Chapter 81: The Great Filial Sonâs Mood Turns Ashen
As the saying goes, the bird that sticks its head out gets shot. Some things are originally minor, but once they are elevated to a matter of principle or singled out, things usually go south.
The worst-case scenario for Shou Jiaxun was likely a fine. However, those presentâincluding the deputy directorâcouldn’t say for sure what “magnitude” the final penalty would reach.
Since these regulations were a supplement to existing laws, and terms like “industry” and “monopoly” were being tossed around, the fine certainly wouldn’t be small.
Still, the professional offered a sincere estimate: “The probability of it reaching the tens of millions isn’t high.”
“Tens of millions? Heh…” Shou Jiaxun didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “I started my business from a morning market fruit stall. I just want to ask that ‘Fresh Produce Association’âwho exactly are they representing? Are they representing all the fruit stalls in the Imperial Capital, or just their few fresh produce chains?
“The best domestic Fuji apples have a wholesale price at the source of less than five yuan, yet they slap on some packaging and sell them to you for eighteen… Weâre all northerners here; did you not eat apples as a kid? Ten years ago, ten yuan could buy a whole big bag of sweet and sour Gala apples. Can you even find those on the market now? Letâs speak with a clear conscience: who exactly is monopolizing the market, and who is acting like a neighborhood bully?”
The lawyer and the deputy director both began to laugh, their expressions quite helpless. “What youâre saying is reasonable; I even have a ‘Guoran’ membership card myself. But one thing is one thing. Right now, they are suing you for malicious price-cutting, harming the interests of fruit farmers, and damaging the market environment. Thereâs evidence and witnesses. You need to think about how to respond to the lawsuit now. Of course, you can also countersue them for being market bullies. As long as thereâs evidence, the court will accept it.”
The lawyer nodded in agreement. “Of course, we will definitely countersue. The ecosystem of the Imperial Capitalâs fruit market is massive; it shouldn’t be controlled by three or five middlemen forming an association to set prices.”
The deputy director nodded too, but his opinion remained pessimistic. “Then it depends on how many merchants support your price-lowering. Honestly, as a consumer, I certainly like merchants like ‘Guoran.’ But from an industry level, I think you might have to fight this battle alone. Moreover, once you’re found guilty of malicious competition, it won’t just be a fine. Relevant departments will also place your imports and exports under heavy supervision.”
Shou Jiaxun smiled bitterly and remained silent because the man was right. Middlemen all wanted to drive prices up; someone like him who insisted on driving them down wasn’t exaggerating when he called himself an “industry enemy.” Expecting his peers to speak up for “Guoran Loves You” was equivalent to a fool’s dream.
However, who counted as a “peer” wasn’t set in stone, as that primarily depended on which track President Shou chose to run on.
Leaving the director’s office, Liang Bo discussed in a low voice with Shou Jiaxun, “Once our digital platform is finished, weâll list the prices directly from the source and make them all shut up.”
By then, “Guoran Little Shop” would have transformed into a service-oriented hub platform, and the flagship stores would lean toward becoming “Internet Celebrity IPs.” Fresh produce was just a doorway for them; the true maze of profits was hidden behind that door.
Shou Jiaxunâs brow was furrowed as he nodded as a matter of course, then followed up with, “How much longer until it’s finished and online?”
Liang Bo pursed his lips and pondered for a moment. “If we want it fast, why don’t we just buy one that’s already ready?”
But “already ready” could mean many things. Shou Jiaxun asked, “Do you mean buying a mature system or a mature team?”
Liang Bo shook his head. “The subsequent iteration costs for a mature system are a bottomless pit, and teams are hard to screen. Iâm saying, would you consider buying a subsidiary?”
Shou Jiaxunâs mind spun rapidly. He blinked twice and immediately understood, clicking his tongue in a light scolding. “Why didn’t you say so earlier?”
“I just thought of it too.” Liang Bo smiled. “How about going to ‘158’ this weekend?”
Shou Jiaxun was immediately on the same page. “In a bit, go online and book a few entry tickets.”
The place Liang Bo mentioned was a cultural and creative park converted from an old factory. On weekends, many startups went there to give speeches, choose partners, attract investment, or, of course, sell their companies.
The two chatted as they walked. Just as they reached the main entrance hall, a young man appeared, strolling slowly and coming to a halt directly in front of them, as if he were there to collect a “toll.”
Shou Jiaxun also stopped. Standing ten steps away from the other man, he looked as if he were ready to turn around and bolt at any second.
Xiao Yu was expressionless, his gaze dark. When he spoke, his tone was even darker. “Shou Jiaxun, come here.”
It was actually a commanding tone.
Shou Jiaxun gave two dry laughs, stepping forward two steps with a forced smile. “Oh, what a coincidence. This is… youâve already secured a high position in the government?”
Xiao Yu didn’t move from his spot, his hands in his pockets, looking like a textbook “Overbearing President.”
“I came specifically to wait for you.”
Shou Jiaxun automatically interpreted “wait” as “corner” and laughed with a furrowed brow. “I haven’t done anything bad; it’s not worth you going to such lengths.”
Xiao Yu spoke directly: “I know the people who drafted the anti-monopoly regulations. I can ask them to speak on your behalf. If they say you haven’t engaged in unfair competition, then you ‘haven’t’.”
Shou Jiaxun turned his head to look at his head lawyer.
The lawyer raised his eyebrows and mentioned a name to Xiao Yu.
Xiao Yu said, “Yes, heâs my doctoral advisor.”
The lawyer gave a polite, dry smile and signaled Shou Jiaxun with his eyes that he could have a good talk with the other party.
Shou Jiaxunâs lip twitched. He raised his hand to check his watch, then faced Xiao Yu, barely squeezing out a smile. “In that case, could the Class Monitor help introduce us?”
He didn’t want to discuss anything with Xiao Yu at all, so his tone and attitude were very perfunctory.
Xiao Yu said, “You seem very eager to become our ‘classic case’ for the second half of the year.”
Shou Jiaxun gave a dry laugh, looking indifferent. “Even if I lose this lawsuit, I have no reason to be ashamed before anyone; besides, I might not lose. So, if you’re willing to help, then help. If not, then forget it.”
Xiao Yu took a deep breath, unknown if he was suppressing anger or hiding frustration. When he spoke again, his voice was slow and firm: “I am standing here, so of course I am here to help you.”
Shou Jiaxunâs gaze softened, and he couldn’t help but sigh in his heart. This ‘Great Filial Son’ and his romantic brainâhe really is worrying his heart out for me.
Who would have thought that in the next second, Xiao Yu would continue, “But I also have things I want.”
Shou Jiaxun silently finished the thought in his head: I know, and I also want to give you your good brain back.
His brief silence looked like hesitation to Liang Bo, and Xiao Yu also thought he was weighing the pros and cons.
In the time it took for Shou Jiaxun to silently complain, the gazes of the two Alphas before him underwent subtle changes.
One insisted on applying pressure. Xiao Yu said, “Shou Jiaxun, think carefully. This case of yours could be large or small.”
The other, eyes flashing with hostility, grabbed Shou Jiaxunâs shoulder and walked straight forward.
As they brushed past Xiao Yu, Xiao Yu grabbed Shou Jiaxunâs arm and pulled the man toward him. In a low voice, he whispered a warning into his ear: “You know what I want. Iâll wait for your reply.”
Liang Bo didn’t hear what he said, but that didn’t stop his anger from rising. The tall Alpha immediately took a step across to shove his “love rival” while shouting, “What are you doing! Soliciting bribes in broad daylight?”
Their lawyer quickly stepped in to break up the fight. “Don’t get excited. Let’s talk things through properly.”
Shou Jiaxunâs right arm was clamped by Xiao Yu, and his left arm was being yanked by Liang Bo. His mind was full of “Holy Sh*t”…
Since you both have me in your hearts, couldn’t you be a little lighter with your hands?!
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