Return to 88: Starting from Marrying My Sister-in-law

Despite Lu Yang and Century Group's efforts to maintain a low profile, the acquisition of Shenzhen Airlines' 25% stake from Huatong Company was proceeding efficiently and discreetly under Wei Shu's iron-fisted push. The letter of intent was quietly signed, and due diligence was carried out in an orderly manner.

However, a huge transaction worth 3.175 million RMB, especially one involving the sensitive domestic civil aviation sector, is like throwing a boulder into a calm lake; the ripples it creates cannot be calmed by keeping a low profile.

The whispers eventually got out.

Almost within days of the ink being dry on the letter of intent, news of "Century Group investing heavily in Shenzhen Airlines" spread like wildfire, first circulating privately in local business and financial circles in Shenzhen, and then quickly igniting financial media across the country.

Newspaper front pages, financial magazine in-depth columns, radio economic commentaries... for a time, "Century Group", "Luyang", "Shenzhen Airlines", and "private enterprises investing in aviation" became the hottest keywords.

The Southern Finance Daily published an article with the eye-catching title: "Private Enterprise Giant Sails into the Blue Ocean of Aviation! Pengcheng Century Group Invests 3 Million Yuan in Shenzhen Airlines!" The article detailed the background of Shenzhen Airlines and the strength of Century Group, and was full of praise for this "ice-breaking move," considering it a "landmark event in the deepening of reform and opening up and breaking down industry monopoly barriers," and "demonstrating the strength and vitality of private capital, injecting fresh blood into the aviation industry."

Another influential publication, the Economic Observer Weekly, published a lengthy commentary with a more direct and incisive title.

"State withdrawal and private advancement? Exploring the changes in the aviation industry behind Shenzhen Airlines' equity changes."

The article analyzes the background of Huatong's divestiture of non-core assets, highly praises Lu Yang's strategic vision, saying that he "accurately captured the policy window period for the country to encourage social capital to enter the infrastructure and public service sectors," and boldly predicts that "this move may trigger the equity structure reform of the entire civil aviation industry and open a new chapter of mixed ownership."

However, amidst the praise, there was no shortage of sharp criticism and strong opposition.

Aviation Outlook magazine, an industry publication, published a strongly worded editorial with a startling title: "How Can Private Capital Be Allowed to Interfere with National Treasures? — Beware of Capital Eroding Civil Aviation Safety!"

The article vehemently condemns the act of "handing over" airline equity to private enterprises as "shortsighted" and "dangerous."

"Air transport is a matter of vital importance to national and public safety. Its operating qualifications, route resources, and safety management system must be firmly in the hands of the state and controlled by an entity with a high degree of political awareness and responsibility. Introducing private capital to pursue profit maximization will inevitably endanger flight safety and the public interest!"

The article calls on relevant departments to "immediately halt this transaction and re-examine the entry rules for the civil aviation industry."

Some tabloids and online forums (although the influence of the internet was still small at this time) directly labeled Lu Yang as a "capital tycoon" and "intended to monopolize the sky," inciting the emotions of the uninformed masses.

On television, the invited "renowned economic commentators" engaged in heated debates, their opinions clashing fiercely. Supporters touted the "spring breeze of market-oriented reforms," ​​while opponents expressed deep concern about the "safety bottom line."

The clamor of public opinion has thrust Lu Yang and his Century Group into the eye of the storm like never before.

Amidst the commotion and clamor, the satellite phone in Lu Yang's study rang.

The caller ID showed Mu Qizhong.

Lu Yang answered the phone with a knowing smile: "Brother Mu, you're calling with a mission, aren't you?" He knew Mu Qizhong's social influence and information channels all too well.

On the other end of the phone, Mu Qizhong laughed heartily, his voice still loud and clear, but with a hint of barely perceptible helplessness: "Brother Lu, you have a really sharp eye! Nothing escapes your notice! That's right, this time... I've been asked to act as a mediator."

He cleared his throat, his tone becoming slightly more serious: "Remember that Hurun Rich List thing from last year? You rejected it outright, not even showing your face. This time, they've learned their lesson. They know you, Boss Lu, are a real Buddha, not someone to be easily persuaded. So, they've gone to great lengths to come to me."

Mu Qizhong didn't keep them in suspense: "It's still about that list. Hurun is really in a hurry this time, determined to put you on the list. The reason is quite simple."

He paused, lowered his voice slightly, and said with a hint of mockery, "Before, you kept it a secret. Everyone knew that your Century Group was rich, but how rich exactly, how deep the water ran, was something ordinary people couldn't fathom. But this time, with your move, you've poured over 3 million yuan of real money into Shenzhen Airlines! This commotion, this amount, it's all been reported in the newspapers! You can't hide it anymore!"

Mu Qizhong continued his analysis: "Brother, look at the Hurun Rich List that just came out this year. The first place goes to the Rong family, with assets of over 8 billion yuan, accumulated over decades. Who's second? Liu Xiaoqing! An actor! It even says 'data source unknown' in parentheses, yet he's only a little over 100 million yuan, yet he's ranked second! The third place goes to the Liu brothers, pig farmers, whose entire family combined is only around 1 billion yuan. And look at the bottom of the list, number 50, guess who it is?"

Lu Yang chuckled in agreement: "Who?"

"Zhang Chaoyang from Sohu! That young man I invested in who runs a portal website! He owns shares in his own company, valued at 5000 million, and yet he's at the bottom of the list!"

Mu Qizhong's voice was clearly sarcastic, "Tell me, if Hurun and his cronies release another list like this next year, and your name, Lu Yang, isn't even on it... wouldn't that be like tearing their own face off and stomping on it? What credibility would they have left? They'd become a laughing stock for the whole world!" Mu Qizhong's meaning was clear: Lu Yang's wealth and influence made it impossible for him to remain discreetly outside of this increasingly watched list.

His absence will directly undermine the authority of the list.

"So, Hurun is determined this time to get you on the list no matter what. They asked me to pass on a message and see what you think. They guarantee that as long as you agree, the ranking and the way the asset valuation is presented can be discussed with you to ensure your satisfaction."

After finishing his sentence, Mu Qizhong added his own stance: "Brother, I've agreed to be on the list this time. The province has put in a good word for me, saying that I'm a face of Sichuan Province, so it's time for me to show my face. Anyway, I, Mu Qizhong, am upright and honest, and my business is clean. I'm not afraid of being investigated. If I become famous, so be it!"

Lu Yang held the phone and remained silent for a moment.

The intense public pressure, the sensitive progress of the Shenzhen Airlines acquisition, and this unavoidable rich list... he was indeed somewhat weary of all this commotion.

However, Mu Qizhong's analysis is very realistic, especially since the other party used him, a heavyweight figure, to deliver the message, which itself shows great "sincerity" and room for compromise.

Since we can't avoid it, we might as well take the initiative.

"Brother Mu, it seems there's really no escaping it this time." Lu Yang's voice carried a hint of helplessness, but quickly turned calm. "Being on the list is fine, I agree."

Upon hearing this, Mu Qizhong was delighted: "Haha, that's right! Young people should show off when it's their time..."

Lu Yang interrupted him and clearly stated his requirements: "However, I have requirements for the ranking. First, second, and third place are too eye-catching, I don't want them. Fourth place is fine, not too high or too low, which is respectful to the list but not too flashy."

While Lu Yang's current wealth may not be as great as the Rong family's wealth, which Old Master Rong had managed for decades, to be honest, it might not be less than that of the Liu brothers, the pig-farming tycoons.

"Fourth?" Mu Qizhong was taken aback, then laughed and cried at the same time. "Brother Lu, aren't you being a bit too modest? With your wealth, you could easily be number one! What's there for a young person to be afraid of in the limelight? If you ask me, you should sit on the throne of the richest Chinese person with dignity!"

"Forget it, bro." Lu Yang's tone was calm but firm. "The bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow. The Shenzhen Airlines thing is already dramatic enough, I don't want to add fuel to the fire. Fourth place is fine."

He then changed the subject, adding with a hint of teasing, "But you, brother, if you wait another two years, you might actually have a chance to compete for the title of the richest Chinese person."

"Me?" Mu Qizhong burst into laughter, his voice so loud it made the microphone buzz. "Brother, don't make fun of me! My current assets are at most two or three billion, how can I compare to Mr. Rong? Let alone you! Besides, I heard that the Liu brothers' pig farming business is booming this year, and their assets may break through eight billion next year! And those in the internet industry, like Zhang Chaoyang and Ding Sanshi, although everyone is talking about a tech bubble, their market value is inflated higher and higher, maybe next year they'll make you the richest man on paper!"

Lu Yang laughed: "Brother Mou has become very knowledgeable about the internet ever since he invested in Sohu."

"Of course!" Mu Qizhong said with a smug tone, "I've done in-depth research! To tell you the truth, I'm planning to increase investment and acquire Sohu completely, striving to become the major shareholder of this portal website company as soon as possible. At that time, I, Old Mu, will be a 'godfather' level figure in the Internet technology industry! Hahahaha!"

"Awesome!" Lu Yang exclaimed sincerely. There are indeed not many entrepreneurs in this era who can so keenly embrace the wave of the internet bubble.

"Hahaha! You always manage to say things that sound crude but are incredibly satisfying when you think about them!" Mu Qizhong was clearly pleased. "But the word 'awesome' needs to be met with respect. I truly think your mindset and vision are truly awesome! So young, yet so wealthy, and still so composed—it's rare! Absolutely rare!"

"Alright, bro, stop flattering me," Lu Yang laughed. "Then it's settled. Tell Mr. Hu for me that my meaning is very clear: make the list, fourth place. As for the asset valuation... let them decide for themselves, just don't write it too outrageous. As for the specific figures, I won't look at them or comment on them."

"Understood! You're a straightforward brother!" Mu Qizhong readily agreed. "Leave it to me! I guarantee I'll make that foreign devil surnamed Hu be clever enough to make you look good, without drawing attention to yourself, and without anyone finding fault with you!"

After hanging up the phone with Mu Qizhong, Lu Yang rubbed his temples.

The sun was shining brightly in Shenzhen outside the window, but he knew that the media storm surrounding the Shenzhen Airlines acquisition was far from over, and his name was about to be exposed to the eyes of millions of people in a way that he was not entirely willing to accept, with a clear price tag attached to it.

The peace was destined to be short-lived.

He needs to prepare for an even bigger storm to come. (End of Chapter)