Chapter 290: Misfortune Never Comes Alone

Just as Hu Xian had barely sighed in relief, disaster struck again with even more devastating news, delivering a heavy blow to her heart!

Scenes of Yu Hang and his team destroying newspapers had been secretly photographed and were now published directly in the newspapers. Additionally, several photos showed stacks of previously published issues of the "Sing Tao Daily."

The neatly stacked newspapers that had already been sold spoke volumes!

As soon as these incriminating photos emerged, public opinion exploded. The newspapers that were sensationalizing the issue became emboldened and ruthlessly attacked the Sing Tao News Group.

Even those major newspapers that had initially hesitated due to sentiment were forced to join in.

There was no way around it; with such evidence, the Sing Tao News Group was nailed down and had no chance of recovery!

The situation was indeed dire.

Originally, the matter had drawn the attention of those with vested interests, such as Chen Youqing, the president of Xiangjiang Commercial Bank.

"President, we need to quickly recall the loan we gave to the Sing Tao News Group. It will be too late if we delay."

In Chen Youqing's office, a manager spoke with a serious expression.

Chen Youqing remained silent, his brow furrowed as he looked at the newspapers on his desk.

After a long pause, he sighed, looked up at the manager, and asked in a deep voice, "How much deposit does the Sing Tao News Group still have in our account?"

Chen Youqing was not foolish. When he agreed to loan the Sing Tao News Group money, he had stipulated that their future funds would be kept with Xiangjiang Commercial Bank. This was to secure clients for himself and also to reduce risk, allowing for prompt loss mitigation.

Who would have thought that this precaution would actually come into play?

"President, there are still 4.253 million Hong Kong dollars in the account!"

The manager, having been prepared, responded promptly.

Chen Youqing's brow furrowed slightly. He hadn't expected that there would be more than five million just three days ago, and now only four million remains.

The original loan amount to the Sing Tao News Group was ten million Hong Kong dollars.

If the Sing Tao News Group had no other hidden accounts, then their total funds now amounted to this amount, making it impossible for Xiangjiang Commercial Bank to recover the loan principal!

"Do not freeze the account for now, but do not allow the Sing Tao News Group to make any withdrawals. Go to the Sing Tao News Group immediately and try to recall the loan as soon as possible. If they attempt to withdraw funds, freeze the account immediately!"

Chen Youqing ordered.

"Understood!"

The manager responded quickly.

After the manager left, Chen Youqing looked at the newspapers on his desk again, observing the photos, and sighed, unsure whether to feel pity for Hu Xian or lament his own misjudgment.

Based on Chen Youqing's experience, the Sing Tao News Group might not survive this crisis because, with their collaboration, he knew better than anyone the true state of the Sing Tao News Group.

Moreover, up to this point, the giant Jiuding Newspaper Company had not yet commented on the matter.

Chen Youqing did not believe that Jiuding Newspaper Company would remain indifferent to such a great opportunity.

With Jiuding Newspaper Company yet to pounce, the Sing Tao News Group was already in such a perilous state. If Jiuding Newspaper Company were to add more pressure and escalate the issue, the severity would only increase, making the Sing Tao News Group almost certain to face ruin!

If the Sing Tao News Group fell, the shares pledged to his bank would become worthless, and they could only hope to recover their principal by liquidating assets!

Given the current situation, the advertisers would definitely not let it go. The compensation would be substantial, and with so many wolves and so little meat, it was uncertain how much loss could be mitigated.

Thus, Chen Youqing could no longer afford to consider sentiment. His decision to take action now, after all this time, was already a testament to his patience!

---

Although Yee Hop was not founded by the Catherick family, it had passed into the third generation of the family.

Moreover, the fourth-generation leader's inspection had already begun, and according to historical developments, this inspection would last for five years before the Catherick family's power transition ceremony would be held.

In a luxurious mansion on Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, Charles Catherick answered a phone call.

"Kyle, you finally called. What happened?"

"What? … It's nothing, don't blame yourself. As long as you're okay…"

After a long time, Charles Catherick hung up the phone, and the smile on his face immediately disappeared. His brow furrowed as he coldly scolded, "Damn Kyle, how could you let Xia Yu escape in this situation? What a useless person. And he says he's under house arrest. It's hard to get a chance to call, haha…"

While cursing, Charles Catherick opened a drawer, took out a plan document, glanced at it, and then tossed it aside, leaning back in his chair.

"Plan wasted, humph!"

The original plan was clearly divided: in the UK, with Wu Honglin in charge, Charles Catherick would mobilize some family resources to cooperate with Wu Honglin to capture Xia Yu.

Upon returning to Hong Kong, he was to handle the latter part of the plan.

Once Wu Honglin succeeded, Charles would start his part of the plan, using various methods to exploit Xia Yu's weaknesses and force him to transfer the shares.

Unfortunately, after waiting left and right, he never received a call from Wu Honglin, forcing him to wait indefinitely.

Unexpectedly, while waiting, Xia Yu returned.

Clearly, Wu Honglin's plan had failed, or Xia Yu would not have returned safely to Hong Kong.

With Xia Yu's return, all of Charles Catherick's plans were naturally in ruins.

But since he had invested so much thought into it, Charles Catherick was unwilling to give up. He wanted to understand what had happened, so he kept calling Wu Honglin but received no answer until just now, when Wu Honglin returned his call for the first time.

On the call, Wu Honglin provided some explanations and repeatedly apologized.

Given the situation, blaming Wu Honglin further would be futile and would only damage their relationship. Charles Catherick could only choose to forgive Wu Honglin on the surface.

"It's a good thing that Xia Yu doesn't know I was plotting against him. That saves me some trouble. Although I'm not afraid of him, having one less trouble is also a good thing…"

Charles Catherick muttered to himself.

On the phone, Charles Catherick also asked Wu Honglin if Xia Yu knew about his involvement. Wu Honglin almost swore that Xia Yu did not know, and after thinking for a while, Charles Catherick decided to believe him.

It was better this way, as if the incident had never occurred!

Although he was one of the heirs of Yee Hop and the strength of Yee Hop could handle Xia Yu, having fewer troubles and enemies was naturally preferable.

Unfortunately, just as Charles Catherick was putting the matter behind him, believing it was over, Xia Yu was already plotting his revenge!