Chapter 430: A Slap in the Face (Part 1)

The investigation officially began.

Zhao Qingfeng planned to resolve the matter within three days.

The first live broadcast on the internet sparked immense enthusiasm among netizens.

Many major domestic forums, including Tianya and Tsinghua, were simultaneously reposting from LeXin’s front-page headline, and Tencent also noticed this controversy.

Ma Huateng was no fool, guessing why Zhao Qingfeng personally went there.

“Does he care about others being wronged?”

“Pure nonsense!”

“He and I are of the same kind, just wanting to use this live broadcast to add glory to himself and LeXin.”

“We can’t just sit back and do nothing.”

“Send someone over right away to support Liu Laotai’s family.”

“I don’t believe it. If it wasn’t this Wang Mingyue who hit her, why would she advance the medical expenses?”

How can people be so different? Ma Huateng didn’t believe in Wang Mingyue’s kindness either.

Tencent was about to push a window news immediately.

However, Zhang Xiaodong stepped in to stop it right away.

“President Ma, no, we’ve already suffered a loss once.”

“The lawsuit hasn’t been clarified yet, have you forgotten our previous apology?”

“Besides, I think Wang Mingyue might really be wronged. Otherwise, why would she attempt suicide by jumping into a river!”

“Let’s just drop it for now. After the investigation is clear, we can also issue a statement condemning Liu Laotai’s family, and wouldn’t that also gain the approval of the netizens?”

Ma Huateng was silent for a long time.

His small eyes behind the glasses stared dead at Zhang Xiaodong.

On the surface, it seemed Zhang Xiaodong was indeed considering Tencent’s interests.

But in Ma Huateng’s heart, Zhang Xiaodong had changed. He used to do whatever hesaid, but now he had the audacity to defy him!

“Xiaodong…”

Ma Huateng adjusted his glasses, “I think we should do as I said. You take charge of this, respond as quickly as possible, first make our stance clear in the push advertisement, then go for an on-site investigation.”

“President Ma…”

“Just do it.”

“Alright…”

Zhang Xiaodong ultimately couldn’t refuse the boss’s decision.

He reluctantly published and pinned the headline supporting Liu Laotai at the top.

Ma Huateng’s aides were also puzzled as to why make such a decision.

Since Zhao Qingfeng had personally gone to Qinghe County, it indicated he would make a significant effort to prove Wang Mingyue’s innocence.

Everyone knew that a preemptive move was stronger, and a reactive move led to disaster.

It would take at least half a day to get from Penguin to Qinghe County. By the time Zhang Xiaodong arrived, Zhao Qingfeng might have already settled the matter with Liu Laotai’s family, potentially plunging Tencent into controversy again.

“Am I a fool?”

Ma Huateng smiled slightly, “Some people, keeping them around is bound to lead to no good end, eventually dragging Tencent down. But letting him go, afraid that he might join another company under Tencent’s halo, it’s better to tarnish his reputation before he leaves. This is called putting him in a desperate situation to survive. It could also turn around the negative public opinion from last time, claiming everything was his doing, not representing Tencent.”

At this point.

His aides finally realized!

Ma Huateng’s plan was genius, even higher than a three-story building!

They knew Ma Huateng had been displeased with Zhang Xiaodong for a while.

But since Zhang Xiaodong was a key figure, a proper reason was needed to dismiss him.

This was it.

As long as Zhang Xiaodong published the news supporting Liu Laotai, his name would certainly be attached.

Once Zhao Qingfeng uncovered Wang Mingyue’s innocence, all of Tencent’s mistakes, including those from before, could be attributed to Zhang Xiaodong.

And with Zhang Xiaodong on the scene, he would inevitably act on his own, supporting Liu Laotai’s family.

This would surely displease Zhao Qingfeng.

There’s no need for Ma Huateng to say who Zhao Qingfeng is; the guy holds grudges.

Just wait for Zhang Xiaodong and Zhao Qingfeng to become enemies, then Ma Huateng could come out as the good guy, firing Zhang Xiaodong. Not only could this alleviate the relationship with Lingfeng Technology, preparing for future actions, but also lock Zhang Xiaodong in a dead end, letting Zhao Qingfeng deal with him. This is called killing someone with a borrowed knife.

———-
Support the Translation! 🌐✨

Your donations not only show appreciation but also keep the translator motivated! Every contribution helps continue bringing you more of what you love. Thank you for being a part of this journey! 💖

https://www.ko-fi.com/maxoofie