"What's the reason?"
"The reason is that Sihaitong's actions are suspected of seriously violating Singapore's Competition Law and Contract Law, constituting illegal restriction of personal freedom and unfair commercial coercion! Similar past cases prove that it has a malicious behavior pattern! If it is not stopped immediately, it will cause irreparable and significant losses to Qihang Technology and seriously damage Singapore Port's international business reputation!"
"That reason is sufficient!"
"Time is of the essence; we must draft the application documents immediately!"
"Contact our partner law firm in Sin Chew and initiate legal proceedings immediately!"
Under the lights of the legal department, several lawyers sprang into action, the air thick with a tension and excitement at finding a breakthrough.
Public Relations Department.
That carefully worded official statement, like a pebble thrown into a lake, stirred up ripples.
"'Abnormal business obstruction'?"
"Is Qihang Technology being held back at Xingzhou Port?"
"Is it local businesses engaging in protectionism, or is it a case of commercial sabotage?"
Domestic and international media outlets followed up with reports, and online discussions continued to rise.
"Director, Reuters and Bloomberg have both called to inquire about the details."
"The International Semiconductor Industry Association sent an email expressing its deep concern about this matter."
"The ASEAN Business Council also wants to know the situation."
The PR director looked at the constant stream of messages and a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth.
"Tang Zhong wants to suppress this matter? Not so easy!"
"Reply to them!" the PR director ordered decisively. "Be sincere and open-minded. Thank them for their attention, and emphasize that we respect Sin Chew's laws and business environment, but we are indeed facing 'some challenges' at the moment."
How many details can be mentioned?
"It can be said that the equipment was 'temporarily stranded' at the port, which has hindered the progress of our Southeast Asia Center project. This suggests that it may not only affect the launch, but also the development of the local technology industry and employment opportunities."
"Should we directly name Sihaitong?"
“Not for now.” The public relations director waved his hand. “Let the dust settle. Right now, we need to build momentum and garner broader sympathy and support. Put the pressure on the Sin Chew Port Authority and relevant management departments first.”
"Understood! Use external pressure to force them to solve the problem internally!"
“Contact international business organizations and industry associations with whom we have good relations, and provide them with more detailed background information, but define it as ‘informal communication’.”
"Let them speak out! Let them put pressure on the Sin Chew government! Sometimes, the voices of our colleagues are more effective than our own!"
The public relations department's phone kept ringing, and emails kept coming in.
A silent battle is unfolding over public opinion and international rules.
The office of Chen Hai, the logistics director.
The ashtray was overflowing with cigarette butts.
Contact with Tang Zhong's deputy was unsuccessful.
Contacting the middleman was unsuccessful.
All attempts were like stones sinking into the sea.
Chen Hai looked at Lin Fan's photo on the table. In the photo, Lin Fan was spirited and full of confidence.
He stubbed out his cigarette abruptly.
"We can't wait any longer!"
He grabbed the internal phone on the table.
"Book me the fastest flight to Singapore!"
“Mr. Chen, you…” the secretary hesitated.
"Execute the order!" Chen Hai's tone was resolute. "President Lin got caught up in this because of Qihang, I can't just stand by and watch him be stuck in there alone!"
He knew that even if he went, he might not be able to see Tang Zhong, let alone negotiate.
That old fox clearly intended to use Lin Fan to manipulate Qihang.
But he had to go!
Even if there's only a one in ten thousand chance, he'll still try!
This is his duty, and also his sense of responsibility as a member of Qihang!
"It's booked, Mr. Chen. Flight in two hours."
"Okay! Please prepare a complete list of all business dealings with Sihaitong, the more detailed the better!"
Chen Hai stood up, his eyes filled with determination.
Even if hope is slim, live life to the fullest!
Sin Chew Port, behind the headquarters building of Si Hai Tong.
The falcon approached silently, like a ghost.
He pressed himself against the wall, using the shadows of the clutter as cover, and approached the surveillance camera whose signal had been briefly interrupted.
The air was thick with the sour stench of rotting garbage.
He looked up and observed carefully.
The probe housing has minor scratches, and the connector appears to be slightly loose.
“It’s not a natural malfunction,” Falcon concluded.
He looked around.
The back alley leads to an abandoned small warehouse, whose door lock is rusty.
The walls were high, but there were several protruding pipes and window sills that seemed climbable.
Most importantly, this location is indeed on the edge of the building's main surveillance area.
If done correctly, perhaps it can be done from here...
"Falcon is calling headquarters, requesting authorization to execute the first phase of 'Operation Nightingale'," Falcon whispered.
"'Operation Nightingale'?" There was a brief silence on the other end of the earpiece, followed by the voice of the head of security, "Has the situation been ascertained?"
"Initial reconnaissance has revealed a potential weak point located in the alleyway behind the north side of the building. Further close-up reconnaissance is needed to confirm the feasibility of the infiltration route," Falcon calmly reported. "The risks are manageable."
"...Authorize execution. Be careful, and evacuate immediately if exposed! The boss's safety is the top priority!"
"clear!"
Falcon cut off communication and took a deep breath.
He took a small jammer and a multi-functional climbing tool out of his backpack.
His gaze became sharper.
The real test is just beginning.
Qihang Technology Headquarters, Top Floor Conference Room.
The atmosphere was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.
The news of Lin Fan's detention weighed heavily on the minds of every executive.
"The Ministry of Justice's application for a temporary injunction has been submitted, and we expect to receive preliminary feedback from Sin Chew Daily as early as tomorrow."
"The technical department is still trying to break into the other party's network, but progress is slow."
"The public relations department's efforts to build public opinion have had some effect, and some international organizations have begun to pay attention, but it will take time before they can exert substantial pressure."
"Director Chen Hai has already set off for Singapore."
The series of bad news and uncertainties made the atmosphere in the meeting room even more tense.
"We can't pin all our hopes on these conventional methods!" A vice president slammed his hand on the table. "Tang Zhong is a local bully; he won't listen to either soft or hard tactics! Conventional methods might not work on him!"
"Then what do you suggest we do?" another executive retorted. "Send people to forcibly seize it? That's in Singapore! It's their territory! How many of our people can get in? How many will come out alive? Who will guarantee President Lin's safety?"
"I didn't mean to steal it!" The vice president's face flushed red. "What I mean is, could we... seek help from a higher level?"
The meeting room fell silent instantly.
Everyone understood what he meant.
"You mean... through the national level?" The executive director, seated at the head of the table, spoke slowly, his voice low.
“Yes!” The vice president nodded. “Qihang Technology is now a leading enterprise in the domestic chip industry, and President Lin himself is an outstanding representative of young entrepreneurs. Given the egregious commercial persecution and illegal detention he has suffered overseas, we have every reason to request the relevant national departments to intervene and exert pressure on Singapore through diplomatic channels!”
"This..." someone hesitated, "Wouldn't using diplomatic resources make things too big and affect our future plans in Southeast Asia?"
"What are you thinking about at a time like this!" the vice president exclaimed excitedly. "President Lin is still inside! Every minute he stays there increases the danger! Compared to President Lin's safety, what else matters?"
"However, diplomatic intervention is complicated and may not be timely. Moreover, Singapore may not accept it and it may even cause a backlash."
"We have to give it a try!"
"The risk is too great!"
The debate resumed in the meeting room.
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