The noise gradually subsided.
Song Qing nodded in gratitude, "I am very grateful for everyone's concern for Fuhua recently. I believe everyone is speculating about the course of events. Of course, due to Chairman Song's reasons, Fuhua has not been able to give everyone a satisfactory answer in a timely manner. I hope everyone can understand."
"As a listed company, Fuhua has a responsibility to give its shareholders an explanation. That's why we're holding this press conference today. Fuhua will not evade responsibility, nor will it back down. We hope that with the joint efforts of all our colleagues at Fuhua, we can overcome this difficult time together. Please don't lose faith."
The public relations department colleagues took the lead in applauding, and then the applause in the room grew louder and louder.
"Alright, the press conference is now officially starting," the host announced.
Song Qing lowered her head and twisted the pen cap, sometimes tightening it, sometimes loosening it. She looked up at the group of people who were preparing to ask questions and take notes, still smiling.
"Ms. Song, what is your opinion on Ms. Song Ning's investment in Weisheng and her taking away the technical data of Fuhua's new project?"
"Investing in Weisheng is a good thing. The Yan and Song families are related by marriage, and Miss Song Ning has the right to decide where her shares go," she said with a smile, without the slightest hint of blame.
"And what about the technical data?" The reporter hadn't even sat down yet, wanting to get to the bottom of it. Several of Song Qing's colleagues next to him were also stunned, all looking at Song Qing.
Song Qing gestured for him to sit down and said calmly, "Weisheng encountered a crisis some time ago, and Miss Song Ning was willing to help, which is understandable."
The crowd gasped in surprise, and the male reporter suddenly stood up again and asked, "So, Ms. Song, are you saying that Ms. Song Ning made this decision on her own? And that Fuhua's crisis was also caused by her?"
"Ms. Song, the chain reaction that Fuhua has suffered has caused investors to panic and sell off their shares. Fuhua has also incurred a debt of 600 million. Will you file a lawsuit against Weisheng for this consequence?" Another person sensed something was amiss and pressed her for an answer.
The others in Fuhua looked at Song Qing with concern.
She stared at the camera for a few seconds, her expression momentarily blank, before replying, "Stock market fluctuations are normal. As for Ms. Song Ning's remarks, we are currently negotiating. The Song and Yan families will not go to court, but they will not tolerate malicious infringement."
"Ms. Song, given this situation, is there any possibility that your two families could cooperate?"
Song Qing laughed and said crisply, "Fuhua is a pioneer in the power industry. We have always had the right to choose our partners. No matter how things develop, Fuhua's professional, refined, strong, proactive, and leading position in the industry will not be broken. Fuhua has a solid foundation built over many years, but it never rests on its laurels. Instead, it has always been pioneering and innovating. Everyone should have confidence in this!"
Secretary Liu breathed a sigh of relief and nodded with satisfaction. Song Qing's speech was both tactful and appropriate, and he had handled the relationship with Weisheng perfectly. This press conference was already more than half a success.
"Ms. Song, you seem so confident and hopeful for the future. Do you already have a foolproof plan?" another female reporter asked with a smile. The atmosphere was no longer as tense as it had been at the beginning.
Song Qing blinked, only smiling and remaining silent.
Women are always gossipy, and another female reporter asked, "Ms. Song, Banking Corporation is a partner of Fuhua Group and has been supporting Fuhua Group since the company ran into trouble. Moreover, as far as we know, Banking Corporation is an investor in Fuhua Group. Is it because of this that you are not worried about Fuhua Group's current financial pressure?"
"Yes, Bank of Communications is a good partner of ours, and our cooperation will continue," replied Minister Li of the Public Relations Department on behalf of the company.
"Then, if you don't mind, may I ask a personal question?"
Song Qing raised his hand.
"The fact that the bank is helping you without regard to its own interests, is that related to your personal relationship with Mr. Yi Zhengwei?"
Song Qing's face paled slightly. She placed her hands under the table and gently clasped them together.
"The trust that Bank of China places in Fuhua will enable both parties to achieve greater progress in future cooperation. The business world is fair, and I believe that Mr. Yi, given his character, is not short-sighted," she said thoughtfully.
"So, were the rumors from a while ago just wishful thinking on everyone's part?" The female reporters were pressing this question relentlessly.
"We are very good friends," she replied.
"Ms. Song, I'm sorry, but I've learned from other sources that you haven't been able to face the public these past few days because your personal safety has been threatened. Is that true?" Upon hearing this, everyone at Fuhua gasped, and the room fell silent.
Bill's secrecy seems to have been lacking. She gave a wry smile, but still said, "I'm sorry, I can't answer that for you; it's beyond my authority."
"It is said that this matter was also thanks to Mr. Yi Zhengwei. In addition, Mr. Yi previously told the media that you are a junior whom he highly regards and values. Would you be a third party in Mr. Yi Zhengwei's relationship?"
"Yes, Miss Song, will Mr. Yi and Miss Shen Xing's relationship be affected by your presence?"
Song Qing slowly broke out in a cold sweat. Coupled with not having slept well the night before, her face was so pale that even makeup couldn't cover it up. Why did things seem to be getting more and more complicated?
"I'm sorry, this part is not included in today's press conference." She gave a weak smile to the crowd, glanced at her watch, and said, "It's time. Please go to Fuhua Restaurant for lunch. Secretary Liu, please make the arrangements."
Everyone packed up their belongings and slowly dispersed. Although they were still reluctant to leave, they had gained enough information today.
Yi Zhengwei turned off the TV and sat in the rocking chair, lost in thought. Given Song Qing's arrogance, would he still accept the help from the bank or him as readily as before, knowing about Shen Xing's existence?
Despite the less-than-ideal ending, the press conference was undoubtedly a resounding success, and Fuhua's stock market should stabilize for a while as a result. However, the attractive investment and cooperation terms offered by Weisheng were a major weakness for Song Qing. Song Jingmo was still ill, and Song Qing was still less familiar with the business environment of Linchuan than Yan Xunan. If it came down to a direct competition, Fuhua was not at a disadvantage.
Moreover, Fuhua's current financial situation is extremely dire. There are already several collection notices from the banks in the drawer. Xiao Meng is smart after all; he sent the collection notice directly to him.
Shen Yang came to work early this morning but didn't see Yi Zhengwei. Lili also didn't go in, so today's work was unusually leisurely. He just watched the live broadcast of this program online and asked Lili. It turned out that Yi Zhengwei hadn't seen anyone this morning and had been staying in the break room watching the news.
She was already furious, and now when she heard everyone asking her if she would become the third party in her sister's relationship and whether it would cause a stir, she was eager to see how she would answer. But instead, the meeting ended abruptly, as if she had a guilty conscience. Ignoring Lily's glare, she went straight into Yi Zhengwei's office, wanting to seek justice for her sister.
It's over, but Yi Zhengwei still hasn't come out? She was about to knock on the door, but then thought better of it and called her sister first to comfort her.
Feeling uncomfortable being watched by Lily outside, she took the opportunity to sneak in and make a phone call.
"Hello, sister, it's me." She lowered her voice, sat in Yi Zhengwei's chair, and swayed gently.
"Yang, how was your workday? Hmm, it's not even noon yet, why are you calling me?" Shen Xing was naturally sensitive. She had seen the program, and her eyes were still red. But she didn't want Shen Yang to worry. It was her first day at work, and she didn't want to cause him any trouble.
"Oh, it's nothing, I was just bored, I just wanted to give you a call." She tossed and turned, unable to sit still.
"Yes, work hard and don't cause trouble for Zhengwei. Also..." She paused, then added, "Don't call him brother-in-law at the company. After all, we're not married yet."
Shen Yang stopped what he was doing, filled with anger and exasperation. He said, "Sister! You need to be more assertive! You've been with him for over two years, but he still hasn't given you an answer. What kind of person is he? You need to be more assertive! Look at that Miss Song, her face is all bruised and her company is in such a state, yet she can still talk confidently in front of everyone. You can't let her gain the upper hand!"
"Yang, I didn't know. Zhengwei wouldn't like me like that. I know he wouldn't like her." Shen Xing's voice was already trembling with tears. Shen Yang's scolding made her, who already had doubts about their relationship, even more heartbroken. She felt worthless, but she was unwilling to show weakness in front of her sister.
Shen Yang slapped himself in frustration, wishing he could slap himself for what he had just said. His sister was just like that; she never liked to argue with others and was always weak when faced with a strong opponent. And he had just provoked her.
"Um... Sis, it's not like that. Listen to me, of course your husband wouldn't like her. What man would like a career woman like that, right? Besides, your husband's career is so successful, he doesn't need her money. Moreover, her company is about to go bankrupt. Don't be fooled by her seemingly fine appearance; it's all an act. Rich people, you know, are all so hypocritical."