The waiting is unbearably difficult, especially when the urgency makes every mont feel like a year.
Pan Dongliang was in just such a situation; it concerned his company and his career, so he couldn't help but be anxious.
While it wasn't quite like ants on a hot pan, the waiting for news was indeed torturous for him.
After more than half an hour, his friend, who worked in the cultural sector, finally called him.
"Old Pan, tell the truth, why did you want to find out about this Chen Feng? Did he ss with you, or did you ss with him?"
This friend had known him for more than a decade, and could barely be considered a cultural worker. Later, he was officially hired and gained experience in the Qingshui Governnt for over a decade. Although he was now at a middle-level position, he was close to retirent age.
Both were locals of Xiu Zhou and would occasionally et up for tea or dinner, having a friendship with little financial entanglent—one of the few pure friendships Pan Dongliang had.
As a result, they spoke quite directly with each other, without hiding anything.
Previously, when Pan Dongliang asked him to investigate, he didn't pry into details; now he clearly gained so information, hence his proactive questioning.
Pan Dongliang, hearing his question, had an inkling but still calmly replied, "Why? Is he such a big deal that he's scared you?"
"You know?" the friend countered.
"What do I know? All I know is that he owns a film company, doesn't sound like he's from Xiu Zhou, and that's it. Otherwise, why would I ask you to help investigate?"
"Alright, let tell you what I found out. I heard from a friend who runs a dia company and claims to have t Chen Feng. Furthermore, I must emphasize, the heir from the Tao family in Xiu Zhou is very friendly with him. Word is he even gave Chen Feng his villa at No. 8 Villa Red Villa Bay. You understand the implications here?"
Even though Pan Dongliang was ntally prepared, the news made his heart skip a beat.
As a local businessman of Xiu Zhou, Pan Dongliang was undoubtedly aware of various figures in the provincial and city-level governnts, especially the significant figures and their families.
So when his friend ntioned the Tao family's heir, he knew it referred to Tao Yaoyang, because the Tao family has only one heir. The Tao family is considered a top-tier family in the province, and even though Tao Yaoyang has always kept a low profile, those who know him are aware of his capabilities.
Moreover, during a recent business association eting, he happened to hear so business circle friends talk about Tao Yaoyang, saying he recently connected with a bigwig in the venture capital world, Huo Jindong. He made a fortune after joining a venture capital project with him.
What kind of person is Huo Jindong? Ordinary people, and even so small business owners, might not have heard of him, but for those with substantial capital, he is undoubtedly the God of Wealth. His backing is extrely strong, and his vast network and influence are beyond the imagination of ordinary people.
Partnering with such a figure can double one's assets instantly, not to ntion the nurous hidden benefits related to networking and business opportunities.
Even though Pan Dongliang was a billionaire, he was just a small fry compared to such true capital giants.
Facing soone like Tao Yaoyang was out of the question for him.
His granduncle, though on par with Tao Yao's father, was just a granduncle, not a parent, making them incomparable.
If a conflict truly arose, his granduncle would not intervene.
To his surprise, Chen Feng was so close with Tao Yaoyang, leading Pan Dongliang to wonder if Chen Feng was leveraging his connection with Tao Yaoyang to deal with him?
Yet, his granduncle previously ntioned it was soone from Beijing pulling strings this ti.
Pan Dongliang couldn't imdiately discern the intricacies of the matter.
"Old Pan, take my advice. If you've offended him, apologize imdiately; there's no sha. He's soone even Tao Yaoyang would curry favor with. Even if you have to beg for forgiveness, it's no big deal.
If he offended you, I suggest you endure it and settle the matter. Letting him take so advantage is nothing compared to making his acquaintance, which might benefit you in the future."
His friend's suggestion was well-intentioned, and Pan Dongliang could tell. With a sigh, he said, "I really didn't know he was so influential before. Did you find out his specific background?"
"His background is quite mysterious; he's definitely a big shot, or why would Tao Yaoyang want to associate with him? It's said that Tao Yaoyang was able to connect with Huo Jindong thanks to Chen Feng's introduction.
Also, my friend ntioned that a well-connected fund manager offended him and quickly suffered consequences, losing the support behind him. The fund manager eventually knelt to beg for forgiveness and offered so benefits before being spared.
This incident is widely known in the film circle, making everyone there very cautious of him and overly respectful to those in his company for fear of offending him. So, heed my advice: admit your fault if necessary and avoid trouble for yourself."
The more Pan Dongliang listened, the more shocked and fearful he beca until he could only sigh deeply.
"Actually, to be honest, I didn't really offend him. He was the one who spoke rudely to first, and I just retaliated with a few words."
His friend, hearing this, earnestly exclaid, "Oh dear, Old Pan, you're almost fifty. Why argue with these young people? Regardless of who's right or wrong, you should quickly find him and apologize to avoid any retaliatory action. These rich young n are often thin-skinned and hate being insulted. Did you insult him?"
Pan Dongliang could only smile bitterly and sigh again, saying, "You're too late. He has already retaliated against . But I'm really wronged here; I didn't insult him, just spoke back a bit. The issue started with him."
"He already retaliated against you? When did your conflict start?" His friend asked, surprised.
"Yesterday." Pan Dongliang replied with little energy.
"Yesterday?" His friend couldn't help but smile wryly upon hearing this, "He really is petty, retaliating the next day. How did he retaliate?"
Pan Dongliang didn't want to answer this but, given their long friendship and the fact that his friend helped investigate Chen Feng, he could only smile bitterly again and say, "Today, so authorities ca for a sudden inspection of several of my chain stores, sealing off a batch of goods."
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