Chapter 165: Provocation at the Doorstep

Imanka was startled upon hearing that after Clark took office, Lagia had been suppressed and pushed into a semi-retired status.

She wondered how such a young person could have died.

“He was in Israel, hit by a rocket launched by the Persian-supported armed forces. It’s said that even his body couldn’t be found,” Clark explained.

Imanka didn’t know how to respond upon hearing Clark’s words. She knew that there must be some intention behind him bringing up this matter.

But she couldn’t guess what it was; after all, she had spent over a year quietly in the archives.

Clark didn’t seem to intend for Imanka to speak, but rather continued, “I’ve decided to investigate Lagia’s death, and you will be the head of the investigation team.

Choose the personnel from the bureau yourself. I’ll give you one month to find out why Lagia went to Israel alone to see Director Shabin of the Mohsad’s Eastern Africa branch.”

Imanka looked at Clark in surprise, speechless for a long moment.

“Do you have any questions?” Clark asked, looking at Imanka with a kindly expression.

“Oh, I… I’ve never done this kind of investigation before. Could there be a mistake?” she hesitated.

Clark took off his reading glasses, smiled even more warmly, and said, “Although you don’t have much field experience, your performance in infiltrating the natural great powers and breaking free from Tang Country shows enough… shrewdness. I believe you have the ability to complete this investigation.”

“Well… okay, I will try my best,” Imanka replied.

“Go ahead, implement your ideas boldly. I will take responsibility for any problems,” Clark said, waving his hand with a smile.

Imanka nodded slightly and then walked out of the director’s office.

As the office door closed, the smile on Clark’s face disappeared completely. He reopened the folder.

It was intelligence sent back by the US military from their front-line bases in various African countries, recording events they deemed important.

On the page he opened, the title read, “The Tanga Federation supports the South Sudanese government forces; two Y-8 transport planes from Tang Country arrived at Zhuba Airport, with Tang Country suspected in the background.”

“Is Tang Country trying to repair the plank road while secretly crossing Chen Cang? But what value does South Sudan hold?” Clark tapped his fingers lightly on the document, murmuring to himself.

In Magic City, Dream Technology.

“President Liu, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard you visited Africa for an inspection?”

Liu Yaofeng looked across the conference table at the man sitting opposite him. He had long heard of Liang Weimin of Powerful Capital, a big player in the capital market and a rising star in venture capital.

Liang Weimin’s knack for investing in high-tech enterprises was keen, and he hasn’t failed yet, to the amazement of the industry.

To be honest, Liu Yaofeng was not surprised by Liang Weimin’s visit.

This was because, for one, Liang’s Powerful Capital was the second-largest shareholder of their subsidiary Xingguang Precision, and two, Du Qiu had just discussed this man with him.

It was this man who pressured Sun Hongming into framing Du Qiu.

Although Sun Hongming’s posthumous letter exonerated Du Qiu, it was clear that Liang Weimin was an enemy.

Now that Du Qiu was secure, he would naturally seek revenge when the time was right. Some things needed to be arranged in advance, and Liu Yaofeng, of course, had to understand and act according to the plan.

It just never occurred to him that Liang Weimin would show up so soon. After remaining silent for over a year, he wasn’t sure what this man was planning this time.

“Director Liang, you’re very busy, I’m honored by your visit to Dream Technology. May I ask, what brings you here in person?” Liu inquired.

Liang Weimin scanned Liu Yaofeng, quickly reviewing the information about him in his mind.

This man from Shan province was known to be quite righteous and straightforward, and it’s said that he’s managed to infuriate quite a few state-owned enterprise leaders who came to visit.

After all, Du Qiu was just a scientist and such a person was not suitable for the position of President of Dream Technology.

“That’s right, I believe Xingguang Precision’s performance can still improve, so I hope we can reach an agreement to explore new fields,” Liang stated carefully, his eyes fixed on Liu.

Liu Yaofeng responded with a slight smile, “I wonder what areas Director Liang thinks Xingguang Precision can branch into?”

At Liang Weimin’s signal, his glamorous assistant handed over a plan to Liu across the table. “This is a proposal that I’ve discussed with several directors of Xingguang Precision. Please have a look, President Liu.”

Liu Yaofeng took the folder, opened it, and quickly skimmed through its contents.

After a few minutes, he closed the file with a displeased expression and said, “Director Liang, are you asking Xingguang Precision to do Dream Technology’s business?”

“Of course not. Dream Technology currently focuses mainly on environmental equipment and domestic robots; Xingguang Precision will definitely not interfere with these two sectors,” Liang assured with a confident look.

Liu Yaofeng laughed in frustration, “Ha, Director Liang seems very informed about our Dream Technology’s main business.”

Liang Weimin nodded, “Although Dream Technology isn’t a public company and doesn’t disclose financial reports, I can still learn about the company’s tax situation.

As long as Dream Technology doesn’t engage in any tax evasion, I believe I can confirm the company’s main business.”

Liu Yaofeng snorted, “Director Liang still suspects Dream Technology of tax evasion?”

Liang Weimin spread his hands, “That’s what you said, not me.”

Liu Yaofeng took a deep breath and then slowly stated, “Our company’s main business is not just the two areas that Director Liang assumes.

Dream Technology’s first income came from controlling software for CNC machining centers, which has now evolved into ‘Tianqing System’ automation software.

Additionally, Dream Technology’s automated production line products and CNC machining center components supplied to Xingguang Precision are indispensable sources of income for the company.”

Liang Weimin smiled, “President Liu, if I remember correctly, the ‘Tianqing System’ accounts for only 15% of your company’s income.

The latter makes up 18%, meaning together they barely reach one-third, just making up a third of the total income.”

“One-third isn’t the main business?”

“That’s exactly why I and several directors suggested this focus.

Enhancing the performance of the listed company Xingguang Precision is obviously quickest through asset injection.

As the largest shareholder and actual controller, if you’re willing to inject these assets into the listed company, our proposal would naturally be invalid.

However, if your company doesn’t wish to improve Xingguang Precision’s performance, then we shareholders have to find another way,” Liang said.

Liu Yaofeng laughed coldly, “Do you think a proposal for such a direct competition project with Dream Technology will pass at the shareholder meeting?”

Liang Weimin calmly said, “The proposal is beneficial for the listed company’s development, and I believe all shareholders should support it.

Oh, I forgot – Dream Technology also has a 33% stake, and you are a shareholder of Xingguang Precision.

Even if we can’t get 100% support, just two-thirds agreement would suffice.”

Liu Yaofeng looked at Liang Weimin, “It seems Director Liang has come here today for a confrontation. Dream Technology holds 33% of Xingguang Precision’s shares.

I will wait and see how Director Liang ensures that the rest of the shareholders all vote in favor.”

Liang Weimin sighed, “President Liu, why be so stubborn? To boost a listed company’s performance, plenty of parent companies inject quality assets.

Haven’t you seen all the state-owned enterprises doing everything they can to integrate quality assets into listed company platforms?

This not only allows the company to raise a large amount of capital but also integrates resources from various parties to jointly contribute to the development of the listed company. Isn’t that beneficial for both sides?”

Liu Yaofeng shook his head, “In recent years, I’ve seen plenty of majority shareholders of listed companies raising funds and cutting retail investors’ gains through private placement.

Xingguang Precision is doing fine with its focus on CNC machining center construction. That’s its foundation.”

Liang Weimin looked at Liu Yaofeng and then suddenly said, “President Liu, such an important matter, I think you should report to Dr. Du Qiu, the chairman of the company.”

Liu Yaofeng dismissively shook his head, “No need, our chairman has already authorized me to handle all affairs concerning Xingguang Precision; this is within my purview.”

Liang Weimin looked at Liu Yaofeng for a few seconds, then nodded slightly, “Alright then, since you disagree, we’ll have to vote at the board meeting. I just hope it won’t embarrass you then.”

“Director Liang is overly concerned; the board might not pass the proposal as you wish,” Liu countered.

“Let’s see how things unfold; I take my leave.”

“Farewell; no need to see you out!”