Chapter 712

After receiving the call, Benjamin wore a grim expression.

"What's the matter, Dad?" Leslie asked anxiously.

He prayed that the authorities wouldn't come knocking just yet. After all the bribes and favors they'd spread around, it shouldn't happen so soon. They should have enough time to make their escape.

Benjamin said sternly, "Many elderly folks from a farm cooperative in the Newlight District heard from an unknown source that we were conmen, and they are demanding that we return them the money they spent on our investments." Leslie leaped in rage. "Why are these old hags causing so much trouble?"

Benjamin nodded. "Now, we need to do what it takes to stabilize this bunch of old hags. We can't let them make things worse than they already are."

Leslie nodded and said, "Dad, let me handle this. I'll head to the farm cooperative in the Newlight District right now."

"Okay!" Benjamin nodded. "You need to emphasize that you are the son of the owner of Cline Corporation when you're there. Earn their trust, and spin the biggest, juiciest promise you can to stall time. Also, bring some cash with you. If things get tense, hand out some money to calm the crowd down, at least for the moment."

These elderly folks couldn't resist the sight of money. They would calm down quickly once they were tossed a little something.

Leslie drove the Bentley and headed toward the Newlight District with a few of his staff.

When they arrived at the destination, he was welcomed with a group of elderly folks causing a commotion.

The staff members were struggling to persuade the elderly people about how the country supported the high-speed rail project and how substantial the future profits would be.

It was like buying a chicken that laid an egg, then the egg hatched into another chicken, which laid another egg. It would be generation after generation, endless and ever-growing, bringing them endless profit that would never run out.

However, the group of elderly folks was skeptical. They shouted, "Give us our money back! We no longer wish to invest in your project. We don't care about the profit. Everything will be fine once you return our money to us."

"Exactly! We don't want a single cent of the interest you promised. We only want our initial investment."

"My son is still lying on a hospital bed and is in dire need of this money for his treatment! Please, I beg you. Give me my money back!" Original content can be found at Find1Novel.net

"My family is still hoping to use that money to buy a house! If you do not return our money, we will pursue legal action and involve the authorities to uphold what is right for us."

There was even an elderly woman who started becoming physically aggressive.

Completely overwhelmed, the staff scrambled away in panic. Finally, their eyes lit up when they saw Leslie walking toward them.

They quickly went to him and said, "Mr. Cline, you're finally here! Please save us."

Leslie nodded confidently, waving his hand to signal them to calm down. "I'll handle it from here."

The staff, visibly relieved, quickly turned to the elderly folks and announced, "Everyone, please calm down! This is our manager, Mr. Cline. He has full authority to handle this matter. If you have any concerns or demands, please bring them directly to him."

Hearing that the manager had arrived, the elderly crowd swarmed over and surrounded Leslie. All of them spoke at once, their voices rising in frustration, as they repeated the same demands. "Give us our money back! If you don't, we'll take this to the authorities!"

"You're a scammer! How dare you con us out of our hard-earned money!"

"If you don't give me my money back, prepare to have my blood on your hands."

Leslie maintained a bright smile. After listening to their concerns, he said with a pleasant tone, "Everyone, please calm down. Our high-speed rail project is a key national initiative, and it's currently running smoothly with continuous profits. I assure you that the funds you've invested will return to you with interest, along with your principal."