"The events that transpired last night were a tragedy, and we are deeply saddened by them. Our primary responsibility is to the victims and their families." Hawk's voice adopted a heavy tone. "I solemnly commit that Lane Capital will bear full responsibility. Within the next thirty days, we will distribute compensation and benefits double the standard rate of New York State for all TCRI employees and their families who were unfortunately killed or injured in this safety incident. The specific plan will be executed by a dedicated team to ensure fairness, transparency, and timeliness."
A flurry of shutters and low whispers erupted from the audience. Double compensation! This far exceeded standard procedure and was a substantial public commitment.
"Secondly," Hawk shifted his focus, reverting to the rational businessman, "based on our assessment of TCRI's current status and future development, and following the careful decision of the Lane Group board of directors, I announce that TCRI will formally initiate the process for privatization and delisting. Once delisting is complete, the original TCRI business units will undergo a strategic split and restructuring."
The screen display switched, clearly showing the restructuring blueprint. Hawk pointed to the plan on the screen, patiently addressing the cameras: "The core biopharmaceutical business of the former TCRI will be spun off to operate independently under the new brand, Lane Bio-Tech, focusing on cutting-edge fields like gene therapy and neuroscience."
"The former TCRI technology research and development and hardware manufacturing sector will be wholly integrated into the technology division of Lane Industries, a subsidiary of Lane Group."
"We also have a reconstruction plan; we will not shy away from the wreckage."
"Lane Capital will invest no less than $600 million in the next three months for the reconstruction of the factory ruins in both Pennsylvania and Houston."
"The new facilities will adopt the latest safety standards and environmental technologies, not only restoring capacity but also becoming benchmarks in their respective fields."
Having finished his announcements with undeniable resolve, Hawk took a shallow breath. Emilia, with her professional business smile, immediately stepped forward: "We will now begin the Q&A session."
With the announcements concluded, the atmosphere instantly ignited. Reporters scrambled to raise their hands.
A journalist from The Wall Street Journal posed a slightly aggressive question: "Mr. Hawk, TCRI's stock price plummeted. Initiating privatization and delisting at this moment means the price will be far below its historical peak. Does this suggest Lane Capital executed a 'vulture' acquisition?"
Hawk responded: "TCRI's core technical assets and talent pool are a vital piece of Lane's long-term strategy. We are acquiring the future, not the bubbles of the past. As for the price, it was a fair and transparent market transaction. Lane is investing real money to stabilize the situation and cover massive subsequent reconstruction and compensation costs, which far exceeds any simple acquisition calculation."
The CNBC reporter's question was more professional: "Following the split and restructuring, especially during the period of production shutdown and reconstruction, how will Lane ensure cash flow and investor confidence? Will the new Lane Bio-Tech consider independent financing?"
Hawk: "Lane Capital's cash flow is extremely healthy, sufficient to support the restructuring and reconstruction plans. Investors value long-term strategy and execution, not short-term discomfort. Regarding Lane Bio-Tech, its independence is the cornerstone of its development. We do not rule out the possibility of introducing strategic investors or an independent IPO in the future, but for now, we are focused on recovery and solidifying our foundations."
As the serious business questions concluded, the focus subtly began to shift. Hawk didn't seem resistant; he even appeared to enjoy it.
The Vanity Fair reporter jumped in with a juicy question: "Mr. Hawk! As the youngest top billionaire globally, your private life is constantly a public focal point. Are you currently single, or do you prefer to keep your relationship status private?"
A ripple of suppressed laughter went through the reporters as the question ended.
Hawk raised an eyebrow and flashed a playful smile: "Wow, it seems the readers of Vanity Fair are more interested in my bedroom? But I believe my emotional life is certainly not the most anticipated news in the business world..."
He intentionally paused, successfully commanding everyone's attention. "...For example, Mr. Tony Stark is hosting an extremely extravagant birthday party for his personal assistant, Ms. Pepper Potts, in a few days. From what I hear, the scale is quite grand. Perhaps you should investigate if there are any surprises at that party."
The hall burst into an uproar the moment Hawk finished speaking, and reporters frantically took notes.
At this very moment, Tony Stark, having just finished a personal matter and now in 'The Philosopher's Mood,' was watching the live broadcast of the press conference with a supermodel draped over him. Hearing the words come from the screen, he spat out a mouthful of Scotch he had just swallowed. Scattered words like "Fuck" and "Bitch" were vaguely audible from his mouth...
The reporter from the notorious gossip channel TMZ then asked: "Mr. Hawk! Last night, paparazzi photographed you leaving a certain location late at night with a mysterious Asian woman. Is she your new girlfriend?"
Hawk smiled: "That lady is also known to many of you. She is the highly competent and trustworthy CEO of Lane Group, Ms. Andy. She has recently been learning a foreign language with me, which is why she tends to stay quite late."
The press conference was nearing its end, but the reporters were clearly not satisfied; countless questions still hung in the air. Hawk glanced at his wristwatch.
"Ladies and gentlemen, time is up," his voice once again controlled the entire room. "Thank you for your enthusiastic questions. We will provide detailed press releases shortly regarding Lane Capital's restructuring plan, compensation schemes, and reconstruction commitments. As for those... well, less serious topics," he offered a mischievous smirk, "let's let them drift away on the wind. Life needs a little spice, doesn't it?"
A wave of good-natured laughter and disappointed sighs swept through the audience.
Just then, Hawk's gaze landed precisely on a familiar figure in the crowd—April O'Neil of New York's Channel 6 News.
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