With Zhao Qingtian's identity and status, if it had been someone else who barged into his office, he would have undoubtedly driven them out mercilessly or severely scolded his assistant.

After all, who was he that just anyone could see and talk to him?

There should at least be an appointment to see if he was willing or had the time.

But when he saw that person's credentials and listened to what he said, Zhao Qingtian couldn't help his body trembling slightly.

In fact, when he first started doing certain things, he had anticipated such a day would come.

At first, he was also very cautious.

However, as his net worth and status grew, and the identities of "people around him" rose, and yet nothing had ever gone wrong, he gradually lost that sense of awe.

He felt that maybe that's just the way the world worked.

But it wasn't until today that he once again recalled the feeling of being dominated by fear.

Of course, as a tycoon who had been competing in the business world for many years, Zhao Qingtian was still skilled at maintaining his composure.

Even though his heart was nearly leaping out of his throat, he managed to suppress the tumult inside him and looked at the man in the black suit with a red tie, saying, "Do you mind if I make a phone call?"

The man didn't refuse, instead, he gestured with his hand, "Please do."

After speaking, he and his subordinates stood aside, patiently waiting for Zhao Qingtian to make his call.

Seeing the attitude of these few people, Zhao Qingtian inexplicably felt his emotions relieved to a great extent.

Perhaps... was the situation not that dire?

While thinking this, he picked up his cell phone and dialed the number of the person he thought could make a difference in this matter.

The call connected, and from the receiver came the sound of "beep... beep... beep..."

Zhao Qingtian waited patiently, but... no one answered.

He couldn't help frowning slightly and glanced at the disciplinary inspectors by the door, hung up the call, and dialed another person.

But whether the other person was busy or encountered some issues, there was still no answer...

Zhao Qingtian's heart sank bit by bit. He started dialing the people in his close circle, refusing to believe the reality.

But one call after another went through, and no one answered.

At that moment, Zhao Qingtian truly panicked.

If one person didn't answer, it could be due to a delay, but if no one answered, it spelled major trouble!

Otherwise, they were controlled like him, or they were deliberately not answering his calls...

Either possibility was not good news for Zhao Qingtian.

Because the former meant he had been abandoned, and the latter meant they had all been "abandoned"...

Seeing Zhao Qingtian performing futile actions, the man from the disciplinary department took the initiative and said, "Mr. Zhao, you don't have to call anyone else."

"My advice is that you'd best call your family to inform them, after all, you're going to be cooperating with our investigation for quite some time."

Hearing these words, Zhao Qingtian involuntarily looked up at him.

Momentarily, he picked up his phone and called his son.

Since the disciplinary inspectors were nearby, he wasn't in a position to say much, so he simply gave a brief explanation.

After hanging up, the disciplinary department was no longer courteous but came to Zhao Qingtian's side, one on each side, and escorted him out of Zhao Group.

Simultaneously, similar incidents were unfolding in many places across the country.

Zhao Group was simply too big, with industries across the nation in multiple sectors, involving a wide and broad array of officials.

Yet, the disciplinary department didn't overlook anyone, inviting them back for investigation according to the evidence and leads presented.

This widespread, extensive situation spread throughout the entire circle in merely a few days.

No one expected the turn of events to be so sudden and quick, nor did they expect Zhao Qingtian to fall on this front.

Subsequently, not long after this incident, news of Zhao Group's oil fund crash was quietly circulating within the circle.

The recent crash of crude oil futures, and moreover for the first time in history falling into the negative, had already caught everyone's attention.

But as most fund institutions had set stop-out levels and a dedicated 24-hour watch, aside from marveling at the fact that history was being made, they did not suffer major losses.

However, when the news circulated that Zhao Qingtian lost hundreds of billions overnight, everyone's first reaction was disbelief, thinking it was a joke.

Soon, as details unraveled, and people learned about the operation model of Zhao Qingtian's fund, they understood why he incurred such massive losses.

But at that point, everyone still thought Zhao Qingtian was merely out of luck.

Then, when the news of Chen Yan's suspected huge profits from shorting crude oil started spreading after small-scale media coverage in Hong Kong, more and more people began to suspect there might be some inside story...

And things did not stop there.

As Zhao Qingtian and his close circle were undergoing investigation, slowly, some rumors began to emerge.

There were only two pieces of news.

One was that Zhao Qingtian might truly be doomed because the issues he was involved in were very serious. The disciplinary department intended to make an example out of him, using this case as a warning to other restless officials.

The second was... that these events were not simple.

Because this case had far-reaching implications, there were significant differences within the disciplinary department regarding the initial investigation. There were those who defied public opinion, pushing forward forcefully, allowing the investigation to proceed smoothly.

And everyone involved was not some naive youngster; they all knew that seldom would anyone take such extreme and absolute actions without some other reasons...

As for who was exerting influence behind the scenes, although no information had come out, the only beneficiary of this situation was Chen Yan...

So...

When these two facts were linked together, the wealthy elite suddenly realized in shock – could this have been a trap laid out by Chen Yan?

He had feigned weakness to the enemy at first, then stealthily grew in strength. Later, finding the opponent's Achilles' heel, he struck from both sides, not only toppling Zhao Qingtian's stronghold and getting him imprisoned but also blocking all his retreat paths!

Such forbearance, such decisiveness, and such ruthlessness made everyone aware of the situation command respect.

Though the final outcome was unknown, they all secretly made up their minds: never to make an enemy of Chen Yan. He was a formidable adversary indeed!

Before, not having experienced Chen Yan's tactics, everyone didn't have a clear understanding of him. But now, having witnessed his methods and combined with the achievements Chen Yan had made overseas this year, everyone's appraisal of Chen Yan rose even higher.

If previously they thought Chen Yan had the potential to be a capital tycoon, now, they believed that for Chen Yan, it was probably just a matter of time...

...

Meanwhile.

As Zhao Qingtian and his circle were being invited for a "cup of tea", Chen Yan was taken by surprise too.

However, he was undoubtedly someone who could seize opportunities.

While Zhao Qingtian and his forces were preoccupied, Chen Yan continued to consolidate foreign markets, transferring money earned from crude oil futures to domestics ventures to support the growth of his companies.

The few companies that had not moved much previously due to Zhao Qingtian's blockade were now reinvigorated.

Chen Yan now had money, pouring billions into Douyin for user acquisition, making up for the previous year's development lag.

As for "Battlefield", the mobile version that had been planned before, took the opportunity to launch.

Not to mention Chen Yan's film production company.

Although the film company did not release any new movies over the past year, they had been secretly filming.

Now, after a year of accumulation, suddenly seven movies, two TV series, and one variety show were quickly getting rolled out.

And not just with the veteran companies, Chen Yan's new beverage company also took this opportunity to develop vigorously.

With the distribution channels of the He family and Chen Yan's now substantial fund investment, the beverage named "Vitality Drink" gradually began to occupy shelves in supermarkets and stores nationwide, meeting customers.

This new type of zero-sugar, zero-calorie beverage caused quite a sensation upon its release.

These days, many young people strive for a healthy lifestyle, aiming to lose weight.

To lose weight, they would resort to taking drugs, undergoing liposuction, fasting – whatever it took.

So, drinking a bottle of beverage was certainly no big deal.

Thus, "Vitality Drink" exploded nationwide for various reasons.

In the midst of Chen Yan's rapid growth, Zhao Qingtian finally received the initial results.

As the chairman of Zhao Group, throughout its development these years, he had bribed officials across different regions and departments, then for himself and Zhao Group, sought private gains.

Many personnel were involved, and the sums of money were substantial.

According to the information from inside sources, they estimated he wouldn't be released for a decade.

The exact extent of his prison term would be determined by further evidence and the impact of his actions.

But regardless, he wouldn't be getting out any time soon.

And even if he could get out, since his retirement money had been squandered, his days wouldn't be easy...

However, whether it was due to a sudden prick of conscience, a desire to reconcile with Chen Yan, or worry about the development of Zhao Group after his imprisonment,

So, after confirming he wouldn't be released for the foreseeable future, he voluntarily confessed about Zheng Juan.

According to him, he had planned to frame Zhao Xuan, so he had people take Zheng Juan away.

Zheng Juan had cooperated throughout, now being well catered for in Tiandu.

Following the leads he provided, law enforcement indeed found Zheng Juan.

Additionally, with those who staunchly supported Zhao Qingtian based on fragmentary evidence to detain Zhao Xuan having been invited for "tea" by the disciplinary department and no one blocking the way,

So... the investigation institution quickly concluded the case, removing the murder suspicion from Zhao Xuan, who was then released.

...

There are still 1000 words left. Not finished writing yet. Should be updated within half an hour. This type of zero-sugar, zero-calorie new beverage, once it hit the market, really stirred up quite the sensation.

Nowadays, many young people are pursuing a healthy lifestyle, aiming to lose weight.

For weight loss, they would try medications, liposuction, fasting – anything.

So, drinking a bottle of beverage was clearly no trial at all.

Consequently, due to various reasons, "Vitality Drink" immediately became a national sensation.

As Chen Yan charged forward triumphantly, Zhao Qingtian at last received an initial verdict.

As chairman of Zhao Group, throughout its years of growth, he had bought off officials from various locales and departments, then sought private benefits for himself and Zhao Group.

A large number of people and a massive amount of money were involved.

Based on internal sources, they estimated he wouldn't see the light of day for a decade.

The exact length of his sentence would still depend on further evidence and the severity of the impacts.

But whatever the case may be, he wouldn't be getting out anytime soon.

And even if he were able to get out, since all his savings had been drained, his life wouldn't be pleasant...

It was uncertain whether it was due to a sudden awakening of conscience, a wish to reconcile with Chen Yan, or concern over Zhao Group's future during his imprisonment.

Thus, once he realized he wasn't getting out soon, he took the initiative to confess about Zheng Juan's situation.

He claimed it was his plan to frame Zhao Xuan, hence he had someone take Zheng Juan.

Zheng Juan had been cooperative throughout and was now being lavishly provided for in Tiandu by him.

The officials followed the clues he gave and indeed located Zheng Juan.

Moreover, the individuals who had earlier staunchly backed Zhao Qingtian, incarcerating Zhao Xuan on scant evidence within the investigative agency, had been invited for a "chat" by the disciplinary department, so no one prevented the progress.

Therefore... the casework moved swiftly, Zhao Xuan's murder charges were dropped, and he was released.

...

There are still 1000 words left. Not finished writing yet. Should be updated within half an hour. This kind of zero-sugar, zero-calorie new beverage, once launched, caused quite a stir.

Now, many young people are starting to pursue a healthy life, aiming for weight loss.

For weight loss, they're willing to take drugs, get liposuction, or even fast.

So, drinking a bottle of beverage surely isn't too much to ask.

Thus, "Vitality Drink," for multiple reasons, instantly exploded across the nation.

As Chen Yan continued his vigorous advance, Zhao Qingtian also finally faced his provisional sentence.

As Zhao Group's chairman, over these past years of the group's development, he had bribed officials in various places and departments, in pursuit of personal gains for both himself and Zhao Group.

The number of people involved and the amount involved were both significant.

According to the information that came from inside, it was estimated that he wouldn't be released for at least ten years.

The actual length of his sentence would depend on further evidence and the extent of his wrongdoing.

But regardless, he wouldn't be getting out anytime soon.

And even if he did, since he had lost all his retirement funds, his life would not be good...

Yet, whether it was due to a change of heart, a desire to reconcile with Chen Yan, or worries about Zhao Group's progress after his incarceration,

Therefore, once he acknowledged he wouldn't be coming out any time soon, he took the initiative to disclose what happened with Zheng Juan.

His story was that he wanted to frame Zhao Xuan, so he had Zheng Juan taken away.

Zheng Juan cooperated entirely, and he had placed her in Tiandu, providing her with plenty of good food and comforts.

The law enforcement officers followed his clues and indeed discovered Zheng Juan.

And now, with those who previously staunchly supported Zhao Qingtian and had Zhao Xuan detained on flimsy evidence already invited for tea by the disciplinary department, nobody stood in the way.

So... the case was expedited, Zhao Xuan's suspicion of murder was lifted, and he was released.

...

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.