Chapter 988: 983. Assets Exposed (Seeking Subscriptions and Monthly Tickets)

These reporters' questions were more direct than the last, all concerning topics everyone is currently most interested in.

Although most people do not believe this point—after all, Aili's influence is too great, and he has monopolized the position of the world's richest man for so long that it is truly hard for the average person to imagine him being surpassed just like that.

But since such a topic exists, they are of course willing to ask about it; it is, after all, a very good topic.

In fact, many reporters already had an idea of how Zhang Ran would answer: it would be nothing more than saying he respects Mr. Aili very much, admires his talent, and although he hasn't surpassed him yet, he still has confidence.

These reporters have already heard answers like this many times.

But this time is different; Zhang Ran is the closest anyone has come in these years, and the speed of his wealth growth is too fast.

Although everyone knows some of the reasons, this wealth was not truly accumulated by Zhang Ran just in these past two years.

But if one adds in Zhang Ran's past affairs, it possesses an even more legendary quality.

It was just that Zhang Ran's answer was something none of them had expected; after hearing Zhang Ran's reply, the room went quiet for a moment.

Because this is what Zhang Ran said: "That's right, if we go by the net worth on the current Forbes Rich List, I should count as having surpassed Aili."

The room was frighteningly quiet; no one expected Zhang Ran to actually say this, and he truly dared to say it.

According to their current calculations, Zhang Ran is still fifty billion US dollars away from Aili; this is not a small amount.

Now Zhang Ran actually says he has already surpassed Aili?

Zhang Ran was in no rush to speak, just looking quietly at everyone below; at this moment, he did not look excited, as if what he had said was just a very normal matter.

Three minutes later, the entire venue suddenly became boisterous; gasps and questioning voices rang out, making the originally solemn conference hall as noisy as a vegetable market.

Zhang Ran did not have anyone stop them; at this time, it was better to let them vent on their own first.

After all, the people who came here were not ordinary, and they quickly quieted down. What followed was a storm-like barrage of questions; at this point, no one cared about any rules.

Zhang Ran said loudly in front of the microphone: "Quiet, one at a time."

After saying this, he directly pointed to a foreign reporter and let her stand up to ask a question.

Laixika saw she had been called upon and immediately shouted excitedly: "Mr. Zhang, may I ask if what you just said is true?"

Zhang Ran seemed somewhat baffled: "What is true or not?"

"It's what you just said, that you have already surpassed Mr. Aili in wealth; may I ask if this is true?" Laixika asked excitedly; this was a super big piece of news.

Regardless of whether it was true or not, it was a super big piece of news.

Zhang Ran smiled and nodded: "Of course, if it weren't true, would I be so bored as to say these things? Chasing clout isn't done like that either."

Zhang Ran's words made quite a few people laugh; thinking about it, it was true, Zhang Ran wouldn't need to chase Aili's clout, as even according to their calculations, both sides were roughly at the same level; there was no need.

But the more this was the case, the more everyone felt somewhat unable to believe it.

"But Mr. Zhang Ran, as far as we know, the total assets of the Zhang Family Holding Company seem to only be around 180 billion US dollars, still 50 billion US dollars away from Mr. Aili's total assets." Laixika's tone was full of skepticism.

The others also quieted down at this time, listening silently to Zhang Ran answer the question.

Zhang Ran said calmly: "The Zhang Family Holding Company is not a publicly listed company; how do you know our company's true assets?"

Once these words were out, everyone didn't know what to say; it seemed that was indeed the case.

But they would not be convinced by Zhang Ran just like that.

"Mr. Zhang Ran, but ever since you were established, you have been under everyone's attention; even if we don't know the specific situation, our calculations shouldn't be off by much."

Zhang Ran said: "Alright, it seems if I don't give you an explanation today, you will write me off as a big liar when you go back."

A few light chuckles came from below again, but the fact was also that as long as Zhang Ran didn't produce evidence, then Zhang Ran's reputation would likely be ruined immediately.

Those domestically would be a bit better, as they would show some respect, but those abroad would certainly smear Zhang Ran hard, and there would be quite a few people fanning the flames.

Zhang Ran looked at everyone's expressions, smiled, and continued: "Before explaining our company's financial situation, I will first introduce someone to everyone."

As he spoke, Zhang Ran turned his body slightly and gestured for everyone to look at Wang Ning: "I believe everyone should have already known about this person from the initial introduction; his name is Wang Ning, and he is the president of our Asset Management Department.

Regarding the following questions, I believe President Wang will give everyone a satisfactory answer."

Once these words were out, everyone's gaze was immediately locked onto Wang Ning, making Wang Ning involuntarily feel a bit nervous.

There was no helping it; for these years, he had basically always been behind the scenes and rarely stepped to the forefront, and even when he did, it was to discuss with the management of some large companies; he was not accustomed to such a situation.

However, Wang Ning was not afraid of such a scene and quickly adjusted his mood.

"Hello everyone, my name is Wang Ning..." After a routine self-introduction, he immediately said: "If you have any questions, you can ask me."

"President Wang, regarding what Mr. Zhang Ran just said, do you have any evidence on your side?"

"Of course I do, but before answering this question, I must first explain to everyone what the department I currently manage actually does," Wang Ning replied with a light laugh.

After finishing, without waiting for any reaction from the others, he continued on his own: "The Asset Management Department, to put it plainly, is to manage the company's assets.

But for our Headquarters, most of the assets have their own management system and don't need us at all, so what do we do?"

"Of course, we manage those industries we invested in previously, where we don't have absolute control, but only have some scattered shares."

"Everyone, please look at the big screen; these are the assets that our Asset Management Department needs to manage now. I believe that upon seeing these, everyone will be able to understand some of the situation."

Wang Ning was also straightforward and decisive, directly laying out all the data for everyone to see for themselves.

When the shares held by the Asset Management Department appeared on the big screen, everyone opened their mouths in surprise.

Weiteng Group, Dayi Network Company... these were all company names familiar to everyone, and now they all appeared on this.

And now everyone also knew what it meant for them to appear on this.