667 Retaliate (1/2)

Because of the importance of the class action suit, Jiang Chen gathered Future Technology's North American CEO and a lawyer from the legal team to conduct a virtual conference.

At the very beginning, Jiang Chen asked.

”What's the probability of winning?”

”Seventy percent! the UA's Justice Department lacks a factual claim. The precise definition of Phantom is 'high-end VR equipment.' Although it accounts for a large share of the UA market, it's far from enough to achieve a monopoly. Microsoft's HoloLens, Google Cardboard and other devices in the low-end market still occupy a significant market share. The key is that we don't use our advantages in the market to prevent other companies from entering the market,” the lawyer replied with certainty.

The law prohibited monopolies, meaning deliberately creating industry barriers to entry, monopolizing key resources, and eliminating competition. It was a procedural determination; the monopoly could result in market leadership, but market leadership didn't necessarily mean a monopoly.

It was only a technological gap that prevented other firms from entering the market - Future Group hadn't used their strengths to thwart completion. Therefore, the UA Department of Justice's claim was far-fetched. Future Group's possibility of winning was high!

The lawyer nodded and Jiang Chen then looked at Hermit.

”Hermit, you're the CEO of the North American division. I have only one thing to tell you - prepare to cause a controversy. Seventy percent of UA citizens' smartphones have Future 1.0 installed. It's not only a gold mine but also our weapon! I need you to create an atmosphere where the UA Department of Justice prevents technological innovation out of protectionism and potentially accepts a bribe to launch an anti-trust investigation against Future Group.”

While pressure from public opinion wouldn't be enough to force its hand, it would be enough to make them pay a heavy price. The Department of Justice existed to serve the Capital. If Ms. Hill wanted to continue running the office, she had to remain cautious about this matter.

”It's okay without evidence. We can use the army of the internet and a conspiracy theory!” Jiang Chen added.

”I understand!” Hermit nodded.

After he finished up, Jiang Chen rushed to New Moon Island.

On the island, he met with the two people detained for trespassing on the mining platform. Because of pressure from the UA Embassy, Celestial Trade didn't send the two of them to prison and instead brought them to the military base.

They were a male and a female. The female looked young, like a university student. The male was older, around 30 years in age. His defined face was paired with glasses and a beard.

Inside a dark room, they were looking at the soldiers with rifles outside. The male looked calm and seemed to be experienced with detainment, but the female looked inexperienced as she was shivering in a corner.

”Katie, stay calm. They can't do anything to us. We're UA citizens. Just for the sake of saving her own face, Hill will get us out.” Barney comforted his companion.

”But they have guns…” Katie said, frightened.

”Don't worry Miss Katie, we're not New Guinean cannibals. Just as the gentleman said, we won't do anything to you.”

A voice suddenly came from the door. The two people inside the darkroom immediately looked in that direction. The soldier in the hallway saluted and stepped aside. Barney recognized the person and immediately narrowed his eyes.

Jiang Chen! He came here personally.

”We're the advocates of Blue Seagull! You heartless businessmen - you don't have the right to interfere with our just cause! I demand you let us go, or else…”

”Or else our treatment of you will be made into a documentary and released on YouTube to tarnish our name?” Jiang Chen grinned. ”Or else you plan to launch a massive protest and sue us for the falsified crime we didn't commit?”

”They aren't falsified crimes! Your actions forced poor dolphins to leave their homes. It was all because of your irresponsible actions. Do you know what your actions will do to the ecosystem?!” Katie worked up her courage and berated Jiang Chen while staring him down.

”Is that so? Regardless if we committed a crime or not, you're not the police. And just seven hours ago, you trespassed on Future Mining's mining platform and disrupted our production. We're currently considering suing you for the crime of piracy! If the prosecution stands, you'll be facing a prison term between 10 to 15 years. I'm really curious - when you left the airport, didn't they remind you to follow the laws of the local government?” Jiang Chen said with a smile.

”You-you can't do that!” A hint of fear surfaced on Barney's face.

Jiang Chen didn't look like he was willing to compromise with the embassy. This wasn't what Barney expected.