"Because our product quality has absolutely no issues, it's just a few malicious factions attacking our company; therefore, we plan to counter the current rumors head-on. As long as everyone is willing to stand with us and handle this matter together, our company will absolutely not treat any of you unfairly in the future," Liu Hui stated calmly, his words containing no grand promises.
The general agents exchanged glances. The US general agent jumped out again, saying, "Who would believe your empty words? Not unless you put up the shares of Starry Sky Group as collateral for us. Only then, with security for everyone, can we trust you. Don't you all agree?"
The other general agents did not echo the American agent's proposal this time. They were all carefully considering Liu Hui's words because the decision they were about to make would directly impact their own vital interests, allowing for no haste. Their cooperation with Starry Sky Group over the past half-year had brought them substantial profits, while also extending their influence into every aspect of their respective agency regions, allowing them to easily integrate local resources, enhance their strength, and achieve leapfrog development.
Liu Hui merely watched their reactions, saying nothing.
"What are you still considering? If they are unwilling to use equity as collateral, then let Starry Sky Group return our advance payments. Otherwise, I fear they might abscond with the money," the US general agent incited.
Liu Hui spoke coldly, "There is a door over there. Those who wish to take their money, please walk out through this door. We will ensure all your funds are returned before ten o'clock tomorrow. However, I must remind you: once you step out of that door, your partnership with Starry Sky Group will be entirely void, and your previously acquired general agency rights will be replaced by another company."
The general agents fell silent immediately, observing each other's actions, hoping to deduce the choice most favorable to themselves.
Seeing the situation turn, the American agent immediately stood up and declared, "I only want my money back. I never want to be entangled with Starry Sky Group again. We choose to withdraw."
With that, he walked toward the door, sneaking glances at the other agents' reactions as he went. Yet, no one stood up to support him, and he immediately felt something was amiss. He wanted to stay, but no one spoke to persuade him to remain, and he was too embarrassed to back down now. His pace was slow, but even so, he quickly reached the door. Seeing no one attempting to stop him, he abandoned the thought and left, closing the door behind him.
"The US general agent has left. Who else wishes to depart now?" Liu Hui inquired.
The remaining agents were hesitant. However, seeing that no one else had made a move, they forced themselves to stay, not walking toward that door.
"This is the final chance. I want to remind you that staying here might mean you won't get your payments back," Liu Hui offered a seemingly kind warning to the agents.
"Boss Liu, we have all decided to support you. Please tell us what your plan is," Luo Yufeng spoke up when no one chose to leave.
"Very good. None of you chose to leave; it seems you are still willing to trust me." Liu Hui was genuinely pleased. These general agents had not disappointed his expectations. Although they had been somewhat indecisive and wavering, they had ultimately stayed in the room, choosing to place their faith in him.
"Now, we will close the door and discuss matters that are of mutual interest," Liu Hui said with a mysterious smile. Li Zhi immediately shut the door, cutting off the line of sight of the American agent who had been watching the room.
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That evening, Starry Sky Group faxed all major media outlets, announcing that the company would hold a press conference at the Peninsula Hotel the following morning at ten o'clock. Company owner Mr. Liu Hui would provide definitive answers to the matters everyone was concerned about, and they hoped the media would attend punctually.
The media outlets were overjoyed upon receiving the fax. Starry Sky Group was finally fighting back after a long silence; the media war felt incomplete without the voice of Starry Sky Group. As soon as this fax was sent out, media worldwide went into a frenzy, rapidly pulling their best and brightest reporters to Hong Kong, hoping to secure the most shocking inside scoop.
The next day, in a small American farm, about a dozen people sat around an old, round table, an old television set placed before them, also tuned in to the Starry Sky Group press conference.
"The Starry Sky Group press conference is about to begin. I'm really looking forward to their performance. By the way, John, do you think our plan still has any loopholes? Does Starry Sky Group have any chance of turning the tables?" an elderly white man asked.
"Mr. Qufuota, haven't we already run the simulations? Our serial strategy is virtually flawless. Even if Liu Hui knows someone is causing trouble from within, he won't be able to mount an effective response. Haven't we done this before, and succeeded every time? I think what we should really worry about now is how to divide up this plum prize that is Starry Sky Group. I suspect everyone here is getting impatient, right?" a lean middle-aged man chuckled, and everyone else present responded with knowing smiles.
"But why do I still feel a sense of unease? Am I really getting old?" the elder named Qufuota murmured, looking puzzled.
"Mr. Qufuota, please trust our experts. We have been preparing this plan for a long time, investing a huge amount of capital; there's no way anything can go wrong. Let's just sit back and enjoy the show. It's been too long since the world saw anything this exciting," John remarked.
Hong Kong Peninsula Hotel, the venue for the Starry Sky Group press conference. Reporters had arrived early, hoping to secure a closer spot, as better placement meant a better chance to ask questions.
Virtually all the world's major media outlets had sent their interview teams, so the conference room was packed. Fortunately, Starry Sky Group had anticipated this situation and rented the largest conference hall at the Peninsula Hotel; otherwise, it truly wouldn't have accommodated so many journalists.
The main stage was simply decorated, displaying a banner that read "Starry Sky Group Press Conference." Several empty seats were reserved on the platform.
At ten o'clock Hong Kong time, the Starry Sky Group press conference officially commenced. Liu Hui, Li Zhi, and Yin Shunli entered, taking their seats on the stage. They smiled at the reporters, who immediately started taking photos and videos, beginning the live broadcast.
Li Zhi acted as the press officer and spoke first: "Distinguished media friends, thank you very much for attending the Starry Sky Group press conference today. We are here to respond to the false statements made against our company recently."
A white reporter stood up impatiently and loudly asked, "The very first consumer who revealed the serious side effects of your 'Starry Sky Myopia Solution' is watching your press conference on television right now. Can you confirm that the 'false statements' you just mentioned include that gentleman?"
Liu Hui spoke coldly, "Sir, it is not yet time for the Q&A session. You stood up to ask a question. Where is your sense of propriety? Furthermore, before asking others a question, one should introduce themselves. Didn't your company leadership teach you these basic courtesies?"
The white reporter froze, slightly embarrassed. He had been eager to stand out but rushed things prematurely, especially since his company boss was watching on television. He hadn't expected Liu Hui to show him no mercy and subject him to ruthless mockery.
"Mr. Liu Hui, I admit my behavior just now was improper. However, it is precisely because we take your company's situation so seriously that we became a bit anxious. I believe everyone here feels the same way I do," the white reporter stated.
Liu Hui smiled and said, "Since you admit your mistake and are willing to correct it, I shall forgive you this time."
Li Zhi immediately followed up: "I now declare the Starry Sky Group press conference officially open. Today's session will feature our boss, Mr. Liu Hui, answering all your questions personally."
Liu Hui took over, saying, "Our press conference today will cover many topics that I believe all you reporters are very interested in. Getting straight to the point, let's address the person the previous reporter mentioned—the consumer in the US who first sued our company's product. I will respond to this matter first, but before I do, I'd like all our media friends to watch a short video clip."
As soon as Liu Hui finished speaking, the lights on the stage dimmed, and a video began playing on the wall screen. The reporters instantly focused their attention on the video.
The video appeared to have been filmed inside an apartment; judging by the footage, it seemed shot covertly, likely a hidden camera recording. Two people were talking inside.
"Hey, isn't the person on the left the first consumer who sued Starry Sky Group? Why is he in this video?" a sharp-eyed reporter immediately recognized one of the figures.
"It really is him. I think his name is Ferrell. Quiet, let's just listen to what they're saying," another reporter replied.
The video being played was extremely clear, showing the facial expressions and the conversation between the two men perfectly, even clearly capturing the movement of their lips.
The man named Ferrell in the video looked frightened. He said to the other man, "Mr. Jason, I'm a little scared. That Starry Sky Group seems very powerful. Will they find out I'm setting them up?"
The man named Jason spoke coldly, "What's the use of being scared now? You've already announced publicly that you're suing Starry Sky Group, claiming their product caused you severe side effects. You and Starry Sky Group are now mortal enemies. It's either them or you. So, you only have one way out: completely crush Starry Sky Group and make them go bankrupt. Only then will you be safe. Don't forget, you still owe Mr. Thomas a $150,000 gambling debt. If you mess this up, you can expect to end up dead in the streets."
Ferrell suddenly became agitated and roared, "You all made me do this! I never even used that damned 'Starry Sky Myopia Solution'! You said if I came out to accuse Starry Sky Group, you would wipe out all my debts. Now you want me to go around giving speeches and smearing Starry Sky Group—I’m not doing it anymore."
Jason sneered, "You don't have to do it, fine. Anyway, Mr. Thomas already made it clear: the moment you flinch, we’ll take care of you. You know, you’ve already offended Starry Sky Group; they are ruthless murderers. Logically, they are the most likely to kill you, so the police definitely won't suspect us."
Ferrell instantly became extremely dejected, grabbing Jason's hand and pleading, "Mr. Jason, no! I'll do it, okay?"
Jason laughed, "That's more like it. Just be obedient. Once Starry Sky Group is successfully discredited, Mr. Thomas will not only cancel all your debts but also give you an extra $100,000 as a reward."
Ferrell was overjoyed. "Is there really $100,000 waiting for me?"
"Of course, it's real. But you need to do one thing now." Jason handed him a small glass vial.
"What is this?" Ferrell asked.
"This is a drug. Drop it into your eyes, and your vision will severely decline. This is how you fool those reporters and inspection agencies. Don't worry; once this is done, we will restore your vision to normal," Jason explained.
Ferrell hesitantly took the vial, paused for a moment, and then dripped the liquid into his eyes, blinking a few times.
The video on the wall screen concluded at this point, the final shot focusing on Ferrell's eyes.
After watching the video, the reporters in the audience, being sharp individuals, immediately sensed a potential conspiracy brewing. The venue erupted into an uproar.
Liu Hui stated, "We obtained this video under chance circumstances. The video clearly records that the so-called consumer who suffered severe side effects was actually colluding with others to slander our company. He successfully deceived you, and this was all part of a plot targeting us."
The reporters finally reacted and began raising their hands to ask questions. The reporter who had tried to show off earlier immediately stood up and loudly demanded, "The video you just played is fake, fabricated, an attempt to absolve yourselves of guilt!"
Liu Hui turned to the security personnel and said, "This reporter has repeatedly disrupted the order of the venue. To enforce discipline, please escort him out."
Several security personnel immediately rushed forward and dragged the reporter out like wolves.
The reporter shouted, "I protest! I am a journalist; I have the right to interview! You can't treat me like this!"
The reporters nearby felt a pang of shared sorrow as they watched their colleague being dragged away, knowing that in their line of work, any of them could easily face the same fate.
Liu Hui glanced at the reporters below and announced, "I already warned that reporter: within this venue, you must abide by our rules, or you will be forcibly removed. If any reporters present cannot accept this regulation, please leave immediately."
The reporters who had intended to speak up for their colleague immediately fell silent. This press conference had just begun, and it had already exploded with explosive inside information. If they left now and failed to secure any story material, they would likely be fired by their bosses.
Seeing that the reporters below had quieted down, Liu Hui continued, "We will provide a copy of the video just played to every reporter here. You can submit it to authoritative bodies for authenticity testing. In the video played, one gentleman is the consumer who previously accused our Starry Sky Group. From the video, it is clear he was conspiring with others to frame our company. Our company will seek justice through legal proceedings."
The reporters, having learned their lesson, raised their hands one after another, requesting to speak.
Li Zhi pointed to a reporter, who immediately stood up and said, "I am Huang Lin from Ming Pao. My question is: after seeing that video, if the consumer is suspected of fraud, does that mean all previous negative reports were fabricated by others?"
Liu Hui nodded, "Correct. After a thorough investigation by Starry Sky Group, we discovered a powerful force targeting us from behind the scenes, slandering us at every turn. Take the consumer just mentioned, for example—they sought to achieve their hidden agendas by smearing our company."
Another reporter immediately raised his hand. Liu Hui casually pointed to one, who stood up and said, "I am a reporter from the Los Angeles Times. Having heard Mr. Liu Hui’s response, I find some points questionable. Before the Federal Judge has ruled on this matter, why can you claim all this is slander? Is it based solely on a video recording of uncertain authenticity? Isn't that too hasty?"
Liu Hui inwardly groaned. How could he have randomly selected a reporter only to pick the Los Angeles Times, his old nemesis? This newspaper had been against him since the treatment for AIDS, using every opportunity to discredit him.
Liu Hui paused and said, "Naturally, we would not rely solely on this video to prove our innocence. Next, I will play another video, which I believe will give you a deeper understanding after viewing."
Thus, the stage lights dimmed once more, and another video appeared on the wall screen. This video seemed to have been filmed in a coffee shop. Two men were visible; one was Jason, whom everyone had just seen, and the other was an elderly man with a stern, resolute face.
"Wait, isn't that elderly man Federal Judge Custer? Why is he with Jason?" This question popped into the minds of all the reporters at that moment.
The video quality was excellent, clearly showing the facial expressions of both men, and the audio was perfectly audible.
"Mr. Jason, I have done what I promised you. When will you return those photographs to me?" the Judge asked in a low voice.
"Mr. Caster, although you accepted the consumer's lawsuit against Starry Sky Group, that alone is far from enough. Until you rule Starry Sky Group guilty, we won't return your photos," Jason replied.
"How can I rule Starry Sky Group guilty? The consumer you put forward is an idiot; his speech is rambling and illogical. Most importantly, you have absolutely no solid evidence. How am I supposed to rule?" the Judge said, looking troubled.
"Mr. Caster, how you rule is your business; after all, you are the expert in this field. If you find it difficult, we wouldn't mind releasing those photos of yours. Who would have thought? A dignified Federal Judge having tastes for young escorts and BDSM, and having photos taken of these activities. I imagine the American public would be very interested in your specific hobbies," Jason threatened.
The Judge immediately shrank, looking distressed, and said to Jason, "It's not just my decision alone; others can influence my ruling too. It's not just up to me."
"You are the Judge; just make your ruling as you see fit. As for the others, we will handle them. I guarantee they will not object to your judgment. Also, Mr. Caster, the place you frequent for escorts is not safe. From now on, you can bring those children to this room; we have already transferred ownership to you. The paperwork is completely legal." Jason smiled as he pushed forward a property deed, which Custer accepted with both hands.
The video stopped at this point, the final image focusing on that property deed.
As the video played, the reporters in the hall began to buzz. Although they couldn't be certain of the videos' veracity yet, they grasped the implications: the seemingly unfavorable situation for Starry Sky Group might completely reverse at this moment.
The lights came back on, and Liu Hui stated, "Distinguished media friends, you have now witnessed that this so-called trial against our Starry Sky Group is actually a farce, orchestrated by the Judge to frame us."
Reporters began raising their hands to ask questions, and Liu Hui pointed to one of them. The reporter stood up and asked, "Mr. Liu Hui, I am Hardis from The Washington Post. My question is, the video you just showed can, at most, prove the Justice was acting out of self-interest. How do you explain the other evidence that is unfavorable to you?"
Liu Hui smiled. "That's an excellent question from our journalist friend. Next, I will show everyone a few more video clips. After viewing them, the truth of the matter will become perfectly clear."
So, several more videos were displayed on the large screen. In these clips, a man was still visible discussing various transactions with other people, but this man was no longer Jason. The content of every transaction they discussed was related to the lawsuit involving the Starry Sky Group; without exception, they were all demands to fabricate evidence to frame the Starry Sky Group. For instance, they involved creating fake medical certificates, false witness testimonies, and fictitious severe consequences. All the key personnel closely related to this case had succumbed after being threatened by the opposing side. In those videos, it became vividly clear exactly how the evidence unfavorable to the Starry Sky Group had been manufactured.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the press, this is now the Q&A session. Please feel free to raise any questions you have," Liu Hui stated with satisfaction. It seemed that once these critical video segments revealed the chain of fabrication behind the so-called evidence damaging the Starry Sky Group, the entire atmosphere in the room began to shift.