I'm back in 1990

Chapter 584: Killing the Chicken to Warn the Monkey

The University of Finance and Economics ultimately failed to contact Huang Xiaochuan.

This matter requires a sufficiently influential figure to take the lead. Sending just any ordinary teacher or staff member to handle it would be disrespectful to Huang Xiaochuan. However, all the important figures in the school are avoiding this like the plague, and no one wants to get involved in this hot potato.

Even Huang Xiaochuan's senior, Hong Yongze, claimed illness and took leave, clearly unwilling to get involved in this mess. The school, left with no other option, tried to ask Mr. Wang Deyi to mediate, but he was nowhere to be found, and the people they sent arrived empty-handed.

At the same time, a flood of questions from the media and academia overwhelmed the school's external publicity department.

Disheartened, Zhuang Yonghua submitted his resignation as dean, which was naturally rejected. The dean was summoned for questioning by higher authorities, and before the leaders could even speak, he poured out his grievances—he was truly unlucky; he had only been in charge for a short time when he was caught up in the investigation of Huang Xiaochuan. He wasn't yet familiar with the job and naturally hadn't paid much attention, especially since the investigation results regarding "nine-figure assets" were truly astonishing. At the time, he was only thinking about avoiding risks and dared not keep such a "troublesome" figure as Huang Xiaochuan. Who could have predicted that this would lead to the loss of such an academic giant?

Zhao Qing, the head of the investigation team, was naturally also summoned for questioning. He recounted the entire investigation process verbatim, repeatedly emphasizing that he was acting under orders. Ultimately, the crux of the problem lay in that anonymous whistleblower letter. Zhao Qing was filled with remorse and resentment towards the letter writer—a mere anonymous letter had stirred up such a huge storm, driving away an "academic god"!

The leaders in the department were equally frustrated. Who could have predicted such a messy ending? They had originally wanted to hold someone accountable, but now, looking around, it seemed that no one was responsible—if anyone was, the culprit would be the anonymous informant.

Although no one was at fault, the impact was still felt, and it was a very bad one. It also affected the leaders who had initially approved the establishment of the investigation team. Before long, they were transferred to the second line to enjoy their retirement, even though two of them were not yet 45 years old.

At the start of the new semester, this was the main topic of discussion on campus, especially among students in the School of Economics. However, walking on the street, they inevitably faced pointing and whispering from students of other departments, and even mocking laughter, as if they were laughing at the School of Economics for "not recognizing a gem in the making."

Sheng Lei, Pu Shouzhong, and the others sent a congratulatory text message to Huang Xiaochuan, who was in Hong Kong. Unexpectedly, Huang Xiaochuan called back personally! On the phone, he earnestly encouraged them to complete their studies and told them, "If you encounter any difficulties, please contact me anytime." These few words brought tears to Sheng Lei and the others' eyes again—their teacher had always been kind to them.

Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, news of the low-key establishment of the "Hong Kong Economic Research Institute" has quietly emerged. Although details are scarce, the combination of keywords such as "Clark Prize winner," "independent think tank," "global recruitment," and "focus on Hong Kong" is enough to stir up considerable waves in political, business, and academic circles in mainland China, Hong Kong, and even globally. Astute scholars and institutions have turned their attention to this institution.

Zhang Yun and Qin Yu, who had been keeping a close eye on Huang Xiaochuan, also learned of his achievements one after another. Zhang Yun, who had already taken charge of the Xue Group, looked at her twin sons and felt a surge of pride—she was certain that her initial decision had been correct.

Qin Yu couldn't help but recall the summer of 1990, in her aunt's coffee shop, when Huang Xiaochuan made those bold words to her: "Me? I plan to graduate with my doctorate by the time I'm twenty-five, become a university professor before I'm thirty, and become a world-renowned economist before I'm thirty-five."

He really did it, without any compromise! And he even achieved it ahead of schedule, becoming the youngest recipient of the Clark Medal in history!

The top-floor office of the Dadao Group headquarters.

The dazzling night view of Hong Kong was reflected in Huang Xiaochuan's deep eyes.

Charlie Cao respectfully reported, "Mr. Huang, today three more heads of international investment banks expressed a strong desire to meet through different channels. In addition, we noticed that several offshore funds with complex backgrounds are accumulating large amounts of circulating shares of several core listed companies under the Dadao Group through the secondary market in a very covert manner, but their intentions are unclear. Also... there are rumors that some 'old friends' in Southeast Asia seem to have developed a strong interest in you as well."

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"Furthermore, paparazzi are practically staking out the vicinity of the residence 24/7. The old lady and her wives are severely hampered when they go out. Major Hong Kong tycoons are constantly trying to get our attention and making invitations. That so-called 'Hong Kong financial magnate,' Lo Kei-fai, even hinted that if we don't arrange an introduction for you to meet him, he might cause us some 'trouble.'"

He knew in his heart that it was because he had been too low-key that these clowns thought they had an opportunity to take advantage of him and dared to be so arrogant! He thought of Yu Xiang's grievances when she complained about being followed and photographed by paparazzi, the despicable behavior of paparazzi who did not even spare children, and his grandmother's haggard appearance due to the disturbance. He also recalled the passive and humiliating experience he had during the investigation in Shanghai. All these images intertwined, and a surge of anger rose in his chest.

Huang Xiaochuan turned his back to Cao Charlie, his arms crossed over his chest, having already made up his mind.

"I used to think that being low-key was a virtue, but when that low-key behavior is seen as weakness and attracts covetousness and trouble, I think it's better to do without this virtue!" He turned to look at Charlie Cao, his eyes sharp as knives, flashing with an unquestionable gaze.

Charlie Cao was slightly taken aback, then realized his boss had made up his mind: "Mr. Huang! What do you mean?"

Huang Xiaochuan's voice was firm and powerful: "In the past, we kept a low profile to avoid unnecessary trouble, but now there's no need for that anymore. Do you think I'm a pushover just because I haven't shown my teeth? This time, I'm going to show those people what real strength is. Dadao Group can step into the limelight now. There's no need to hide anymore. Let those who have ulterior motives see what real wealth is."

He paused, a cold glint in his eyes, "Also, tell Gao Zhihao for me—in the financial markets, give that Roshkiji a good 'welcome'! Does he really think he's something special? Let's kill him as an example to the monkeys!"

"Understood!" Charlie Cao's spirits lifted. He had been looking forward to this moment for a long time, and it was a good thing for him as well. He immediately said, "The group owns the *Hong Kong Economic Herald*, as well as several other financial media outlets with which we have in-depth partnerships. I will immediately assemble the most capable team, led by the public relations department, with the finance and strategic investment departments providing full support, to showcase the true strength of the Dadao Group in the most appropriate way. Please rest assured, I will strictly control the scope and ensure that core business secrets are protected."

Huang Xiaochuan nodded: "Very good!"

In the Wong residence, a villa in the Mid-Levels of Hong Kong, the children had already been taken to rest by the servants. Old Wong, Zeng Lijuan, uncle, aunt, Old Yu, Zheng Aiying, and Yu Xiang were all invited by Huang Xiaochuan to the spacious living room.

The living room was filled with the aroma of tea. Huang Xiaochuan sat in the main seat, his expression serious.

"Parents, uncles and aunts, I've invited you here tonight because I have something to tell you."

Huang Xiaochuan paused, looked at his family's faces, and continued, "Originally, I wanted to bring you to Hong Kong for a change of scenery, but because of me, you've had a lot of trouble. You're followed by paparazzi everywhere you go. The main reason is that some people in Hong Kong are always trying to find out my background. The root cause is that they have an excessive curiosity and misjudgment of my identity and strength. They only saw what I wanted them to see, and thought they could test my strength. Some even have designs on me."

As soon as these words were spoken, worry appeared on the faces of all the family members.

Huang Xiaochuan smiled and reassured his family, "You don't need to worry about me, I'm fine, don't worry! They don't even know my strength before trying to take advantage of me, they can't make a fuss."

He then briefly revealed the scale of assets controlled by the Dadao Group to his family. When that enormous, breathtaking number was calmly uttered by him, the living room instantly fell into a deathly silence.

The family members were all stunned. Fortunately, having experienced similar shocks in previous years, their mental resilience had been honed to a level far exceeding that of ordinary people, so they weren't scared to the point of having a heart attack. But the immense, unimaginable shock was still clearly written on every face—astonishment, unbelievable astonishment.