Chapter 442 Viral Stardom !
It wasn't a geopolitical scandal nor a financial crisis, but a revelation as unexpected as it was bizarre - an oolong tea, crafted by the naval forces of country M, had unwittingly become the epicentre of a media maelstrom, altering the course of public discourse in a matter of seconds.
As if guided by an invisible hand, the domestic media apparatus swiftly pivoted, diverting the public's attention from the previous news cycles to focus intently on this surreal brew.
The short 20-second video that had initially caught the world's attention now seemed to be on an unstoppable ascent to viral stardom. Social media platforms buzzed with reactions ranging from awe to amusement.
"It's astonishing! Who would have thought that this is how torpedoes are launched? It's incredibly powerful!"
"I burst into laughter! Without this video, I might have been completely deceived."
"Global Enterprise Group deserves immense credit!"
Despite the joy of domestic media and internet users, the international community was divided. Because of the volatile fluctuations in public attitude, country M's naval forces held an emergency press conference to recapture the narrative.
Unfortunately for them, this endeavour seemed to be backfiring spectacularly.
In contrast, Global Enterprise Group countered with not one but two successive press conferences. What had initially appeared as a war of words had now escalated, with one side wielding indisputable video evidence while the other relied heavily on verbal persuasion. The momentum was unmistakably tilting in favour of Universal Enterprise Group.
Country M's naval forces were left in frustration and disbelief. When had they become the targets of such a public relations fiasco?
In response to their growing vexation, over a dozen high-ranking executives convened to devise a strategy.
"This is infuriating! We must retaliate against Universal Enterprise Group in some way."
"Perhaps we can fabricate an excuse to detain some of their ships."
One cautious executive, however, voiced his reservations. "Detaining their ships might not be the wisest course of action. It could further exacerbate public opinion against us."
Given the current climate, detaining Universal Enterprise Group's ships could spark a colossal outcry.
"So, what's our alternative?"
Another executive proposed, "Why not put Global Enterprise Group on the sanctions list? We could prohibit countries and companies from engaging in any business dealings with them."
This suggestion ignited a spirited discussion within the conference room.
"That's an excellent proposal!"
"I believe this is a pragmatic approach."
"Indeed, imposing sanctions might yield remarkable results. Once enacted, their fleet would be rendered immobile."
Many high-ranking executives rallied behind this idea. Following a lively debate, the room gradually fell into silence.
A four-star general from the US Navy eventually broke the silence. "Gentlemen, what are your opinions on this matter?"
Without hesitation, one voice eagerly declared, "I wholeheartedly support the imposition of sanctions on Global Enterprise Group."
"I concur."
"Count me in!"
Several executives displayed an unusual level of consensus, firmly supporting the notion of placing Global Enterprise Group on the sanctions list.
However, not everyone was convinced. Some high-ranking officials remained cautious.
"I believe this might be a misstep."
"I disagree with sanctions. If they end up causing damage to our warships, the consequences could be dire. The navy of country E is a pertinent example."
"I don't support sanctions either. To my knowledge, Universal Enterprise Group has developed an exceptional graphene-aluminum battery, something we are in dire need of."
"I've heard that, in addition to graphene-aluminum batteries, they possess substantial reserves of gray-black metal, a high-end alloy that our advanced weaponry necessitates."
The executives who dissented made their positions abundantly clear. They were apprehensive about potential losses in terms of warships and couldn't resist the allure of Universal Enterprise Group's valuable resources.
Intense exchanges, arguments, and counterarguments characterized the meeting.
Ultimately, no conclusive decision was reached, and the gathering was hastily adjourned.
Meanwhile, at Global Enterprise Group, Qiu Yang couldn't shake off the unease that had lingered over him for the past few days. A disquieting question persisted in his mind: What if country M decided to impose sanctions on Universal Enterprise Group?
Such an outcome would be catastrophic.
Unable to suppress his concerns any longer, he knocked on the door and entered Liu Yong's office. "Boss, I've been pondering something. What if country M decides to impose sanctions on us?"
Liu Yong greeted Qiu Yang's question with a reassuring smile. He had contemplated this scenario before and had been somewhat anxious. However, after receiving a call from Kang Zhenggang, Liu Yong's worries had evaporated.
Kang Zhenggang had reported that a high-level meeting within the US Navy held just two days ago, had discussed the possibility of imposing sanctions on Global Enterprise Group. The proposal had encountered vehement opposition, ultimately failing to gain traction.
Liu Yong felt an immense sense of relief.
It seemed that even a formidable entity like country M was selective in choosing its battles. Global Enterprise Group was far from an easy target. Its significance extended beyond mere scale and revenue. The company possessed several invaluable assets, such as coveted alloys and groundbreaking graphene-aluminum batteries.
Country M couldn't afford to alienate Global Enterprise Group, which held assets they desperately coveted.
Liu Yong was no longer concerned about the prospect of sanctions. He had previously prepared for the worst-case scenario: if country M imposed sanctions, Universal Enterprise Group would simply cease selling graphene-aluminum batteries to them.
This course of action was now rendered unnecessary, and Liu Yong couldn't help but acknowledge the prowess of the Wolf Warrior intelligence agency.
"Incredible, country M doesn't dare to impose sanctions on us. That's a relief!" Qiu Yang's voice brimmed with enthusiasm, and he exhaled a long breath, shedding his previous worries and embracing a newfound sense of relaxation.
Liu Yong concurred, "Indeed, sanctions are unlikely. Our next major undertaking is the construction of the second New Energy Battery factory."
Qiu Yang nodded eagerly. "Boss, don't worry. Construction on our factory in Huahai City will commence shortly."
The size of the factory was staggering, covering an area of over 800 acres. It was no surprise that the leaders of Huahai City had shown great interest. Just a few days ago, a prominent official from Huahai City had visited Global Enterprise Group personally, where Qiu Yang had welcomed him.
The official had extended numerous incentives, all in a bid to retain Global Enterprise Group's second factory in Huahai City.