When news broke of a new round of anti-corruption efforts and crackdowns on counterfeit milk powder factories, Jiang Jucai was at a business gathering organized by Jiang Xuanxuan, trying to win over clients.

The tainted milk powder scandal that lasted for a year damaged the image and reputation of Jiang Jucai Supermarket, causing its performance to decline to the point of barely breaking even.

Almost all of his partners had illicit financial relationships with him.

Having accepted the benefits, they were also afraid of turning against each other and being exposed and plotted against by Jiang Jucai, so on the surface, they maintained a friendly relationship.

However, their investments and collaborations have tightened, and their wait-and-see attitude is very obvious.

If Jiang Jucai's stall wants to increase its profits, it must engage in a price war and attract customers to come and spend money.

How can this work if these partners are unwilling to invest money?

That's why Jiang Jucai spared no effort in having Jiang Xuanxuan hold such lavish business gatherings from time to time, using benefits to lure those business partners.

Despite spending so much money, there were no results. Jiang Xuanxuan and Jiang Jucai both thought that perhaps the hospitality was inadequate, failing to demonstrate that the Jiang family still had financial resources and was not yet bankrupt. Therefore, they held increasingly extravagant gatherings.

In 2005, many people had color screen mobile phones. Although the network was still slow and videos couldn't be watched, receiving MMS messages was still not an obstacle.

Around five or six o'clock, the party should be at its peak; the dinner hasn't started yet, but the entertainment activities are about to begin.

It was at this moment that many people's phones rang.

A young man standing next to Jiang Xuanxuan saw his father calling and didn't dare not answer. He nodded apologetically to Jiang Xuanxuan, then walked to the side and answered the phone.

"Dad, what's wrong?"

"Have you seen the news? Come back right now! Don't get involved with the Chiang family!"

"Now? What earth-shattering thing has happened? Are you going to back out halfway through? Wouldn't that be too much of a loss of face?"

"Face my ass! If you don't come back, you can expect to be investigated and go to jail! Now! Right now!"

"It's that serious? I understand!"

He didn't understand what was going on, but he dared not disobey his father. He said goodbye to Jiang Xuanxuan, explaining that there was an emergency at home and he had to leave early.

Jiang Xuanxuan was not very happy. This man was very wealthy and good-looking. They had just made a connection, so why was he leaving?

But the other party was adamant and left in a hurry without even leaving a personal contact information.

Once it happens, it happens again. Many clients who weren't very familiar with the Jiang family received phone calls or text messages and then left with some excuse.

Jiang Jucai and Jiang Xuanxuan were at the meeting and had no chance to see the news or receive the information; they were still kept in the dark.

When most of the people had left, Jiang Baocai finally received a message from home and came over: "Brother, can we talk in private?"

Seeing Jiang Baocai's obviously undisguised anxiety, Jiang Jucai followed him to the scam room.

"What's wrong?" Jiang Jucai asked.

"Brother! Jiang Family Department Store is on the news! It seems like someone is investigating us again!" Jiang Baocai showed Jiang Jucai a screenshot of the TV news on his phone.

"What? What are you going to investigate now?" Jiang Jucai frowned.

"It seems to have started with the Pang family's milk powder scandal. They're investigating now, and it's even linked to an anti-corruption investigation," Jiang Baocai asked. "What do we do? Are we going to have to pay compensation again?"

"What compensation?" Jiang Jucai glared at Jiang Baocai. "The accounts have been very detailed these past few years. What can you find out? Even if you do find something, just say you don't know!"

"But brother, I'm panicking!" Jiang Baocai was not a calm person. "What exactly is going on with the Pang family? Is their milk powder poisonous?"

"We've been doing this for so many years without any problems. If something happens, does that mean everyone's products are poisoned?" Jiang Jucai reassured him. "We haven't changed the formula, and it's still a production line under a major brand. It'll be fine! Even if something does happen, you have to insist that nothing's wrong!"

After hearing Jiang Baocai's question, Jiang Jucai understood why so many people inexplicably had family matters to attend to and needed to leave early.

So he saw the news and went to avoid suspicion?

The rest were people who had dealt with the Jiang family for many years, and because of their familiarity with them, they asked their questions directly.

Jiang Jucai confidently assured everyone that the news was completely unfounded.

Jiang Jucai said it was just hearsay, but those people knew the truth in their hearts!

"Old Jiang, is your bookkeeper reliable? Will they find any clues in the details of our business?" a supplier who had received a lot of benefits asked in a low voice.

"Don't worry! They won't find anything!" Jiang Jucai wasn't worried at all.

Several years ago, there was a thorough investigation, which only uncovered tax-related issues. This time, he has done an even more meticulous job with his books, and on the surface, he has paid all the taxes he was supposed to pay, showing no fear whatsoever!

Even if they find out, it will only be a very small number, not a substantial threat.

He got away with evading so many taxes last time, so he didn't care this time either.

Jiang Jucai assured everyone this, and although Jiang Xuanxuan didn't understand business matters, she also chimed in with embellishments, ensuring that the Jiang family would not be affected at all.

In an effort to "appease and dispel rumors," Jiang Jucai held a press conference, urging those spreading rumors to control their words and actions while ensuring the integrity and transparency of the Jiang family's business.

However, the press conference was only halfway through when the inspection team, having learned of the news, barged in.

In full view of everyone, this is a perfect opportunity to catch someone; he can't escape even if he wants to. His attempt to flee and hide suggests that he has something to hide.

As long as he can't escape, there will always be a way to catch him red-handed.

Jiang Jucai was "invited" away to "cooperate with the investigation," making the press conference even more lively.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!