CHAPTER 722: CHAPTER 722

Yun City Government.

The mayor personally led and convened a meeting with the city leaders. The reason for this meeting was a short video causing an uproar online today, resulting in significant public sentiment.

This short video features an elderly vegetable farmer condemning the Wei Family’s community group buying project, claiming it led farmers to lose their fundamental means of survival due to the Wei Family’s monopolizing the market with ultra-low prices.

The video gained traction quickly, and suddenly, anti-monopoly voices surged across the internet. Apart from regular netizens, some influential figures also joined in to discuss the harms of monopolies.

Though astute individuals could easily see that this attack targeting the Wei Family is intentional, regardless of who’s behind it, netizens viewed this as a battle for justice.

"The Wei Family, relying on their vast resources, sought monopoly control, but finally someone couldn’t stand it anymore and decided to challenge them!"

"I would call it the light of righteousness!"

"The farmers are too pitiful; oppose monopoly!"

Some netizens speculated on who might be confronting the Wei Family this time.

"It’s very likely the Wei Family’s competitor aiming to obliterate them!"

"Even if it’s a competitor, their actions are justified and righteous this time."

"There’s a rumor that the person confronting the Wei Family is the richest man in Yun City, Mr. Lin!"

"It’s actually Mr. Lin! Mr. Lin is incredible; he’s a hero in my heart!"

The Yun City Government has already noticed these public sentiments online.

"What do you all think about this?" the mayor asked, seated at the head of the table.

Present were the leadership team of Yun City Government. The public sentiment caused by the Wei Family poses a challenge to everyone here because their community group buying project is a pilot in Yun City.

Moreover, this is the Wei Family’s first business venture in Yun City, and the government highly prioritizes it.

As the leaders discussed, their opinions gradually divided into two camps. One side believed the online sentiments are exaggerated, claiming the Wei Family’s project is not as terrifying; the other side believed the monopoly provoked public disdain and suggested taking action against the Wei Family to calm the uproar.

These divergent opinions led Mayor Wu to hesitate.

"Yun City has been increasing efforts to attract investments, aiming to elevate its economy to the top nationwide, to be the most developed city. The Wei Family, as the richest man in Jiangnan, deciding to develop in Yun City, is something we greatly welcome. I’m confident the Wei Family’s capabilities can boost Yun City’s economy. From that perspective, we should support them and not discourage them. However, this project of theirs has caused such significant negative sentiments, we cannot just ignore it," Mayor Wu said, pondering.

"We must respond to this public sentiment. Here’s what we’ll do: we will hold discussions with the Wangu Group. As for the outcome, it’s currently pending observation, and we won’t impose any substantial penalties on the Wei Family for now. Everything will depend on the aftermath of the discussion and the Wei Family’s subsequent actions."

Mayor Wu eventually made a compromise, responding to external sentiments while also giving the Wei Family an opportunity. This move helps calm public sentiment while safeguarding the Wei Family, given the government has high hopes for the Wei Family’s development in Yun City and won’t give up easily.

This decision by Mayor Wu gained unanimous approval from the city’s leadership team.

Feeling somewhat worried, Wei Tiansheng made some calls to inquire and learned about the government’s discussion result, feeling greatly pleased, thinking Lin Fan’s scheme had failed.

Wei Tiansheng was sure the short video incident was orchestrated by Lin Fan. Previously, during the Celestial Aviation airport bomb incident, Lin Fan knew the Wei Family was responsible and had already declared war on them.

"Lin Fan, you really tried to play the good guy, but you underestimated the Wei Family’s influence with the government. Bringing me down won’t be that easy!"

A fierce light shone in Wei Tiansheng’s eyes; he wouldn’t easily let this matter go. Though there was no real danger this time, it did significantly impact the Wei Family negatively.

What Wei Tiansheng couldn’t bear even more was that the Wangu Group’s stock price suffered a decline due to this negative impact.

Meanwhile, Mayor Wu, after finishing the meeting, returned to his office and called Secretary Jin into the room. Secretary Jin is his secretary and confidant; he often represents the mayor on various occasions due to the mayor’s busy schedule.

Mayor Wu would only share certain thoughts with Secretary Jin.

"Old Jin, what do you think about this matter? Do you agree with the decision I made?" Mayor Wu asked.

Secretary Jin smiled and said, "Based on my understanding of the mayor, those words at the meeting were probably not whole-hearted, otherwise you wouldn’t ask me."

Mayor Wu laughed heartily: "No one knows me better than Old Jin. You’re right, I do have other thoughts."

Mayor Wu lowered his head, contemplating: "I’m in full support of the Wei Family expanding in Yun City, but monopolizing? I’m sorry, I can’t turn a blind eye, it’s just..."

Secretary Jin said, "Is it just that the mayor has concerns?"

Mayor Wu said, "That’s right, you heard it in the meeting; some people want to strongly support the Wei Family. If we easily move against them, it might incite some unnecessary trouble. I haven’t fully made up my mind; I need some time to think it through."

Secretary Jin thought for a moment and said, "If the mayor seeks my opinion, I’ll say the mayor’s decision is my decision."

Mayor Wu smiled wryly and said, "Old Jin, you’re good in every way, just a bit too cautious."

Secretary Jin touched his nose, feeling a bit embarrassed, but caution is ingrained in him; it’s his rule to maintain his position, offering no hasty opinions, just listening to the mayor.

Mayor Wu felt a bit helpless, unable to get concrete thoughts despite conversing with Secretary Jin.

Suddenly, Mayor Wu’s vision went black, staggering a bit, nearly losing his balance. He quickly steadied himself using the desk.

Secretary Jin’s face changed, immediately stepping forward to support Mayor Wu, saying with concern, "Mayor, are you alright? It seems your ailment..."

Mayor Wu sighed and said, "This illness is truly annoying, but despite seeking renowned doctors, no remedy was found; I’m afraid there’s no way. I only wish to use my limited time to achieve my aspirations, striving to make Yun City the most developed in the country."

A touch of weariness showed on Mayor Wu’s face, the melancholy of a hero in twilight.

Secretary Jin pondered briefly and said, "Mayor, I wonder if this might help you. I’ve heard there’s an exceptional doctor in Yun City, someone we’re familiar with..."

Mayor Wu exclaimed, "You’re referring to the person who recently revived a dying delivery worker, Yun City’s richest man, Lin Fan. Is this true?"

At that moment, the phone in the mayor’s office rang.

"Mayor, a Mr. Lin, Lin Fan, says he wants to visit you..."