When the summons from the court arrived, Wang Zhuo smiled. Being a defendant for the first time in his life, and it being a case he himself initiated, was indeed an amusing turn of events! He treated it as a lark, even calling Qi Fei and the others to joke about it, but the media and the public were utterly unaware of the subtle maneuvering—and this news instantly ignited a massive uproar outside!

The ascendant Shengshi Dynasty was embroiled in internal conflict! Dong Banchang was abusing his authority for personal gain! Illegally seizing shareholder interests and misappropriating public assets!

Major media outlets immediately dedicated prime space to cover the story, with some websites even launching dedicated segments. Meanwhile, a few tabloid rags pushed the boundaries, colorfully fabricating the untold stories between the major shareholders of Shengshi Dynasty. In the domestic securities sector, a listed group like Shengshi Dynasty was unique; the average age of the top four shareholders was under thirty—and the top shareholder, Wang Zhuo, was only twenty, an utterly astonishing feat!

Some busybodies had tried to delve deep into Wang Zhuo’s background, investigating whether he was the illegitimate son of some powerful figure or something similar. Alas, Wang Zhuo’s identity was so clean it could be traced back to the Republic of China, even the Qing Dynasty. A comparison of his photograph with that of his father, Wang Zhengdao, confirmed their relationship without needing a paternity test; there was genuinely nothing suspicious to uncover.

His relationship with the other two major shareholders, Qi Fei and Guan Yingying, was also worth scrutinizing. The three of them had started together. There had once been a technician named Qiu Lu, but he later voluntarily ceded some shares and ceased to be a major shareholder.

Before Shengshi Dynasty’s massive private placement offering, the trio of Wang Zhuo, Qi Fei, and Guan Yingying constituted the top three shareholders. Even after the offering—when the second-largest shareholder became a vested interest group everyone tacitly understood—the combined shares of the Wang Zhuo trio still firmly controlled the group’s equity, giving shareholders a feeling of "stability," assuring them they wouldn't face drastic upheaval like the Huang-Chen War at Gome Group. But this controlling collective had suddenly fractured internally—the third and fourth shareholders were now jointly suing the top shareholder and Chairman, Wang Zhuo.

This naturally led everyone to ask: Was Shengshi Dynasty truly as stable as it appeared on the surface? Had shareholder conflicts escalated to the point of needing a courtroom showdown? What did the future hold?

And what on earth was that research achievement that warranted causing such a massive rift?! Among these questions, the one people cared about most was the last: What kind of research outcome was significant enough to make a major shareholder risk breaking ties with his close comrades to claim it as his own? The moment this news broke, it was like dropping a bomb on Shengshi Dynasty’s stock—not only did the upward trend halt, but it plummeted for several consecutive days, almost hitting the limit down circuit breaker one day!

After the statutory New Year’s Day holiday ended, the market opened. Shengshi Dynasty requested a trading halt for half a day to hold a press conference. During the meeting, the relevant executives were at times vague, at times contradictory, at times rambling, and at times evasive.

After more than an hour of wrangling, reporters finally managed to extract some valuable scraps of information and rushed back to publish their reports. Even before the lawsuit reached the courthouse, it had already captured the public’s attention. Wang Zhuo continued to act as if nothing was wrong, attending his final exams and various school activities.

When acquaintances inquired about the news, he offered cryptic, profound responses. If reporters called for interviews, he calmly assured them that everything was under control. The stock price fluctuated like a roller coaster.

Sun Donghao and Fei Long, among others, took advantage of the volatility to make profitable trades. Cheng Gang and his network of online commentators hyped the incident, paradoxically driving public interest to a new peak. With final exams over, Wang Zhuo once again relied on his X-ray vision to cheat his way through, bringing the semester to a perfect close.

“How far do you plan to take this manipulation?” The caller was Li Guangyi, the owner of Guangyi Pharmaceuticals. It was the first time he had learned that business could be conducted in such a manner, and his anticipation for their upcoming collaboration grew even stronger. “This is only the beginning,” Wang Zhuo replied with a smile, admiring the sparse snowflakes drifting outside his window.

“But the first phase is concluding. My statement will run in the papers tomorrow, and then Qi Fei and the others will withdraw the lawsuit and settle out of court with me.” Li Guangyi roared with laughter. “This move, using your left hand against your right, has certainly won you massive attention.” “Self-praise is never as effective as praise from others,” Wang Zhuo chuckled wryly.

“Even if others are technically on our side, as long as they appear separate to the general public, it works just as well.” “Brilliant, truly brilliant!” Li Guangyi laughed. “So, is it my turn to step onto the stage next?” “Not that quickly, don’t rush things,” Wang Zhuo said, glancing towards the bedroom with his X-ray vision. “The next step is promotion and building momentum, making the public aware that something is about to emerge.

Only then comes the bidding phase—when you bid ten billion or twenty billion, securing the five-year domestic operating rights in one fell swoop, that will be the climax!” Twenty billion? Five-year operating rights? Li Guangyi let out a dry chuckle, feeling that such figures sounded outrageously exaggerated, but Wang Zhuo was the undisputed master of this game.

If he said so, then that’s how they would proceed! After hanging up, Wang Zhuo turned his attention back to the bedroom. Siyuan and the Meng sisters were still whispering conspiratorially, discussing matters that he found both amusing and bewildering.

Ever since the incident in the garage was discovered by the Meng sisters, Siyuan had taken on the role of their mentor. However, she wasn't teaching them about her expertise in electronic technology, but rather a specialized course on "How to Please Director Wang," which gave Wang Zhuo a massive headache. It wasn't the first time she had done something like this.

Bai Lu, that naive girl, was still being run ragged under Siyuan’s direction, currently engaged in charitable work outside on behalf of a certain Red Cross organization—she was almost being molded into a living Bodhisattva! The money gained from liquidating the sports car had long since been spent. Siyuan continuously replenished the funds using money earned through her hacking or cracking activities, brazenly demanding more from Wang Zhuo.

Every time she showed him pictures of disabled children or dilapidated schools, Wang Zhuo felt an irresistible compulsion and handed over the money. In total, the amount already exceeded the value of that Audi R8. Wang Zhuo didn't know what Siyuan was plotting in her little head, but the photographs Bai Lu sent back genuinely touched him.

Compared to those numb officials and businessmen, Wang Zhuo possessed an inherent kindness, belonging to that small minority of wealthy individuals who still retained a conscience. Every time he parted with funds, even if the help rendered to others was limited, it always brought him a sense of solace. Currently, Siyuan was coaching the Meng sisters, though not along Bai Lu’s path.

Instead, she was trying to mold them into childcare experts, future pillars to support Wang Zhuo’s domestic life. Wang Zhuo found this idea utterly preposterous! The Meng sisters, however, were learning with great enthusiasm.

In Taoyuan Village, being able to raise children well was considered a woman’s greatest skill. Having been shaped by their environment since childhood, they placed immense importance on this knowledge. He suspected that when Wang Zhuo eventually had children, these two would prove to be the most competent nannies imaginable.

Summoning Siyuan to the living room, Wang Zhuo asked with annoyance, “What in the world are you doing? Shengdi is only fourteen, and you’re making her study emergency childbirth procedures?” “How did you know she was learning that?” Siyuan asked, blinking in surprise. “Uh,” Wang Zhuo was momentarily stumped.

He decided to leverage his dominant position and brushed aside her question. “I’m asking you—is it appropriate for her to be studying that?” Inside the room, the Meng sisters were watching a real-time birth instructional video Siyuan had somehow procured. It was clearly footage not meant for public release, and knowing Siyuan’s methods, she had probably hacked into some hospital or school to steal it.

“I don’t see anything inappropriate,” Siyuan said cheerfully. “In developed countries, even primary school children know this. In underdeveloped nations, girls her age have already given birth.

Learning this won't affect her physical or mental health. What is wrong with letting her know more knowledge?” Wang Zhuo frowned and pondered. He couldn't immediately think of anything wrong.

Some might argue that children should live innocent, carefree lives and shouldn't learn such things prematurely, but Wang Zhuo believed that wasn't a scientific educational approach and contradicted natural inclination. “Just keep stirring things up then,” he sighed, giving Siyuan an exasperated look. He was truly at a loss regarding this little mischievous imp.

When the winter break arrived, Wang Zhuo suddenly received a call from his father, asking if he wanted to return home for a visit. “Son, ever since you arrived in Jiangzhou, you haven't been back once. Do you consider this place your real home?” Consider this home?

Wang Zhuo scoffed. “You know my personality; staying in one fixed place would kill me. Having a home everywhere is what suits me.” “Then you should buy a villa in Bali and spend half a month there a year, ha ha.” Wang Zhengdao’s laughter carried a hint of cunning.

“And leave the remaining eleven and a half months for me to live in?” Wang Zhuo replied, half-amused, half-exasperated. “What a wonderful dream you have!” “Enough with the nonsense,” Wang Zhengdao said after a few laughs, turning serious. “There’s an old saying: If you become wealthy and honored but don’t return to your hometown, it’s like walking around in fine brocade at night.

I plan to organize a class reunion this Lunar New Year to show off a bit. Aren't you planning to come back for a few days?” That was incredibly frank! Wang Zhuo was utterly impressed by his father’s directness.

He laughed and said, “I was actually planning a beach vacation—not in Bali, but the Maldives—but I changed my itinerary just yesterday and decided last minute to return home. It happens to align perfectly with your suggestion.” “So, you are coming back for a specific reason?” Wang Zhengdao inquired. “That’s right.

Qi Fei’s grandfather is turning eighty-eight, and I’m going to pay my respects.” Wang Zhengdao’s mind immediately conjured up Qi Fei’s image. His son’s companions were all stunningly beautiful and accomplished women. As a man of the world with a keen eye, he had his own theories about his son’s romantic fortune.

He certainly wouldn't believe for a second that there wasn't a complicated relationship brewing between his son and that breathtakingly beautiful, mature woman!