Peng Xingrong's face suddenly changed.

The teacup in his hand trembled, and tea splashed out, wetting the base of his thumb.

But after all, he was a big boss; he understood the principle of remaining calm in the face of upheaval. He took two seconds to steady himself and smiled, "What do you mean by that, Mr. Ruan?"

Mr. Ruan sighed lightly, "It seems Chairman Peng doesn't believe me."

"Well, let me make it clearer."

"I wonder if Chairman Peng has heard some rumors in the Lingjiang political circles?"

"What rumors?"

"Lingjiang's finances have run out."

Peng Xingrong's eyes flickered as he nodded, "I've heard about it."

Mr. Ruan said, "This is not a rumor, but a fact."

"Indeed, Lingjiang's finances have run dry; otherwise, the high-speed rail project wouldn't have resorted to financing through investment promotions."

"Otherwise, the old city renovation project wouldn't have been converted into commercial land."

Peng Xingrong responded, "Lingjiang running out of money has nothing to do with me, right?"

"Moreover, with the old city renovation project now turned into commercial land, the previous budget has been freed up, so Lingjiang's finances should have eased a bit, right?"

Mr. Ruan smiled gently, "It has indeed eased considerably, but Lingjiang is still a prefecture-level city. What can this little finance accomplish? The whole of Lingjiang now appears to be calm and peaceful, but underneath the shiny exterior, it has long since rotted away."

"Several top officials in the city are fighting openly and secretly, all wanting to hold on to power. Secretary Lu and Secretary Wu are now at each other's throats."

Peng Xingrong had not heard any of this.

Mr. Ruan continued, "Currently, Secretary Wu has the upper hand. She was specially transferred here from the province, and she has tremendous backing, whether from the province or her family, both hold high expectations of her."

"She's only 29 years old this year and has been in Lingjiang for over half a year. According to the normal route, her next step is to assume the role of Mayor, or even City Secretary."

"But now Secretary Lu is occupying the post and is unwilling to give it up. With Secretary Wu's character, she can't tolerate that."

"However, even if Secretary Wu can't endure it, according to the procedure, if she wants to secure the position of City Secretary, she must have some achievements to show."

Mr. Ruan took a sip of tea, giving Peng Xingrong some time to think.

After a few seconds, he continued, "These achievements must be political achievements!"

"Lingjiang's finances are tight, so if Secretary Wu wants to rightfully claim the position of City Secretary, she must start with this issue."

"The bulk of the finances, what is it? Chairman Peng, I don't need to remind you, right?"

Peng Xingrong's face was very unpleasant.

Of course, he knew what the bulk of the finances was.

It's taxes!

Mr. Ruan said, "As far as I know, Secretary Wu intends to use your Futong Company as a test case."

"Your company was reported, so she took the opportunity to contact multiple departments to investigate, intending to impose heavy penalties!"

"Tax evasion and tax fraud, this is not a minor offense."

"If Secretary Wu weren't targeting you, you could have smoothed things over with a few million. But now that she's got her eye on you, a few million won't buy peace."

Peng Xingrong couldn't hold back, "Mr. Ruan, how much will it take to settle this?"

Mr. Ruan shook his head, "Chairman Peng, you still haven't understood my point."

"Secretary Wu's target is not just your company but all private enterprises in Lingjiang!"

"Futong Company is just being pulled out as a scapegoat."

"This scapegoat must be heavily punished to set an example!"

"According to the top penalty standard, it's five times!"

"If you've evaded one hundred million in taxes, then the fine is five hundred million!"

"How much tax exactly Futong Company has evaded, I don't care. I'm just telling you that's what they'll do."

"Of course, you can think I'm being alarmist; it doesn't matter. The penalty notice will probably come down today, and then you'll know whether I'm scaring you."

Inside, Peng Xingrong became increasingly flustered.

"Mr. Ruan, you say you're here to help me?"

"That's right."

"How will you help me?"

"Leave Lingjiang." Mr. Ruan finally revealed his purpose.

"Leave... Lingjiang?"

"Correct."

Mr. Ruan's expression was serious, "This time, Secretary Wu is determined to make a move against private enterprises. Lingjiang no longer has fertile ground for private businesses to survive."

"You must understand, here, not a single company can say it fully complies with tax laws. You run a business; you understand this better than me."

Peng Xingrong nodded.

If taxes were fully complied with according to the law, almost no company could survive.

It's just that the tax department turns a blind eye.

But once the finances run out of money, they start going through old accounts.

That's the most terrifying part.

Peng Xingrong never thought he would one day have his old accounts scrutinized.

Mr. Ruan said, "Secretary Wu has more methods than you imagine."

"Fines are just the beginning."

"You must know, tax evasion and fraud, besides fines, also lead to imprisonment."

"For an amount as huge as yours, the maximum penalty is seven years."

"If you don't want to go to jail, it's simple. Secretary Wu will offer some conditions in exchange with you."

"For example, having you sell Futong Company to someone else at a low price."

Inside, Peng Xingrong was struck with a chill.

He's all too familiar with this tactic.

In earlier times when the law wasn't as robust, many corrupt officials would snatch a thriving company through these means.

You dare to cause a commotion, and they'll have you arrested that very day!

But Peng Xingrong never thought one day he would face such a situation.

However, all of this was just Mr. Ruan speaking without any evidence.

No one could definitely say whether it would really happen.

Seeing his doubt, Mr. Ruan said, "Let me give Chairman Peng some advice. As for how I can help you, we can discuss that in the next meeting."

"My advice is that when the penalty notice arrives, don't be quick to pay the fine."

"Hold off for a bit and then have a chat with Director Yang of the Tax Bureau. Ask him whether the higher-ups will only impose a fine without prosecution or whether they'll impose both fines and prosecution."

"If it's the former, then calmly pay the fine. Then contact me, and I'll tell you what to do next."

"If it's the latter, also contact me. I do have some connections."

With that, Mr. Ruan prepared to get up and leave.

Just as he stood up, there was another knock on the door.

The secretary pushed open the door and said, "Chairman Peng, Director Yang from the Tax Bureau is here."

Mr. Ruan paused slightly, holding onto the armrest, and smiled, "It seems the notice has arrived."

"Perfect, I'll sit next door and wait for a bit."

"Chairman Peng, have a chat with Director Yang. We'll see each other later."

"Okay." Peng Xingrong nodded, full of worry.

The news brought by Mr. Ruan had placed him at the crossroads of fate.

If he chooses the wrong direction, what awaits him will be a place of no return.

He must be cautious, he must be careful, and he must face this with his utmost vigilance!

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