Just as Ye Chen predicted.

The land deal wasn't just his concern.

The municipal government was anxious too.

Firstly, Ye Chen had declined policy support and tax incentives.

Secondly, the land wasn't being granted for free—it was a two-billion-yuan purchase.

Given this context and the evident potential of Yi Ren Ru Xue, how could the city government not be concerned?

How could they not worry that delays might lead to Yi Ren Ru Xue being wooed by other cities?

Because of this, the relevant departments wasted no time in contacting Ye Chen the very next day to expedite the process.

Even with full cooperation, Ye Chen found himself swamped for several days.

He was simultaneously handling the land acquisition and investing in the Jianghu Hotpot chain.

With both tasks progressing, Ye Chen became incredibly busy.

After several intense days, everything was finally settled.

Meanwhile, under Zhang Xingguo's orders, Yong'an Construction swiftly launched the Yi Ren Ru Xue production park project in Huangpu.

On the Jianghu Hotpot front, following a series of agreements between Liu Xi and Ye Chen, 68% of the company's shares transferred to Ye Chen. With his initial investment, Liu Xi and Chen Yihao set off to expand the business across China's major cities.

Everything seemed to be thriving and progressing smoothly.

At the same time, after tens of thousands of purchases, the results of Wu Xia Cream sparked explosive reviews.

The overwhelming praise not only dominated trending topics online but also caused significant declines in the sales of competing skincare products.

The reason was simple—consumers weren't fools.

Why spend excessively on expensive, ineffective products when Wu Xia Cream offered immediate results for just a few hundred yuan?

Even if Wu Xia Cream was hard to get, it only fueled demand further.

This surge in popularity cast a chilling shadow over the entire industry, signaling an unprecedented winter.

Everyone agreed this was just the beginning.

Yundai Company

"President Ding, this is our sales data for the past two weeks. Aside from cosmetics, sales have dropped by over 50% year-on-year."

The vice president entered Ding Chengjun's office, his face lined with worry as he handed over the report.

"Fifty percent?"

Ding Chengjun's eyes widened in disbelief.

He anticipated a shrinking market, but not this fast or severe.

"Yes, over 50%. And according to the sales curve, the decline is ongoing. Next month, it could be 60%, 70%, or even worse. President Ding, to be frank, if this continues, Yundai will be forced to focus solely on cosmetics. But cosmetics aren't our main product, and we can't compete with others in that sector!"

Ding Chengjun stared at the report, breathing heavily without responding.

"President Ding, I think we should lower prices and collaborate with online influencers to boost sales. Our profit margins will shrink, but it's better than watching sales plummet indefinitely. If we don't act, our products will be forced out of the market."

Suddenly, Ding Chengjun erupted.

"Impossible!"

The vice president flinched.

"Our brand relies on affordability, meaning we profit from high sales volumes. If we slash prices further, we'll be doing charity work. Besides, once prices drop, raising them again is nearly impossible. Do you think consumers will tolerate price fluctuations? We'll either lose money indefinitely or hand our market share to competitors. Reducing prices isn't an option!"

Hearing this, the vice president sighed inwardly but held his tongue.

Was price fluctuation really the issue now?

Even lowering prices might not stop the sales decline.

Still, it seemed the only way to salvage what they could.

"So, President Ding, what do you propose? If Wu Xia Cream remains dominant and we stay idle, our cash flow won't last long."

"If I had a solution, do you think we'd still be here?"

Ding Chengjun exhaled sharply, frustration evident.

Moments later, he waved the vice president away.

"Leave me to think."

The vice president quietly exited the office.

"Pang Jun... you heartless bastard. Are you really trying to destroy me and Yundai?"

Ding Chengjun clenched his teeth, muttering to himself.

He knew that obtaining Wu Xia Cream's formula was the fastest way out of this predicament. Not only would it solve the crisis, but it could also propel Yundai to the top.

But getting the formula? Unrealistic.

Pang Jun had no family ties—no leverage. His parents died in a car accident when he was in middle school.

With Pang Jun being as stubborn as a stone in a latrine, Ding Chengjun exhausted all possible tactics, but nothing worked.

Two days ago, leading industry executives held a conference to address Wu Xia Cream's market takeover.

Yet, no viable solutions emerged.

Despite brainstorming various strategies to suppress Wu Xia Cream or force it out of the market, Ding Chengjun found none feasible.

Sigh.

Still lacking a solution, Ding Chengjun kicked the wall in frustration.

Just then, a knock came at the door.

Before Ding Chengjun could respond, his secretary entered.

"President Ding!" she called softly.

"Get out!" Ding Chengjun snapped, tugging at his tie.

The secretary sighed but understood. News of the sales slump had already spread internally.

Many employees were preemptively searching for new jobs, fearing layoffs.

"President Ding, someone wants to see you."

"I don't care who it is. Send them away!"

"She's Ye Chen's classmate," the secretary added.

"I said no! Do you understand? Leave!"

The secretary hesitated but turned to leave.

However, just as she reached the door—

"Wait! Who did you say wants to see me?"

Ding Chengjun's eyes shot open as he urgently asked.