Chapter 392: Expulsion

"Fourteen days on the shelves, current sales are 11.4 million copies. In Atlanta alone, 720,000 copies."

"But we've already controlled the distribution volume in Atlanta to keep readers hungry. Yes! That's why there are still queues outside major bookstores. This helps continue the marketing push for your 'Rage War God.'"

"Production has caught up. Besides our own printing plant, we've contracted two medium-sized printing factories, with an estimated daily output of 400,000 copies. It's a bit low, but I think it's appropriate for now. You know? Many elementary and middle school students across America are proud to own a copy of 'Rage War God'—it helps their social standing. We're also targeting parents with news campaigns, making them believe the book benefits their children, aiming to create a social craze."

"There's a saying: 'When a lie is repeated a thousand times, it becomes truth.' If all media say 'Rage War God' is a good book, then it must be good."

"Haha! That's not to say your comic is bad, but we need publicity to reach more people, right?"

"Some comic merchandise designs are nearly complete and ready for production. But I suggest waiting until the second and third volumes are released and the reader base is stable. You're sure you can finish the manuscript before leaving America, right?"

"Of course I'll hold steady. This will be the biggest cash cow for Rising Sun Media in the future, especially since you've been generous enough to transfer the character and portrait rights of 'Rage War God' to Rising Sun Media."

—This was another call between Li Mochen and Ms. Drew, seven days later, as he headed to the Savannah docks.

The two then moved on to discuss Ferguson Media.

"It's bad, very bad. Mr. Mandiven Ferguson is nearly desperate. Darwin Wolman is very capable; the Ferguson Group couldn't get a single cent from the banks."

"Your uncle, Cleo Wielenstein, likely provided some funds, but not much—between three and five hundred million. Within the Wielenstein Group, they're investigating Deron Wielenstein's interest transfers to Ferguson Media during his tenure as group PR director. Some within the Wielenstein family don't want Cleo to keep controlling the PR department. This has also caused Ferguson Media's advertising sponsorships to drop sharply by 30% next month."

Li Mochen was surprised: "Only 30%? I thought it would be more."

"Only that part is confirmed for now."

Ms. Drew laughed: "After all, it's a media conglomerate with immense social influence. Before ending cooperation, sponsors can't ignore the consequences. But from what I've gathered, many are already considering terminating contracts, Boss. The Citizen Party-led investigation committee has traced to the Ferguson Group. They've found even more explosive stuff—Clot Arnold and Mandiven jointly embezzled over 40 million gold shields from the Municipal Deaf and Mute Children's Charity Fund. So now, Mandiven Ferguson is besieged on all sides."

"Clot Arnold was silenced seven days ago, yes, but their financial records remain. In our media business, we don't need absolute proof. As long as the public believes Mandiven Ferguson is involved in this corruption scandal, the ratings of his three TV stations and subscriptions to his seven newspapers will plummet."

Li Mochen raised an eyebrow: "Sounds promising. Can we completely resolve this problem in four days?"

—This was Li Mochen's biggest concern. On his journey to the Antolia continent, he didn't want to worry about this war anymore.

During this time, Mandiven Ferguson hadn't been idle. Li Mochen's TV stations, printing plants, and Rising Sun Electronics retail stores had all been attacked by large groups of armed militants.

In the worst incident, the Ferguson Group even obtained permission from the Magic Tower Committee to completely separate the 'Southern Television Building,' where Southern Cable TV was located, from this world.

Fortunately, the outcome was good. Under the command of Major General Michael Wood, who also served as the Chief Security Officer of 'Rising Sun Group,' Li Mochen's security forces fought a brilliant battle.

Rising Sun Group's security department routed the 35 outlaws and 90 magic-energy professionals assembled by Mandiven Ferguson outside the building, killing nearly 40% of them.

Additionally, two legendary experts Mandiven Ferguson had somehow recruited fled injured after a fierce battle with Michael Wood.

The latter's victory, one against two, proved to the world that his reputation as a federal hero was well-deserved. It also showed Li Mochen that his annual salary of 50 million gold shields was well worth it.

This battle, with its stark disparity in casualties, made all factions in Atlanta take notice of Rising Sun Group's military strength.

However, after Li Mochen left, Rising Sun Group's armed forces in Atlanta would inevitably be significantly weakened.

Major General Michael Wood was formidable! As a newly ascended legendary, he could repel two seasoned legends. So even without the two legendary-level 'construct puppets' Li Mochen had arranged, he could suppress Mandiven, who had Cleo Wielenstein as his backing.

But accidents happen. Cleo Wielenstein's power was also unfathomable. It was hard to say whether this 'uncle' of his would further intervene.

"That depends on when certain powerful figures in the Conservative Party decide to abandon the Ferguson Media Group. After all, it's an important propaganda platform for them, hard to let go. But I think they should make a decision soon. Once the scandal of the Municipal Deaf and Mute Children's Charity Fund fully erupts, not only will Ferguson Media be caught in the vortex, but some key Conservative Party members may also be dragged in. They have few options now and will have to make concessions—not just to the Citizen Party, but also to our Rising Sun Group."

Nanette Drew chuckled: "I know you have a good relationship with Conservative Senator Claire; you had dinner together a few days ago. But Boss, you can't back down because of her sweet talk. I'm determined to get Georgia Sports TV, This Week's Entertainment Weekly, and those two newspapers. These media outlets have nothing to do with politics—this is the price Ferguson must pay."

"Of course! I know what to do."

Li Mochen naturally wouldn't miss the chance to expand his influence in the media world. He had already tasted the benefits. Besides, he had ample funds lately; even acquiring the entire Ferguson Media, which was currently suffering heavy losses, wouldn't be a problem.

After ending the call with Ms. Drew, Li Mochen gazed out the car window at a large ship gradually coming into view—the 'First Dawn,' a retired destroyer with a displacement of 7,200 tons.