Inheritance of Two Trillion Chapter 2426 - 1809: Investigation Begins (Part 2)
Previously on Inheritance of Two Trillion...
The latter was naturally overjoyed.
Following the inspection's conclusion, Bai Xiaosheng and the other two were treated to a sumptuous lunch at the Winsmo Group.
Afterward, the trio made their way back to the business group's estate.
However, only Bai Xiaosheng returned directly. En route, Lin Weiwei and Lei Ying departed the vehicle one after the other, their respective investigation teams having already been mobilized and even dispatching cars to collect them.
What was about to unfold was a meticulously orchestrated covert investigation, unseen by most.
Not a single corporation that Tike had pledged benefits to, in favor of old Vincent, would escape scrutiny.
Bai Xiaosheng delegated the task of investigation to Lin Weiwei and Lei Ying, while he himself returned to the estate, where he encountered Hou Yuncheng.
The latter expressed his concern on several occasions, and Bai Xiaosheng offered a brief update on the smooth progress of their cooperation.
Beyond this, no further details were exchanged.
After all, these were considered "internal affairs," involving the group's internal conflicts, making it inappropriate to discuss with anyone outside the circle.
Upon learning that matters were proceeding favorably, Hou Yuncheng promptly offered his congratulations to Bai Xiaosheng.
Meanwhile, as these two conversed, Mr. Tike was delivering a report to Mr. Brown.
In truth, this report ought to have been presented hours prior, but regrettably, Mr. Brown was occupied with a visiting friend, and their extensive conversation delayed Tike's ability to report until this moment.
After receiving Tike's report, Mr. Brown could not suppress a few derisive laughs.
"That old Vincent is truly cunning. The terms he stipulated were rather demanding, and he specifically requested established enterprises from our side as partners!"
"I acceded to all his demands as per your directives. Have I perhaps agreed to too much?" Tike inquired, a hint of apprehension in his voice.
Mr. Brown remained unperturbed, "Vincent's organization is not a minor entity. For them to withdraw cooperation from Bai Xiaosheng's faction is already an act of offense against Bai Xiaosheng. Naturally, Vincent would demand substantial concessions. Regarding those major enterprises he singled out, we shall comply, but we must be judicious about the extent of profit we concede."
Tike bowed respectfully, "I understand, Mr. Brown."
"I am uncertain how that old Vincent identified those specific companies, but he certainly possesses a keen discernment," Mr. Brown mused aloud.
And indeed, these were all enterprises under Cilio's management, companies that had demonstrated exceptional performance in the African region over the years.
Standing beside him, Tike offered a simple, affable smile.
"Very well, you may proceed with your duties," Mr. Brown stated, without even glancing at Tike, as he waved him away while engrossed in his documents.
Tike offered a courteous nod and quietly took his leave.
Outside, Tike encountered Cilio, who was approaching once more, his demeanor still conspicuously unfriendly.
Nevertheless, Tike greeted him with a warm and sincere smile, "Mr. Cilio, Mr. Brown was just inquiring about you, mentioning that your companies need to collaborate so we can secure a significant partner together."
"What sort of partner necessitates our collective effort? I am perfectly capable of managing this independently." Cilio retorted with a thinly veiled, antagonistic smile.
Without allowing Tike to elaborate further, Cilio brushed past him and proceeded directly to Mr. Brown's office.
Tike wisely chose to remain silent, maintaining his smile as he observed Cilio and then discreetly turned away.
However, the moment his back was turned to Cilio, the smile Tike habitually wore gradually vanished.
After all, no one is inherently benevolent...
That night.
Within the confines of his room at the business group's estate, Bai Xiaosheng received the initial report from Lin Weiwei and Lei Ying.
Merely a few hours had passed, a testament to their remarkably swift actions.
Naturally, this was largely attributable to the exceptional efficiency of the headquarters' monitoring department personnel.
Furthermore, within some of the companies under investigation, there were also headquarters personnel present, facilitating the investigation with invaluable inside assistance.
Even Bai Xiaosheng had not anticipated the magnitude of the problems uncovered within a mere half-day of investigation.
If a comprehensive probe were to be conducted, who knew what further issues might come to light.
"Ah, Mr. Brown, this is the deplorable state of the group under your stewardship!" Bai Xiaosheng declared softly to himself, his expression hardening as his brow furrowed.
Previously, he had held Mr. Brown in high esteem as a distinguished veteran and had treated him with the utmost courtesy.
But it now appeared that such consideration was no longer warranted!
It was plausible that Mr. Brown himself harbored exceedingly grave and reprehensible transgressions.
Should significant issues concerning Mr. Brown be brought to light, Bai Xiaosheng's own standing could rapidly ascend to a remarkable level, potentially even reaching the echelon of vice-chairman!
The investigation had indeed ignited a fierce competitive spirit within Bai Xiaosheng.
However, upon regaining a measure of composure, he stepped out onto the balcony, his gaze sweeping across the nocturnal expanse and the scattered starlight, his eyes reflecting a flicker of contemplation.
A nagging sense of disquiet lingered in his thoughts.
That night, Bai Xiaosheng drifted off to sleep, still immersed in contemplation.
The subsequent two days unfolded with the members of the Huaxia Business Group actively embarking on visits and inspections across various cities and enterprises within Xisuli.
Meanwhile, Bai Xiaosheng remained confined to his residence for the entirety of these two days. When questioned about his absence, he stated he was engrossed in preparations for cooperation with the Winsmo Group, a commitment that left him no spare time.
It was fortunate that the Winsmo Group was a prominent entity, holding a position within the top five enterprises in Xisuli and showing considerable potential to ascend into the top three this year. Therefore, forging a significant collaboration with them was perceived as far more consequential than engaging with a dozen smaller enterprises, a fact that others readily understood.
Throughout this two-day period, both Lin Weiwei and Lei Ying consistently transmitted updates regarding their investigation progress, along with electronic copies of their reports, directly to Bai Xiaosheng’s phone.
It merits special mention that Wen Yan provided invaluable assistance, even mobilizing approximately one-third of the personnel from the department in the African region within these two days. This mobilization effort successfully unlocked previously restricted data, offering complete support to the ongoing endeavors.
Amidst her busy schedule, Lin Weiwei couldn’t resist a lighthearted remark to Bai Xiaosheng during a conversation, saying, "Xiaosheng, do you suppose Mr. Wen Yan is so eager to assist us—and particularly you—because he envisions you ascending to a higher position, perhaps even surpassing him? Is it possible he's grown weary of his current role and desires you to advance? Or perhaps your successes might bolster the department's overall achievements, thereby facilitating his further ascent."
Considering Wen Yan’s standing at the Zhenbei Group headquarters, he already held a rank equivalent to that of vice-chairmen, wielding authority over them. Any further advancement would realistically leave him with only the option of assuming the role of acting chairman.
However, concerning the group’s acting chairman, Bai Xiaosheng had, surprisingly, never encountered this individual, nor had their name ever been mentioned by anyone. What he did know was that the chairman frequently traveled and had never made an appearance in any news reports. Bai Xiaosheng once casually inquired with Jiang Kuo or Soruns, and both responded that it was under the direction of Mr. Situ Yin, who served as the former chairman’s secretary, and that they had all pledged not to discuss the matter, even in private.
Not feeling an overwhelming sense of curiosity about such affairs, Bai Xiaosheng simply let the matter rest.
This situation undoubtedly ranked as the most peculiar circumstance Bai Xiaosheng had ever contemplated.
Returning to the immediate concern, the findings compiled over the past two days were sufficient to hold the leaders of four out of the six implicated companies accountable. As for the remaining two, a direct public investigation could be formally requested.
Bai Xiaosheng was confident that Wen Yan’s team had also obtained this critical information.
Prior to and subsequent to this period, within the group's operations in the African region, well over a dozen companies had already been identified with substantial irregularities.
This had escalated beyond a minor issue, necessitating accountability at a senior level!
Bai Xiaosheng was currently deliberating whether to initiate contact with Wen Yan to propose an escalation in the accountability targets.
The Executive President of the African region, Mr. Tike, while lacking direct incriminating evidence, bore responsibility for severe negligence due to a lack of oversight.
The same applied to Mr. Brown!
Nevertheless, mere negligence in oversight was insufficient to destabilize their positions.
Just as Bai Xiaosheng was contemplating the opportune moment to connect with Wen Yan for a discussion, a report arrived from Lin Weiwei.
The content of the report was concise yet immediately seized Bai Xiaosheng’s complete attention.
The report indicated that, regardless of whether the enterprises were from the initial problematic batch or the more recent group, all were directly answerable to a single individual.
This individual was identified as the Executive Vice President of the Group’s Africa Region – Cilio!
Furthermore, the report disclosed that Cilio’s father was none other than Mr. Brown, the Regional Business President of the Group in Africa!
"I was already puzzled, how could this African region even possess an Executive Vice President! This is… a father-son duo operating on the battlefield!"
Upon reading this revelation, Bai Xiaosheng couldn’t help but narrow his eyes slightly, murmuring, "Cilio, is it!"