Chapter 1037: Sense of Presence

Wang Jiancheng nodded: “Dad, I’ll withdraw the investment as soon as possible.”

“What did Elder Qiao discuss with your grandfather?”

“I don’t know.”

Wang Zhengdao sat up and got dressed: “I’m going to take a shower.” After taking a few steps and seeing his son still following him, he asked puzzledly, “Why are you following me?”

Wang Jiancheng pursed his lips and said: “Dad, you and Uncle Ye are good friends…”

Wang Zhengdao immediately understood his intentions and patted his shoulder: “Alright, I’ll set aside my pride and have a good talk with your Uncle Ye.”

At that moment, Wang Jiancheng’s phone rang. He took it out and saw it was a call from Qiao Rulong. He answered, “Brother Rulong.”

Wang Zhengdao hadn’t walked far before hearing Qiao Rulong’s call; talk about coincidence.

Wang Jiancheng chatted with Qiao Rulong for a few moments and, seeing his father hadn’t walked far, said somewhat surprised, “Dad, he decided to transfer Jishi…”

Jishi Medical had just acquired Changxing Hospital when news of its acquisition by Equatorial Capital shocked the entire Dongzhou medical system. However, the transaction proceeded smoothly, as Qiao Rulong privately approached Wang Jianming, who mediated to prevent official resistance.

In fact, as far as Dongzhou was concerned, as long as the investment posed no issues, they wouldn’t interfere excessively, especially given Equatorial Capital’s undeniable strength compared to Jishi Medical Investment Co., Ltd.

Jishi Medical Investment Co., Ltd. did not profit during this process, ending up in the awkward situation of preparing the ground for others.

The widely circulated rumor was that Jishi Medical couldn’t fulfill its initial investment promise, leading Dongzhou’s leaders as regulators to order them out to prevent the embarrassment Hua Nian Group faced in the past.

Another theory was that Jishi Medical was originally a subsidiary of Equatorial Capital, orchestrating a clever switcheroo.

Ultimately, Jishi Medical still existed, the investment was sound, but Jishi Medical had now become a subsidiary of Equatorial Capital, with the original major shareholders of Jishi Medical opting out.

Holding ten percent of Jishi Medical shares, Wang Jiancheng found himself in an awkward position; he hadn’t anticipated others managing their share transfers ahead of him.

As per legal stipulations, shareholders within a limited liability company can mutually transfer their complete or partial equity. A shareholder transferring equity to non-shareholders must obtain consent from more than half of the other shareholders. Shareholders must notify other shareholders in writing to seek approval for their equity transfer; no reply within thirty days of receiving the written notice is considered consent.

Perhaps Equatorial Capital deemed his ten percent share too insignificant to affect decisions, hence no one had approached him about acquisition discussions so far.

Wang Jiancheng proactively contacted Qi Shuang, who told him that someone from Equatorial Capital would soon approach him to discuss share transfer matters.

Meanwhile, Wang Zhengdao had to face an investigation after someone filed a report accusing him of receiving commercial bribery. Upon seeing the photograph of the Longquan Kiln celadon carved lotus petal pattern deep belly lidded porcelain vase, he instantly knew the informant was Tang Jingwei.

Fortunately, when receiving this vase, he was prepared, providing an identical counterfeit to the relevant department along with video footage of Tang Jingwei gifting him the vase.

The information he provided could prove that he had already declared the Longquan Kiln celadon carved lotus petal pattern deep belly lidded porcelain vase as a high-end imitation, returned it, and sent a considerably priced flower-and-bird painting to Tang Jingwei while replenishing part of the difference afterward.

The evidence Wang Zhengdao provided was impeccable, but unfortunately, his innocent involvement led to Ye Qingya being interviewed by the relevant authorities.

Ye Changyuan was furious upon learning about his daughter’s investigation, promptly confronting Wang Zhengdao.

Upon seeing the furious Ye Changyuan, Wang Zhengdao hurriedly invited his old buddy to sit down: “Changyuan, what’s the matter?”

Ye Changyuan said: “Are you seriously asking me this? Has my daughter offended you in any way? Why involve her in this?”

Wang Zhengdao smiled bitterly: “Changyuan, you really misunderstood me. Someone reported me for receiving commercial bribery, and I could only truthfully disclose the situation. At that time, I returned a flower-and-bird painting to Tang Jingwei. I never anticipated Qingya would be dragged in. It’s not a major issue; as long as we clarify everything, it will be fine. I’m sorry to you, and if you’re still upset, I’ll personally apologize to Qingya.”

Ye Changyuan said, “And your son, he goes to my daughter’s place every day to buy paintings, takes her calligraphy and paintings to give to others. My daughter doesn’t know what’s going on but ends up getting tangled up in the trouble with you all.”

Ye Changyuan’s anger hadn’t subsided. He knew very well that Wang Jiancheng sought to purchase calligraphy and paintings from his daughter to please her. But if you buy them for collection, that’s one thing, taking them to give away, if something happens one day, his daughter would be implicated too. Ye Changyuan did not consider Wang Zhengdao innocent.

Wang Zhengdao made tea for Ye Changyuan, personally handed it to him, “Brother, don’t be angry with me. We both know Jiancheng’s feelings for Qingya. This is my fault; I didn’t think it through. Tang Jingwei took a liking to the bird and flower painting. I didn’t expect him to be so devious, using this matter for leverage. I got called in for questioning too. He gave me a porcelain vase, which turned out to be a high-quality fake. I’ve already handed it in. I’m fine, so Qingya surely will be okay.”

Ye Changyuan placed the tea cup heavily on the coffee table, “Call your son out and return all the paintings he bought from Qingya. Whatever amount is owed, I’ll have Qingya refund you.”

Wang Zhengdao chuckled, “Brother, we’ve been friends for so many years. You wouldn’t turn against me over something so minor, would you? Rest assured, I promise you that such a thing will never happen again.”

After venting, Ye Changyuan gradually calmed down.

Wang Zhengdao apologized again, handing him tea once more. This time, Ye Changyuan took the cup and drank a sip, “With your keen eye, you’d buy a fake?” Having grown up with Wang Zhengdao, he was very familiar with his meticulous style; it was nearly impossible to trick him.

Wang Zhengdao, hearing this, choked on his tea, “Changyuan, you can’t set me up, cough… I… I saw it was a fake right away, but even as a fake, the craftsmanship was quite convincing.”

Ye Changyuan said significantly, “When falsehood is achieved truth becomes false. Brother Zhengdao, Qingya is a simple person, and I don’t want her innocently caught up in this. If I offended you with my words today, I hope you’ll forgive me.”

“Brother Changyuan, this matter is my fault. I’ve always admired Qingya a lot. Have you ever considered blending our families even closer? To be honest, my son is quite fond of Qingya.”

Ye Changyuan replied, “Thank you for your kindness, but Qingya went through a failed marriage and hasn’t come out of it yet. I think she won’t be considering relationships anytime soon, and she only sees Jiancheng as a brother. Let’s not worry about this.”

Being directly rejected by Ye Changyuan, Wang Zhengdao was a little embarrassed. In fact, he hoped the two families could unite through marriage, but alas, one side is willing, yet the other is indifferent.

Equatorial Capital’s series of maneuvers took many by surprise. The almost-completed contract for the New Dongzhou Infectious Disease Hospital project can now be confirmed as unrelated to Equatorial Capital, which can’t invest in two hospitals in Dongzhou simultaneously.

Upon learning this news, several leaders at Dongzhou Infectious Disease Hospital felt immense pressure. But none of them had the ability to bring in investment, so they could only hope Xu Chunliang would soon bring good news.

The Changxing Hospital also faced unprecedented pressure, especially its director Zhao Feiyang. He originally thought that with Jishi Medical Investment’s entry into Changxing and Qiao Rulong’s backing, he could realize his grand plans. But Jishi Medical was unexpectedly acquired by Equatorial Capital, and neither Jishi Medical nor Qiao Rulong informed him about this beforehand. By the time he learned of it, both sides had completed negotiations and signed contracts.

Zhao Feiyang felt abandoned. Though he knew he was merely a tool in the eyes of capital, he was still Qiao Rulong’s lifesaver. Couldn’t Qiao Rulong even give him a heads-up?

With the change of power, it was once Heaven’s citizen, now Earth’s ally. With Changxing’s master now being Equatorial Capital, and him knowing nothing about the new CEO of Equatorial Capital, Zhao Feiyang was engulfed by a deep sense of crisis once again.

Wang Jianming also took the initiative to talk to Wang Jiancheng about the Changxing Hospital issue. He straightforwardly asked about Wang Jiancheng’s relationship with Jishi Medical Investment Co., Ltd.

Wang Jiancheng spoke candidly, explaining the details of the matter and expressing that he would transfer the shares he held as soon as possible.

Wang Jianming said, “As long as it’s a legal, legitimate investment, Dongzhou always welcomes it.”

Wang Jiancheng said, “I often collaborated with Qiao Rulong in the past. This time, Jishi’s investment was his way of pulling me into the game. Now it seems his motives weren’t pure.”

Wang Jianming frowned slightly, “What do you mean?”

Wang Jiancheng explained the kidnapping incident involving Qi Shuang and her son. He now believed he was trapped by Qiao Rulong, who brought him into Jishi to take the fall when things went wrong.

After listening to the whole story, Wang Jianming couldn’t help but sigh, “If that’s the case, it’s best to transfer your shares sooner rather than later.”

Wang Jiancheng said, “Do you think I don’t want to transfer them? But until now, Equatorial Capital hasn’t contacted me. Qiao Rulong did give me a heads-up in advance, but my share in Jishi is too small to influence any decisions.”

Wang Jianming said, “Jiancheng, there’s something I want you to understand. Although I work in Dongzhou, I can’t give you any special treatment. You might think I’m heartless, but I can’t sacrifice Dongzhou people’s interests to benefit my family. Can you understand?”

Wang Jiancheng smiled, “Brother, I understand. I didn’t expect any special treatment from you.” He suddenly realized that his brother was not just speaking to him but also conveying a message to his father, Wang Zhengdao, through him.