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Chapter 186 Phoenix Nirvana (Part 2)
Seeing Wei Yuan with a mysterious expression, he suddenly said, "Prepare to set fire."
Xie Ge naturally felt a bit scared upon hearing this, but he thought that Wei Yuan had gathered so many people to prevent Xu Feng from sending someone to start a fire, especially since the drugs they had confiscated from his factory were still stored in the warehouse.
However, Wei Yuan's actions were quite strange. He only placed a portion of the drugs in the warehouse; after the entire batch was confiscated, Wei Yuan divided it into four parts. One part was piled up in the warehouse for an unknown purpose.
The other three parts included one portion entrusted to Blue Old Man for safekeeping, while a large part was hidden away, intended for submission to the local inspection department for testing. Once results were obtained, they could naturally take action against Xu Feng.
After all, if they wanted to deal with Xu Feng through legitimate means, this was an essential step. As for the issue of fair execution, Wei Yuan believed that with the strength of Blue Old Man and Liu Haisheng in Jinghai City, fairness could be ensured.
Then Wei Yuan also selected one sample from each type of drug and sent it to the house he rented, handing it over to Yang Ying. She had a unique method to test whether these drugs contained Powdered Cherry Blossom, and her speed was noticeably faster than that of the relevant departments.
Initially, Xie Ge thought these goods were bait specifically meant to wait for Xu Feng to set fire so they could catch him in the act and solve everything.
But little did he know that Xu Feng had already been forcefully controlled by Wei Yuan and Yuan Ziyi. Under their surveillance, he was unable to move an inch. Moreover, with Shen Qingyi adopting an indifferent attitude as if it had nothing to do with him, Xu Feng was already trapped like a fish in a barrel.
Thus, such worries seemed unnecessary. Thinking about this made Xie Ge even more confused about what exactly Wei Yuan was planning. He then heard him explain, "It's not about preventing others from setting fire; it's about us setting fire."
Upon hearing this, Xie Ge was immediately startled and quickly asked, "What do you mean by setting fire?"
Wei Yuan pointed at the pharmaceutical processing factory in front of them and said, "Burn it down."
"Are you crazy?"
The pharmaceutical processing plant was indeed established by Xie Ge. Upon hearing Wei Yuan's words, he couldn't help but blurt it out.
However, he soon felt regret for his rashness. After all, based on recent observations, Wei Yuan's methods of handling matters were beyond what even adults could compare to, so he naturally wouldn't do anything foolish.
Thinking this way, Xie Ge felt that there must be another purpose behind it, so he asked, "What are you planning?"
Wei Yuan replied, "When the backyard is on fire, one can fish in troubled waters; Phoenix Rising, rebirth through fire."
This statement was filled with Zen-like wisdom, leaving Xie Ge scratching his head in confusion. Wei Yuan then explained, "This matter has blown up so much; if we don't take the opportunity to promote Phoenix Pharmaceuticals' reputation, wouldn't that be a waste?"
Wei Yuan added, "Anyway, we are preparing to expand and rebuild here. If we set it on fire, it will be easier to dismantle later."
At this point, Xie Ge suddenly understood that Wei Yuan was planning to continue playing the role of the victim. If he set fire to the factory, no one would believe it was him.
Moreover, the warehouse of the factory still contained some goods from Xu Feng's pile. Therefore, if a fire incident occurred, the public would naturally think it was Xu Feng who sent someone to set it ablaze.
The purpose would naturally be to destroy all evidence and then evade legal consequences. It had to be this way.
Because in the television dramas and movies we usually see, this is how the plot unfolds. So when such things actually happen in real life, people's thinking tends to follow this pattern; it's a long-accumulated habit.
One can only blame those screenwriters and directors for their lack of creativity; they keep recycling these fixed tropes like Cheng Yaojin's three axes.
Since Wei Yuan understood this clearly, Xie Ge naturally did too. However, understanding aside, he still felt some resistance in his heart. After all, he had never done such a thing before, and moreover, the factory they were about to burn down was his hard work.
But old things must go for new ones to come. Xie Ge understands Wei Yuan's motivation for making this decision, which is to shift the responsibility onto Xu Feng. If his medication really had no issues, why would he need to set fire to it?
This has clearly evolved into a reverse reasoning akin to "there's no silver here." After all, in this day and age, viewers who have watched too much Conan and Di Renjie think they are Sherlock Holmes with just a pipe in hand. They love conspiracy theories and enjoy reasoning.
So, the habitual thinking leads one to believe that Xu Feng is guilty and therefore sent someone to start the fire. Moreover, Wei Yuan sacrificing this factory is naturally preparing to use this opportunity to promote the newly registered pharmaceutical company, Phoenix Pharmaceuticals. When the phoenix rises, it will shock everyone.
It's like filming an arson scene in a movie. After Wei Yuan arranged for everyone to be in position, he naturally called Zhang Sheng to notify the television station to send people over early.
Although Zhang Sheng used many connections to help Wei Yuan execute this plan, it was also greatly beneficial for him. He could exclusively report on such a significant case that would stir up the public, much like a classic cop-and-robber film with thrilling twists and turns that keep people on edge.
With long-term coverage of such a major case, the television station's ratings would surely be secured for at least some time. This means Zhang Sheng could solidify his position at the station, which is crucial.
After all, in this magical transition period, individuals without family backgrounds or connections can barely enter a television station, let alone reach a position like Zhang Sheng's.
However, through Wei Yuan's connections with Blue Old Man and Liu Haisheng, Zhang Sheng has met many influential figures in the city. If he can gain their support, further promotion is still possible.
As the saying goes, "No one acts without self-interest."
There is no longer such a thing as sacrificing oneself for gratitude. If Wei Yuan continuously uses this reason to make Zhang Sheng do things that harm himself while benefiting others, initially Zhang Sheng might find it hard to refuse, but gradually such situations cannot continue indefinitely.
No one would completely abandon their own interests to help someone else just to repay a favor. Therefore, Wei Yuan has fully considered how to create various events that can attract viewers' attention and allow Zhang Sheng to report on them. This way, it becomes mutually beneficial; only such a cooperative relationship can last.
"Uncle, you’re still standing aside, right? I know you can't bear it."
Wei Yuan comforted Xie Ge, knowing that Xie Ge would understand his motives, but he might not be able to bear such a change. After all, this was the foundation he had built from scratch, and to set it ablaze would surely leave him with feelings of resentment.
Although he understood that there were at least two benefits to this situation, it still felt bittersweet to him. Thus, he paid no attention to conversing with Wei Yuan and stood aside watching them busy themselves.
After glancing at Cousin, Wei Yuan realized that he could not afford to be soft-hearted. As the saying goes, mercy does not command an army; sometimes necessary sacrifices are unavoidable in order to achieve victory.
With a command from Wei Yuan, Flying Eagle began moving out all the valuable items from the factory. They brought out two large barrels of gasoline and started pouring it evenly around the factory.
They were accustomed to such tasks, but previously it had only been for the purpose of pressuring someone to repay a debt or for intimidation by pouring gasoline as a threat.
They had never dared to actually set someone on fire; after all, if someone was burned to death over a debt, who would they turn to for repayment?
This was the first time they realized that gasoline was truly going to be put to use. However, it was surprising that the one giving the order to set fire was actually the factory's Boss, which left them feeling puzzled.
As for Flying Eagle, Wei Yuan had been able to proceed smoothly thanks to his assistance. The rewards owed to Flying Eagle would certainly be given, and Wei Yuan was not worried about whether Flying Eagle would leak any information after learning about the whole affair.
First of all, although Flying Eagle appeared fierce, it was only directed at ordinary people. In Qingxi Town, those who truly held power were wealthy and influential figures.
Among these individuals, Liu Haisheng alone had kept Flying Eagle in check. For this reason, Flying Eagle had no reason not to maintain a good relationship with Wei Yuan.
Secondly, even if Flying Eagle did spread the word, Wei Yuan was not afraid. What he feared most at this time was that Phoenix Pharmaceuticals would fail to make a name for itself; he wished for the entire nation to remember this emerging pharmaceutical company overnight.
At this moment, even if Flying Eagle came forward with baseless accusations, Wei Yuan would simply consider it free advertising for Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, enhancing its reputation. What was there to fear?
The person setting the fire is primarily directed by Flying Eagle, which is why his words are completely ineffective. This is also one reason why Wei Yuan feels at ease.
Additionally, Wei Yuan needs time to test and gauge Flying Eagle. After all, if Phoenix Pharmaceuticals wants to establish a solid foothold in Jinghai City, Wei Yuan must have his own influence in both the underworld and legitimate circles to feel secure.
Therefore, if Flying Eagle is truly willing, Wei Yuan wouldn't mind befriending such a person. After all, in this line of work, as long as you are ruthless and have enough people backing you, along with someone willing to spend money on you, you can quickly rise to power.
After instructing his subordinates to evenly pour gasoline around the factory, Flying Eagle walked over to Wei Yuan and said, "It's all set."
Wei Yuan smiled slightly and handed a cigarette to Flying Eagle, saying, "Thank you for your hard work."
Xie Ge's pharmaceutical factory is located at the foot of Luoxia Mountain. There is only one road leading up the mountain; thus, there is only one way to reach this place.
So when Wei Yuan called Zhang Sheng to have Jinghai Television Station send someone over, he had already dispatched someone to drive up the mountain with binoculars to survey everything at the foot of the mountain.
At this moment, the two individuals hiding on the mountain saw two interview vehicles heading toward Luoxia Mountain. Not daring to delay, they quickly called Wei Yuan to report.
Due to the seriousness of the situation, Wei Yuan was particularly cautious, fearing that a mistake could ruin everything. He repeatedly inquired about the situation and only dared to give orders after receiving accurate information.
After confirming that it was indeed vehicles from Jinghai City Television Station, Wei Yuan turned back and nodded at Flying Eagle.
Flying Eagle immediately received the message and ordered his men to start the fire. With plenty of gasoline, the flames grew larger in no time, waking all nearby residents.
This was a precautionary measure taken by Wei Yuan to prevent any rumors from spreading. He told Flying Eagle, "You all go first and proceed according to the original plan."
The person from Flying Eagle quickly got into the nearby vehicle and sped away faster than a rabbit because Wei Yuan had tasked Flying Eagle with starting a fire.
When the people from the television station arrived, especially the residents living nearby rushed out. Wei Yuan and Xie Ge, the two injured individuals, would likely be recognized soon if they looked completely normal.
So, before the crowd gathered, Wei Yuan had already taken out a prepared knife and cut through his and Xie Ge's clothes. Having previously experienced an assassination attempt with Yuan Ziyi, Wei Yuan was particularly skilled at faking injuries.
Soon, thanks to Wei Yuan, the two appeared disheveled and ragged, clearly having been in a struggle. To enhance the realism, Wei Yuan even made a small cut on his hand with the knife.
“Wei Yuan, what are you doing?”
Although the cut was not deep, the blood that kept oozing out made Xie Ge feel a pang of sympathy for this kid, prompting him to exclaim.
Clearly, from Xie Ge's perspective, Wei Yuan did not need to harm himself like this, but Wei Yuan replied, “I’m going all out for the act; I’ll give them my full effort. Uncle, you focus on putting out the fire first.”
Sometimes being a man means being tough on oneself. To achieve great things, sacrifices must be made. For this incident, Wei Yuan was willing to sacrifice himself.
Under such fierce flames, putting out the fire was merely symbolic. After all, watching his hard work go up in smoke would naturally lead to occasional displays of madness, which were entirely normal.
Conversely, if one showed no emotion at all, there could only be three possibilities: either the factory wasn’t his, he had started the fire himself, or he had gone insane.
The villagers here were quite simple-minded. Seeing such a serious fire, they didn’t bother to ask questions; upon seeing the elderly man and woman looking pitiful, anyone could tell what had happened without needing to ask.
“Everyone help put out the fire!”
Because of the ample amount of gasoline, the fire spread very quickly, and no one could have imagined that this was a fire that had just started.
No matter the performance style or how profound the acting is, it can never compare to genuine emotional expression.
Wei Yuan now understands why some people believe that the character played by Wang Baoqiang in Down with Thieves is the best one, because the actor himself looks quite foolish.
At this moment, even if Wei Yuan put in all his effort and performed with all his emotions, he could not surpass Cousin Xie Ge, because the pain and unwillingness in his eyes revealed his true feelings about watching his factory, which he had built from scratch, being burned down. His emotional expression while trying to put out the fire was completely genuine.
Wei Yuan watched with a heavy heart; although he felt some reluctance, the plan had already begun, and there was no turning back. He could only hope that everything would develop as he had planned, which would also serve as an explanation to Cousin.
He knew that Cousin was fighting so hard mostly for himself and to avenge his father. If it weren't for that, the original pharmaceutical factory would have been enough to support him for the rest of his life.
Since Cousin Xie Ge was willing to risk everything to gamble big with him, Wei Yuan naturally could not let him down. He watched as more and more people came to help put out the fire, but the flames showed no signs of weakening, which made Wei Yuan feel somewhat worried.
The main concern in such situations is that fire can spread with the wind and harm innocent people. Fortunately, the buildings here were relatively far apart, so it could still be controlled for now.
To create a big scene, Wei Yuan had already called for the fire department before Flying Eagle left.
At this moment, alongside the reporters from the television stations arranged by Zhang Sheng, fire trucks began to arrive one after another, starting to spray water on the flames. The situation was finally brought under control.
Although there was a considerable amount of gasoline, since this was a pre-arranged scene, the time for ignition was relatively short. The fire was quickly controlled, and everything awaited the fire department's handling.
At this time, a U Female Anchor from Jinghai City television station personally arrived at the scene to conduct live coverage.
At this moment, Wei Yuan noticed that Cousin Xie Ge was feeling particularly down. Knowing he couldn't bear to see such a scene, he quickly cleared the people nearby and helped him back home.
As for Wei Yuan during the interview, he directed his accusations at the arsonist on camera. After all, it was clear from his words that he had already attributed the mastermind behind this arson case to Xu Feng.
When these reporters arrived, Zhang Sheng had already briefed them on the key points of the interview. Thus, they naturally went along with Wei Yuan's statements, completely shifting all responsibility onto Xu Feng.
Such an interview broadcast live to the entire city quickly sparked similar voices of doubt.
There must be something wrong with the drugs from that factory; otherwise, why would they send someone to burn down Phoenix Pharmaceuticals' factory and warehouse? This was clearly an attempt to destroy evidence and was nothing less than revenge.
Once this sentiment spread through the television station, it created a ripple effect, and the name Phoenix Pharmaceuticals gradually became ingrained in the minds of the city's viewers.
They especially could not forget the young man named Wei Yuan. Although only twenty years old, he was the main figure leading everyone in besieging Xu Feng's factory. People were even more unable to forget the resolute expression on his face after the fire.
Facing the audience of the entire city on camera, Wei Yuan stated that he would continue to fight for his rights and take down unscrupulous businessmen. He also clearly expressed that although Phoenix Pharmaceuticals suffered losses in the fire, it would not be defeated and would definitely rise again.
Wei Yuan's passionate and indignant speech quickly won over all viewers. His fearless sense of justice deeply moved everyone, and his spirit of never giving up was even more inspiring.
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