Chapter 96: Are You Both the Northern and Southern Heroes?

Chapter 96: Are You Both the Northern and Southern Heroes?

At the Muir family mansion on Chater Road, the elderly patriarch of the Muir Family stared at his useless son who only knows how to chase skirts, with a look of bitter disappointment, remaining silent for a long time.

The Muir Family saw themselves as traditionally British, but their lineage was quite mixed, and having lived in Hong Kong for two or three generations now, apart from their appearance, they were no different from the local Chinese in Hong Kong.

His daughter-in-law, Mrs. Muir, entered from outside. She glanced at her husband, who had just been bailed out of the police station, and then said to the patriarch, "Father, I've sent someone to negotiate with the betting counterpart..."

The patriarch asked, "Who are they? What company?"

Mrs. Muir replied, "The betting counterpart is called Runhua Investment, a company that specializes in betting investments. The boss behind it is a big shot from the Green Gang, a tough nut to crack."

In Hong Kong, although the British prided themselves as the upper class, the local gangs were the most troublesome.

The Royal Police were in cahoots with these local gangs, and without solid evidence in hand, no one could touch them.

Moreover, this bet was legal and above board, with no violations on the counterparty's side. Instead, Nick Muir, as Party A, was caught cheating and fabricating data, putting the Muir Family in the wrong.

The patriarch paced back and forth, "We want to buy back our shares, what did they say? Can we negotiate?"

Mrs. Muir said, "We can negotiate, but I don't see much sincerity from Runhua. They're asking for an arm and a leg, sky-high prices."

"How much do they want?"

"Four million!"

Four million!

Not to mention that the Muir Family's cash flow is currently problematic, even before the problem arose, they couldn't come up with such a large sum of money.

Nick Muir interjected, "We can't agree to their terms; they're deliberately setting a trap to rob us!"

The patriarch glared at his son, "Shut up, Nick! This is the mess you've made! Do you think this is a matter of agreeing or not agreeing? We simply can't come up with four million!"

If they lose Muir Media, how will he explain it to the family?

The patriarch holds 30% of the shares, and his brother holds 15%. Together, they have 45% of the shares, equal to Runhua's holdings.

Taylor, the lawyer standing by, said, "You and Runhua hold the same amount of shares. Now it depends on how the remaining shareholders choose. If most of the minority shareholders support you, as long as you can control more than 50% of the shares, then you will have control over Muir Media, and Runhua holding 45% of the shares will be useless."

Nick Muir said, "Right! As long as we insist on not distributing dividends every year, even if they tricked 45% of the shares, it would be in vain."

Mrs. Muir said, "The most important thing now is to gain the support of the minority shareholders."

Originally, the Muir Family held 90% of Muir Media, with the remaining 10% held by three Chinese tycoons.

Among them, Mr. He, a major comprador, holds 4.5%, Mr. Xu, the Shipping Magnate, holds 3.2%, and Sir Luo holds 2.3%.

Lawyer Taylor analyzed for them, "The He family, the Xu family, and the Luo family, as long as you can win the support of two of them, then Muir Media will still be under your control, and you will have the final say. The second young master is right, as long as you insist on not distributing dividends, they can't gain any benefits. Unless they sell the shares."

The patriarch believed he had good relations with all three families and immediately called them personally.

The He family readily agreed to fully support the Muir Family.

Mr. Xu also said there was no problem, and he was willing to completely hand over his voting rights to the patriarch.

Only Sir Luo very apologetically told him, "I just transferred my shares in Muir Media."

The patriarch was surprised, "Oh! To whom?"

Sir Luo: "A friend brokered the deal, but I'm not really sure who it was transferred to."

Fortunately, Sir Luo's family only holds 2.3%.

Old Master Muir has already gained the backing of the other two families. Even if the 2.3% sold by Sir Luo doesn't support him, it won't affect the outcome.

After a series of strategic moves, the Muir Family successfully retained control of Muir Media.

Old Master Muir finally relaxed.

But unease lingered. The most prudent approach would still be to buy back the shares from the He and Xu families.

Neither of these families lacks funds; they are just waiting for the right opportunity to discuss the matter in detail.

At the moment, Mrs. Muir is the most pleased.

Although the Muir Family has lost 45% of its shares, control is still in their hands, which, for her, means everything remains the same.

She had long heard that the outside woman, Miss Yu, had given birth to a son. In any case, the shares her husband lost were unlikely to go to her daughter, so their loss was inconsequential.

Nick Muir was compelled to step down, and the position of general manager is temporarily vacant. Mrs. Muir suddenly found herself holding absolute power, becoming the biggest beneficiary.

This truly reflects an old Chinese saying: "A blessing in disguise."

The equity turmoil at Muir Media appears to have subsided.

After acquiring the shares, Runhua Investment had no plans to get involved in the operations of Muir Media.

They seem to be holding onto the shares, biding their time for a profitable sale.

Old Master Muir directed his team to maintain close contact with them. If the price is right, they could consider buying back 10% of the shares to ensure the Muir Family's controlling stake.

The equity turmoil is still hidden from outsiders. Meanwhile, outside, *Fenghua Magazine* has publicly branded the North-South Duo as shameless, sparking curiosity about their dispute and simultaneous leave.

Various rumors are circulating rapidly.

Some say the North-South Duo were lured away by *Panorama* with high pay.

Others claim they clashed with *Fenghua*'s editor-in-chief and plotted to strike a major blow against the magazine.

There are also claims that the North-South Duo are deliberately fueling controversy to gain fame...

Mrs. Muir and Chui Zhu have braced themselves for the possibility that the North-South Duo will not return to *Fenghua Magazine*. Nevertheless, Mrs. Muir aims to pressure them into a public apology, actively fueling the media frenzy.

Even if they can't be forced out, she aims to sully their name.

*

Recently, without exercise and indulging in rich food, Lin Yufan noticed she had gained weight.

She’s filled out all over.

Especially her chest.

Dai Ruyin looked her up and down and laughed, "It's not bad, not really fat, just a bit more rounded. When I gave birth to Ming Zhe, that's when I was truly fat. My belly just wouldn't slim down. If you listen to us and hire a wet nurse to feed the baby, you can focus on maintaining your figure and recover sooner."

The implication is that for a young wealthy lady like Lin Yufan, the top priority is to secure her husband's devotion.

The old concubine may be gone, but who can guarantee a new one won't come in?

Leaving the husband alone for too long is not a good idea.

But after all, Dai Ruyin was just a cousin-in-law, not like Sun Jingxi who had a blood relationship with Lin Yufan, so she couldn't speak too plainly.

Of course, Lin Yufan understood what her cousin-in-law meant and laughed, "It's not like he'd trade me in just because I put on a few pounds."

She wanted to stay in shape for her own happiness and satisfaction—men were a distant second.

Dai Ruyin said, "Look at these powerful men in Hong Kong, all claiming to be loyal and honorable, but how many of them don't have multiple wives and concubines?"

Hardly any.

Lin Yufan wasn't naive, but in her eyes, Zhao Zhiao, as a man with high ideals, was different from those ordinary wealthy men outside.

Otherwise, with his status and money, there'd be no stopping him.

Besides, her mind was now all about the baby.

In the afternoon, Zhao Zhiao returned. At that time, the nanny was holding little Yuanbao in the sitting room, and Lin Yufan was playing with him.

Zhao Zhiao walked over and teased his son with a hint of disdain, "Little goof, what are you babbling about so happily? Don't you understand what Daddy's saying? What do you do besides eat and sleep? Oh, and you can poop too. Tsk tsk..."

Lin Yufan pushed him, "When you were Yuanbao's size, could you fly?"

Zhao Zhiao replied, "If I could fly, he wouldn't be here."

The couple sat chatting and playing with their baby, just as Ms. Guan knocked and came in. Lin Yufan had the nanny take Yuanbao back to the nursery.

The current state of the country is that, except for Chengdu, Hainan, Tibet, and Taiwan, everywhere else has been liberated.

Last month, the Nationalist Government relocated from Chongqing to Chengdu again, and it looks like they can't hold out much longer. The Nationalists have nearly all retreated to Taiwan.

Ms. Guan whispered, "Good news, Zhang Aiming's back in her hometown and asked how everyone's doing."

Zhao Zhiao nodded with a smile, "There's nothing like being able to go back home."

Lin Yufan asked curiously, "Where is her hometown?"

Ms. Guan replied, "Lu'an, in Anhui."

It's quite a distance, and it will be really hard to meet again in the future.

"Also, there's still no news about Deng Kuan. We don't know where he's been transferred to. Maybe we'll have a chance to contact him in the future."

After chatting for a while, Ms. Guan mentioned a new task.

Among the materials transported recently, there was a very important box of documents, which is likely still in a warehouse in Hong Kong. The organization hopes they can find this box of documents.

"What's in that box of documents? Any specific features?"

Ms. Guan said, "It's energy research materials developed by Professor Bai's colleague, who was brutally killed by the Nationalists earlier. Important data and research results were stolen, locked in a leather briefcase, and likely mixed with ordinary materials, ready to be transported to Taiwan."

Zhao Zhiao thought for a moment and said, "If it's just a leather briefcase, it's unlikely to be stored in a warehouse. Anyone could just take it and fly it to Taiwan."

Ms. Guan was also unclear about the situation, "There must be some other mystery here. I'll discuss it with you further once the organization sends more specific information."

Zhao Zhiao agreed, "Alright, I'll start by mapping out their warehouses."

Just as Ms. Guan left, the phone rang. Lin Yufan answered it; it was He Xiaoqing calling.

"Sis Fan, quickly listen to the radio. Fang Fang is on the air."

He Xiaoqing was so excited; there must be some exciting news.

Lin Yufan had Zhao Zhiao turn on the radio, and sure enough, Mrs. Muir's laughter came through.

Mrs. Muir: "I’ll admit Fan Yi and Gu Pingan are talented, but talent without character? That’s not enough! Suddenly disappearing, women taking maternity leave, and two at the same time—don’t you think that’s ridiculous?"

Chui Zhu chimed in: "This is a huge disrespect to the readers and an insult to us!"

Fang Fang: "They haven’t reached out to you yet?"

Chui Zhu: "No."

Fang Fang: "They’ve taken two issues off; maybe they’ll return for the next one?"

Chui Zhu: "The deadline’s the day after tomorrow, and still no word from them."

Fang Fang: "You said it yourself—the deadline’s the day after tomorrow. It’s not time yet."

Mrs. Muir: "We’ve lost hope that they’ll continue the series, but I still hope they’ll man up, stand up, and apologize to the readers and us."

Chui Zhu: "Exactly! If you’re a man, act like one..."

Fang Fang: "Hold on, someone’s calling, claiming to be Fan Yi and Gu Pingan. Should we take the call?"

Mrs. Muir and Chui Zhu in the studio were shocked. Had they really pushed the two stars to come forward?

They’re calling together? Why together?

This has to be planned. Is there a conspiracy here?

Mrs. Muir didn’t hesitate: "Put them on!"

The call connected, and Fang Fang was the first to say, 'Hello.'

"Hello!" A woman’s voice!

Her voice was calm.

But Mrs. Muir and Chui Zhu were taken aback.

Fang Fang asked: "Isn’t this Fan Yi and Gu Pingan? Who’s this?"

Hi, Fang Fang. It’s Lin Yufan."

Everyone was shocked!

But before they could process it, they thought Lin Yufan was here to stir things up!

Fang Fang quickly greeted with a smile, 'Mrs. Zhao, right? Hi, Mrs. Zhao! I didn’t expect it to be you!'

Mrs. Muir and Chui Zhu exchanged glances, wondering if Lin Yufan was calling to mock them.

After all, the two stars had vanished, using the excuse of maternity leave, and 'Splendor' had been humiliated.

Mrs. Muir laughed awkwardly: "Long time no see, Mrs. Zhao. Have you been hiding the two stars?"

Lin Yufan: "I haven’t hidden them. The two stars are having babies, taking normal maternity leave, and only for a month."

Postpartum confinement? The Twin Jades of the North and South are in postpartum confinement?

Chui Zhu, who often mocks Lin Yufan in magazines and on the radio, suddenly becomes timid when face-to-face with her.

He doesn't dare to speak.

Mrs. Muir finally speaks up: "Mrs. Zhao, what do you mean? Are the Twin Jades of the North and South female?"

Lin Yufan is also in postpartum confinement. Mrs. Muir chuckles mockingly: "You're not going to say that you are the Twin Jades of the North and South, are you?"

Fang Fang can't help but laugh, "Mrs. Muir, you're hilarious. Mrs. Zhao..."

Lin Yufan directly admits: "Mrs. Muir, you guessed right. Fan Yi is me, and Gu Pingan is also me."

!!!

The broadcast room falls silent.

At this moment, listeners everywhere, from small restaurants to mansions, are glued to the broadcast.

He Xiaoqing calls Xu Yinger, urging her to tune into the broadcast.

Xu Yinger calls Mrs. Xu, who then quickly calls Mrs. Shen, Mrs. Luo, Mrs. He, and others...

Gossip spreads like wildfire among the wealthy families.

Fang Fang is the first to snap out of it, she quickly asks: "Mrs. Zhao, are you serious? You're saying you're both the Twin Jades of the North and South?"

Lin Yufan: "Dead serious."

Mrs. Muir: "How can you prove you're Fan Yi and Gu Pingan?"

Lin Yufan: "You paid Fan Yi and Gu Pingan only 18 yuan per article, the lowest in the industry. Right?!"

That low?

Fang Fang can't help but say: "No way, only 18 yuan per article for the Twin Jades of the North and South? 36 yuan a month? How could they survive on that? Even if it started that low, once they became famous, there's no way it stayed that low, right?"

Lin Yufan slightly snorts: "Ask Mrs. Muir and Chui Zhu."

Mrs. Muir has to admit, but she immediately questions: "Knowing their pay doesn't prove you're them!"

Lin Yufan: "Switching 'Fan Yi' around sounds almost like 'Yufan'. Also, Gu Pingan is my mother's name. Plus, I sent all manuscripts by registered mail with receipts."

Mrs. Muir and Chui Zhu exchange glances, no wonder they took maternity leave together, the Twin Jades of the North and South are women, and they are Lin Yufan?!

They had suspected it, but thought it was too absurd to be possible!

Mrs. Muir, struggling to breathe, can't help but ask: "Why did you do this?"

Lin Yufan: "To make you convinced. The novels I published and those in my own magazine, you all looked down on, mocking me as a third-rate novelist. Then I changed my pen name, sent you two random submissions, and you all praised them endlessly, as if my literary talent suddenly jumped from third-rate to first-rate! Isn't that a bit ridiculous? Chui Zhu even said that the articles by Fan Yi and Gu Pingan had a grand structure, not something a woman could write."

This is a slap in the face. Mrs. Muir, speechless, glares at Chui Zhu.

Chui Zhu has to say: "I... that... that..."

His mind is blank, he doesn't know how to organize his words.

Lin Yufan: "With your head full of mush, no wonder you can't grasp that literature isn't about gender!"

Well said!

Fang Fang, who was at the forefront of the gossip, jumped in: "Yes! What Ms. Lin Yufan said is right! Literature has nothing to do with gender! We women might be physically weaker and had less education growing up, but that doesn’t mean we’re any less smart than men!"

Watching Fang Fang steer the wheel swiftly, Mrs. Muir gritted her teeth and remained silent.

Seizing the opportunity, Fang Fang asked, "Mrs. Zhao, would you like them to admit defeat and write a 'submission' for you?"

Of course, they couldn’t just let it slide without a proper concession!

Lin Yufan smiled, "Isn't that what Mrs. Muir and Chui Zhu promised? I have recordings of your earlier broadcasts—evidence, just in case you've forgotten. Do ensure the character '服' is prominently featured on the cover of the next issue of Fenghua Magazine."

Last issue was 'shameless', and this issue is 'submissive'?

Mrs. Muir's head was spinning, and she felt like she might explode.