Chapter Ninety-Seven: Disband Within Three Days

Under intense pressure, Cui Shangkai’s face was full of rage as he demanded, “Isn’t that the truth?”

Chen Yang gave a cold laugh, no longer wasting words with Cui Shangkai. He pulled out his phone and played the recording of the conversation between Jiang Yigan and Lian Yong.

The recording made it clear: the person who instructed Lian Yong to attack Shen Donghua was none other than Jiang Yigan.

Jiang Yigan listened, shame flooding his face as he hung his head.

Yet Cui Shangkai remained defiant, shouting, “Mr. Chen, in court, recordings aren’t admissible as evidence!”

“I couldn’t care less whether it counts as evidence. The recording is here—do you still dare deny it? Jiang Yigan, step forward.” Shen Donghua’s excuses had ignited Chen Yang’s fury.

Chen Yang’s roar startled everyone present, fear clouding their expressions.

He turned to Jiang Yigan, shouting again, “I said, step forward.”

Jiang Yigan trembled as he stood, his lips quivering. “I’m sorry—please, let me explain, let me explain.”

“Come here,” Chen Yang demanded.

Jiang Yigan was no fool; he knew if he approached Chen Yang, something unpleasant would surely happen. So he remained where he was, frantically explaining, “Mr. Chen, please listen—I was drunk, completely out of my head. Those were just drunken words.”

“I’m sorry, truly sorry. How is Mr. Shen now? Which hospital is he in? I’ll go see him right away, immediately.”

Suddenly, as Jiang Yigan finished speaking, Chen Yang sprang forward, delivering a swift kick to Jiang Yigan’s chest. With a crack, two of Jiang Yigan’s ribs broke.

Everyone in the Southwest Chamber of Commerce paled.

Jiang Yigan lay on the ground, wailing in pain.

Chen Yang shifted his gaze to Cui Shangkai and said, “In my opinion, the Southwest Chamber of Commerce should be dissolved today.”

Chen Yang had considered this move before he arrived. The Chamber’s existence had caused him trouble time and again. It had to be dissolved.

But the Chamber was Cui Shangkai’s creation, as precious to him as a beloved child. How could he bear to see it dissolved?

Cui Shangkai sprang up, pleading, “Mr. Chen, please, I beg you. The Southwest Chamber of Commerce is like my child—it hasn’t been easy to get here.”

“Although Mr. Jiang made a mistake, you’ve already punished him, haven’t you? The Chamber knew nothing of this, truly nothing. If I had known ahead of time what Mr. Jiang intended, I would have stopped him, absolutely.”

His words were smooth, but they could not sway Chen Yang’s resolve.

He had made up his mind before arriving: the Chamber must be dissolved, no matter what. No amount of eloquent pleading would change that.

Chen Yang’s voice was icy. “So you refuse to dissolve it?”

Cui Shangkai’s brow furrowed. “Mr. Chen, please, don’t hold grudges. Calm down, calm down. Next time, whenever you’re free, I’ll have everyone in the Chamber treat you to dinner.”

“Dinner? I have no appetite for dining with you. Are you saying the Chamber won’t be dissolved?” Chen Yang pressed.

Cui Shangkai’s anxiety deepened. “Mr. Chen, you’re making me desperate here, truly desperate.”

“But when the Chamber caused me trouble again and again, I never saw you this anxious,” Chen Yang retorted, mocking him.

Cui Shangkai pleaded, “If you’re dissolving the Chamber because it’s caused you difficulties, I promise it will never trouble you again.”

“I’ve given your Chamber two chances already. There won’t be a third.” Chen Yang’s voice was cold as ice.

With that, Chen Yang strode toward the reception room’s door.

Just before leaving, he paused, turned to Cui Shangkai, and said, “The Chamber has three days to dissolve. If not, I’ll ensure every one of you goes bankrupt and ends up begging on the streets.”

He turned and left.

No sooner had Chen Yang departed than someone in the Chamber cursed, “What a piece of work!”

Cui Shangkai looked worriedly at the outspoken boss. “Watch your words—he might not have left yet.”

The boss sneered, “The Southwest Chamber of Commerce isn’t his to dismantle as he pleases.”

Cui Shangkai sighed deeply.

The boss’s words might be bracing, but Cui Shangkai knew all too well, Chen Yang and Huading Company were not to be underestimated.

His feelings were conflicted.

After a moment’s silence, he looked at Jiang Yigan, still writhing on the floor, and walked over, complaining, “Yigan, why were you so reckless? Why provoke Shen Donghua of all people?”

He examined Jiang Yigan for a moment, then said softly, “Let me call the hospital and get you there.”

“Brother Cui, I’m sorry, so…so sorry,” Jiang Yigan apologized through gritted teeth.

Cui Shangkai felt a twinge of pity. “Enough, no need for apologies now. The important thing is to get you treated.”

Jiang Yigan curled up, silent, perhaps too weak to speak further.

Meanwhile, Chen Yang returned to Huading Company with his team and immediately called Lin Qianyao.

The phone rang twice before Lin Qianyao answered, his voice steady, “Mr. Chen, what is it now?”

Chen Yang spoke calmly, “I just left the Southwest Chamber of Commerce—I told them they have three days to dissolve, or I’ll bankrupt them all and send them begging. Since the threat is made, you’d better prepare yourself.”

“Is that so?” Lin Qianyao responded with a cold laugh. “Jiang Yigan dared to do that to Mr. Shen? The Chamber deserves to be dissolved.”

“Jiang Yigan has two broken ribs thanks to me. I’m guessing he’s on his way to the hospital now,” Chen Yang said darkly.

“Well deserved, serves him right!” Lin Qianyao exclaimed, his excitement tinged with satisfaction.

“I just wanted to let you know. I don’t think Cui Shangkai intends to dissolve the Chamber at all. If he doesn’t comply, you might have some work to do.”

Lin Qianyao laughed, “If there’s work to be done, so be it—it’s about time.”

“That’s all.”

“Oh, wait,” Lin Qianyao suddenly remembered something. “How’s Mr. Shen?”

Chen Yang replied, “I called his secretary, Zhang Lin, this morning. He said Mr. Shen is doing well, able to eat on his own. He’s recovering, but it’ll take some time.”

Lin Qianyao nodded.

Then, unable to contain his anger, he clenched his fist and cursed, “Jiang Yigan, that bastard, he deserves to die.”

“Enough, enough. I broke two of his ribs—he’ll suffer plenty. I will protect Mr. Shen; just focus on your own work.” Chen Yang reassured him.

Lin Qianyao nodded, “I know.”

“Good.” Chen Yang ended the call.

After hanging up, Chen Yang squinted, images of the Chamber’s faces flashing in his mind. He muttered coldly, “Southwest Chamber of Commerce, if you refuse, just wait and see.”

That evening, Chen Yang returned home at six, right on time.

The past two days, Qin Guoshan had been in poor spirits due to the imminent bankruptcy of the family business, casting a heavy pall over the household.

Yet, despite the gloomy atmosphere, Chen Yang always came home in a relaxed mood. After all, the drama of Qin Group’s bankruptcy was orchestrated by him.

He felt no remorse at all.

Chen Yang returned home in good spirits, but tonight, as soon as he walked in, Qin Guoshan looked at him with icy eyes and said, “Chen Yang, come here.”

Chen Yang met his father-in-law’s gaze.

He saw that cold, frosty stare and thought to himself, What now? What scheme is coming next?

He walked over to Qin Guoshan.

Qin Guoshan fixed his eyes on him and demanded, “Is Qin Group’s bankruptcy because you advised Shen Donghua behind the scenes?”

“Me?”

Chen Yang’s heart skipped a beat at the question.

He finally understood the reason for his father-in-law’s cold demeanor: he suspected Chen Yang was the mastermind behind Qin Group’s downfall.

Of course, the bankruptcy was Chen Yang’s doing, but he would never admit it.

He quickly smiled, “Dad, you’re giving me too much credit.”

“I heard from Muxue that the day before the company’s troubles began, you talked to her about bankruptcy. Doesn’t that mean you knew beforehand? Did Shen Donghua consult you, and you gave him ideas to ruin the company? Is that it?” Qin Guoshan pressed, his tone agitated.

Chen Yang was at a loss.

Where did he come up with this?

His father-in-law’s imagination was truly impressive. If only he’d write novels, his talent wouldn’t go to waste.

Chen Yang, of course, denied everything.

He quickly protested, “Dad, if you really think that of me, it hurts.”