Inheritance of Two Trillion Chapter 2428 - 1810: Clever People (Part 2)
Previously on Inheritance of Two Trillion...
Two more firms faced suspicion, their leaders put on hold pending investigation.
Full evidence was supplied by Bai Xiaosheng, the Supervisory Department’s second-in-command, its accuracy verified by several vice chairmen. Bai Xiaosheng would also bear complete accountability for the ensuing inquiry.
Considering all implicated and previously troublesome enterprises were directly affiliated with the African Division’s Executive Vice President, Cilio, he was immediately suspended for investigation!
The African Division’s Business President, Mr. Brown, was required to return to headquarters without delay to oversee his division’s ongoing operations...
This bulletin's contents were, without question, startling.
Simply put, significant problems had once again surfaced within several companies under Cilio's oversight; Bai Xiaosheng initiated and was tasked with the investigation, Cilio was suspended, and Mr. Brown had to step aside...
"How could this possibly happen!" Cilio, fully aware of the decision, displayed sheer panic.
Indeed, he was fraught with issues, at minimum failing to be a qualified manager, and moreover, had personal financial motivations. Once the investigation concluded, a permanent shadow would be cast, impeding any future advancement within the corporation.
"It’s that Bai Xiaosheng; he actually... right here, completely turned the tables on me!" Mr. Brown’s countenance was dismayed, his fist slamming the dining table, oblivious to the pain.
Bai Xiaosheng, after remaining quiet for two days, had unexpectedly amassed a substantial trove of evidence, ample to prosecute the executives of four companies and instigate public inquiries into two additional ones.
What kind of proof had he actually secured!
"Cilio, what in the world have you been doing behind closed doors!" Mr. Brown, teeth gritted, bellowed at Cilio.
Should this matter have been minor, there would have been no necessity for the headquarters to mandate the avoidance protocol.
"My dealings..." Cilio’s voice quivered slightly with apprehension as he drew a deep breath. "Shouldn't be this dire. Those companies have personnel from Tike; how could I possibly overstep with them..."
Then, Cilio fiercely stated, "It's undoubtedly that Bai Xiaosheng; he must be seeking retribution for what transpired between you and him! I suspect he's leveraging his connections at headquarters to target our African Division! Remember how he disrupted operations in the South American and North American Divisions during his previous visits!"
Mr. Brown narrowed his eyes, a frigid glint appearing. "Is that so! If he dares to magnify minor transgressions, even if I must confront him in court at headquarters, I will absolutely not permit him to disgrace us in such a manner!"
"Yes, take him to court at headquarters!" Cilio vociferously agreed.
The father and son, usually emotionally detached, unexpectedly found common ground in this predicament.
"Cilio, given that the implicated firms still retain individuals selected by Tike, there shouldn't be any deep personal affiliations between yourselves, correct?" Mr. Brown, a seasoned executive weathered by countless business storms, regained his composure swiftly and inquired in a deep tone.
Cilio hastily nodded. "Yes, I lack those intimate connections with them, unlike my previous dealings with other companies. After all, I cannot place my trust in Tike's people, and it presents inconveniences."
At this juncture, Cilio’s resentment surged, and he declared bitterly, "Those scoundrels must have colluded covertly, employing my name for their reckless actions! How could they have pocketed several times the stipulated share when I only sanctioned a portion? Villains, daring to betray my trust!"
Old Brown showed no interest in Cilio’s outburst. Rather, his words brought him a measure of relief, and he calmly stated, "That is fortunate. Their misdeeds are their own burdens. Being suspended and investigated is merely a procedural step. After all, with so many problematic entities falling under your purview, the official process must be observed. Remember, do not falter! Exert every effort to sever your ties with those company leaders!"
"Understood, I will comply." This time, Cilio was exceptionally compliant, affirming his agreement multiple times.
Old Brown contemplated for a moment, then pointed a finger at Cilio. "Go and summon Tike. There are matters for which I intend to hold him and his associates accountable, and certain responsibilities I wish for him to bear on your behalf."
This action could substantially mitigate the burdens weighing upon Cilio.
Upon hearing this, Cilio immediately nodded, a sneer crossing his face. "That Tike has received far too much favor from you; it's high time he contributed something significant for us!"
Just as the father and son were engaged in this discussion, an urgent knocking resounded upon the chamber door.
Old Brown gestured for Cilio to quiet down, then raised his voice. "Enter!"
The door swung open, and Tike bustled in, his usually jovial, plump face etched with considerable worry. Upon spotting Old Brown and Cilio, he exclaimed immediately, "Mr. Brown, Cilio, something calamitous has occurred! I've just received word from headquarters..."
Cilio turned his gaze towards his father.
Old Brown maintained a cordial demeanor, stating, "Tike, fret not. I am already well-informed of the situation. Your presence is most welcome, as I indeed need to confer with you on several matters..."
Tike promptly advanced, declaring with sincerity, "Mr. Brown, whatever your needs, please do not hesitate to command me. At this crucial juncture, I shall exert my utmost to help us navigate these trying times!"
This declaration brought immense pleasure to Old Brown.
Cilio observed Tike, his previously disdainful expression softening considerably.
This portly gentleman was, in fact, quite discerning...
Meanwhile, across the expanse of America, within the headquarters of Zhenbei Group, precisely in the office of Vice Chairman Morgan.
Caroline was engaged in a coffee session with Vice Chairman Morgan.
Behind the closed doors of his office, their conversation flowed with candor.
"I truly did not anticipate that Bai Xiaosheng, having been stationed in the African Division for mere days, would achieve such substantial progress. Should his accomplishments continue to escalate, he may soon stand on par with myself," Vice Chairman Morgan remarked with a knowing half-smile.
Caroline immediately responded with a laugh, "Sir, no matter what he accomplishes, even if he were to overthrow Old Brown and bring upheaval to the entire African Division, he could never truly rival your achievements."
Vice Chairman Morgan, perceiving this as mere jest, chuckled and dismissed the notion. While Bai Xiaosheng was undeniably capable, reaching the status he alluded to would likely require decades.
"Furthermore, I found it quite unexpected that Bai Xiaosheng would actively move against Old Brown and his son. That old fellow is often deferential to me," Vice Chairman Morgan sneered. "I initially considered Bai merely another adversary, but I hadn't foreseen this storm escalating to such a degree. If Cilio were to fall, might this signify a shift in the power structure within the African Division as well?"
Caroline let out a laugh. "Indeed. Even if Old Brown harbors no desire to relinquish his position, his health is unlikely to sustain him for many more years. In Cilio's absence, he would be compelled to support Tike in maintaining control."
"A restructuring of this magnitude could present a valuable opportunity for us, allowing for the removal of a middle-tier force and the installation of one of our own loyalists. Amidst this exchange, Lu Cheng'an and Li Yunyuan will find themselves thoroughly occupied!" Vice Chairman Morgan couldn't suppress a surge of excitement.
Caroline concurred wholeheartedly with his assessment.
"It is rather unfortunate; Old Brown is quite a formidable figure, yet his son falls remarkably short," Caroline mused softly. "However, it often proves perilous when an individual of limited intellect believes themselves to be exceptionally clever. Certainly, those truly astute, such as Bai Xiaosheng and Old Brown, are not always wise, nor consistently insightful. The clever ones are often ensnared by their own cunning!"
Old Morgan let out a hearty laugh, raising his glass. "To the clever ones, then!"
Caroline, with a smile, also raised her own chalice.
Concurrently.
Bai Xiaosheng was partaking in his breakfast while receiving a report from Lin Weiwei. Lei Ying had not yet returned.
"The official directive from headquarters has been promulgated. I daresay Old Brown and Mr. Cilio must be experiencing immense distress. Serves them right for their illicit dealings and for having the audacity to challenge you, Xiaosheng!" Lin Weiwei expressed evident satisfaction at their predicament.
Bai Xiaosheng, mid-meal, replied, "This particular success is largely attributable to the swift actions of Mr. Wen Yan. He adeptly contacted several vice chairmen and engaged in discussions with Mr. Situ Yin; without his intervention, Old Brown might not have faced any repercussions. Nevertheless, even with his assistance, Mr. Wen Yan indicated that some individuals felt it necessary to preserve a modicum of dignity for Old Brown."
"Why afford him such leniency? His son met such a fate! I refuse to believe he was entirely ignorant or uninvolved; he should face an investigation as well!" Lin Weiwei countered vehemently.
Bai Xiaosheng couldn't help but offer a slight smile.
The complexities of the situation were not quite so straightforward.
However, once Cilio's transgressions were definitively proven, his position would be forfeited, and Old Brown would inevitably be pressured into retirement.
This particular outcome was deemed acceptable.
As their conversation progressed, they abruptly sensed a rapid approach, causing Bai Xiaosheng and Lin Weiwei to look up, perceiving a shadow falling over them.
The newly arrived individual was none other than Lei Ying.
Lei Ying decisively placed a thick stack of documents onto the table with a 'thud' and exclaimed with palpable excitement, "Behold what I have uncovered!"
"What is it?" Bai Xiaosheng and Lin Weiwei inquired in unison, eagerly reaching for the papers to examine their contents.
Lei Ying then snatched Bai Xiaosheng’s unfinished breakfast and began to eat, speaking between hearty mouthfuls. "I managed to obtain crucial information from the second-in-command of the very company I was investigating. By meticulously following this trail, we can expose every single one of Cilio’s corrupt practices throughout the years. Pursuing this investigation will undoubtedly lead to his ultimate downfall!"