region. He has held this position for many years, to the point where even deputy directors lack the standing to propose his removal or forced resignation. He is an unshakeable pillar among the seven main regional business leaders! Unless he himself decides it's time to retire and seek rest, no one possesses the power to dislodge him from his perch!"