Power and wealth bring fragrance

The meeting room was deathly silent; no one spoke.

The Mediterranean board members remained calm and were not intimidated by Wei Yuan's words at all.

Indeed, many of them were involved in the business of supplying building materials to the construction sites of their projects.

To be precise, it should be everyone.

As the saying goes, those who live near mountains eat from the mountains, and those who live near water eat from the water.

As directors of Dingsheng Group, who else would they profit from if not Dingsheng Group?

It's important to understand that they are simply people sent by their respective powerful figures to secure positions on the board of directors.

It may seem glamorous, but the large amount of dividends distributed by the group each year ends up in the hands of the big boss behind the scenes.

They might only handle it once, getting a little bit of oil or grease on it.

That's all.

If they didn't work for Dingsheng Group, with their meager annual salaries and bonuses, they might as well be begging on the streets.

Moreover, it is already common practice in the industry for real estate group executives to use front or back channels to set up third-party building materials companies to supply materials to their own group's projects.

Of course, using inferior materials or cutting corners also counts.

If they don't use inferior materials or cut corners, where do they get their profits?

If they really want to supply the best materials, why don't they find legitimate raw material suppliers instead of going through all the trouble of supplying them themselves?

Isn't it all about making a small profit from the price difference between good and bad materials?

Wei Yuan's tone was surprisingly bold, saying he would investigate thoroughly.

Let alone whether Wei Yuan has the ability to find them, even if he does find them, does Wei Yuan really dare to fire them?

The Mediterranean board members and others actually hoped that Wei Yuan would go crazy like this.

If Wei Yuan really dares to do that, then they'll be all set for themselves.

They don't even need to lift a finger; their backers will get restless and join forces to drive out Wei Yuan and Chu Lingyi!

The Chu family did indeed have a profound history, but it eventually declined.

The pillar of the family, Old Master Chu, has been dead for many years. Chu Xinrou's father, a pampered son, couldn't support the family, so Chu Lingyi, a woman, had to struggle to keep it afloat.

Even if they pulled off a brilliant move this time, kicking Liu Ding out and taking over Dingsheng Group, they have already exhausted the last remaining goodwill of the Chu family.

If the powerful figures behind them were to truly join forces to attack the Chu family, no big shot would come to their rescue.

At that time, the Chu family will only have two paths left.

Either be completely crushed and reduced to ashes.

Either kneel down and admit defeat, and completely become a dog.

At that time, Dingsheng Group will completely become their domain. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

The more the directors thought about it, the more smug they became, and the more mocking their expressions grew.

"clatter."

The Mediterranean director lit a cigarette, exhaled a puff of smoke, and looked at Wei Yuan with a mocking smile.

"This chairman, whose name I do not yet know, and who I have no interest in knowing your name."

"You really think we're newbies who've only just started out, that we'll just give up after a few scare tactics?"

"How ridiculous."

"Stop with the nonsense. If you have real evidence, then show it and kick us out."

"If you can't do it, then stop making these empty promises that you can't keep."

"Investigate thoroughly?"

"You good-for-nothing who doesn't even know anyone in the company, how dare you be so arrogant? It's laughable!"

Not content with mocking Wei Yuan, the Mediterranean director deliberately blew smoke in his face.

The thick smoke immediately enveloped Wei Yuan's face.

The other directors burst into laughter when they saw Wei Yuan in such a sorry state. Their laughter was extremely arrogant and unrestrained, and they didn't take Wei Yuan seriously at all.

Wei Yuan looked at them expressionlessly, his tone calm and indifferent.

"So you're convinced I can't find your weaknesses, and therefore you dare not touch you?"

The Mediterranean director scoffed out loud.

His patience had run out, and he had no interest in playing games with Wei Yuan and Chu Lingyi anymore.

The Mediterranean director stood up, picked up his gold and diamond-encrusted lighter, and skillfully fiddled with it between his fingers. He didn't even glance at Wei Yuan, but stared intently at Chu Lingyi.

What's the point of talking to a puppet? If you want to make threats, you should talk to the real mastermind.

"President Chu, we're all seasoned professionals, so let's skip the pleasantries."

"If you have the guts, just do it. Do you really think we're all easily scared?"

"I have an appointment for tea later. If you're going to make a move, you'd better hurry up, or you won't have another chance once I leave this room."

The Mediterranean director arrogantly spoke to Chu Lingyi.

Chu Lingyi spoke calmly, her expression serene.

"Mr. Wei Yuan is the actual controller and chairman of Dingsheng Group."

"Our Chu family is just cooperating with Mr. Wei Yuan. If you want to make statements, you should say them to Mr. Wei Yuan, not to me."

Chu Lingyi spoke the truth, but no one believed her at all.

Seeing that Chu Lingyi was still putting on airs, the Mediterranean director completely lost his patience, glanced at Wei Yuan, and sneered.

If you say so, then it is.

"Then, Chairman Wei Yuan, I'll be waiting for you to come and arrest me."

After finishing his speech, the Mediterranean director turned and left without giving Wei Yuan a second glance, his contempt evident.

He shook his head as he walked, deliberately making loud sarcastic remarks.

"Ha, these days it's really unbelievable, all sorts of cats and dogs can come out and make a fool of themselves."

"How dare a kid who hasn't even grown up yet become the chairman? Doesn't he know if he's tough enough to keep the company in check?"

"Trying to strike out like others is risky; you might end up losing your life!"

The Mediterranean director's veiled criticism was clearly heard by everyone.

Wei Yuan heard it clearly, but remained calmly seated in his chair.

Such a reaction, in the eyes of others, naturally became proof of his cowardice and weakness, making the other directors look down on Wei Yuan even more.

The other directors followed suit, standing up one after another, giving Wei Yuan a disdainful look before preparing to leave.

Just then, the Mediterranean director, who was walking the fastest, reached the conference room door, opened it, and was about to leave when he found a group of people blocking his way.

The Mediterranean director was taken aback, then frowned and began to curse.

"Whose people are you?"

"You have no manners at all! Who gave you permission to stand here?"

"Get out of the way, a good dog doesn't block the way."

The middle-aged man at the head of the group had a calm expression and did not show any anger. Instead, he revealed a faint smile.

"Are you Mr. Deng Rongfa?"

The Mediterranean director frowned even more, his eyes turning slightly cold as he glanced back at Wei Yuan and Chu Lingyi.

"I am."

"What, you want to get your license plate recorded and retaliated against me?"

"Chu Lingyi, your Chu family is becoming increasingly unscrupulous in its dealings with people."

Chu Lingyi, who was innocently questioned, shrugged, wanting to say something.

This matter has absolutely nothing to do with the Chu family.

When the middle-aged man saw that the Mediterranean director had acknowledged his identity, his smile grew even wider, and he held up an employee ID card and waved it at the Mediterranean director.

"Hello, Director Deng, I am Chen Guokun, Senior Investigation Director of the Integrity and Business Development Committee."

"This time, I was instructed by Chairman Chen Weiyuan of the Clean Business Committee to form a special investigation team to thoroughly investigate the construction quality issues of Dingsheng Group."

"Mr. Deng, you are the fifth suspect on our investigation list. Please come with me."

Chen Guokun explained his purpose with a smile, waved his hand, and two capable young men immediately stepped forward and grabbed Deng Rongfa, the director of Mediterranean, on the left and right, and neatly put a pair of silver handcuffs on him.

Deng Rongfa was completely stunned.

Not to mention him, even the other directors in the conference room seemed to be frozen in place, their bodies stiff, staring in utter shock at the restrained Deng Rongfa, their heads buzzing.

A special investigation team from the Integrity and Business Development Committee?

Did they hear that right?

Some people even rubbed their ears vigorously, desperately hoping that what they were hearing was a hallucination.

But the harsh reality shattered their illusions. The silver handcuffs on Deng Rongfa's wrists pierced their eyes and made them completely panic.

The Clean Business Committee was a terrifying organization known as the "Eastern Depot within the Eastern Depot"!

As its name suggests, the purpose of this committee is to investigate all acts that violate the principle of integrity in business.

Not only in administrative bodies such as parliaments, but also in circles such as shopping malls, culture, and entertainment, any behavior that violates the principles of integrity in business will be investigated by the Integrity in Business Committee!

Its powers are so great that it is one of the most powerful committees in the parliament!

Throughout Deepsea City, everyone knows the terrifying power of the Clean Business Development Committee.

Anyone or any company targeted by them has virtually no chance of escaping unscathed.

Many business tycoons with hundreds of millions in assets and extensive connections have seen their fortunes crumble and their reputations ruined the moment they are investigated by this committee.

At best, it could mean imprisonment and losing everything; at worst, it could lead to the collapse of the entire chain of interests behind it.

This terrifying behemoth, fully armed, blocked the entrance to the boardroom of Dingsheng Group.

The mockery and arrogance on the faces of the remaining directors in the conference room froze instantly, stuck there and impossible to shake off.

One second they were all smiles and confident, certain that Wei Yuan was just a puppet with an empty title, a pushover pushed out by the Chu family to put on a show, someone they could manipulate and mock at will.

But the next second, watching Deng Rongfa being locked in cold handcuffs, and seeing the stern-looking investigation team members at the door, everyone's heart felt as if it were being gripped tightly by an invisible hand.

A deathly silence once again enveloped the entire conference room, even more suffocating and desperate than the silence before.

The directors' eyes were filled with uncontrollable panic and fear, and fine beads of cold sweat seeped from their foreheads, slowly sliding down their temples and wetting the collars of their crisp suits.

Wei Yuan sat upright in the main seat, his indifferent gaze sweeping over everyone before he slowly spoke.

The sound wasn't loud, but it clearly pierced everyone's ears, making them tremble with fear.

"In order to thoroughly investigate all the shady dealings and eliminate the cancer within the group, I personally stepped forward and requested the Integrity and Business Development Committee to establish a special investigation team to investigate Dingsheng thoroughly."

These few words, though brief, resonated like a thunderclap in everyone's ears.

In an instant, all the directors in the conference room turned their heads and fixed their gazes on Wei Yuan, who was sitting in the main seat.

All the contempt, disdain, disdain, and mockery that had been in his mind vanished without a trace at this moment, completely replaced by utter shock, horror, and extreme fear.

They finally realized the truth and understood everything.

They were completely wrong from beginning to end.

Wei Yuan was not a puppet put forward by the Chu family, nor a greenhorn to be played with, much less an empty shell chairman without any foundation or support.

He is the real mastermind behind the scenes, controlling the entire situation!

The Chu family has long since declined, its pillars have collapsed, and there is no successor. It is only Chu Lingyi who is struggling to support it. It has long lost its former glory, and its connections and power are almost gone.

Persuading the chairman of the Commerce Committee to endorse their products was already the limit for their family, and it was even highly likely that they would exhaust all the goodwill of the Chu family in doing so.

Therefore, the Chu family no longer had the resources to persuade the Clean Business Development Committee to establish a special investigation team!

Even trying to get in touch with that organization is wishful thinking.

If the Chu family truly possessed such extraordinary abilities, how could they have fallen into such a destitute state?

The only answer is Wei Yuan.

It was Wei Yuan who persuaded the Clean Industry Development Committee to stand up for him.

Regardless of what schemes or tricks Wei Yuan used to persuade the Clean Industry Development Committee to intervene, it proves that his background and abilities are definitely not as simple as they thought, that of a puppet.

This kid's background is probably far more astonishing than they imagined!

Upon understanding this, all the directors felt a chill run through them, and their limbs went weak.

All their previous confidence stemmed from the powerful backers they had.

They were convinced that even if they engaged in corruption, profiteering, and illegal operations, Wei Yuan could not do anything to them.

Even if Wei Yuan found some clues, he wouldn't dare to actually take action.

Once relations break down, the powerful figures behind the scenes will inevitably join forces to exert pressure and crush Wei Yuan and the Chu family.

But now the situation has completely reversed!

Faced with the powerful and influential Integrity and Business Development Committee, the bigwigs and powerful connections behind them are simply not worth mentioning!

No big shot would go toe-to-toe with the Clean and Honest Industry Committee for the sake of these small fry who occupy positions and rake in profits, or become an enemy of Wei Yuan, who can persuade the Clean and Honest Industry Committee.

In this way, things become very simple.

Only one fate awaits them.

He was abandoned and discarded without hesitation by his powerful backer, becoming a pawn to buy room for reconciliation with Wei Yuan and the committee.

Upon realizing this, many directors trembled slightly, their faces turned ashen, and their eyes were filled with regret and fear; they almost burst into tears on the spot.

As arrogant and domineering they were just moments before, they are now just as pathetic and desperate.

Deng Rongfa, who was handcuffed at the door, finally broke free from his extreme shock. The cold handcuffs against his wrists and the biting chill made him fully realize the reality.

The previous arrogance, sarcasm, and conceit have vanished, replaced by a deep-seated fear and panic.

He trembled violently, his body shaking uncontrollably, all traces of his previous arrogance gone.

"No! That's not right! I'm innocent! I didn't!"

Deng Rongfa roared hysterically, his voice hoarse and trembling, filled with extreme panic.

He abruptly turned his head, staring intently at Wei Yuan in the main seat. His arrogant, mocking expression, which had been spewing smoke just moments before, vanished completely, leaving only an extremely humble plea.

"Chairman Wei! Chairman Wei! I was wrong! I was really wrong!"

"I was just a gofer! Everything was ordered by the person behind it; I was just following orders and only got a small share of the profits! I'm just a nobody; I don't deserve to die!"

"Please, have mercy on me this time! I promise I won't do it again! I'm willing to return all the money, please forgive me this once!"

He lowered himself completely, begging for mercy in a humble manner, his voice choked with sobs, as if he wanted to kneel down on the spot.

The stark contrast between the two perfectly illustrates the meaning of bullying the weak and fearing the strong.

Wei Yuan sat in the main seat, raised his hand to take out a cigarette, gently twirled it between his fingertips, and slowly lit it.

The pale white smoke rose slowly, blurring his features but making his aura appear even more majestic.

His gaze fell indifferently on Deng Rongfa, who was frantically begging for mercy. His tone was flat and calm, almost indifferent.

"You just said it yourself. If I have solid evidence, I'll use it."

"In this life, one must be responsible for every word one says and every action one takes."

With a single, casual remark, Deng Rongfa was effectively shut down all avenues of retreat.

Deng Rongfa's pupils suddenly contracted, and his face turned ashen.

His last glimmer of hope vanished, and the last of his strength was instantly drained, causing his body to slump down.

If he hadn't been supported by the investigation team, he would have collapsed to the ground long ago.

Wei Yuan didn't look at him again, turned to look at Chen Guokun, and nodded slightly.

"Director Chen, let's begin."

"Yes, Chairman Wei!"

Chen Guokun smiled slightly, turned to face the shivering board members, and uttered words colder than the Siberian wind.

"In accordance with the special investigation directive from the Integrity and Business Development Committee, the following individuals are hereby summoned to assist in the investigation of the Dingsheng Group case involving corruption in building materials, falsification of engineering quality, and transfer of benefits!"

After saying that, he picked up the investigation list in his hand and called out the names one by one in a loud voice.

"Zhang Qiming!"

"Li Weiming!"

"Zhao Hongyuan!"

One name after another was mentioned, each name corresponding to a core director of Dingsheng Group.

Every director whose name was called felt their legs go weak, their whole body went limp, their face turned ashen, and they collapsed instantly.

The arrogant and domineering business executives who were just moments ago are now all suspects awaiting trial.

"No! I won't go! Chairman Wei, I was wrong! I beg for forgiveness!"

"I'm willing to admit my mistake and offer compensation. Please give me another chance!"

"I'm just a deliveryman! I was forced into this! Please, please let me go!"

The cries and pleas filled the conference room instantly, completely shattering the previous decorum and arrogance.

These usually composed and shrewd directors were now in a sorry state, tears streaming down their faces, desperately trying to beg for forgiveness and admit their mistakes.

The investigation team members were already used to this and remained unmoved by any pleas for leniency, acting swiftly and decisively.

Two skilled investigators stepped forward, one on each side, and firmly gripped the director's arms. The cold handcuffs snapped shut, bringing everyone under control.

There are no exceptions, no lucky breaks.

Within minutes, all the high-ranking directors of Dingsheng Group who held shares were taken away on the spot by the investigation team.

The board of directors, who had just been making a ruckus, mocking and attempting to seize power, was suddenly deserted and completely emptied.

The huge conference room was deathly silent, with only wisps of smoke rising from it.

And Wei Yuan, who sat in the main seat and controlled the whole situation, and Chu Lingyi, who was calm and had already seen through everything!