Chapter Forty-Six: Forest Real Estate Must Transform

“Who told you I’d be watching that worthless stock? I, the great Mr. Bai, am far too busy to bother with such trivialities.” Just as Lan Tian was about to ask Bai what was going on, Bai’s voice “timely” sounded in his ear.

“I mean… I’ve just taken over Forest Properties, couldn’t you at least keep an eye on things for me? Now the share price is in shambles—what’s the company supposed to think of me? Am I to have no reputation at all?” Lan Tian complained inwardly.

“That little stock isn’t worth me intervening. Honestly, you should use this opportunity to reorganize your little company: keep who you should keep, and let the rest go,” Bai replied indifferently, offering him a suggestion.

“Well… that’s not a bad idea. But if you don’t step in, even if I overhaul the company, the share price won’t climb. Am I to fall from being Ning City’s richest man after just one day? Isn’t that too tragic…” Lan Tian responded gloomily.

“I think you’ve forgotten who I am, and where I come from,” Bai suddenly said, sounding haughty. “I could whip up a piece of advanced technology in an instant and overshadow anything you Earthlings have!”

“Haven’t you always dreamed of creating a 100% realistic virtual game on Earth? If you roll out something like that, are you still worried Forest Properties’ stock won’t soar?”

At those words, Lan Tian grew excited. He could already imagine the frenzy such a thing would cause if it hit the market. Even those who’d never played a game would surely want to experience a 100% realistic virtual world!

“Hey, I’m talking to you! Why are you daydreaming?” Wang Ling’s dissatisfied voice pulled Lan Tian back to reality. She went on, “Actually, there’s no need to worry too much. Investors don’t know the details. Once you hold a press conference to announce yourself as the new chairman, the stock should stabilize. If you can release some good news, the price will rise again soon.”

“Yes, exactly. Don’t worry. I’ll go with you and announce an alliance between my Xuanxin Properties and your Forest Properties. The stock might even go higher than before,” Chen Xiaoxuan chimed in, then grinned mischievously. “That way, I can ride the coattails of our leading enterprise—maybe my company’s stock will soar too, hehe.”

“There’s nothing to worry about. When did I say there was a problem?” Perhaps influenced by Bai, Lan Tian lifted his chin proudly. “Of course there’ll be a press conference. I’ll have a surprise for you all.”

“Tch, surprise? Just don’t mess it up,” Wang Ling retorted, clearly unimpressed with Lan Tian’s smugness. She then grew serious. “By the way, you should be careful about Zou Tao’s disappearance. After what you’ve done to him, he might try to get back at you in secret.”

“What do you mean by ‘what I’ve done to him’? He brought it on himself…” Lan Tian rolled his eyes in protest.

“Fine, fine, it was his own fault. But you should still be careful. He might go down a dark path if he’s desperate enough,” Wang Ling relented, but repeated her warning.

“Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.” Lan Tian nodded, eager to discuss the virtual game with Bai. He quickly finished off the food the two women couldn’t eat.

“All right, are you done? Go shopping if you want, or get back to work. I need to handle some things. I’ll let you know when the press conference is set.” Lan Tian smiled, bidding them farewell. Instead of heading to the company, he drove straight home—he needed to discuss the virtual game with Bai, and it was more convenient to do so without prying eyes.

“Right, I should call Fan Ming and get him started.” Walking to his study, Lan Tian dialed the number of Fan Ming, now acting chairman.

“Hello, Director Fan. Yes, it’s me.”

“Director Lan! You finally called! Is this your number? I’ll save it.” Fan Ming’s anxious voice came over the line. “I’m at my wit’s end. The stock price is nearly bottomed out, people are desperate, and many employees are threatening to resign. You’d better come handle things right away.”

“It’s fine. This is just what I wanted. For now, don’t do anything. If they want to resign, let them. If anyone tries anything underhanded, make a note of their names,” Lan Tian said as he opened the study door and sat down comfortably.

“Uh… what do you mean?” Fan Ming was clearly stunned. With news of Zou Linsen’s confession spreading everywhere, the stock had plummeted more than ever, almost to the point of suspension. Yet Director Lan sounded as calm and in control as ever, which only made Fan Ming’s nerves worse.

“Don’t worry about what I mean for now. Just do as I say. Hold a press conference tomorrow morning at eight-thirty to announce the change in ownership. Tip off the media beforehand so they’re prepared. This conference will mark our company’s complete transformation!” Lan Tian said with a faint smile.

“C-complete transformation? Director Lan…” Fan Ming stammered, eyes wide with disbelief.

“Don’t worry about the details. Just do as I say. Those who want to quit, let them go. Everything will be explained tomorrow. That’s all for now.” Lan Tian knew Fan Ming had questions but didn’t intend to answer. He hung up directly.

After all, even he wasn’t entirely sure how things would play out…

“Bai, don’t mess with me—can you really get this done in a day?” Lan Tian asked anxiously, watching Bai’s projected image.

“Tomorrow is the press conference. If the virtual game isn’t ready in time, I’ll be a laughingstock! This is my very first press conference!”

Opposite him, Bai gave him a disdainful look. “You still don’t trust me? Do you know who I am? I am a super-intelligent being!”

“One day? Please. I can finish it in three minutes. If I had more energy, I’d be done in seconds!”

“Just tell me, which Earth game do you want as the foundation?”

Seeing Bai’s confidence, Lan Tian relaxed. He trusted Bai’s abilities—Bai had never let him down.

He replied excitedly, “Of course, the hottest competitive game right now—‘King of Glory’!”