September 4th.
Some media outlets began to question Faraway Group's funding source for Far Away City.
Faraway Group claimed to have invested 50 billion to build the top ten Far Away Cities.
At first, the outside world did not quite believe it.
Far Away had acquired Capital City, Shancheng, Shanghai, and Shangdu. The total value of the four pieces of land alone was as high as 12 billion.
Far Away's top executives were still negotiating in various places.
According to the analysis of industry professionals, it was just the land transfer fee alone. Based on the current scale Far Away had set, the remaining six pieces of land would require at least 10 billion in funds.
The total investment for the ten Far Away Cities alone was as high as 22 billion.
This was the truth. Local governments would not make a fuss about the land transfer fee. At least, the data they announced would not be adulterated.
And this was just the foundation. The construction of Far Away City would not only require land, but also a large number of supporting facilities to be built.
Even if the total investment was less than 50 billion, it should not be much worse.
Previously, everyone thought that Far Away was bragging, but at this time, the industry believed that the 50 billion investment in Far Away City was not much.
These were not the key points. The key point was, where did Far Away City get so much money!
Far Away City had many businesses, and everyone in the know knew.
Supermarkets, logistics, shopping malls, PP, Weibo, and Dongyu Real Estate.
Except for the supermarkets and shopping malls, which were now in the profitable stage, the others were in the investment stage, especially Far Away Logistics. Starting this year, Far Away Logistics had acquired land everywhere, with a total investment of more than 10 billion.
Faraway Group's total assets were more than 100 billion. If the investment in Far Away City and the previously announced logistics investment plan were added.
Faraway Group's total assets could be as high as 200 billion!
However, how much of the 200 billion Far Away City was overstated?
What was the Far Away City's debt ratio?
There were even media outlets that claimed that Far Away City was insolvent. Faraway Group's current Far Away City plan was funded by the use of supermarkets and shopping malls.
There were also tabloid media outlets that spread false information and fabricated articles.
The title of the article was "The Richest Man Has Become First, Far away Where Is the Road?"
The report claimed that Faraway Group's blind expansion had been overwhelmed as early as 2006.
So far in 2007, he had borrowed tens of billions from the bank as proof. So far after that, he had frequently taken out loans, especially a few big ones, which cost a lot of money.
So far, the investment for the battle of Suguo was more than 5 billion.
So far, the investment in Carrefour has exceeded 10 billion.
So far, the Logistics Park had invested more than 5 billion yuan.
The Faraway Supermarket's own expansion had invested more than 10 billion, and the investments in various Faraway Technology projects were also in the tens of billions.
Together with the Far away City Plan, in less than two years, the total investment in Far away City exceeded 100 billion!
Far away, where did so much money come from?
Their supermarket, at the very most, only made a few billion a year. They did not make money in other areas.
The report purposely ignored the fact that Dongyu Real Estate had made a lot of money from the previous land sales, as well as the fact that PP and shopping malls had started to make profits.
The report was full of doubts, questioning the financial situation of So far.
The investment was more than 100 billion, and the profit was only a few billion a year. Where did the money come from?
So far's embezzlement of the money should be confirmed. The key was, how much was So Far embezzled?
So Far's debt with the bank was not a listed company, and it was difficult to determine for the time being. The media hoped that the bank could disclose the debt data of So Far.
…
As soon as the report came out, it became a hot topic on the internet.
There was also news released by the media that when Li Dong was interviewed by the third media, they asked about the source of funds for So Far City, and Li Dong left in a huff.
The netizens liked to join in the fun.
Soon, discussions about Li Dong appeared on social media such as Weibo and forums.
Someone swore and swore, "Li Dong didn't pay his debts, owed our company 5 million, delayed for more than half a year, and bullied others. The local government covered up for him. So Far Away, there's no way to sue!"
As soon as this started, there was a large group of people who followed the trend.
Some said that Faraway Supermarket owed them money, and some said that So Far Away Logistics' distribution points were closed.
There were also some information leaked by insiders in the financial industry that So Far Away's debt with the bank had reached 100 billion. Now the bank did not allow So Far Away to close down, to prevent the 100 billion debt from going bad.
Some things, in the eyes of the industry, were simply nonsense.
For example, So Far Away was insolvent. That was impossible.
So Far Away's total assets and net assets were all clear to everyone. If they were really so short of money, So Far Away would not refuse financing.
Moreover, many of the 100 billion investments that were previously listed were not realized.
Even the So Far Away City plan was just the beginning. Li Dong had spent a few billion at most, where did he get 100 billion in debt?
But to the public, they did not care whether it was reasonable or not, and they did not care whether it was logical or not.
Everyone said that So Far Away was insolvent. Everyone was spreading the rumor that Li Dong, the richest man in the world, had become the first debtor. Then, the rumor was true.
In an instant, all kinds of negative news about Li Dong and So Far Away spread on the internet.
Everyone looked like they were passing judgment on everything. In their chats, they stood from the perspective of God and told others, "Look, I was wondering where Li Dong got so much money from. He has long been in debt!"
There were even people who began to call on the government not to let Li Dong run away.
They also must not let Li Dong transfer his assets and cause the country to suffer losses.
…
The outside world was in turmoil. So Far Away was not very stable.
Yuan Chengdao personally came to Li Dong and requested to hold a press conference to refute the rumors. However, he was rejected by Li Dong.
Yuan Chengdao could not understand!
If they did not refute the rumors now, were they going to sit and wait for others to slander So Far Away?
Yes, So Far Away had misappropriated the money, but it was definitely not to the point of being insolvent. So Far Away's performance was good and they were still making money.
So Far Away's various industries were not listed, and So Far Away did not even have any financing.
If they really wanted to raise money, So Far Away had plenty of ways to do so. How could they be insolvent?
Yuan Chengdao was really worried about the slander from the outside world.
Provincial Party Committee Compound.
Yuan Chengdao said agitatedly, "General Manager Li, if we do not refute the rumors now, everyone will only think that we are guilty! If this goes on, I am worried that there will be problems. Once the suppliers have doubts and come to ask for payment, we will be in big trouble. "
Li Dong held the cigarette butt and said slowly, "Trouble? What trouble? We are not listed, what is there to worry about? They are just a bunch of ignorant people spouting nonsense. Do we need to refute the rumors for them? It is easy to hold a press conference, but if we really do it, everyone will think that we are guilty, and we can just ignore it. The news will fade in a few days. "
"But … …"
Yuan Chengdao frowned and said, "But what if the partners really come to us to ask for payment?"
"Give it to them!"
Li Dong said calmly, "I have long wanted to clean up our supply chain system.
We have taken over the supply chain of Suguo, Times, Kelong, Carrefour, and many other supermarkets. We have also opened up a large part of the supply chain.
Now, we are not short of suppliers. In fact, for stability, we have taken over many small manufacturers and suppliers with connections. Their products often have quality problems.
Now is the time to clean up.
If something happens, these people are the most likely to be in trouble. They will also be the first to break the contract.
This time, I want to see who will stand up for us first.
True friends are seen in adversity. Although we are doing business with profits first, So Far Away is still helping them make money. If they turn against us now, don't blame me for kicking them out!
The bird that sticks out will be shot. This time, whoever stands out will be blacklisted by the whole industry!
Aren't we talking about cooperation with China Resources?
Once the cooperation is successful, we will join hands with China Resources. They will not be able to sell their products in East China, or even the whole country! "
Li Dong actually had another purpose that he did not mention, and that was Distance Industrial Company.
So Far Away Industries has been acquiring some small and medium-sized manufacturing companies.
Li Dong had long wanted to control the supply chain. So Far Away's supply chain will occupy at least 30% of the supply chain.
But for no reason, the contract has not expired, and Feng Yu cannot kick them out.
This is also an opportunity. Big companies will not be the first to make trouble. The ones who are anxious are the small and medium-sized enterprises. If these people break the contract, they will not only avoid the opportunity to be the bad guy, but also save a lot of expenses for So Far Away.
There is a price to pay for breaking the contract.
If the small and medium-sized enterprises withdraw from the supply chain, So Far Away Industries will fill the gap, and it will save Li Dong a lot of trouble.
Yuan Chengdao frowned and said, "Manager Wu and the rest should be called back now. I think we can put the Far Away City plan on hold."
"No, continue!"
Li Dong thought for a while and said, "Go back and make some arrangements. Make an announcement. So Far Away City plan will continue, and it will be accelerated! The best way to fight back is to prove our strength. If we put this plan on hold, we will be falling into their trap. "
"But what if? What if the small and medium-sized enterprises are not the only ones who break the contract? We still have a lot of money in our accounts, but … "
Li Dong said impatiently, "Unless our entire supply chain collapses, how could such a thing happen?! Of course, if some of them break the contract and ask for money, we cannot give it to them so easily. Let's drag it out for a while. "
Yuan Chengdao was anxious and immediately said, "If we drag it out, won't they see our weakness?"
"They will think of their own things, and we will do ours."
With that, Li Dong waved his hand and said, "Alright, let's stop here. Every time something big happens, we must be calm.
You are the CEO of a company worth hundreds of billions. If you can't even sit still for such a small matter, how are you going to manage So Far Away City?
Other people's debt is as high as 70% or 80%, but they are not worried.
How much debt is So Far Away City now?
Even with the payment, it is less than 40%. What is there to worry about?
When it is really necessary, I will introduce investments. "
Yuan Chengdao looked at Li Dong suspiciously. Li Dong was too calm. This time, he felt that Li Dong was a little different from before.
Li Dong may have spent a lot of money, and the speed of expansion was very fast, but he was actually a very insecure person.
Just look at Distance's debt ratio. Previously, Distance's debt ratio was only around 30%. This ratio far exceeded the safety line.
Outsiders only saw Li Dong's radicalism, but they did not know that his radicalism was only on the surface.
A debt ratio of 30% was not too low in the retail industry, but it was not too high either.
This was also the group as a whole. Most of the debt was from Dongyu Real Estate. And for real estate companies, as long as they were big, the debt ratio was generally about 70%.
Just from this point, Li Dong was actually the conservative type.
And now, Li Dong, who had always been insecure and conservative, actually did not come out to refute the rumors when such a situation happened. This was very unusual.
Yuan Chengdao had been Far Away City for a few years.
According to his thinking, even if he did not come to look for Li Dong, Li Dong himself would be anxious. Perhaps he would take the initiative to give up the Far Away City plan and maintain sufficient liquidity.
But now, Li Dong was completely laissez-faire.
Yuan Chengdao could not understand. Although he did not really understand, since Li Dong had said so, he could not do anything.
Helpless, Yuan Chengdao could only stand up and said, "General Manager Li, then I will go back first. But I feel that when necessary, it is necessary to refute the rumors. If this continues, it will not be good for our reputation. "
Li Dong nodded and said, "I know this. Don't worry, I will handle it after a period of time. Our reputation will only be damaged for a while. When we achieve results and use our strength to slap their faces, it will increase our reputation. Now, the discussions on the Internet are just for us to promote ourselves. "
Yuan Chengdao had nothing to say. In addition, there were too many things to do now, and he did not have time to tangle with Li Dong.
After Yuan Chengdao left, Li Dong dialed Hsu Shengzhe's number and said, "Transfer the land in Jiang City to me. I can't really spend all the money on hand. Now that things have come to this, if you do not do something, you will not get a share in the subsequent profits."
When Hsu Shengzhe heard this, he said angrily, "I will use the land in Jiang City to build Longhua Square. The construction is about to start. Won't it be suspicious if I give it to you at this time?"
"What is there to be suspicious about? Your land happens to be in the middle of the land I want. If you don't give it to me, I will buy all the land around it. You will lose no matter how much you invest in building Longhua Square. You have a good eye. It happens to be in the middle of the land. If I don't look for you, who else can I look for? When you bought this land, you spent less than 500 million. Now, I will give it to you for 500 million. You will not be losing out, right? It's fine if it's in Beijing. Our houses are next door, and the market in Beijing is huge. But here in Jiang City, we are still together. Who do you think will get rid of who in the end? "
Hsu Shengzhe said angrily, "The key is that I went there first. Longhua already has a plan. Aren't you messing up my plan by doing this?"
Li Dong said unreasonably, "Just tell me if you want to do it or not. If you don't want to do it, I will really surround you."
"What about the money? Don't say that you owe it. Longhua has no money to cook now … "
"Owe it first. It's not like you don't know that when this plan is over, we will have money. Can't you wait for this little bit of time?"
Hsu Shengzhe was helpless. It was impossible to just take advantage of Li Dong.
This fellow is more stingy than anyone else. He was not qualified to take advantage of Li Dong now.
Hsu Shengzhe exhaled and gritted his teeth, "Fine! I can give you the land, but you must give me the money. I can even lend you the money when you need it. If you don't give me the money, I will not be able to answer to Longhua. Also, those guys will be suspicious. "
"Are you sure you will lend me the money?"
"I … am … sure!"
Hsu Shengzhe said each word slowly. Clearly, he was furious.
Since when did I go back on my words?
But you, Li Dong, don't talk to others. But with me, Hsu Shengzhe, you have never kept your promise.
Li Dong smiled and didn't continue to talk about this matter. He said, "Those fellows you hired, don't talk nonsense. It's enough to analyze the financial problem. Don't talk nonsense. Far Away is about to close down? I, Li Dong, am not a good person. You are the one who ordered me to do this, right? Stop using these gossips to attract attention. Our aim is to attract the attention of industry insiders. It doesn't matter if the general public is not interested. Far Away's reputation had been tarnished by you. Who is going to be responsible for this? "
Hsu Shengzhe replied, "I am not the one who did this. I was just about to tell you. Someone must be trying to take advantage of the situation. If not, Han Yu and the rest are the ones who started this. I'm only looking for financial reports. I'll just throw a few bombs online. It won't attract too much attention. "
"Are you sure?"
"Yes!"
Li Dong narrowed his eyes and said, "The fish is biting the bait."
"Let's wait and see. Someone might try to take advantage of the situation. You have a lot of enemies, and who knows if they are the culprits." Hsu Shengzhe reminded Dong Xuebing.
The sudden explosion on the internet was partly arranged by Li Dong and the rest.
Another part of it was due to someone adding fuel to the fire. It might not be Han Yu and the rest, and there are many suspects.
Companies like Bailian might also do something like this.
Including Suning, Ali, and the rest, they might not stand idly by.
Hsu Shengzhe reminded. Li Dong replied, "That might be possible. But no matter what, it will be better for this matter to end as soon as possible. As time goes on, there will be more negative news, and it will cause unnecessary trouble for Far Away. "
"I am fine on my side, and it will depend on you. Oh, your mother-in-law has not gone in yet. We are not sure what Han Yu and the rest are trying to do, and this is not good. Get your mother-in-law to hurry up. Don't just wait. "
Li Dong replied sourly, "I am more anxious than you. The key is to take the initiative. Han Yu is not a fool, and she will not believe it. We have to wait for an opportunity, and wait for Han Yu to come to us. "
"What if she doesn't?"
"Then we will take the initiative."
"Isn't it the same? Waste of time!"
Li Dong snorted, "Don't give me that. Just take care of your side, and prepare for Su 'an New City. When we move, we must be quick. Quick enough to catch Jia Wenhao off guard, and quick enough to force Han Yu to back out. If anything happens on your side, I will not let you off. "
"I am more reliable than you!" Hsu Shengzhe replied.
Although Li Dong felt that Li Dong was shrewd, Hsu Shengzhe was indeed an expert in such matters.
Without saying anything more, the two exchanged a few words, and soon hung up.
After hanging up the phone with Hsu Shengzhe, Li Dong called Wu Shengnan and the others, urging them to speed up.
Although they felt that it was not suitable to continue, Li Dong insisted, and no one could do anything about it.
Moreover, Chen Lang, Qi Yunna, and the others were not stupid. When Li Dong repeatedly urged them, they had already noticed something strange.
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