Shi Ran, without any formality, clinked glasses with Ji Jue and asked, "There's a youth entrepreneur selection happening lately. Are you interested in getting a nomination? Yunzhou can offer its support."

He paused for a moment and smiled meaningfully, "If you put in some effort, ranking at the top won't be an issue. It's a great opportunity to rise to the top instantly."

"Forget it."

Ji Jue laughed at himself, shaking his head, "Being pushed to become the factory director already exhausts me. Aiming higher might not get me anywhere instantly, but only expose my shortcomings and become a laughingstock."

"You kid..."

Shi Ran chuckled and didn't persuade him further. After having another drink, he waved his hand, indicating Ji Jue was free to do as he pleased. He only reminded him, "Don't forget about the limb project, alright? Don't rush to quit; my project team is ready on this end. We'll sign the authorization later."

"Absolutely."

Ji Jue nodded, agreeing decisively.

Amid the lively atmosphere, an event committee staff member approached with his head down, quietly reminding, "Mr. Ji, the award ceremony is about to start. Would you like us to prepare a teleprompter for the speech later?"

"No need."

Ji Jue shook his head, detecting the underlying concern in his words. He glanced at the anxious looks coming from the event organizers not far off and smiled slightly, "Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you."

The staff member felt as if he had received a great relief, breathing a sigh of relief, "Thank you."

"Not at all, you've worked hard."

Ji Jue maintained his smile, bid farewell to Tong Shengnian and Lou Guan, and headed backstage.

Unlike the relaxed and easygoing atmosphere of the preceding cocktail party, the backstage was bustling. The performers preparing for the warm-up acts were already in costume. Among the comings and goings, Ji Jue sat in a corner, resting his chin on his hand, curiously observing the scene before him.

It wasn't until the clear sound of a bell came from the stage, following a round of vibrant songs, dances, and star performances, that the event committee's chairman enthusiastically declared the Desert Sea Rally officially concluded, stating it wrapped up perfectly with the collaboration of numerous sponsors and participants.

Amid one speech after another, Ji Jue leaned calmly against his chair, observing the bustling scene.

Until among the rounds of applause, the host warmly announced, "Next, let's welcome Haichao Industries' spokesperson, the champion of this Desert Sea Rally, the driver from Coast Racing Team, Mr. Ji Jue, to deliver a speech—"

In an instant, the bustling backstage fell silent.

Everyone instinctively looked over towards Ji Jue in the corner. The young man, who had been waiting a long time, slowly stood up, waved at the staff who approached, but didn't bother tidying his appearance.

After stretching, he instead unbuttoned his suit jacket.

It was as if he was removing a shackle.

He casually stepped out beyond the curtains, towards the dazzling flashes of light. Walking in the brilliance of the spotlight and applause, he made his way onto the stage.

The host was slightly startled, hadn't reacted, and instinctively took a step back, giving up the center position.

"Thank you—"

Ji Jue smiled, looking towards the audience, "Thank you to the organizers for the invitation, thank you to the Desert Sea Rally for the opportunity, allowing our small factory to shine in front of everyone, and luckily achieve some results."

"Here, allow me to thank my colleagues and friends beside me, thank the consumers for their support, and most importantly, thank the kind people who have supported me along the way...

Without you, there would be no Coast, and there would be no me today."

He paused, nodded solemnly, and earnestly said, "Please allow me to express my deepest gratitude to all of you—"

At that moment, lively applause erupted again from the audience below.

It reverberated continuously, like thunder.

Boom!

Beyond the layers of soundproofing, a deafening explosion suddenly erupted on the bustling street.

"Faster, faster..."

On the main road of Tide City, in a speeding luxury car, a middle-aged man in the back seat frantically watched the view outside the window, sweating profusely, and kept trying to dial the phone, but it was either busy or directly hung up.

Eventually, his pale face drained of any color. Summoning his courage, he dialed one last number, "Lou, Lou sir, I..."

"What I want to hear is not this." On the other end, Lou Guan's voice was cold.

The man was about to burst into tears, "I was forced, I was..."

Until the other end sighed regretfully, "It's been difficult for you all these years. Thank you for your efforts."

The man felt as if he had received an unexpected favor, unbelievably delighted, about to speak... but the last thing he heard was the blaring horn from the opposite lane! And then, the black car front, crashing headlong!

Amid the roaring noise, thick smoke billowed, the crushed vehicle rolled over, plunged off the viaduct, and fell into the river, never to be seen again.

Inside the venue, Lou Guan hung up the phone, smiling as he, along with everyone else, joined in the applause.

Pop!

In Central City, in the bustling Fengshui District plaza, a shrill scream pierced the air.

On top of the New Origin Power headquarters building, a slender figure standing on the rooftop swallowed, closed his eyes, and stepped out at the last moment.

Like a rotten tomato squished underfoot, the disfigured body splattered after falling to the plaza, bursting open with red pulp.

The crowd scattered in terror, looking at the corpse that had plummeted from the rooftop, shocked and gawking. Pools of blood spread from beneath the twisted fallen body, staining the face that frequently appeared in the news.

Ten minutes later, media in Central City released an urgent news announcement— New Origin Power Group's Executive Director Gao Yue committed suicide to avoid arrest.

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