Chapter 1164: Internal Conflict within Tianqing

Still in that same villa.

Still in that same conference room.

Still with those same people.

Wang Lan sat at the head wearing a mask with three masked people on either side.

Including Wang Lan, these seven were the core leadership of Tianqing.

These seven didn’t know each other’s names, not even their ages.

Even Wang Lan couldn’t confirm the ages of the other six since he inherited the mask and leader position from his deceased father.

According to his father, the Wang family has always held the Tianqing leadership position.

The other six families have their social status and extensive industries, so this underground organization was handed to their family to manage.

They obtained the Tianqing leadership, but lost the chance to legitimately appear in the world.

There are gains and losses, such is life’s natural law.

He now couldn’t even confirm if the other six were middle-aged like him or younger.

In other words, though Wang Lan had led Tianqing for five years, the organization had existed far longer.

Decades ago, his father’s generation, and the fathers or grandfathers of the others, formed Tianqing for a shared goal.

As Tianqing developed, beyond its founding purpose, they kept together because of the benefits it provided.

“Shouldn’t you explain about Yunzhou Laboratory? Do you know what that implies!”

The person with a Batman mask on the right first challenged Wang Lan, speaking in a peculiar altered voice.

“For years we haven’t meddled in Tianqing’s affairs and paid dues on time, is this your report to us?”

“We could not secure the stone from Xu Corporation, nor their genetic serum technology, and now we’ve lost the lab’s ‘Monkey Man.’ Decades of work gone overnight, don’t you owe us an explanation!”

“You should give us an explanation or a promise…”

As one began, the others collectively questioned Wang Lan, challenging him.

After all, what was researched in Yunzhou’s lab was extremely important.

It’s no exaggeration to say, once successful, its impact would rival the genetic serum.

The genetic serum enhances humans, but their research aimed at extending life and preserving youth! The research was close to success when the lab was raided, sparking their fury.

So this time Xu Shaochen really scored a huge gain.

The second-generation genetic serum research had long been stalled; minor success in slowing aging needed a major breakthrough in extending lifespan.

With Tianqing’s prior success in alien corpse research, merging both might soon birth the second-generation genetic serum.

Xu Shaochen was delighted, yet in the conference room, the mood remained grim.

Though Xu Corporation’s serum would be available, it’s far better to own the production technology.

Seeing the enraged six, Wang Lan took a deep breath and said, “I’m part of Tianqing too; such events aren’t my wish. One of my sons is missing; I’m struggling more than any of you.”

“Your son again! We haven’t even discussed the public funds you misused last time for your other son!”

“Right. If your sons are like that, how can a new leader manage Tianqing once you step down?”

Wang Lan’s mention of his son incensed the six further.

As the leader, they knew more about Wang Lan.

“Clap!”

Wang Lan slammed the table and coldly scanned the room. “My sons are not for your criticism; remember, I’m Tianqing’s leader!”

He softened. “I won’t deny the lab mishap is my responsibility. I assure you, I’ll recover everything from Xu Corporation!”

“Frankly, your assurances are worthless. The incident happened under you; focus on making up our losses!”

The person in the Spider-Man mask coldly remarked.

“Our losses? I’m also part of Tianqing. You enjoy the conveniences it brings, so you must also bear corresponding responsibilities and unforeseeable losses.”

Wang Lan disagreed with Spider-Man; he still owed 30 billion in public funds, with no funds for their losses.

To compensate them?

Then who’d cover his losses?

“Gentlemen, at least we know Xu Corporation holds our items; it’s bad news with a silver lining—a target instead of searching aimlessly. Trust me; I’ll retrieve them.”

Quickly, this brief yet intense meeting ended.

Wang Lan took off his Joker mask, sitting wearily in his chair.

To him, wearing a mask made no difference.

He managed Tianqing’s affairs closely; those six had spies within.

Thus, his appearance and status were known to them.

Wearing a mask was just following tradition.

About ten minutes later, a bodyguard pushed the door open.

“Have they left?” Wang Lan asked.

The bodyguard nodded. “They left.”

Unbeknownst to Wang Lan, those six had a video call with his son Wang Kun.

“Seniors, have you considered my proposal?”

Wang Kun asked, feeling confident as they connected.

The six had already agreed privately. The one in the Batman mask said, “Your proposal is good. We agree; your father disappointed us, and your offer tempts us.”

“Thank you, elders. Trust me; I won’t disappoint.”

Wang Kun suppressed excitement, speaking calmly.

With Wang Zhanhang dead, only Wang Sheng remained. He now had the unanimous support of six core shareholders, ensuring his leadership.