Chapter 642 - 368: Public Opinion Storm, Lin Chu’s "Debut", Showing Off Wealth

Chapter 642: Chapter 368: Public Opinion Storm, Lin Chu’s "Debut", Showing Off Wealth

’And now, I’m in, under Liszt’s name.’

’Of course, that also means he’s vouching for me to some extent.’

’And once I take this position, I’ll obviously face all sorts of power plays.’

’Funny. I’m just a regular grad, not even from a top-tier university. Fucking hell, I’ve just been fumbling along and somehow ended up as a super-elite professional?’

’How do you become a super-elite professional? First, you become a boss. Then, as things change, you become an employee for an even bigger platform... Shit! That’s hilarious.’

’The foreign languages I learned a while back have certainly come in handy...’

’Once I’m really in, I’ll first see how they carve up the profits. I bet they’re all ruthless bastards, but that’s fine—it’s not my company, after all. In this position, the one closest to the kitchen gets to eat first. I’ll prioritize funneling benefits and advantages to my own current projects.’

Lin Chu shook his head and smiled, his mind racing with all sorts of thoughts.

...

—Citibank’s First Chinese Global Vice President, Lin Chu.

In the days that followed, this news swept through the internet like a tornado, leaving many people dumbfounded and in disbelief.

However, for those who had been following Lin Chu, a very clear timeline could be pieced together.

First, he was prosecuted and his conviction was confirmed.

Then, he was pardoned, legally becoming an innocent man.

And finally, he became a Vice President at Citibank.

It was like a roller coaster ride, plunging from a low point and then soaring upwards in a heaven-defying arc, almost giving whiplash to all the onlookers.

This shocking turn of events was unbelievable to everyone except Lin Chu himself—even his own father.

What was going on?

Had the Americans lost their minds?

The situation had changed too quickly.

Many people started asking him about it through various channels. Lin Chu, growing tired of the constant inquiries, simply made a post on his social media.

"A group response—the news is real. As for how I pulled it off, don’t ask. If you have to ask, the answer is I’m just that good. Life is often this exciting, full of great ups and downs. Fortune favors the bold."

"Also, my work jurisdiction primarily covers all matters in the Asia-Pacific Region. Office locations: New York, Xiangjiang, Dubai. Recruiting for my executive office team. All are welcome to apply."

Lin Chu didn’t pay much mind to the various reactions this sparked.

In any case, he had made himself clear.

...

A bright and sunny Monday.

New York, 399 Park Avenue.

A black Rolls-Royce approached from a distance and slowly stopped at the entrance. A bodyguard in a suit and a secretary in black stockings and high heels received Lin Chu, who was dressed in a casual Xiangyun Sha outfit, as he stepped out of the car. The group slowly walked into the Citibank headquarters building.

The one who came to greet him was the current CEO, Fraser, a remarkably capable-looking woman of about fifty.

Behind her followed a huge crowd.

Liszt, however, did not attend at all.

Citibank was founded in 1812 and has a history of over two hundred years. After so many years of development, it consistently ranks among the top ten banks globally, with a current market capitalization of nearly 130 billion US dollars. The wealth it directly or indirectly controls amounts to tens of trillions.

The shareholder structure behind it was extremely complex and convoluted, making it difficult to trace ownership back to specific individuals.

Even Liszt only held his stake of nearly 8% through various channels.

As for the major shareholders from other factions, Lin Chu had analyzed them thoroughly. Almost all of them had ambiguous connections to many famous historical families.

For example, there was the Rockefeller Family—the subject of endless online rumors of uncertain veracity—and the less famous Steelman Clan, which he at least had never heard of. The Morgan Family had also been involved at one point... It was practically half the history of finance.

This was a true Ship of Theseus. In over two hundred years of development, who knows how many people had come and gone. The camp was permanent, but the soldiers were always changing.

After a round of polite pleasantries, Lin Chu followed them inside, took a private elevator, and walked into a conference room on the 32nd floor of the building.

He had already signed the confirmation letter; all the procedures were complete. Today was just a formality.

’To be honest, Americans are pretty mediocre when it comes to formal receptions. It’s all strictly business, with no special sense of ceremony.’

’However, the welcome reception tonight has been all arranged. That’s something to look forward to.’

’In Citibank’s current power structure, my authority as a director ranks fifth, behind the Chairman, the CEO, the CFO, and the First Vice President.’

’However, I have the power to propose a board meeting and make suggestions on major corporate matters and personnel appointments. Of course, whether they pass depends on how many people I can rally to my side.’

At this moment, An Yunzhi was behind him; she had flown in specially from Dubai.

’She studied finance herself. Although she’s trying to conceive, she hasn’t been successful yet. As a secretary, she’s more than qualified.’

Lin Chu took his seat at the huge, round table and nonchalantly observed the six people before him. Two women, four men. Including him, they were the entire power core of this corporate behemoth.

Lin Chu had a few ideas for today’s "debut."

After taking his seat, he casually pulled a golden pistol from his pocket. It looked like a work of art, and he twirled and played with it between his fingers.

This scene left everyone else stunned, hardly able to believe their eyes.

This was a board meeting!

Why bring a pistol?

Although it didn’t look like a real gun, no one knew if it might be loaded.

The ever-diplomatic CEO, Fraser, showed a perfectly measured smile and asked softly, "Mr. Lin Chu, is that your good luck charm?"

It was a fitting joke, and the others couldn’t help but let out small smiles.

Naturally, everyone present had their own thoughts about this Chinese man who had been parachuted in. Seeing him for the first time now, he was certainly making a deep impression.

He looked like a very defiant young man, not like a traditional Chinese person. He was in great shape—tall, young, and even had the air of a soldier about him.

Especially bringing a weapon to a meeting like this, which displayed an inappropriate recklessness.

"You could call it a good luck charm, I suppose. After all, everything I have now, I got through guns and cannons."

"But instead of focusing on my good luck charm, I’d invite you all to focus on my clothes. This is Xiangyun Sha, a top luxury product from China. The LC luxury goods store on Park Avenue will be opening in a few days—that’s my business. I’ve prepared gifts for all of you."

Lin Chu said with a smile, getting in a plug for his business, then settled back into the leather chair with the relaxed posture of a boss.

Everyone present was naturally aware of his net worth and his various assets; it was impossible not to be.

Of course, how much they knew specifically depended on each person’s sources.

"Thank you for your generosity."

"Alright, I won’t waste any more time. I will now announce the appointment. In accordance with company bylaws and the board’s nomination, I hereby appoint Mr. Lin Chu as a director and Vice President of this bank, responsible for overseeing all matters in the Asia-Pacific Region."

Fraser stood up and read from the document.

A round of polite applause followed.

Lin Chu smiled and nodded at each person. After accepting the appointment letter, he scanned the room, spread his hands, and said nonchalantly, "Thank you, everyone. On another note, before taking office today, I already opened an account with this bank. I’m preparing to deposit some funds, about twenty billion USD. It’s not a lot; there might be more later."

"Ms. Fraser, I need my priority access activated today."

This move was completely unconventional; it was a blatant flex!

Twenty billion USD!

It was an almost unimaginable figure. Even in New York, that would make him one of the absolute wealthiest individuals.

Moreover, this was cash, not assets or market capitalization!

A cash flow like that was enough to put most publicly listed companies to shame!

Could it be... he really bought his way into the job?

Indeed, with such a huge sum of money, getting appointed as a vice president at any bank wouldn’t be difficult.

However, the prestige of Lin Chu’s vice presidency was about more than just that.

He was a shareholder representative and a VP with actual responsibilities; at the same time, he would naturally be held accountable for performance.

And having so much private capital cloaked him in a glittering golden aura from the very beginning.

For a bank, having money is the number one priority!

Worshiping money is only natural!

...

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