My Virtual Girlfriend-Chapter 462

At that moment, Zhang Yonghao almost thought he had heard incorrectly.

Even though Chen Yan had said it a thousand times, his reason for initiating this forced replacement was not because of Zhao Jie’s incident. But everyone knew, it was precisely because of that incident.

Therefore, Zhang Yonghao took the initiative to visit the operations department this morning to discuss how to deal with the matter.

After a morning of discussion, he got a good result and came to Chen Yan, satisfied with the outcome.

He thought Chen Yan would definitely praise him for handling the situation well.

But he could never have expected that Chen Yan would actually refuse... and furthermore, demand to keep suppressing the matter.

For a moment, he doubted if Chen Yan was in his right mind.

Chen Yan just glanced at Zhang Yonghao.

He had his reasons for his actions.

Furthermore, he wasn’t just trying to "keep his word," but he honestly believed that, at this moment... keeping the whole network pushing down on Zhao Jie’s incident was perhaps more advantageous to him.

The reason would have to start from a few days ago...

...

A few days prior, after Zhang Yonghao’s betrayal infuriated him, Chen Yan immediately determined that he would go to Tiandu the next day to confront Zhang Yonghao.

After setting the plan, since he was too furious, he didn’t go home but instead went to Yu Qiao Qiao’s house.

It was the weekend, so Yu Qiao Qiao was cleaning at home: she mostly lived in the dormitory now, but she would return home every weekend to keep it clean.

And besides her, Zhao Ying, who always sponged off others, was also there.

During the meal, Yu Qiao Qiao, sharp as ever, noticed Chen Yan’s mood was off and gently inquired about it.

In front of two trusted individuals, Chen Yan did not hide anything and recounted everything Zhao Qingtian had done.

After hearing Chen Yan speak, Yu Qiao Qiao and Zhao Ying were very indignant. It turned out Zhao Qingtian was indeed covering the sky with one hand, acting wantonly just because he was rich.

The difference between women and men lies here. If Chen Yan had spoken about this incident with a man, he would likely receive good advice.

Because men are rational.

Whereas women would join Chen Yan in cursing that person, helping Chen Yan vent his frustration.

Because women are emotional.

Originally, the matter would have ended there. Chen Yan and Yu Qiao Qiao were supposed to sleep beautifully, confront Zhang Yonghao the next day, and then just make sure that Headline Technology’s apps promote Zhao Qingtian.

However, when he finished his bath and was about to go to bed, Zhao Ying dragged him to her room.

Chen Yan was confused about suddenly being dragged into her room.

He remembered that Zhao Ying’s fondness for him hadn’t reached the step where he could be "pushed over."

Afterward... he realized he had overthought it.

Zhao Ying had called him to her room purely to comfort him in her way.

She told Chen Yan not to lose heart or feel discouraged and that once she graduated the next year, she would start a media company that would write about things that couldn’t be broadcasted otherwise.

If Chen Yan ever wanted to expose anything, he could tell her, and she would bring it to light.

Other media might be bought by capital, but she definitely wouldn’t!

She believed that the media should be free, not controlled or manipulated by capital!

Because once capital could control the media, people would no longer have a voice!

Born with a shut mouth, work with a shut mouth, die with a shut mouth.

All they could hear would be what capital allows them to hear.

What they wanted to say, however, couldn’t be spoken.

They might even mistakenly believe they were the only special ones in the world.

This was a very frightening thing.

Even the nation would not be safe anymore.

If capital manipulated the media and spread various negative news about the country, what would happen to the country then?

Therefore, she was resolved to become a free gossip (crossed out), media person!

Not controlled by capital, not manipulated by money!

Chen Yan was not touched by Zhao Ying’s words at all.

However, Zhao Ying’s words did give him a great insight.

That was... if even he felt what Zhao Qingtian did was too ruthless and terrifying, wouldn’t others feel the same?

Wouldn’t the country have these concerns?

When a single capital grew big enough to control all media, what should they do if it turns against the country in the future?

Thinking of this, Chen Yan suddenly felt it made sense.

So, after he left the room, he made a call to his most trusted subordinate, Yang Rou, and shared his views with her.

Yang Rou, after quietly listening, felt that Chen Yan’s idea was very reasonable.

Even they found such tactics frightening; God knows how many were worried about this in secret.

So, in Tiandu, during the two days of forcing Zhang Yonghao out, Chen Yan and Yang Rou were not idle.

They visited many small websites and forums.

It turned out that on these platforms, many who were silenced by major media were discussing the matter.

And their thoughts were not much different from Chen Yan’s; they too feared the power of the Zhao Group.

That was not all.

It was unknown if the Zhao Group had also found out about these small gathering spots, as cease and desist letters were sent one by one. Forcing these websites to remove relevant information and discussions.

Chen Yan knew about this because one small forum had posted the cease and desist letter from the Zhao Group, stating they dared not confront the Zhao Group directly and could only delete the relevant information.

This further inflamed the netizens’ emotions.

Chen Yan felt that, with Zhao Qingtian suppressing things so heavily, the online public opinion was like a keg of gunpowder that might ignite at any moment.

Everything just needed a fuse...

And that fuse needed an influential official to take action...

His thoughts returned.

Chen Yan looked at Zhang Yonghao, and since he already had a backup plan, he definitely would not allow Headline to lift the blockade.

After all, the stronger the suppression now, the higher it would bounce back in the future.

If Headline Technology lifted the controls now, allowing netizens to vent, that would only impact the future.

Thinking this, Chen Yan looked at Zhang Yonghao and explained again,

"Mr. Zhang, since I arrived at the company yesterday, I have said, I did not come here because of Zhao Jie’s issue."

"And now, as a director of the company, I must prioritize the interests of the company."

"I would not let the company suffer for my personal desires."

"Besides, with the whole network suppressing Zhao Jie’s issue, what use would it be if Headline let it go?"

"So, don’t overthink it. Just keep executing as it is now."

Hearing Chen Yan’s words, Zhao Qingtian looked at Chen Yan suspiciously.

Only after he was sure Chen Yan wasn’t joking did he nod hesitantly.

After that, Chen Yan didn’t care what he really thought: as long as it didn’t mess up his plans, it was fine.

So, for the next while, they continued discussing the company and follow-up interfaces.

Chen Yan’s appointed deputy director would join the finance department today to start overseeing the company’s finances.

And now President Wang had already left, so Meng Xue’s revenge was avenged, there was no need to stay in Headline Technology. Thus Chen Yan also appointed Qin Ming to represent them both at the board of directors and supervise the company’s daily operations.

Holding Chen Yan’s veto right, Qin Ming had a lot of authority in Headline Technology.

Chen Yan believed with his capabilities, he would soon be able to infiltrate Headline Technology and lay the foundation for his future takeover.

After everything was settled, the three left Headline Technology.

This trip to Tiandu was considered a complete success.

However, on the way back to the hotel, Chen Yan looked at Qin Ming in the front seat and instructed, "Qin Ming, are you free the next few days?"

Hearing Chen Yan’s question, Qin Ming quickly shook his head and asked, "No, Brother Chen. What’s up?"

Chen Yan instructed methodically, "If you’re free, stay a few more days in Tiandu."

Qin Ming nodded, "Okay."

Chen Yan asked, "Do you know what I’m keeping you here to do?"

Qin Ming turned back, puzzled, "To do what?"

Chen Yan looked him in the eyes and said, "Go get those shares in President Wang’s hands."

Hearing Chen Yan’s words, Qin Ming’s eyes lit up, and he couldn’t help but admire, "Brilliant, Brother Chen!"

He said, "I didn’t realize there was such a profound meaning behind what you did last night."

Chen Yan smiled without saying a word...

President Wang, now removed from the company, still held around 3% of shares.

Typically, these shares would be bought back by the company or acquired by Zhang Yonghao.

But, that would be under normal circumstances.

Now, since President Wang and Zhang Yonghao had a misunderstanding, it’s likely he would no longer trust him. Thus, it was not certain whose hands those shares would end up in...

It all depended on skills. And Chen Yan believed in Qin Ming.

After explaining everything, Chen Yan and his companions returned to the hotel.

Since negotiations involving shareholdings might follow, the company’s team stayed behind with Qin Ming.

Thus, the team that was supposed to return to Qin Island with them ultimately only included Chen Yan and He Mengxue.

Boarding the plane to Flying Zither Island, the two flew toward the long-missed Qin Island...

This time, forcing out Zhang Yonghao and avenging He Mengxue laid down another chess piece.

The whole process was very smooth.

Chen Yan was very satisfied.

However, what he didn’t know was that the "deeds" he left behind these past days were gradually starting to spread throughout Tiandu...

...

These days, in Tiandu’s investment circles and the circles of top tycoons, the most talked about issue was the massive change at Headline Technology.

A unicorn company, with the potential of a market value of several hundred billion, had suddenly fallen into internal turmoil management-wise.

Moreover, as an external investor, Chen Yan, holding more than 40% of the shares, had personally arrived to confront them.

This big drama was something many in the circle hadn’t encountered for many years.

So they couldn’t help but be interested...

In this group, various companies were discussing these matters.

"Have you heard? Chen Yan’s forced replacement was successful. Just now, news came from Headline, saying Chen Yan successfully secured three board seats and even placed his people in the finance department to supervise."

"Yes. I also heard that the director who had conflicts with Chen Yan resigned on his own the next day."

"Chen Yan really hit the jackpot this time. Zhang Yonghao had no chance to fight back at all."

"You wouldn’t have a chance either. Who would have thought Chen Yan would suddenly get so many shares?"

"Makes sense."

"Another tough player has emerged among the domestic tycoons."

...

"Have you guys got any news? What exactly caused Chen Yan and Zhang Yonghao to fall out?"

"It seems someone dug up a bit of news, saying it’s about a difference of opinion regarding the direction of public opinion about an issue in the company."

"What issue?"

"It’s related to Zhao Group and Zhao Qingtian. It seems Chen Yan had a conflict with him, then some scandalous news about Zhao Qingtian was leaked. But Zhang Yonghao supported Zhao Qingtian, blocked the news, and thus Chen Yan got angry and directly wiped out his company."

"Damn.The Zhao Group, huh? Chen Yan is really fierce, going directly after the Zhao Group. There’s a great drama to watch."

"Yes, yes. Zhang Yonghao is the real loser here. Just because he chose the wrong side, he almost lost his company."

...

At this time, in Tiandu, inside the Zhao Group.

Chairman’s office.

Zhao Qingtian was also listening with a somber expression to his assistant’s report, "That useless Zhang Yonghao, just like that, he got manipulated by Chen Yan?"

Hearing Zhao Qingtian’s remarks, the female assistant quickly bowed her head and said, "Yes. Probably for the development of the company, Zhang Yonghao almost agreed to all the conditions proposed by Chen Yan."

Zhao Qingtian wore a somewhat displeased expression.

Clearly, even though he had never underestimated Chen Yan, he had never expected Chen Yan to pull a sneak attack and take down Zhang Yonghao’s hometown, seizing a large traffic platform.

He was slightly worried.

If Chen Yan asked Zhang Yonghao to promote Zhao Jie’s matter, how passive he would be.

Therefore, he couldn’t sit still anymore.

Instead, he picked up the desk phone and called Zhang Yonghao.

A moment passed, the call connected, and Zhao Qingtian also put on a faint smile, "Mr. Zhang, not too busy, are you?"

"Yes, I wanted to ask if our cooperation is still continuing?"

Zhang Yonghao’s reply clearly surprised Zhao Qingtian, "Continuing?"

He wore a curious expression and tentatively asked, "I’ve heard that recently your side..."

Over the phone, Zhang Yonghao’s voice came, "They are just minor problems, Mr. Zhao."

"I promise you, everything will be done, just rest assured."

"As for Chen Yan, I was just unprepared because it happened so suddenly. Once I free up my hands, I can still kick him out."

Hearing Zhang Yonghao’s words, Zhao Qingtian’s face showed no sign of belief.

He chatted with Zhang Yonghao for a few more sentences, then finally hung up the phone.

After hanging up, Zhao Qingtian furrowed his brows, mumbling to himself, "No, something’s not right with this."

"If Zhang Yonghao had such capabilities, he wouldn’t have been manipulated by Chen Yan like this."

"So, did Chen Yan deliberately spare me?"

"Why...?"

Obviously, even with Zhao Qingtian’s seasoned experience and cunning, he was momentarily unable to understand why Chen Yan suddenly halted his actions.

He felt it was unreasonable.

"Could it be that Chen Yan wants to make peace with me?"

"Or perhaps, Zhang Yonghao really is that capable?"

Zhao Qingtian’s thoughts were drifting farther and farther...

...

At this moment, back on Qin Island, Chen Yan was still unaware that he had been betrayed by Zhang Yonghao once again.

But even if he knew, he probably wouldn’t care much.

After all, he had already decided that once the cashback arrived, he would forcibly buy over 50% of the shares of Headline Technology and completely take control of the company.

He was truly fed up with Zhang Yonghao’s demeanour of kneeling before any power.

He felt that, given Zhang Yonghao’s personality, if the Beautiful Country wanted to sanction him one year, he probably would kneel and call them "Dad" at the first opportunity.

So, he had no expectations of this person anymore...

Returning to his own territory, Chen Yan and He Mengxue felt much more relaxed.

Sitting in the company’s car, the two headed towards Qin Island City center.

While in the car, He Mengxue glanced at the driver to ensure he wasn’t paying attention to her, then she quietly pulled down the partition and whispered to Chen Yan, "Chen Yan, feeling tired after days of travel?"

Chen Yan glanced at her and responded indifferently, "I’m okay. What’s up?"

He Mengxue leaned closer.

Her entire body pressed against him.

Now that summer was approaching and her clothes were becoming thinner, Chen Yan could feel the softness against his arm when she pressed close.

He Mengxue whispered softly, "So how about we have some drinks and relax?"

Chen Yan looked at her, amused and incredulous, "Is drinking what you call relaxing?"

Her eyes sparkled, and she nodded emphatically.

Clearly, she genuinely believed this would relieve the fatigue.

Chen Yan saw it differently.

He rolled his eyes and broke free from He Mengxue’s embrace, "Forget it. I’d rather go home and rest. What’s the fun in drinking?"

He Mengxue was not discouraged by Chen Yan’s refusal; she was used to it.

She continued to cling onto Chen Yan’s arm, then coquettishly gave Chen Yan a sultry look, saying, "Drinking is indeed boring."

"But what comes after drinking is interesting~"

Chen Yan looked at her skeptically.

She bit her lip slightly, then acting shyly, she whispered, "You could be bold, you know. Get me drunk. Then... you can do as you please."

Chen Yan: .....

Giving He Mengxue’s head a thump,

She yelped in pain, then holding her forehead, looked at Chen Yan with a pitiful expression, "Why did you hit me?"

Chen Yan snorted, "Is this all you think about every day?"

He Mengxue flipped a glamorous eye-roll.

Chen Yan added, "And you? Even if you’re not drunk, wouldn’t you let me bully you?"

Upon hearing this, He Mengxue cast an enticing glare at Chen Yan, saying, "But there’s a different kind of fun in it~"

"Being drunk and being sober—those are not the same."

Chen Yan: .....

"Forget it. I prefer when we’re sober."

...

Half an hour later.

At He Mengxue’s bar.

Chen Yan and He Mengxue clinked their glasses, "Come on, let’s drink."

He Mengxue stifled her laugh, then stealthily glanced at Chen Yan, finishing her drink in one gulp.

Afterward, she gestured downwards, wearing a challenging look as she faced Chen Yan.

Chen Yan: ??

Looking at her, he always felt something was a bit off.

Was it He Mengxue who wanted him to take her blame?

It was also her who said there’s a different kind of pleasure in it?

Why did it feel so strangely, Chen Yan looked at her, half smiling, half exasperated, "Is drinking what you call relaxing?"

Her eyes shone as she nodded emphatically.

Clearly, she really thought this would relieve tiredness.

But Chen Yan had a different view.

He rolled his eyes and escaped He Mengxue’s embrace, "Forget it. I’d rather go home and rest. What’s the fun in drinking?"

He Mengxue wasn’t disheartened by Chen Yan’s rejection; she was used to it.

Her arm continued to clasp Chen Yan’s, and then throwing him a seductive look, she said, "Drinking is dull."

"But what comes after drinking is interesting~"

Chen Yan looked at her with suspicion.

She bit her lip lightly, then feigning shyness, said, "You could be bold, you know. Get me drunk, then... you can do as you please."

Chen Yan: .....

Giving He Mengxue’s head a flick,

She yelped in pain, then cupping her forehead, looked at Chen Yan with a pained expression, "Why did you hit me?"

Chen Yan scoffed, "Is sex all you think about every day?"

He Mengxue rolled her eyes attractively.

Chen Yan said, "And you? Even without being drunk, wouldn’t you just let me have my way?"

He Mengxue perked up at this, giving Chen Yan a flirtatious eye-roll, said, "But that’s a different kind of fun~"

"Being drunk and being sober—those aren’t the same."

Chen Yan: .....

"Forget it. I prefer us sober."

...

Half an hour later.

At He Mengxue’s bar.

Chen Yan and He Mengxue clinked their glasses, "Come on, let’s drink."

Controlling her laughter, He Mengxue sneakily glanced at Chen Yan and downed the drink in her glass in one go.

Then, she indicated downwards, wearing a provocative look as she faced Chen Yan.

Chen Yan: ??

Looking at her, he always had a strange feeling.

Was it He Mengxue who wanted him to take the blame?

And was it her who said this would be a different kind of fun?

How come it strangely felt, Chen Yan looked at her, half amused, half exasperated, "Is drinking what you call relaxing?"

Bright-eyed, she nodded vigorously.

Clearly, she truly thought this would ease the weariness.