Chapter 371: Launch

"Just that?"

Li Mochen's voice carried doubt, thinking this still didn't explain Angela's talent and constitution.

"It should be related to an incident over a decade ago, which brought Angela great benefits. However, Angela's mother died as a result, and Michelle left the Medici family to start her own."

Anthony didn't elaborate further: "Outsiders aren't clear on the details; you can ask her."

Li Mochen frowned in displeasure. Angela's situation was far more than just gaining 'benefits.'

When he had guided Angela's qi channels earlier, he had already noticed that there was something else going on inside this girl's body—by all logic, Angela should have 'died' long ago. It was only through someone's power that she still lingered in the mortal world.

This fact had shocked him immensely at the time, nearly unsettling his mind. It also prompted Li Mochen to take the initiative to probe the reason.

But he could see that Anthony truly didn't know, so asking would be useless.

"Let's talk about your matter with Ferguson Media. I heard they've made a move against your Sunrise Press?"

Anthony Braden changed the subject and proactively offered goodwill: "Need help? I can make one phone call and bankrupt that media company."

"No need. You don't think I can't handle an opponent of this level, do you?"

Li Mochen refused without a second thought; he didn't want to use Anthony's favor for such a trivial matter.

"Then you need to be careful. Ferguson Media has other backers. Their targeting of you isn't just about acquiring the Georgia Post."

Anthony laughed: "So, A-Mo, if you want to cut off Mandiv Ferguson's capital chain, you can't just strike in the textbook sector. You have to be fast, before their follow-up plans unfold—that would hurt you a lot."

Li Mochen thought, 'Exactly.' He had long suspected someone else was behind Ferguson Media. Mandiv Ferguson alone couldn't shake him.

"So, can he be stronger than Delfinia Ederick?"

Li Mochen asked Anthony: "So if it really comes to it, I have a simpler and quicker solution, don't I?"

"That's the funny part—they don't realize they're kicking a dragon's ass."

Anthony smiled: "Nanette Drew is very capable. If she wanted, she could even serve as CEO of a hundred-billion-dollar group. You can try her plan first; if it doesn't work, I'll lend a small hand. Using brute force would have no technical merit at all."

He left Li Mochen no room to refuse, directly opening a portal and stepping through: "I won't watch your match this afternoon. I doubt there'll be any other outcome, and I don't want to waste time on such a predictable fight."

...

After leaving the demiplane of the Death Home magic tower, Li Mochen, along with Angela and William—who had arrived early to meet up—boarded the school bus provided by Lyndon Academy, and under the escort of a convoy of police cars, drove away from Unicorn Apartments.

This year's Georgia state competition was still held at Storm Stadium.

After all, Atlanta was the central city of Georgia, and Storm Stadium was the largest and most advanced sports venue in the state.

While the convoy was en route to Storm Stadium, Li Mochen received a call from Nanette Drew.

"So, Drew, you're ready to start?"

The latter had kept her promise to him, beginning preparations against Ferguson on the fourth day after taking over Firefly Media. According to their agreement, when Drew called, it meant her setup was complete.

"It's done. If you approve, Boss, we can sound the counterattack horn today. After your match this afternoon, you can see Kro Arnold's scandal exposed on Southern Cable TV. Our Georgia Post and Atlanta Daily Telegraph will follow up immediately."

Nanette Drew's tone was relaxed: "The subsequent steps are all prepared; you don't need to worry about them. However, regarding Mr. Wolman of Goldman Investment, based on the principle of reciprocity, you'll need to handle that personally."

"Wolman?"

Li Mochen frowned: "Are you sure he has the power to influence several banks in Atlanta? Goldman is indeed the most powerful investment bank in America right now. But I've asked Jeremy about him—though he's the youngest former partner of Goldman, he only entered the management this year. He's still young."

"Jeremy underestimated him, Boss."

Drew emphasized: "Mr. Wolman currently leads Goldman's securities division, and his personal power is substantial. This man is no simple figure. As an illegitimate child, he abandoned his rightful surname. I suggest you establish a long-term cooperative relationship with him—it would benefit both of you."

"Understood. Proceed with your plan."

Li Mochen naturally trusted Ms. Drew's intelligence and judgment more. After giving the order to act, he added: "By the way, Ms. Drew, what are the sales figures for my 'Raging War God'?"

"The momentum is good. So far, just in Atlanta, we've sold 120,000 copies. For other regions, we'll need a bit more time to compile the data."

Nanette Drew chuckled: "It's a pretty good start, isn't it?"

Li Mochen, however, felt a chill in his heart. If he wasn't mistaken, ninety percent of those 120,000 copies were bought by his female fans.

He estimated that the final sales of this comic would be around one million copies. Of course, if he were just an author, that number wouldn't be bad. The problem was that Nanette Drew had set the first print run at 800,000 copies, and before distribution began, she ordered the printer to add another 300,000 copies—

And the costs for this comic all came out of his own pocket.

Forget it. He'd just consider it spending money to gain publicity, to wrap up the time and effort he'd invested.

Li Mochen shook his head, hung up with Drew, and then called Eliza: "Has Georgia been notified?"

He was referring to Byrne Georgia, the former executive vice principal of Lyndon Academy, who had once followed Jennifer's orders to make things difficult for him and William.

A month ago, this man had resigned from his vice principal position to run for state senator as a Conservative Party member.

"How could he refuse your dinner invitation? Things are different now."

Eliza's tone was flat: "He was very happy and puzzled, asking me why. Of course, I said nothing. Are you sure you want to choose him?"

"He's the most suitable person right now—I know him, easy to control, and from the education sector."

Li Mochen gazed calmly out the window: "Notify our new chief security officer and Sampson Brut to enter Level 2 alert status. Though the likelihood of war is low, we must be prepared."