Chapter 522 - 312: Five Stars Rising in the East

Chapter 522: Chapter 312: Five Stars Rising in the East

"Let’s all take a guess—what is this guy really up to?"

...

The vlogger, "Five Stars Rising in the East," was meticulously digging into his background, adding all sorts of speculation and commentary.

For the most part, it was more complimentary than not.

Lin Chu’s lips pursed slightly as he watched the video, a strange feeling welling up inside him.

’This vlogger is pretty interesting,’

’It’s kind of like... once you’ve made your conquest, the great scholars will come to legitimize your rule for you.’

After watching the entire video, Lin Chu thought for a moment, changed his profile picture and nickname, and entered the man’s livestream.

The guy was still talking.

Finding the tipping function, Lin Chu bought 100,000 USD worth of "diamonds" and casually gifted them all.

On the screen,

the man known as "Five Stars Rising in the East" suddenly saw the massive gift. His impassioned voice faltered, and he put his hands together. "Thank you, boss, for the diamonds... Lin... Lin Chu?"

He cried out in surprise, momentarily stunned.

After a few seconds of shock, he snapped back to his senses, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "To all my brothers in the stream, a few days ago I did a video on Lin Chu. I don’t know if you remember, but the big boss who just tipped 100,000 USD... his username is Lin Chu."

"First things first! Let me say this: if you’re a fake, get the hell out! If you’re the real Lin Chu, then just pretend I said nothing. President Lin, want to join the call?"

Watching the scene unfold, Lin Chu couldn’t help but smile.

’He’s pretty cautious,’ Lin Chu thought.

A notification popped up on his phone: *The other party is inviting you to a video call.*

After a moment’s hesitation, Lin Chu accepted the invitation but didn’t show his face, instead pointing the camera out the car window.

"Hello there. First things first, I’m here to ’check your water meter’—you’ve violated my right to reputation,"

Lin Chu said with a laugh, his tone anything but serious.

On screen, "Five Stars" stuck out his tongue comically—a middle-aged man trying to act cute. "My mistake, my mistake, don’t check. Are you really President Lin? Send me a million USD to prove you’re the real deal."

He was joking as well.

Anyone making a living like this abroad was no pushover. He exuded a devil-may-care attitude, and his speech carried a hint of a Beijing accent.

"President Lin, come on, show your face. Hey, looking at the view outside your window, seems like you’re in Paris?"

He quickly steered the conversation.

"Yeah, I’m in Paris. The video was well-made. DM me your number. I’d like to meet you,"

Lin Chu said casually.

In a way, this vlogger was a talented individual.

’His stance is solid, his skills are there, and he’s articulate. The fundamentals are all good. With some capital backing, he has the potential to become one of my ’spokespeople.’’

’If I can recruit him...’

’Then, after security and finance, I’ll have my third weapon: public opinion.’

’It’s just a seedling for now, but I’ll check him out first.’

"Sure thing!"

"No problem!"

"I’ve sent you a DM! When are you free? Right, we should probably talk about this privately. The stream is full of all kinds of shady characters."

"Is there anything else you’d like to say, President Lin?"

He was extremely cautious, not wanting to discuss private information in a public forum, lest he get doxxed.

"That’s all then. I’m out. Check your DMs."

Lin Chu didn’t have anything else to say, so after that brief reply, he ended the video call.

Soon,

Lin Chu saw the private message in his inbox.

The man had sent a phone number.

Lin Chu: "Are you free tomorrow? Come to Paris. I’ll treat you to a meal."

"President Lin, you’re a man of action. Alright then, I’ll pack my things and head out right away. We’re not too far apart, so I can be there today."

"Whatever works for you. Just give me a call when you arrive."

Lin Chu sent him his phone number, and after a few more pleasantries, they ended the chat.

Seeing that Lin Chu was finished, Liu Chenhui glanced over. "How did it go?"

"Pretty good."

"Haha, you’re quite the lucky charm."

"Not bad at all. Are you interested in flying? You should go get your pilot’s license and be my pilot."

Lin Chu said with a casual smile. The timing was about right, too.

Once his private jet was ready, it would naturally need a crew. When it came to safety in the air, he’d feel more at ease with his own people.

"Sure! No problem!"

"If the boss is giving me this honor, I’ll definitely live up to it!"

Liu Chenhui replied, absolutely delighted.

Takeoff!

A real career takeoff!

Lin Chu didn’t answer his initial question, but by this point, Liu Chenhui had forgotten all about it.

...

After a drive around the city, the car returned to the hotel and stopped at the entrance.

Liu Chenhui immediately got out, went around to the passenger side to open the door for Lin Chu, and held his hand over the top of the doorframe.

Lin Chu gave him a smiling glance and nodded.

He got out of the car and went upstairs, arriving at the hotel’s conference room.

Bian Gaige and a group of elites and professors were in the middle of a meeting.

Although they had already reached a preliminary acquisition agreement with Beisen Bank, many variables remained in the upcoming details, which required advance preparation.

Bian Gaige had sent him a message earlier.

He had told them to start without him.

As Lin Chu entered, a refined-looking man with glasses who was in the middle of speaking immediately smiled and greeted him, "President Lin is back."

Bian Gaige glanced at the door, stood up, and said with a smile, "President Lin, you’re back. Please, have a seat. We were just getting to the key points. See if you have anything you’d like to add."

In truth, he didn’t really expect Lin Chu to offer any constructive opinions.

He had figured that much out on the plane.

However, a boss who didn’t meddle was even more appreciated than one who micromanaged everything.

And when it came to understanding the proper boundaries of his role, Lin Chu was clearly more perceptive than him.

He had always been very hands-off, focusing only on the results.

"Please, continue. I just came to check in and say a few words. First, congratulations to everyone on achieving this milestone."

"Second, there’s one small thing I need to task you with. Elder Bian, I’ll have to trouble you to put together the executive team for after the acquisition is complete."

Since he didn’t understand this sort of business, Lin Chu decided to delegate full authority and be a completely hands-off boss.

Bian Gaige: ???

He adjusted his glasses, looking at Lin Chu in utter astonishment.

’He wants me to handle this too?’

’I’m just an old man trying to earn a little retirement money and cap off my career with a perfect, grand finale! I didn’t sign up to work myself to death for you!’

"No sense in bothering two masters with one task."

"An elder in the house is a treasure to be cherished."

"To the able, more work is given..."

"In any case, I have to leave this to you. I trust you, Uncle Bian. I’m sure you’ll handle it perfectly."

Lin Chu said, putting on a "sweetly naive" act.

’This sort of thing wasn’t that important, anyway. It’s just about finding a ’steward.’ As long as they’re obedient, it’ll be fine.’

At this moment, everyone in the conference room showed a considerable degree of shock.

’This boss is truly... audacious.’

’That’s a bank we’re talking about.’

’The lifeblood of the corporate group.’

’And he’s just handing over authority for personnel matters so casually?’

Bian Gaige stared at Lin Chu for a few seconds, thought for a moment, and sighed with a hint of resignation. "The board has seven seats in total. I’ll find you two people: one to oversee operations and one for compliance and localization. The rest, you can figure out yourself."

"You dump everything on this old man. I’m your teacher, not your actual uncle!"

He was actually starting to complain.

This sort of thing was, in fact, far too sensitive.

Even Bian Gaige himself felt that if anything went wrong, he wouldn’t be able to bear the responsibility.

"That works too."

"Then it’s settled. Everyone, if you have any suitable candidates, feel free to recommend them to me."

"Well then, you all continue your discussion. I won’t disturb you any longer."

Lin Chu smiled and nodded, his gaze sweeping across the room before he turned and walked out the door.

He left a room full of people staring at each other in dismay.

As the door closed,

Bian Gaige scratched his head and couldn’t help but laugh. "See that? He’s already acting like victory is a foregone conclusion!"

The others in the conference room couldn’t help but laugh as well.

That President Lin, he’s really something else...

After a pause, Bian Gaige’s tone turned more serious. "President Lin has decided to be a completely hands-off boss. Since he’s thrown this task at me, you all should start looking for candidates as well."

"Any star pupils, personal disciples... see if you can poach them. After the acquisition is complete, there’s bound to be a major shake-up. It’s always more reassuring to use our own people."

"As for compensation, I don’t need to say much. But when it comes to ability and character, I will personally vet every candidate. This might be the last major project of my life, and I’m determined to do it beautifully."

...

...