CHAPTER 296: CHAPTER 216: GOING HOME

The next day.

The defamation case against Zhu Chaoji concluded.

Under the joint prosecution by the Black Swan Group’s legal department, Zhu Chaoji was directly sentenced to the maximum penalty for defamation — three years.

Shanghai Theatre Academy had already expelled Zhu Chaoji earlier, and once the verdict was announced, they launched another round of attacks, claiming the school overlooked the education of students’ moral character, thereby nurturing such societal scum.

Seemingly a self-criticism, but in reality, it completely tarnished Zhu Chaoji’s reputation.

Due to Gu Bai’s recent surge in popularity, Zhu Chaoji even made it onto Weibo’s trending list, with a crowd of followers spewing criticism.

"Serves him right, can Principal Gu be someone he can defame? Doesn’t he fear that the 3,000 Hope School students will make his life impossible when they enter society?"

"The number one philanthropist in Hua Country must not be slandered! Justice prevails!"

"Honestly, I think no one else besides Gu Bai deserves the nickname ’Principal,’ right?"

"Let me explain for the commenter above, Gu Bai’s title of principal is not just a nickname. I checked all the records of the Spark Hope Schools a few days ago, and Gu Bai is the official honorary principal of these Hope Schools, and the only one in the nation officially registered under the moniker ’Honorary Principal’!"

"Amazing! Like a contemporary Confucius!"

The comments gradually shifted from bashing Zhu Chaoji to universally praising Gu Bai, and any trolls who occasionally sprang up would end up closing their private messaging. Praising Gu Bai had become the politically correct stance.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Zhu Hongye saw his son for the first time in over half a month.

Before coming, Zhu Hongye was filled with anger, contemplating how to deal with his son. But after seeing the hollowed eyes of Zhu Chaoji, a shadow of his youthful self from half a month ago, all his anger dissipated.

"Dad."

Zhu Chaoji looked at Zhu Hongye with eyes full of hope.

Liu Xianggui stood beside Zhu Hongye, holding back tears.

Despite being sentenced to three years, Zhu Chaoji still harbored hope. After all, he believed Zhu Hongye would find a way.

But Zhu Hongye’s first words shattered his hopes.

"The family company is about to be acquired by Gu Bai."

Though his tone was neutral, devoid of happiness or sadness, it caused Zhu Chaoji’s expression to change, as he knew Zhu Hongye never joked about such matters in front of him.

"In just half a month, the company’s stock price dropped from 6.5 billion to 4 billion, and it’s estimated to fall below 2 billion in a few days."

"All of this is..."

"That’s right, Gu Bai collaborated with three major real estate giants, using tens of billions to crash the Hongye Building Materials stock market. Now nearly 1 billion in sell orders exist on the market with no takers, as Hongye Building Materials is at risk of delisting at any time..."

"I’m already like this, yet Gu Bai won’t let me off? Does he really want to ruin us completely?"

Zhu Hongye glanced indifferently at his son and spoke slowly, "You’re overestimating yourself, and I’m overestimating myself before Gu Bai. His target has always been Hongye Building Materials; retaliation is just a bonus."

Seeing his haggard son, Zhu Hongye sighed once again.

"I’ve already agreed to sell him my 41% stake. In a few days, the company’s name will be Gu, not Zhu."

Zhu Chaoji immediately exclaimed, "Why sell to him?!"

"Who else can we sell to? The company is now 1.6 billion in debt! The three major real estate companies have jointly announced terminating partnerships, the company is dying! All of this orchestrated by Gu Bai, who else dares to take over?!"

Listening to the suddenly enraged and louder Zhu Hongye, Zhu Chaoji fell silent.

"I’m old, no longer as ruthless as before. Selling the shares to Gu Bai will leave some money for you, ensuring that when you get out, you’ll have some capital to develop, not starting from scratch like ordinary people.

Study well inside."

After saying this, Zhu Hongye seemed to age ten years, his posture suddenly bent down.

Looking at Zhu Hongye, whose temples had turned white, Zhu Chaoji had countless unsaid words stuck in his throat, unable to speak.

Currently, the only feeling filling his chest is regret.

...............

Elsewhere, Gu Bai, unaware of the father and son’s regret, was about to board a plane back to Shuzhou City.

Numerous Black Swan Group executives also arrived at the airport to see him off.

Inside the airport, Black Swan Group’s executives led by Xiao Qiang and Mr. Shao personally escorted Gu Bai to the VIP security check.

Gu Bai, not formally dressed today, wore a pure black wool coat whose hem dragged to his calves. Paired with a pair of pure black sunglasses and neatly styled hair, he looked more like a fashion-forward celebrity.

As he was about to go through security and board the plane, Gu Bai turned to Mr. Shao and said, "The acquisition of Hongye Building Materials must be prioritized. First gather all internal equity, then announce repurchasing all circulation shares at the issue price at the lowest stock price, and finally apply for delisting."

Acquiring a listed company is far more complex; during the entire Spring Festival, acquiring Hongye Building Materials became the Black Swan Group’s top priority.

Mr. Shao nodded: "Understood."

After hesitating for a few seconds, Mr. Shao slowly said, "Chairman Gu, as the company is expanding, many things have surpassed my capabilities. Therefore, I wish to resign from the position of General Manager and serve as the Director of the Investment Department instead. After all, financial investment is my forte."