Chapter 3: The Intricate Web of Corporate Relations

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A preliminary visit to Xu Li’s company revealed that the interpersonal relationships there were indeed quite complex. With such a major incident occurring in the boss’s family, the employees all whispered among themselves, speculating in private about who the boss might have offended.

“Old Xu, I don’t think you should push yourself. Why not take some time off at home? Your health matters most, and your wife needs you by her side,” said Director Cai, the youngest member of the board, in a seemingly concerned tone. Among the board members, only Cai Fengnian’s development philosophy differed from Xu Li’s.

Though he genuinely felt sorrow for his old friend, with whom he had fought side by side for so many years, the situation also presented him with an excellent opportunity to seize control of company management.

Xu Li glanced at Cai Fengnian, but said nothing. He simply lowered his head, his expression heavy, as he leafed through some documents.

Perhaps it really was time to rest, he thought. Though he had dedicated himself to the company for years, managing it with utmost diligence and care, he recognized many shortcomings in both its development and personnel management.

Maybe stopping now wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. He could take this chance to reflect—what was his true role in the company and for its employees? Was his daughter’s death truly his fault?

Xu Li shook his head in pain. Then, he rose and walked to the window, standing at the highest floor of his company, overlooking the empire he had built with his own hands.

“You’re right. Maybe the time has come.”

He stood with his back to Cai Fengnian. Although he planned to relinquish management, he had no intention of handing the company over to this man. Cai’s ideas were too radical; Xu Li dared not risk his life’s work and the livelihoods of thousands of employees on such ventures.

“Prepare to convene a board meeting next week. Let’s hear everyone’s opinions and elect a new chairman.”

It was as if he had made a tremendous decision, forcing himself to utter these words.

Cai Fengnian’s face flashed with joy when he heard this. He knew Xu Li would never voluntarily hand the position to him, but as the youngest and most capable member of the board, he believed that as long as Xu Li stepped down, he would surely be the candidate of choice.

“Knock, knock, knock!”

The female secretary tapped on the office door, then entered lightly.

“Mr. Xu, Captain Su from the Public Security Bureau would like to speak with you. He’s waiting in the guest lounge.”

“All right, let them in.”

Once the secretary had left, Cai Fengnian exchanged a few pleasantries and departed from Xu Li’s office.

“Hello, Mr. Xu.”

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Since they had met at the scene of the incident, Su Tianmu did not bother with further introductions.

“The man who just left—he’s also an employee of the company?” Su Tianmu asked sensitively, noticing Xu Li’s grim expression.

“Yes, he’s a director here.”

“I see. Were you discussing something just now? You both seemed a bit tense.”

Having just lost his beloved daughter, Xu Li was in no mood to talk about anything else.

“Nothing important, just company matters.”

“Mr. Xu, since the kidnappers left no clues, we can only start by investigating those around you. Is there anyone you suspect?”

Su Tianmu explained.

“In other words, we need to understand all your suspicious relationships.”

Xu Li looked up at Su Tianmu, pondering for a moment.

“Very well. I suppose I should reflect on my own life…”

The pain of losing his daughter had struck him hard.

Through Xu Li’s account, Su Tianmu and his team learned that Cai Fengnian had long held differing opinions on the company’s management. At present, the company mainly focused on mass-market home appliances, enjoying stable markets and a well-established brand culture. Xu Li favored steady development based on stability.

Cai Fengnian, however, advocated for sweeping reforms—redirecting the company to produce cutting-edge and smart home appliances. His proposals had never passed the board, chiefly because Xu Li opposed them.

Could Cai Fengnian be a suspect?

Su Tianmu recalled their brief encounter at the office, where they exchanged glances. Now, thinking back, he seemed to detect a hint of fear in Cai’s eyes.

Of course, that could simply be due to his identity as a police officer. After such a dramatic event, it would be difficult for anyone at the company to remain calm.

As a veteran of the commercial battlefield, it would take more than a few sentences to analyze the adversaries Xu Li had made. Perhaps there were many, some even unknown to Xu Li himself.

The conversation ended for the time being, and Su Tianmu and Xiao Wang stood to take their leave.

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“Wait a moment,” Xu Li said, pressing the phone button to call his secretary.

“Have Old Ma see Captain Su and his team out.”

Old Ma was Xu Li’s personal driver. Wanting to show his gratitude for their efforts regarding his daughter’s case, Xu Li hoped to express his appreciation.

“Thank you, but there’s no need. We drove ourselves,” Su Tianmu declined politely.

Xu Li did not insist, and sent them off with repeated thanks.

“Captain Su, do you think Cai Fengnian is a suspect? I find it unlikely. Someone of such status, a murderer? If it’s just for company production, the price of murder seems far too high,” Xiao Wang analyzed on the drive back.

“Anything is possible. Don’t forget, Xia Wuyou once said the killer might be someone the victim knew. If the kidnapper’s identity were exposed, killing in desperation isn’t out of the question.”

Thus, Cai Fengnian became the first suspect.

“It could be someone familiar,” Xia Wuyou mused.

Fina, already accustomed to Xia Wuyou’s habit of talking to herself, understood that she was once again assisting the police in solving a new case.

“Honestly, do you find being a detective exciting?” Fina fluttered her long false eyelashes, looking childlike.

“Exciting? Of course it is! Why don’t you try it yourself—imagine waking up in the middle of the night to see a pair of wide, staring eyes!”

Xia Wuyou suddenly grabbed her by the shoulders, pretending to be terrified.

“Ah! Spare me! I don’t have the nerve for that. You can enjoy it on your own!”

Fina shook herself as if she were brushing off bugs, shivering for a good while. If goosebumps could be weighed, she’d have a hefty pile on the floor.