Zhao Changheng glanced at Xu Xiangbei, a cunning glint in his eyes, and sneered, "Dr. Xu, we’re still considering when to launch your game. We have several new games under development, and I’ve just taken over Thunderbird Group, so there’s a lot to handle."

Knowing Zhao Changheng was just giving him the brush-off, Xu Xiangbei didn’t hold back: "President Zhao, we’ve had our conflicts before, but that doesn’t stop us from making money together. Ancient Moon Red Dust sold well; before it was even launched, it had nearly a million players. If you develop new games, you’ll need new resources and human capital. Why not re-launch Ancient Moon Red Dust? You wouldn’t let a personal vendetta kill off a money-making opportunity, would you?"

When Xu Xiangbei mentioned the past, a flash of hatred crossed Zhao Changheng’s eyes, fleetingly: "Dr. Xu, I’m always petty. I still remember that punch. But you’re right; I won’t let personal grudges affect business. However, this is my decision to make, I’ll consider it carefully, and I don’t need your advice. Dr. Xu, please leave before I call security."

Xu Xiangbei suddenly noticed on Zhao Changheng’s desk a gold-trimmed business card, shimmering like gold under the white light of the desk lamp.

Not many people use such expensive business cards. Xu Xiangbei took a closer look—it was Shen Congru’s card.

Knowing Zhao Changheng wouldn’t agree to relaunch Ancient Moon Red Dust, staying here was pointless. Better to go back and come up with a strategy.

Before leaving Zhao Changheng’s office, Xu Xiangbei left a warning: "President Zhao, that’s what happens when the cat’s away, the monkey plays king. With the Lei father and son in jail, you think you can command everyone. I don’t know how you got this position, but I know if you’re not serious and hardworking, you won’t hold onto it."

Feeling the icy pressure in Xu Xiangbei’s gaze, Zhao Changheng remained expressionless: "Thank you for your advice, Dr. Xu."

At the Purple Gold Villa, Xu Xiangbei told Shen Congru about Zhao Changheng’s despicable attempt to steal the source code for Ancient Moon Red Dust.

Shen Congru listened, dumbfounded, a flicker of sympathetic anger crossing his face: "Had I known he was like this, I would’ve never associated with him."

"I know Thunderbird Group and Hengyu Group are intense rivals. How did Zhao Changheng become acting president of Thunderbird Group?"

Shen Congru shook his wine glass, shrugged, with a hint of admiration: "Becoming acting president of Thunderbird Group shows he has some skills. He was originally a competitor of Thunderbird Group and loved watching this giant fall. But he knew to more thoroughly dismantle Thunderbird Group and kick them while they’re down, the best way was to acquire the company, control the former enemy, and keep it forever defeated at his feet. He bought Lei Zhensheng’s shares, and recently, as Lei Zhenrong and his son went to jail, their company’s stock plummeted. Zhao Changheng swooped in on the secondary market, buying up shares and acquiring a 10% stake in Thunderbird Group. As a shareholder, he naturally became the acting president through board authorization."

Xu Xiangbei realized: "This guy is really cunning. In terms of competition with Thunderbird Group, he won, but it was due to Lei Zhenrong and his son’s mistakes, not his business strategy. Does this mean he’ll permanently sit in the president’s seat at Thunderbird Group?"

Shen Congru smiled, clinking glasses with Xu Xiangbei, his smile holding mystery: "If I wasn’t aware of your conflict with him and his despicable side, he might’ve really stayed as Thunderbird Group’s president. Now that I know, and since he’s offended my promising young Dr. Xu, he might have to step down from the throne."

A glint of delight flashed in Xu Xiangbei’s eyes. Considering Shen Congru’s extensive connections and flexible thinking in the Earth-Sea Business Community, his words weren’t just bravado.

"Young Master Shen, by saying this, does it mean your commercial bank also holds shares in Thunderbird Group?"

"BINGO, you guessed it right. We own 12% of Thunderbird Group, slightly more than Zhao Changheng. I cast my vote for him as acting president. I was impressed by his success in Hengyu Group’s chip and gaming sectors. But, compared to our relationship, that’s insignificant."

Xu Xiangbei laughed heartily: "Young Master Shen, I’ve innocuously owed you a favor again. It seems this monkey won’t be king for long."

Seeing Xu Xiangbei’s smugness, Shen Congru frowned slightly: "Dr. Xu, it’s not so optimistic as it might seem. I’m saying there’s a possibility. While I support you, someone else might support Zhao Changheng. President Qin from Zijin Real Estate is a friend of Zhao Changheng. Zijin Real Estate also has Thunderbird Group shares. They’ll undoubtedly support Zhao Changheng, so dethroning him instantly won’t be easy."

Patting Shen Congru lightly on the shoulder, Xu Xiangbei began to bolster his confidence: "There’s nothing I, Xu Xiangbei, can’t do. I know what you mean—Zhao Changheng has energy to be acting president, but you’ve forgotten, Zhao Changheng and Lei Zhenrong are rivals. If Zhao Changheng becomes president, Lei Zhenrong will be the first to disapprove."

Shen Congru looked helpless: "I must remind you, Dr. Xu, Lei Zhenrong is quite old and may spend his life in prison. His son, Lei Ziming, also faces many years. Though they have shares, they can’t exercise shareholder rights. They pose no threat to Zhao Changheng."

Xu Xiangbei smiled wickedly: "They may not threaten Zhao Changheng, but I can. If I’m not mistaken, Lei Zhensheng will meet me in a couple of days. There are things that will require Young Master Shen’s help."

Shen Congru looked puzzled, not understanding what Xu Xiangbei meant, and Xu Xiangbei smiled cryptically.

Just then, Xu Xiangbei’s phone rang.

After the call, Xu Xiangbei’s smile grew wider, and he said to Shen Congru: "Talk of Cao Cao and he appears, Young Master Shen, are you free now to accompany me to Earth-Sea Jia De Law Firm?"

A look of surprise crossed Shen Congru’s face; he knew Jia De Law Firm was run by Lei Jiade.

Lei Jiade is Lei Zhenrong’s relative and his attorney. Ever since Lei Zhenrong got arrested, Lei Jiade has been fully handling all his affairs.

Moreover, Lei Jiade is a good friend of Shen Congru.