Chapter 378: How to Respond

"A countermeasure?"

Chen Qingdi put down his chopsticks and smiled. "We don’t need one. Just proceed as planned."

"If they want to cooperate, then cooperate with them. Go ahead and hold the press conference for them, too. Make it a huge, spectacular event."

"Huh?"

Ouyang Xiong froze, baffled. "Kelas Group has always treated Mingyue Group as a rival. Chairman Chen, you want me to cooperate with them? This is..."

"Don’t overthink it."

Chen Qingdi waved his hand dismissively. "It’s not as complicated as you think."

"Just do as I say. The bigger we make this press conference for them, the harder they’ll fall."

"Understand?"

Ouyang Xiong nodded. "Understood."

"Good."

Chen Qingdi picked up his chopsticks again. "Then let’s continue enjoying this fine meal."

The two continued to enjoy the exquisite dishes. After several rounds of drinks and courses...

Ouyang Xiong couldn’t contain his curiosity. "Chairman Chen, why did you..."

"Why did I let them get the chance to cooperate so easily?"

Chen Qingdi put down his chopsticks and smiled. "Some things aren’t worth fussing over."

"Sometimes, you have to let out the line to catch a big fish."

"Oh?"

A flicker of confusion crossed Ouyang Xiong’s eyes. "You mean..."

"Exactly."

Chen Qingdi smiled. "Don’t overthink it. Just do as I say."

Chen Qingdi and Ouyang Xiong sat in a luxurious private room, the rich aroma of alcohol filling the air. Chen Qingdi smiled, raised his glass, and gestured to Ouyang Xiong.

"Ouyang, our collaboration these past few days has been a great pleasure. I’m very happy to have a partner like you," Chen Qingdi said.

"Chairman Chen, you’re too kind. It’s a great honor for me to work with Mingyue Group as well," Ouyang Xiong replied.

"In that case, I’d like to give you a small reward." As he spoke, Chen Qingdi took a check from his pocket. Written on it in bold was the sum of three million US Dollars.

Ouyang Xiong’s eyes lit up the moment he saw the check, but he immediately became hesitant. "Chairman Chen, this... this is too much. I..."

"Ouyang, don’t refuse. You’ve earned it." Chen Qingdi cut him off. "You’ve done a lot for our Mingyue Group, and this is just a small token of my gratitude."

"Since Chairman Chen thinks so highly of me, I’ll accept it." Ouyang Xiong finally took the check, a joyous smile spreading across his face.

The two continued to drink as their conversation deepened. Chen Qingdi spoke of his vision for the future and Mingyue Group’s grand plans. In turn, Ouyang Xiong shared his life experiences and insights into the media industry.

"Ouyang, you’ve been in the media industry for so many years. You must have a lot of connections and resources, right?" Chen Qingdi asked, probing.

"Of course. I’ve been working my way up in this industry for a long time. I know a lot of people," Ouyang Xiong answered confidently.

"That’s great. I’d like to ask you for a favor." A cunning smile appeared on Chen Qingdi’s face. "I want to use your influence in the media world to do some publicity for our group."

"No problem. I’ll do everything I can to help you," Ouyang Xiong readily agreed.

The more they talked, the more they hit it off, and the more they drank. That night, Chen Qingdi even arranged for a few female escorts to accompany Ouyang Xiong upstairs to rest.

The next morning, Ouyang Xiong woke up feeling dizzy and disoriented. He glanced at the other side of the bed; the female escort was already gone. He got up, walked to the window, and opened it to breathe in some fresh air.

"I really drank too much last night," Ouyang Xiong muttered to himself. ’Still, it’s great to be able to work with Chairman Chen.’

He picked up his phone to check the time. It was already almost noon. He decided to go downstairs for some breakfast. When he got downstairs, he saw that there were already people eating in the restaurant. He took a closer look and realized it was Chen Qingdi and a few of his assistants.

"Ouyang, you’re awake? How was the drinking last night?" Chen Qingdi looked up, saw him, and asked with a smile.

"Chairman Chen, you’re too kind. I really drank way too much last night," Ouyang Xiong said, a bit embarrassed.

"It’s fine. We’re all friends here," Chen Qingdi said magnanimously. "Come, have some breakfast with us."

They talked as they ate, the conversation naturally revolving around the previous night’s drinking and their business partnership. Chen Qingdi also introduced his assistants to Ouyang Xiong, all of whom were capable key players at Mingyue Group.

After breakfast, Chen Qingdi suggested giving Ouyang Xiong a tour of the Mingyue Group headquarters.

As they walked into the Mingyue Group office building, Ouyang Xiong couldn’t help but marvel at the building’s grandeur and scale. They toured various departments and laboratories, learning about Mingyue Group’s operations and future direction.

"Ouyang, I hope we can continue to maintain our close cooperation." At the end of the tour, Chen Qingdi expressed his desire for continued partnership. "I believe we can create a brighter future together. As for Kelas Group, you can go ahead and agree to their terms. Just let them hold their press conference as planned. I have my own arrangements for everything else."

"Of course. I’m also very much looking forward to further collaboration with Mingyue Group," Ouyang Xiong replied. "I’m sure we can achieve great things together."

The Kelas Group press conference five days later was a grand event.

The venue was packed, with reporters from all over holding cameras and recorders, ready to document the important moment.

And the star of this press conference, the chairman of Kelas Group, stood on stage, brimming with smug satisfaction, ready to announce some shocking news.

"Friends from the press, good morning, everyone!" Chairman Kelas began with an enthusiastic greeting before launching into his speech.

"Here at Kelas Group, we have always been committed to technological innovation, providing better products and services to consumers worldwide. Today, I am thrilled to announce that we have just developed a new product. In terms of performance, quality, and price, it is far superior to anything from our competitor, Mingyue Group."

A stir went through the reporters in the audience. They immediately began whispering among themselves, discussing the credibility of this news. Meanwhile, Chairman Kelas continued his speech.

"Furthermore, I want to tell you all that Kelas Group has successfully recruited all of Mingyue Group’s technical staff. Their skills and experience will provide powerful support for our new product’s development. Therefore, I suggest that from now on, you all stop working with Mingyue Group and choose Kelas Group instead. We will provide you with superior products and services."

When Chairman Kelas finished his speech, the venue erupted in thunderous applause. The reporters were all eager to get more details about this new product.

As for Chairman Kelas, he left the venue with a triumphant air, leaving behind a crowd of stunned and contemplative reporters.