Chapter 29: In a Single Word, It Was All for Yang Mi!

Cao Wei was drenched in sweat. He had traveled hundreds of kilometers at breakneck speed, and even rushed up the elevator on foot.

"I’m absolutely exhausted. I was in the middle of negotiating a partnership out there."

As the head of the Internet Regulatory Bureau, Li Youguang was not just responsible for managing Shanghai. More importantly, Shanghai served as a critical hub for internet regulation meetings, which gave him the full authority to summon these internet titans for a conference. Furthermore, the Shanghai Municipal Bureau was no ordinary municipal department; it held status equivalent to a provincial-level authority. No matter how powerful a business tycoon might be, they would never dare to challenge a high-ranking provincial official.

"Could this be about Yang Mi?" Ma Teng adjusted his glasses and took a sip of his bottled water. "Have you all received the notice that no content regarding Yang Mi is allowed to appear online?"

Zhang Ming frowned, deep in thought. "Yes, I asked other companies, and they’ve all received the same message. I suspect this meeting is very likely about her."

An internet mogul nearby raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. "What? Because of Yang Mi? Chairman Zhang, that’s impossible, isn't it?"

A murmur of disbelief rippled through the room. Yang Mi was just an actress. Everyone present was a heavyweight with a net worth of billions or tens of billions; in their eyes, Yang Mi was nothing more than an entertainer. Would the head of internet regulation suddenly call an emergency meeting over a mere celebrity? What kind of international joke was this? How could it be possible?

Cao Wei’s expression was uncertain. Rationally speaking, it was impossible for Yang Mi to be the core of such a meeting. But instinctively, he felt that this matter was indeed connected to her.

Just then, a staff member approached and whispered, "Gentlemen, Director Li is about to arrive."

Immediately, everyone in the room fell silent. The conference room became deathly quiet. A moment later, an elderly man wearing a Zhongshan suit walked in with a solemn expression. He was none other than the head of the bureau, Li Youguang.

"Gentlemen, thank you for your hard work in attending this urgent meeting."

Li Youguang dispensed with the pleasantries quickly before continuing. "I have summoned you all here today to inform you of a matter of great importance. The reason we are holding this meeting in person is precisely because of the gravity of the situation."

His tone made everyone feel a bit tense. The heads of the mid-sized internet companies, in particular, began to worry: *Is this guy going to overhaul the entire internet industry?* They looked at each other, but no one dared to speak, waiting quietly for what was to come.

Li Youguang said in a low, heavy voice, "From this moment on, no negative news or public opinion regarding Yang Mi is permitted on any of your platforms. If I find any omissions, do not blame me for being discourteous. Furthermore, regarding those who spread rumors or illegal remarks, I expect you to report them actively and provide evidence. I will issue corresponding rewards for your efforts."

As his words fell, every internet mogul in the room was stunned. No one could believe that such an urgent and grand regulatory meeting had been convened solely because of Yang Mi, a minor celebrity. This… wasn't this pure madness? If it weren't for Li Youguang’s weight and authority, they might have stood up and called him insane.

Zhang Ming, Ma Teng, and the others wore expressions of confusion. Even these industry leaders couldn't fathom why Li Youguang had issued such an absurd directive. *No wonder this had to be an in-person meeting,* they thought. *And no wonder all communication devices were confiscated at the start.* This was certainly not the kind of thing that could be discussed online.

Seeing the room buzzing with whispers, Li Youguang’s expression darkened. "What? It seems you gentlemen have some objections. Chairman Zhang, why don't you tell us what your thoughts are? Is your company, ByteDance, unwilling to comply?"

Zhang Ming was taken aback, his heart skipping a beat. *Damn it, he’s trying to use me as a sacrificial lamb to make an example of,* he thought. He hurriedly stood up. "Director Li, you’ve misunderstood. I will hold a board meeting the moment I return to ensure these instructions are implemented. I guarantee there won't be a single lapse."

Despite being a man of immense wealth, Zhang Ming dared not cross Li Youguang. The man was an official authority; if he said your company had a problem, then it had a problem.

Li Youguang didn't look at Zhang Ming but turned to the others. "And what about the rest of you?"

Ma Teng and the other entrepreneurs replied, "We will rectify the situation immediately upon our return!"

Seeing this, Li Youguang’s expression finally softened. "Very well, then. We are done here. This meeting was just an informal chat; you may all head back now."

Everyone understood that by putting it this way, Li Youguang was making it clear that the meeting was to remain confidential. After it adjourned, the internet moguls rushed back to their companies without delay to pass down the orders.

Back in the conference room, Li Youguang took a sip of water, his heavy heart finally feeling a bit lighter.

"Director Li, I have a question," the secretary who had been with him for ten years couldn't help but ask.

Li Youguang smiled faintly. "I know. You’re curious why I would go to such lengths for an actress, aren't you?"

The secretary nodded. "Yes. After all, you represent the authorities. Issuing such a notice is bound to cause suspicion among those below."

Li Youguang sneered. "Let them suspect what they want. They wouldn't dare say anything, and they will do as I say!" As a provincial-level official, Li Youguang was highly authoritative everywhere, except perhaps in front of Li Qing. He continued, "As for Yang Mi’s situation, that is not something you need to know. I am merely doing this as a favor to someone else."

*A favor to someone else?* Hearing this, the secretary was deeply shocked. Just how high-ranking must someone be to make Director Li act in such a way?