Chapter 56: Lin Jiahao’s Compromise
“You’re the director in charge of supervising the production quality of cosmetics at Lin’s Corporation, right?”
“Yes… May I ask what business Young Master Jiang has with me?” Lin Jiahao asked nervously, clueless as to why the significant Jiang Che would suddenly seek him out. He couldn’t recall any grudge or connection with Jiang Che.
“It’s nothing serious, just need a little favor from you.”
“How can I assist Young Master Jiang?” Lin Jiahao asked, puzzled. He was just a modest production director; impressive to ordinary folks but nothing compared to Jiang Che.
“Your Lin’s Corporation will soon be purchasing a batch of Winter Ling Grass from our Jiang Corporation to produce a cosmetic product called ‘Beauty Pill’. However, I’ve tampered with that batch of Winter Ling Grass. It’s lost its medicinal effect.”
“If mass-produced, the outcome will be mere duds. Before Lin’s Corporation starts production, there will undoubtedly be a quality check. You just need to use these altered herbs to pass the inspection.”
Hearing Jiang Che’s plan, Lin Jiahao was utterly dumbfounded. He understood Jiang Che’s intention – to use him to severely swindle Lin’s Corporation.
He had been a diligent employee at Lin’s Corporation for over a decade, climbing to his current position. If he did this and got caught, prison would be the least of his worries. There’s a chance he might even be hunted down by the Lin family.
“You don’t have to rush to refuse. Upon successful completion, I’ll pay you ten million. You could take the money and start anew in another city. Otherwise, if you don’t agree, there’s no need for you to continue living in this world.” Jiang Che finished and glanced at Ah Long.
Ah Long got the hint and pulled out his gun, pressing it against Lin Jiahao’s forehead. Jiang Che had no time to waste with this man. Using both threat and temptation, he was confident Lin Jiahao would agree.
Based on his investigation, Lin Jiahao, being an old member of Lin’s Corporation, wouldn’t agree easily. But in the face of death, so-called loyalty becomes laughable.
With the gun to his head, Lin Jiahao’s face turned pale, his forehead beaded with sweat. He was torn, weighing his years at Lin’s Corporation against his own life.
“You have one minute to decide…” Jiang Che turned away, certain of Lin Jiahao’s compliance, as human nature is inherently self-preserving.
Frantically weighing his options, Lin Jiahao knew he had to make a decision. Otherwise, Jiang Che would kill him here, and no one would notice. Ordinary people can never outfight capitalists.
“I… I agree,” Lin Jiahao finally capitulated.
Lin Jiahao, pale-faced, slumped in his seat, drained of all energy after agreeing to Jiang Che’s plan. He didn’t want to betray Lin’s Corporation, which had nurtured him for over a decade, but he felt he had no choice.
“You’ll be grateful for today’s decision,” Jiang Che assured with a smile. He handed over Winter Ling Grass stored in a refrigerated box to Lin Jiahao.
“Use these herbs when Lin Xiyan tests the Beauty Pill at your factory. Once mass production begins and Lin Xiyan discovers the pills are ineffective, blame it all on Ye Chen.” Jiang Che handed a photo of Ye Chen to Lin Jiahao.
Lin Jiahao understood Jiang Che’s intention to frame Ye Chen. By claiming that Ye Chen had threatened him, Lin Xiyan would never suspect Jiang Che.
“Don’t worry, Lin Xiyan tends to believe such accusations easily. Just insist it was Ye Chen, and she won’t trouble you. Once the task is done, I’ll give you ten million and arrange a flight abroad for you, so you won’t fear Ye Chen’s retaliation.”
“I hope you keep your word,” Lin Jiahao said after a long silence. He knew refusing Jiang Che meant death, as Jiang Che wouldn’t leave a loose end like him alive.
“You better not try any tricks, or your family will suffer too. Don’t doubt my words. I mean them,” Jiang Che warned.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Jiang, I know what to do,” Lin Jiahao replied bitterly, too afraid to betray Jiang Che and risk his family’s safety. Convinced of Lin Jiahao’s compliance, Jiang Che let him leave.
After Lin Jiahao’s departure, Ah Long questioned why they didn’t simply kill Ye Chen instead of going through such an elaborate scheme to defame him.
“You wouldn’t understand. Drive us home,” Jiang Che replied without further explanation, already plotting how to disgrace Ye Chen at Lin’s grandfather’s upcoming birthday celebration.
Ah Long, still puzzled, complied and drove back to Crouching Dragon Villa.