Kurda’s eyes flickered.
Analyzing the sequence of events, the Xia Wei Group seemed like the most probable culprit. After all, the timing was extremely sensitive!
The Xia Wei Group and the Fruit Group had released their new phones at the same time, and it was no secret that the two companies were bitter rivals.
It wasn’t just the senior executives at the Fruit Group who thought so; netizens were also speculating that the Xia Wei Group was behind it. Regardless of the truth, the Xia Wei Group was undeniably the biggest beneficiary!
"I also think it’s ninety percent likely the Xia Wei Group is behind this," Hurst chimed in, his voice grave.
"Then what do you think we should do now?"
Kurda asked, taking a deep breath.
Although he didn’t state it outright, his question implied that he thought so, too!
"I think our top priority right now is to quell the outrage online. The iFone 7X just launched; our company’s reputation absolutely cannot be damaged at a time like this!"
Hurst continued his rational analysis, adding:
"I suggest we issue a public announcement stating that a certain batch of phones experienced performance issues. We’ll say we’re investigating and that once the results are in, we will compensate all affected consumers."
"I think that’s a viable idea."
Ula and the other senior executives all nodded in agreement.
In truth, this approach wasn’t Hurst’s original idea; it was a tactic many companies had used before.
What’s the most important thing for a massive corporation like this?
Profit!
To maximize profits, you inevitably had to resort to some of the shady tactics the Fruit Group was now being accused of.
But as the saying goes, if you don’t want anyone to know, don’t do it.
Walk by the river long enough, and your shoes are bound to get wet.
Many companies had been condemned in the past when their dirty laundry was aired, but most of them just apologized, offered some compensation, and the whole affair would be over.
So, the Fruit Group intended to follow the same playbook this time.
"Then do as you say."
Kurda said, nodding.
About fifteen minutes later, the Fruit Group published a notice explaining the online scandal.
Furthermore, at the end of the text, it stated their suspicion that this was a targeted, malicious incident, implicitly pointing the finger at the Xia Wei Group.
Ye Ling, who was keeping an eye on the news online, naturally saw this notice the moment it appeared and couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
That’s right.
Brother Ling had laughed again.
In truth...
He thought the Fruit Group was right; it really was a malicious incident targeting the Fruit Group.
Except the mastermind behind this malicious incident wasn’t the Xia Wei Group. It was Ye Ling!
So, was the Xia Wei Group taking the fall for Ye Ling this time?
Ye Ling didn’t think there was anything wrong with that. Now that this matter was exposed, the Xia Wei Group would be the biggest beneficiary.
If that was the case, wasn’t it only right for them to take some of the heat for Ye Ling?
"Stinker, do you think the Fruit Group can get through this?"
Ning Ruoxi asked, looking at Ye Ling and blinking her eyes.
"How could they possibly get through this..."
Ye Ling shook his head.
’Are you kidding me? Do they really think those netizens are idiots?’
’Every single one of them is as sharp as a tack!’
’If there was nothing wrong with the Fruit Group’s products, would something like this have even happened?’
In reality, the Fruit Group had just shot itself in the foot. Releasing that kind of announcement was tantamount to confirming their products really had issues.
’Otherwise, wouldn’t it have been much easier to just issue a warning with a lawyer’s letter?’
’Did they really need to stoop to such veiled insinuations?’
Sure enough, just as Ye Ling had predicted, as soon as the announcement was published, the entire internet exploded with another round of vitriol aimed at the Fruit Group.
This time, it was an assault from consumers around the globe.
"Enough said, I’m going to buy a Glory P40!"
"Heh! An explanation? Shouldn’t it be an apology? Not an ounce of sincerity. Goodbye!"
"It’s just a phone from the Fruit Group, isn’t it? You really think I can’t live without you?"
...