Chapter 163: Press Conference
Meanwhile, Sun Gang sat in his office, engrossed in reading and signing documents. The door was abruptly pushed open without a knock, prompting him to raise his head and see Master Kong entering, hands behind his back. Sun Gang abandoned his work, giving his full attention to Master Kong.
Master Kong inquired sternly, "Tell me, why have you not retrieved the third page?"
Sun Gang quickly responded, "Master, it was not there. My men searched the entire place, but found nothing."
Frustrated, Master Kong declared, "You keep failing each and every mission I give you. I think I should find someone else to work with. That brother of yours is also good."
Sun Gang pleaded, "No, Master, I will find it."
Master Kong, unsatisfied, retorted, "I told you it was there. Your job was to get there and take it."
Sun Gang attempted to provide an explanation, "Maybe she hid it somewhere."
Master Kong, unyielding, stated, "It’s in that house, and I want it in my hands before the end of the day. Do you understand?"
Sun Gang affirmed, "Yes, Master. I will go and get it."
Master Kong issued a warning, "Don’t disappoint me. We still have a long way to go."
Sun Gang assured him, "It won’t happen again."
After Master Kong left, Sun Gang retrieved his phone to make a call. The person on the other end answered with a curt "Yes." Sun Gang, his frustration evident, expressed his disappointment, stating, "I am really disappointed in your organization."
The person, attempting to reassure him, said, "Don’t worry. We have sent another agent who will take care of it quickly. Wait for the good news."
Despite the reassurance, Sun Gang’s impatience showed as he insisted, "I need them gone before Friday, do you understand?"
Apologizing, the person explained, "We apologize for the inconvenience. The agent we sent first had some issues, but we have deployed another one."
Sun Gang, still frustrated, responded with a simple "Hmm" before ending the call. His anger stemmed from the fact that the banquet was only three days away, and things were not going according to his plan. The last thing he wanted was his grandfather to give Li Chen and Sun Lixia a share of the family inheritance.
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Meanwhile, at the city hall, reporters from various media outlets had crowded the hall, eager to uncover the latest developments in the lawsuit against Dreamscape Properties. Ao Junfeng, a seasoned lawyer, had orchestrated this press conference to draw widespread attention to the case. Seated at the front were Brother Song and Tang Junjie, key figures in this legal battle, while Ao Junfeng took center stage at the podium.
As Ao Junfeng approached the microphone, the room hushed in anticipation. Flashbulbs illuminated the space as cameras captured the beginning of the press conference. A reporter quickly seized the opportunity, firing questions at Ao Junfeng.
"Mr. Junfeng, is it true that you took the case pro bono?" the reporter inquired, attempting to uncover the motivations behind Ao Junfeng’s involvement.
Ao Junfeng raised his hand, acknowledging the question. "Yes, I am representing the victims pro bono. Our primary focus is on delivering justice for the affected workers and ensuring accountability for any wrongdoing on the part of Dreamscape Properties."
Another reporter chimed in, "Is it true that employees reported safety concerns but were dismissed? Can you provide more details on this aspect of the case?"
Ao Junfeng maintained his calm demeanor and responded, "Indeed, the lawsuit alleges that employees repeatedly raised concerns about the compromised quality of the construction materials, specifically low-quality cement. Regrettably, their warnings were ignored, and, in some instances, they faced dismissals. This callous disregard for the safety of the workers forms a crucial part of our case against Dreamscape Properties."
With the initial questions addressed, Ao Junfeng signaled his intention to share more information. "I will answer all your questions, but first, let me provide an overview of the key aspects of the lawsuit," he declared. The room fell silent, awaiting the detailed revelations that would follow, and the only sound that echoed was the continuous clicking of cameras capturing this pivotal moment in the legal battle against Dreamscape Properties.
As Ao Junfeng began outlining the key points of the lawsuit, a seasoned reporter named Daniel Harris, known for his connections within the corporate world, subtly positioned himself in the crowd. His demeanor suggested a critical perspective, and Ao Junfeng, perceptive as ever, noticed the subtle signs.
Sensing the potential challenge, Ao Junfeng continued his presentation, addressing the gathered reporters. "Now, it’s crucial to understand the gravity of the situation. The negligence displayed by Dreamscape Properties has resulted in severe consequences for the workers involved, and our pursuit of justice aims to hold the responsible parties accountable."
As Ao Junfeng delved into the details, Daniel Harris raised his hand, seeking permission to ask a question. Ao Junfeng, unaware of Harris’s intentions, nodded, welcoming the inquiry.
"Mr. Junfeng," Harris began with a skeptical tone, "isn’t it true that Dreamscape Properties has been a major contributor to the local economy, providing numerous jobs and fostering growth? Could it be that this lawsuit is an attempt to tarnish their reputation unfairly?"
The question struck a chord, introducing an unexpected perspective that seemed to sympathize with Dreamscape Properties. Ao Junfeng maintained his composure, recognizing the subtle attempt to sway public opinion.
"While economic contributions are undoubtedly important, we cannot ignore the ethical responsibilities that come with such influence," Ao Junfeng responded diplomatically. "Our focus remains on the safety and well-being of the workers who have suffered due to negligence. This lawsuit seeks to ensure that the rights of these workers are not overshadowed by corporate interests."
The room buzzed with murmurs as the reporters exchanged glances, sensing the underlying tension. Ao Junfeng, however, continued to address the broader audience, emphasizing the significance of the case.
Unbeknownst to the attendees, Ao Junfeng’s legal team had been briefed to stay vigilant for potential disruptions. In response to Harris’s question, Ao Junfeng skillfully redirected the narrative, steering the conversation back toward the core issues of workplace safety and corporate accountability.
As the press conference progressed, Ao Junfeng remained steadfast in his commitment to justice, determined to navigate through any attempts to derail the proceedings orchestrated by those with vested interests. The challenges posed by a skeptical reporter were but a glimpse of the obstacles that lay ahead in the complex battle against Dreamscape Properties.
As the security arranged by Ao Junfeng escorted them out of the hall, reporters followed closely, attempting to extract more information. The atmosphere in the car was a mix of tension and relief. Tang Junjie sighed, expressing the weight of the situation. "The Gu family wanted to manipulate everything," he remarked.
Ao Junfeng, maintaining his composed demeanor, responded, "I knew this would happen, which is why I wanted you guys to be prepared." Brother Song, sitting in the back seat, asked the pivotal question, "So what happens now?"
Ao Junfeng explained, "The first phase of the case is on Friday, so be prepared. Their lawyer will likely try to grill you with questions." Brother Song, resolute, declared, "I am ready. As long as we can get our due compensation."
With a reassuring tone, Ao Junfeng added, "I have never lost a case, and I won’t start now." The shared look and smiles between Tang Junjie and Brother Song conveyed a sense of unity and determination. The car continued its journey, driving each of them to their respective homes.
As they parted ways, the anticipation for Friday’s legal battle loomed over them. The lawsuit against Dreamscape Properties had become not just a pursuit of justice for the injured workers but also a symbolic clash between powerful interests. The legal team prepared for the upcoming challenges, knowing that the courtroom would be the arena where the truth would be sought and justice served.