Adisorn stood near the exit, arms crossed, observing Chairman Li Ming. The old dragon seemed satisfied, yet a sharp decision was beginning to crystallize behind his calculating eyes. Adisorn’s lip curled into a thin smile as he watched Gawin, who remained composed even while applauding his rival.
“It won't be as easy as you think...” Adisorn mused silently.
Nearby, Lu Rong sat with clenched fists, glaring at Adisorn with smoldering resentment. Yet, he remained paralyzed, knowing he was now nothing more than a pawn in the golden cage crafted by this ruthless man.
The room fell silent as Li Wen Jie rose slowly. He held a laser pointer, ready to project his own vision—or rather, his own destruction.
"Today’s debate has been nothing short of spectacular," Wen Jie announced, descending the stairs as a spotlight tracked his movement. "And I must commend Mr. Gawin’s vision... for promising to elevate the Hydrogen Project that my father has so long envisioned." He shot a cold, mocking smirk toward the Chairman, who looked back at his son with growing suspicion. "However, it is a tragedy that your presentation... is nothing more than a beautifully crafted piece of fiction, utterly detached from reality."
The moment his feet touched the carpet at the foot of the stage, the projector flickered. The visionary images were replaced by dense legal and technical reports. The audience leaned forward, tension prickling the air.
"This is the Structural Impact and Risk Analysis Report my team has just uncovered." Wen Jie turned to face the board. "Mr. Gawin seems to have forgotten that this 'dream valley' is, in truth, a financial catastrophe that will drag CK Group into an abyss from which we cannot return."
Stolen novel; please report.
The room went deathly silent.
"Engineering data indicates that KCC’s substations were designed for a legacy industrial era," Wen Jie pointed his laser at the technical schematics. "The electrolyzers Mr. Gawin intends to use will cause power surges far beyond what the existing grid can withstand. If connected, the backflow will annihilate the machinery of every surrounding factory in the district."
He looked at Gawin with pure disdain. "You claim a saving of 45 million dollars, but did you fail to calculate the billions in damages when the entire system collapses? Is this the 'vision' of a leader? Or is it just catastrophic negligence?"
As the murmurs grew louder, Gawin remained silent, offering no defense, allowing Wen Jie to pour out his vitriol unchecked.
"And more importantly..." Wen Jie switched to a city planning map. "KCC land is registered for General Industry. It lacks the mandated 'Blast Zone' safety perimeter required by the new Flammable Gas Laws. Converting this to a Hydrogen Valley would result in an immediate suspension of all our industrial licenses. Rezoning would take at least 18 months—not the 'immediate start' you used to sell this fantasy to the Chairman today."
Wen Jie let out a low, confident chuckle. "The accounting reports also show that maintenance costs for KCC’s decaying infrastructure will triple by year two. Installing state-of-the-art technology on a ruin isn't an investment—it’s pouring money down a bottomless drain." He fixed his gaze on his father.
"Chairman, this data comes from independent professionals. It proves Mr. Gawin’s plan is far too dangerous, while Mr. Zhang Wei’s project offers concrete profits. I, Li Wen Jie, as a member of the Board, formally move to reject the Hydrogen Valley project!"
As he finished, several board members stood up to applaud him, treating him like a white knight riding in to save the firm.
While the tide of belief shifted toward Wen Jie, Zhang Wei felt no joy in this victory. He looked at Gawin with genuine concern; even as a rival, he felt this public humiliation was a foul move that had no place in a professional debate.
But in the shadows beside the stage... Adisorn remained still. His expressionless eyes watched Wen Jie’s performance with a touch of pity, knowing exactly who had pulled the pin from that grenade... and let Wen Jie carry it into the room himself.