Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 1123: Turning the Tables Against the Wind

Chapter 1123: Chapter 1123: Turning the Tables Against the Wind

The next day, the front page news was all about the events that had occurred the previous night, such as street brawls and gang conflicts, causing people to feel panicked and afraid to leave their homes.

Soon, a message was released stating there was a curfew in place; without pressing matters, residents were advised not to go out, not to go to work or school, stores were to close, and factories were to halt production.

Due to this incident, the stock market took a hit upon opening, and stocks related to the city plummeted as many people were selling off.

Haywes watched the prices of stocks fall continuously, fear escalating to its peak within him. This was entirely unlike what he had expected. The X Fund still had many stocks not yet cashed out, and now they were stuck with them.

With no other choice, Haywes instructed his subordinates to sell all the remaining stocks while he called Luo Jingrong, Du Changhui, and others, suggesting they stabilize everyone else to prevent the stocks from falling further.

What Haywes hadn’t anticipated was that Luo Jingrong and Du Changhui were also selling off stocks. Seeing too many people leaving the market, they acted quickly to minimize their losses which could be immeasurable if delayed.

"It’s over!" Haywes watched the continual decline of the stock prices, his heart sinking along with them.

His subordinates roughly calculated the gains from the stock market’s buoyancy the previous two days against the losses from the significant drop on the third day. Overall, they were still in a profitable position, within an acceptable range.

But Haywes couldn’t accept it; this was not the victory he wanted. It was nothing like the plan, and this kind of victory felt rather disgraceful.

The CEOs of companies at the end of the supply chain, seeing the adverse situation, began selling their stocks as soon as the market opened without notifying Luo Jingrong or Du Changhui. Although these CEOs incurred losses, it wasn’t enough to bankrupt their companies; meaning those companies at the end of the supply chain were still around.

"Damn it, why, why did the gangs make their move ahead of time?" Haywes was puzzled, slowly sensing an issue, wondering if someone was manipulating the situation.

Just then, Gu Fan called, his laughter very smug, "Hello, Mr. Haywes, it seems like the situation is quite bad. I don’t know how much you’ve lost, nor do I know how to console you."

Haywes, annoyed, gritted his teeth and said, "Gu Fan, you wouldn’t happen to be behind all this, would you?"

"How could that be? I don’t have that kind of power," Gu Fan chuckled lightly. "I guess it’s the will of heaven, fate is on my side. I don’t know how it happened, things just unfolded, and I woke up completely clueless."

"Fine, very fine, Gu Fan. I truly admire you. To snatch right from the jaws of the X Fund, I swear I will never underestimate you again." After speaking, Haywes glanced inadvertently at Li Shi, who was tied up next to him, and sneered, "Congratulations, Gu Fan, you’ve upheld the economy of this city, but your classmate is still in my hands. If you want your old classmate to be safe, you’ll have to exchange your family’s old house for her."

"Alright, no problem. I’d gladly trade the old house for Li Shi, but you need to tell me where to exchange," Gu Fan said casually, his nonchalant attitude making Haywes alert.

Haywes coolly responded, "I’ll find a reliable agency and then ask Helen to talk to your parents for their signatures while you try to persuade your parents as well. That’s it."

"Okay, no problem." Gu Fan agreed, showing no intention of bargaining, which once again made Haywes worry the young man might have another trick up his sleeve.

However, Gu Fan wanted to hear Li Shi’s voice to ensure she was unharmed, and Haywes thought this request was quite reasonable, so he agreed.

After ending the call, Haywes looked at the stock market and couldn’t help but sigh, "Why did this happen? We were so strong, every step was calculated, the victory was supposed to be ours. How could this young man turn the tables?"

Li Shi, listening on the side, was also shocked. She too wanted to know what Gu Fan had done to avert the crisis.

"I want to ask, why do you guys want Gu Fan’s family’s old house so badly?" Li Shi asked courageously, only to see Haywes’s sly smile, "Are you sure you want to know? You won’t regret it?"

Hearing this, Li Shi shook her head, "Never mind, don’t tell me. I don’t want to be involved in your conflict."

"That’s wise. Knowing too much isn’t always good." After saying this, Haywes gave a meaningful smile, "But it seems, you’ve already been dragged into this struggle by Gu Fan. If you really want to know, you can ask him once you’re rescued."

Suddenly Haywes thought of something, "Surprising, Gu Fan is actually willing to trade his family’s old house for you. It really shows how much he values you."

"What value, we were just classmates," Although Li Shi spoke plainly, she felt secretly delighted inside.

Just then, Helen called with a stern warning, "Haywes, don’t mess around. Release Li Shi immediately. If you want the old house, it’s not by these means."

Haywes was displeased, "What’s going on, Helen? Are you speaking for Gu Fan now? Don’t forget, you are one of us. You should be looking out for our interests, not the Gu family’s."

"Listen, you fool. Since Destiny Stone has chosen Gu Fan, there won’t be a chance for you to take away the old house. Losing to Gu Fan in your strength has already proven this point, so better stop now before you cause any serious trouble," Helen advised sincerely, but Haywes just wouldn’t listen, "What do you mean by that? Who says I’ve lost? The hostage Gu Fan cares about is still in my hands. He has no choice but to hand over the old house, so the final winner is still me. It’s up to you, Helen, to decide whether you want to help Gu Fan or me. If you still choose our side, then do as I say and take over the old house."

By now, Helen knew she couldn’t change Haywes’s mind. She said reluctantly, "Alright, since you insist, I’ll help you, but let me make it clear — if you provoke Gu Fan and something unpleasant happens, you will have to bear all the responsibility."

Hearing the words responsibility and bearing it, Haywes’s heart trembled, instinct telling him to back off while there was still room, but his pride forced him to keep going. If he couldn’t get the old house this time, he would become a laughingstock when he returned.

"You little rascal, let’s see what tricks you can play." Decided, Haywes was determined to fight Gu Fan to the end, refusing to lose to a greenhorn.