Chapter 68: Surrounded on All Sides

Not long after, Li Zhaoxu held a press conference to declare that Da Fa Real Estate's capital chain was intact and urged the media not to spread rumors.

However, when the media inquired about the issue of shareholders transferring stocks, Li Zhaoxu firmly denied it. But when a reporter from a newspaper precisely named the three shareholders and detailed the number of shares they had transferred, Li Zhaoxu's expression changed. Although he quickly regained his composure, the media present captured his changing expression clearly.

The scene erupted into chaos.

The outcome was predictable. The press conference did little to halt the decline in Da Fa Real Estate's stock price. Instead, the revelation of the pain point made people more convinced of the *Dongfang Daily*'s reports, causing Da Fa Real Estate's stock price to drop even faster.

The confusion caused by a mix of true and false information proved to be more damaging than purely false news!

In the stock market, many investors who had previously believed in Da Fa Real Estate's rise based on *Jiu Ding Daily*'s stock reviews were dismayed when the stock price plummeted. After reading the *Dongfang Daily*'s news, many were panicked. Some, unable to withstand the rapid drop in stock prices, worried that it might worsen, and thus, in their panic, sold their stocks.

As a result, no one was buying, and the stock price continued to fall, causing even more anxiety among cautious investors.

Many investors who had invested all their assets based on *Jiu Ding Daily* and Xia Yu's recommendations began to curse. Those in a worse mental state even directly berated Xia Yu. This cast a shadow over those who were considering buying more stocks recommended by Xia Yu, making them hesitant and opting to wait and see.

The situation worsened the next morning. Many investors who had expected an explanation from *Jiu Ding Daily* rushed to buy the newspaper, only to find Xia Yu continuing his stock reviews as usual, seemingly ignoring the plummet in Da Fa Real Estate's stock price. This left many bewildered.

Seeing the *Dongfang Daily*'s report, everyone panicked. Besides further promoting negative news about Da Fa Real Estate, there were extensive articles attacking *Jiu Ding Daily* and Xia Yu. The reports even included several images of distressed investors, accompanied by text explaining that these investors had suffered significant losses due to following Xia Yu's and *Jiu Ding Daily*'s stock recommendations.

Moreover, it was even more alarming that besides *Dongfang Daily*, other major newspapers also reported negatively on Da Fa Real Estate and questioned its credibility.

Some newspapers, like *Dongfang Daily*, directly attacked *Jiu Ding Daily* and Xia Yu, claiming that Xia Yu's reputation as a stock guru was false, that the recommended stocks were unreliable, and that public opinion was being manipulated to affect stock prices. They warned that once the storm subsided, the reality would be revealed, and investors could lose everything!

Suddenly, the entire news industry in Xiangjiang seemed to be filled with negative news against Da Fa Real Estate, *Jiu Ding Daily*, and Xia Yu. In just one day, the situation turned extremely unfavorable for *Jiu Ding Daily*.

Many investors were affected. When the stock market opened, Da Fa Real Estate's stock price plummeted further, with an even sharper decline than the previous day.

Even many of Xia Yu's recommended stocks were affected, with their growth sharply reduced and some even starting to fluctuate.

For the suddenly shifting news landscape, many minor newspapers were left stunned, but some keen observers saw the underlying motive. This was clearly a counterattack by *Dongfang Daily* against *Jiu Ding Daily*. Although delayed, the attack was severe, landing *Jiu Ding Daily* in a dire situation of being besieged on all sides.

It seemed that in just one day, *Jiu Ding Daily* faced a besieged position.

Many newspaper leaders, putting themselves in *Jiu Ding Daily*'s position, found no solution. They had lost confidence in *Jiu Ding Daily* and Xia Yu, not knowing how to turn the situation around. They feared that if this crisis was not handled well, *Jiu Ding Daily* might never recover.

The higher you rise, the harder you fall when the momentum ends!

Zha Liangyong of *Ming Pao* shook his head with emotion upon learning about the situation. "Ma Chengkun's attack is too ruthless, targeting the critical point of *Jiu Ding Daily*. Moreover, the rise of *Jiu Ding Daily* has affected too many interests, and now many newspapers are taking advantage of the situation. It's a siege from all sides. I wonder how young Xia Yu will handle this?"

Rational analysis aside, Zha Liangyong had little hope for Xia Yu. However, in his heart, he hoped Xia Yu could turn the situation around. Besides admiring Xia Yu, he also disliked *Dongfang Daily* and the Ma family.

The leader of *Sing Tao Daily*, Hu Xian, also paid attention to the matter immediately. Given that *Jiu Ding Daily*, which was at the center of the storm, was currently the best-selling newspaper in Xiangjiang, and *Dongfang Daily* was an adversary, Hu Xian knew that the mastermind behind the scenes was *Dongfang Daily* and Ma Chengkun.

The most knowledgeable adversary is the one who understands you best!

Thus, Hu Xian saw through the true nature of the situation at a glance. Such a ruthless tactic could only be the work of Ma Chengkun.

Although *Jiu Ding Daily* had also impacted *Sing Tao Daily*, the impact was minimal and within the bounds of commercial competition. Hu Xian wasn't petty enough to hold a grudge against *Jiu Ding Daily*.

She hoped that *Jiu Ding Daily* could weather this storm. After all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. If *Jiu Ding Daily* were truly brought down by *Dongfang Daily*, it would only boost *Dongfang Daily*'s power. The thought of *Dongfang Daily* rising to prominence again and Ma Chengkun's smug expression made Hu Xian uncomfortable.

Not only did *Sing Tao Daily* and *Ming Pao* understand the situation, but *Jiu Ding Daily*, which was at the epicenter, also quickly noticed something was wrong and reported the situation to Xia Yu.

Sitting in his office, Xia Yu was surrounded by Yan Wenhan, Sun Xin, Zhao Cheng, and others, all of whom were anxiously looking at him, hoping to know how to get through this crisis.

Seeing their concerned faces, Xia Yu showed a faint smile.

Seeing the boss smile calmly, Sun Xin and the others felt their anxiety dissipate. Unknowingly, their feelings of panic disappeared. Over time, Xia Yu's image had grown larger in their minds.

Since the boss was not anxious, did that mean he didn't view this urgent situation as severe? Did he have a solution?

"Boss, do you have a way to resolve this? The company's other employees are panicking and worried about the company's problems," Zhao Cheng quickly asked.

"Don't worry. I have a plan. Everything is under control. Just calm the employees and focus on your work. I'll handle the rest," Xia Yu said lightly with a smile.

"Ring ring ring…" At that moment, the phone on Xia Yu's desk suddenly rang.

Looking at the number, Xia Yu smiled and answered, "Hello, Mr. Liu… Okay, I'll come right over…"

A short while later, Xia Yu hung up the phone.