Chapter 319: Covetousness

"Ms. Isolt is uneasy about our Ferguson Media."

Ferguson shrugged: "So I'd like to ask Mr. Wiltonstein, could you sell the Georgia State Post to me? Even if it's just a few shares, fifteen percent, it won't harm your position as majority shareholder. And you, Mr. Wiltonstein, will gain the friendship of Ferguson Media."

"I have no intention of selling."

Li Mochen looked at him: "I know that at least twenty-two percent of the Georgia State Post is held by an overseas offshore company. Although my chief information officer hasn't yet uncovered the ultimate owner, I suspect it's connected to your Ferguson Media?"

"It's in the hands of a friend of mine."

Mandiv Ferguson said leisurely: "Mr. Wiltonstein, I take it you know nothing about the media industry, right? Ms. Nanette Drew is a top-tier political editor, but she may not be able to run two newspapers well. Ferguson Media, on the other hand, has been renowned in the industry for decades, with a strong team and rich experience, as well as unparalleled resources within Georgia. If you're willing, Mr. Wiltonstein, you can sit back and reap the benefits. Ferguson Media guarantees you generous dividends every year and ensures that your will is reflected in both dailies."

Li Mochen grew impatient: "I'm sorry, but I have no intention of selling my shares, nor will I disappoint Ms. Isolt's expectations. Mr. Ferguson, let's end this topic, OK?"

Mandiv Ferguson's eyes flickered: "Mr. Wiltonstein, Ferguson Media is a powerful media group covering an audience and readership of eleven million people in Georgia. Won't you reconsider? Even if it's just for your future in the fighting world or your personal ventures, like the Rising Sun Company?"

Li Mochen's face instantly turned cold: "If you can manage it, then go ahead and try."

Mandiv Ferguson met his gaze for a moment, then gave a soft laugh and turned his attention back to the podium ahead.

At that moment, the white-haired old man on the left smiled and extended his hand to Li Mochen: "Let me introduce myself, Utred Isoke, a farmer. I must mention that my workers and I greatly admire the Atlanta Laborer Daily under your name. So, will Ms. Drew be in charge of the paper's operations from now on? The Drew from the Abraham Post? That's really good news. I'm looking forward to it. I've enjoyed reading her editorials and commentaries for three years now, and still do."

"Also, don't sell the Georgia State Post in your hands. That's the only reason you can sit here. I don't think you'd want to be seen as a traitor by the Citizens' Party, would you?"

The nearby Ferguson couldn't help but twitch his lips, then shook his head slightly and continued listening to the speech. Against such a large landowner, especially a wealthy and respected elder like Isoke, their media usually had no recourse.

...

When the self-service cocktail party began, Ms. Isolt introduced him to several more people, mainly candidate councilors from Atlanta. After brief exchanges, Li Mochen pledged over three hundred thousand gold shields and assured the support of his two dailies for these councilors.

Afterward, Li Mochen joined Angela. It was worth noting that although she was Michelle's daughter, she had been seated in the seventh row at this fundraiser.

Such was the disparity in personal power, wealth, and social influence. Though Angela came from a distinguished family, she had not yet become involved in the operations of the Michelle Group. With Michelle Medici present, the Citizens' Party placed limited importance on her.

"Your sister Jennifer is sitting in the seventh row, not far from me. She's been staring at the back of your head the whole time."

Angela, holding Li Mochen's arm, said with a hint of sympathy, "I guess she's pretty upset with you now, since you haven't washed off your father's blood. But come to think of it, I heard her situation has been quite bad lately."

Li Mochen turned to look at her sideways. "How bad? Tell me about it."

What he was actually more curious about was how Angela knew about it.

"She's definitely being sidelined within the Wiltonshire family. Then there's a three-hundred-person hunting group she runs in the dark world, a monster farm, and a semi-permanent base—all of which have been performing poorly lately."

Angela explained solemnly, "Originally she had a material procurement contract with the Plendin Group, but when they received the goods, they found defects in her materials and removed her company from the supplier list. Then other companies colluded to drive down the price of that batch of goods."

Li Mochen frowned. "She doesn't strike me as someone who would pass off inferior goods."

His gaze wandered and found Jennifer Wiltonshire among the crowd. He noticed that she seemed to be in a state of isolation and exclusion. Amid the clinking glasses and lively conversation of the banquet, there was not a single person around Jennifer, nor had she joined any circle's discussion.

However, Li Mochen did not see any sign of discouragement on her face. She still maintained a proud, elegant posture, drinking alone by the glass window.

"No smart person would do this; it's very likely a trap. Your sister also seems convinced that the Plundin Group's test results are wrong and is preparing to sue them. But I suspect even if she wins in the end, it might be futile—"

Angela pursed her lips: "They just need to drag it out. If the verdict can't be reached within a year or two, your sister has a high chance of going bankrupt outright. Just like what she did to you back then. Her financial pressure is huge; she recently hired two near-legendary magic-energy professionals. I estimate her company's annual salary expenditure now exceeds a hundred million gold shields. The entire Wiltonshire family, the whole city, is waiting to see her make a fool of herself."

"You want me to help her?" Li Mochen caught Angela's subtext.

"She is your sister after all."

Angela blinked: "I actually know a bit about your sister's situation, since she and I both graduated from Stellar Vein Noble Academy. I think it was after going through that incident that her personality changed drastically. Maybe your parents never told you, but with your current power and status, a little inquiry would reveal the truth."

Li Mochen fell into thought: "I'll have someone look into it, but as for helping, forget it. She would only see it as an insult from me."

Just as he said this, a laugh came from behind: "Hey, Angie! I heard from people here a while ago that you transferred to Atlanta. Looks like it's true."

The two turned to look and saw a young man in a sky-blue suit, followed by a group of boys and girls.

Angela didn't recognize him at first and was momentarily stunned: "Dacia? What are you doing here?"