In a brightly lit study, Duke Tywin's brow furrowed involuntarily. He observed that Duke Joseph, after being taken away and then returned by Lin Yide, showed no signs of injury and was in surprisingly good spirits.
This was far from what he had anticipated.
Joseph keenly noticed the subtle change in Duke Tywin's expression and immediately understood the other man's intention: to incite him to confront Lin Yide with all his might.
He stated firmly, "Tywin, if you've come to persuade me to go after Yide, I advise you to abandon the idea. I will not be a cat's paw."
Tywin didn't give up so easily, continuing to persuade, "Joseph, why don't you at least hear my plan?"
Joseph wielded considerable influence in various sectors of Fontaine. Dealing with Lin Yide would be much more difficult without his help.
Joseph feigned indifference, saying, "Since you insist, then speak."
Duke Tywin began solemnly, "You should know that besides us nobles, there are others who want to deal with the West Factory."
"Oh? Who?" Joseph asked, his curiosity piqued.
"The Pure Water Association," Duke Tywin uttered the three words in a deep voice.
Upon hearing "Pure Water Association," Joseph's expression changed drastically, his face displaying a complex mix of fear and dread.
As if touched upon a deeply buried fear, he shook his head repeatedly, his voice trembling slightly, "No, absolutely not! I will never have anything to do with those lunatics."
Tywin said calmly, "The Pure Water Association are lunatics, and Yide is a mad dog. Let them fight each other, and we can clean up the mess."
Joseph wasn't easily convinced. He asked with a hint of skepticism, "Are you sure the Pure Water Association will turn against Yide, rather than taking the opportunity to retaliate against those of us nobles who participated in suppressing them years ago?"
Duke Tywin smiled confidently, "They have no choice. The Pure Water Association has been struggling to survive since that great battle. If they don't receive funding, they will face extinction."
After hearing Duke Tywin's words, Joseph frowned and fell into deep thought.
If what Tywin said was true, it was indeed a golden opportunity.
But cooperating with a terrorist organization like the Pure Water Association was like walking a tightrope; one wrong step could lead to utter destruction.
After a long period of weighing the pros and cons, Joseph finally made up his mind.
"I agree to your plan, but I will not be directly involved. After all, colluding with the Pure Water Association is a serious crime, and I don't want to get burned."
Duke Tywin's face revealed a knowing smile, "Rest assured, I'm not a fool. Why would I get my hands dirty? No one will know our identities, including the Pure Water Association."
Hearing Tywin's assurance, Joseph's concerns lessened slightly.
He nodded, "Very well, let's proceed according to your plan."
…
Several days later.
Levi sat at his desk, looking distressed.
He had been eagerly anticipating that as long as Duke Joseph took action, Lin Yide would be taken down, and the West Factory would be disbanded.
However, several days had passed without any news.
What made him even more anxious was that whenever he tried to visit Duke Joseph to inquire about the progress, he was always turned away with various excuses.
This intensified Levi's unease.
Just as he was immersed in deep worry, the office door was gently pushed open.
He looked up and saw the person he least wanted to see.
Lin Yide stood there with a smile, his tone slightly mocking, "Chief Editor Levi, it seems you're not too happy to see me. Actually, I don't want to see you either.
But, given the crimes you've committed in the past, I have to invite you to the West Factory for a cup of tea and a good chat."
Upon hearing this, Levi felt as if he had been electrocuted, collapsing back into his chair.
His plump face was filled with terror, and he waved his hands repeatedly, "Baron Yide, I won't go, I really won't go!"
Lin Yide sighed softly, "I said, this is the second time I've invited you. This time, you have
As soon as he finished speaking, two burly men in black West Factory uniforms walked out from behind him.
They were tall and muscular, with expressionless faces. They stepped forward and grabbed Levi's arms, lifting him from the chair.
Levi was already scared out of his wits, his legs weak and unable to stand.
He tried to struggle, but the two men were too strong, and his struggles were futile.
Seeing this, Lin Yide frowned slightly and signaled the two men to drag Levi away.
So, they each grabbed one of Levi's arms and dragged him out of the office.
As they walked out of the office, the entire newspaper office was silent; no one dared to speak, fearing they would anger Lin Yide.
Lin Yide walked to the center of the hall, clapped his hands gently, and focused everyone's attention on him.
Then, he said loudly, "Here, I want to announce three things to everyone.
First, Ms. Furina has acquired all the shares of the Steambird. From now on, Ms. Furina is the real owner of the Steambird.
Second, the position of Chief Editor will be taken over by Euphrasie.
Finally, I want to emphasize that the Steambird will always adhere to the principles of truth and objectivity, and only report the truth!"
After speaking, he scanned the crowd with his sharp eyes, his tone suddenly turning cold, "I've said my piece. Who agrees? Who disagrees?"
The crowd was intimidated by his powerful aura and remained silent, not daring to meet Lin Yide's cold gaze.
Seeing that no one dared to object, Lin Yide nodded in satisfaction.
He turned and walked out with steady steps, signaling his men to continue dragging the trembling Levi along.
As they left, the entire newspaper office fell into a deathly silence once again.