C6 The Crown Prince's Fury Overflowed into the Heavens

Chiang Le remained on high alert. Offending Yang Aomin meant crossing Yang Aoxue, and to cross Yang Aoxue was to provoke Phoenix Real Estate, a veritable giant.

"These bastards!" Chiang Le exclaimed in fury. "Try to reason with them, and they'll play dirty. Play their game, and suddenly they're all about the law. Elena, is this the kind of shamelessness that passes for normal among the so-called elite?"

"Boss, if being charming and suave is a crime, then you're probably the worst offender," Elena chided, urging Chiang Le to shed his old ways of thinking.

Chiang Le nodded in agreement. "I'm aware of my strengths, but going up against Phoenix Real Estate is still daunting."

"Oh?"

"Take Chen Xiao, the big shot of Jiang City's East District. His reach is vast, his wealth immeasurable. He owns eighty percent of the district's entertainment spots and commands nearly a hundred loyal followers. Impressive, right? But after he resorted to dirty tricks in a clash with Phoenix Real Estate over a project, he ended up losing his right hand, and his entire crew was wiped out," Chiang Le recounted with a wry smile. "After that, there was no one left to call Boss Cheng."

"And what about the stubborn holdouts during the Yu Hua District demolition? Untouchable by anyone, yet Phoenix Real Estate handled them in three days. The reason for their sudden compliance remains an enigma."

"Consider the gang that foolishly stole from Phoenix Real Estate. With a single command from headquarters, their security rounded up the culprits in under six hours. These were the same robbers who had eluded the police for three years!"

"Phoenix Real Estate's deep pockets are well-known. They've freely built sixteen Hope Kindergartens here, generously funded university buildings, and donated a wealth of equipment to the government. They even gifted the latest police cars to the local precinct!"

"Against such a colossus, even with all my might, I am but one man."

Elena listened in silence, nodding in agreement.

"It's not fear I'm speaking of," Chiang Le continued. "It's the sheer clout of Phoenix Real Estate that's terrifying. If they decide to come at you with underhanded tactics, you'd better be on your guard."

"Got it," Elena responded nonchalantly as she browsed through Weibo.

Chiang Le noticed Elena's lack of concern and grew worried. "Listen, Elena, this is serious. Your boss has been set up with a nasty charge like robbery. It's a big deal. You need to come up with a foolproof plan."

"No need for that, boss," Elena said, setting her phone aside and giving Chiang Le a calm look.

"You've got a plan already?"

"I don't have a plan. However, there's something important I need to tell you."

"What's that?"

"Well, boss, the truth is... Phoenix Real Estate belongs to you. You're the real power behind the throne. The current chairman is just a figurehead installed by Elder Xu."

Chiang Le was dumbfounded.

"The executives at Phoenix Real Estate are aware of your existence. They've even given you a nickname: the Crown Prince." Elena's smile broadened. "Everyone's aware of the Crown Prince, but until yesterday, no one, including myself and even Elder Xu, knew who you were or what you looked like."

It took Chiang Le a while to process Elena's revelation.

"So, you're telling me Phoenix Real Estate is my company?"

"Exactly. You're the true controller, known as the Crown Prince."

"I've been hauling cement for a month, and it turns out I've been working for myself? Isn't that hilarious?" Chiang Le was flabbergasted. "So, I'm the boss of my boss's boss's boss?"

"That's one way to put it," Elena confirmed with a nod. "The Jiang City branch is just a small part of the whole operation. In fact, you're the ultimate boss behind Yang Aomin and several layers of management."

"So, framing me for theft is like saying I stole from myself?" Chiang Le chuckled. "And accusing me of robbery is like saying I robbed myself?"

"That's one way to interpret it."

"As the Crown Prince of Phoenix Real Estate, the man pulling the strings, it's unthinkable that I would stoop to theft or robbery over trivial matters, right? The police won't buy it either, will they?"

"Correct."

"So, the relationships and connections of Phoenix Real Estate are essentially mine?"

"That's right."

"In that case, this whole police report and the accusations against me are going to look pretty ridiculous." Chiang Le grasped the situation fully and relaxed. "It's almost like... 'Who dares to accuse me in my own court? For what reason?'"

"Spot on," Elena observed, eyeing Chiang Le. "So, boss, are you concerned?"

"At this moment, my heart is utterly still; I'm actually amused," Chiang Le replied with ease. "Imagine, someone with my power and icy detachment is being accused of stealing from my own estate, of robbing my own property. Hmph, what has become of the law?"

Chiang Le's voice rang out with conviction as he spoke.

"Before Elder Xu departed, he transferred all assets in Jiang City under your name, including the shares of Phoenix Real Estate," Elena informed him. "You are now the de facto controlling shareholder, the elusive and esteemed prince. Yang Aoxue, the mere president of a subsidiary, is nothing; you could even dismiss the chairman of the board on a whim!"

"Excellent!" Recalling the scorn and disdain in Yang Aoxue's gaze, a fiery rage ignited within Chiang Le. "That pair of siblings, they've tormented me, pushed me to the brink of suicide, and now they dare accuse me of theft? Hmph! It's high time for a sensational headline."

"What's your plan?"

"I'll hit them where it hurts," Chiang Le declared, sealing the fate of the entire affair.

"Understood." Elena nodded, took her leave from Chiang Le, and set out to execute the plan.

With three phone calls—one to Phoenix Real Estate's headquarters, one to the mayor's secretary, and another to the Jiang City Economic Investigation Bureau—Elena set a whirlwind of activity into motion.

The enigmatic Crown Prince had emerged from the shadows, seizing control of Phoenix Real Estate overnight. With the board of directors overturned, anxiety rippled through the company as a tempest loomed on the horizon.

The Crown Prince was set to review the operations of the Jiang City branch and make a high-profile donation, coupled with a staggeringly large investment. The Jiang City leadership took this very seriously and prepared for a personal audience.

Meanwhile, the Jiang City Economic Investigation Bureau received a tip-off. Allegations against Phoenix Real Estate's president, Yang Aoxue, included corruption, favoritism, and shoddy dealings with his own brother, leading to substantial kickbacks. The bureau wasted no time in launching an investigation.

This night was fated to be anything but ordinary.

As Chiang Le indulged in a leisurely meal, countless others were at the cusp of life-altering moments. With his formidable background and strength affirmed, Chiang Le finally let his guard down. After saying goodbye to Elena, he made his way to what had once been his 'home.'

Chiang Le chose not to return to his hometown this summer break. Instead, he found a place to rent in the old quarter of Jiang City, a place teeming with his memories. Today's task was to sort through his belongings, to part ways with the past, and prepare for his move to Half Mountain Villa.

Stepping out of his Mercedes, he instructed the driver to wait and strolled toward his rental.

His abode was a modest single room, maintained by a landlord who was both a kindhearted and gentle elementary school teacher. Over the past month, she had seen Chiang Le's struggles as a penniless student in the unforgiving metropolis and had shown him great kindness. Pitying his meager meals of steamed buns and pickled vegetables, she often invited him over for a hearty meal.

Throughout the month, Chiang Le had felt the chill of an indifferent world, yet the warm glow emanating from his landlord's sister's home always restored his spirits, filling him with joy and tranquility. Her presence was a constant reminder of the goodness still found in the world, inspiring him to approach life with a kind heart.

As he arrived at the small courtyard, light spilled from the landlord's sister's window. A wave of nostalgia hit Chiang Le; he longed for her simple, homemade meals that carried the irreplaceable flavor of home, a taste no chef could replicate.

He wondered if the quirky little girl, Guoguo, had already been tucked into bed.

With a smile, Chiang Le entered the courtyard, but his tranquility was shattered by a sudden bang from the landlord's sister's house, followed by a sharp cry and a flurry of curses.

Chiang Le's expression darkened. He raced to the landlord's door and kicked it open with a forceful blow.

Chaos greeted him. The room was in disarray, Little Guoer was nowhere to be seen, and the landlord's sister lay on the floor, weeping. In the midst of the turmoil stood a drunken man, his expression menacing.

The shirtless drunk was hurling curses as he lunged at the landlord's sister.

She resembled a frightened bird, arms wrapped around her shoulders, desperately clutching at her ripped clothing to prevent exposing her beauty.

Witnessing this, Chiang Le's blood boiled over, his fury reaching its peak.

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