What is a super villain?
Chapter 228 Business Alliance
Chapter 228 Business Alliance
In this way, the regular board of directors of Lingguangtian Energy came to an end.
On the surface, it seemed that Midgar Haiye was eliminated, Ai Liwei was not strong enough in manufacturing, and Fu Xi won a complete victory.
Tilu took back the shares of the former chairman of Lingguang Tian Energy, and a lot of other messy assets that have not been liquidated. It will take a few days to officially take office, but this identity has been officially recognized.
Now, everyone who sees her has to address her as 'Ms.' or 'Miss'. Tilu, an unnamed village girl who was born in the wilderness countryside, has jumped to the top of the power that Rose City and even Azure Star must pay attention to.
— even she is underage!
Of course, everyone knows that Tilu is just a 'puppet', and the real person in charge behind it is Fu Xi, who is reborn for military purposes.
But this does not affect their views on girls, and flattery.
As for the person involved, she didn't have any real feelings, and she still followed Fu Xi step by step, treating herself as a personal assistant.
"In the future, I'm afraid you won't be able to follow me like now."
Fu Xi said suddenly.
Tilu was staring at his back. Hearing these words, she couldn't help feeling flustered, and slowly lowered her head:
"Ah."
"For a period of time, you don't need to take care of Lingguangtian's energy business. Lawson will take advantage of the situation to actively integrate their company, which will take a long time."
Fu Xi said to her seriously:
"We have a reason to govern Lingguang Tian Energy in an aboveboard manner, but the struggle is not over yet. Before the integration is completed, there may be accidents in Midgar Sea Industry, Elivi Manufacturing, and even Yeshi Bank."
"The business alliance signed by the three companies is currently just a paper treaty, and there is still a long way to go to form a closer whole."
"Ah."
Tilu lowered her head slightly, wondering whether she could bear such a heavy responsibility.
Fu Xi said: "So I want to ask your opinion, after inheriting the shares, do you want to stay with me, not intervene in the business alliance and just be a mascot? Or shoulder the responsibility and become the president of the business alliance. "
He paused, and then explained:
"If you choose the former, I will arrange someone to be the president; if you choose the latter, this person will come to be your assistant and help you manage the entire alliance affairs."
The candidate for president that Fu Xi was talking about was Tilu's sister, Maggie.
The trust between him and Maggie has not reached the level of intimacy, but there are common interests and a basis for cooperation.
From the perspective of the candidate's ability, the somewhat stubborn bionic sister Fu Hongying is the best candidate.
However, Fu Hongying bears the indelible imprint of rebirth for military use. In Fu Xi's plan, the new business alliance will not be dominated by 'rebirth for military use', but by 'Fu Xi'.
There is a difference.
The rebirth military is his backing, but Fu Xi needs to be independent of the rebirth military, a force that can rival the former.
Not putting all your eggs in one basket is also planning for a rainy day.
If one day he has to break with the Rebirth Army due to some reason—such as exposure of his identity as a time traveler, this independent power will become the last resort.
The probability of exposure is small, but there is no problem in diluting the risk in advance now.
After guessing that Ye Qinghuan is the 'Emperor's' 'Tianquan Star', he even has a brand new plan.
—— Let the old, weak, sick and disabled "emperor" be reborn with the newly established business alliance.
'Yoguangxing' is the president, 'Tianquanxing' is on the side to assist, and 'Ziwei Dijun' is in the rear... There are more resources and manpower to promote the research on the star god and find out the truth about his [time travel].
Maggie and Ye Qinghuan can't completely trust him, but Rebirth Military and Tilu can stand by his side as a check to maintain balance.
Triangle is a very stable shape, and checks and balances are the essence of the game.
However, he did not tell Tilu the overall plan. First, because there is still a long way to go before the formal formation of the business alliance, and it is necessary to annex Lingguangtian Energy and Yeshi Bank; If you don't want to, you will definitely be brave.
Tiru replied without thinking:
"I choose the latter!"
She didn't want to learn from the other person, but obediently chose one of the two.
Di Lu looked at Fu Xi seriously, and said solemnly:
"Boss, I want to stay by your side, but I don't want to be just a mascot. Whether it's fighting or other things, I... I have to be able to help you."
Then, she hesitated again:
"Besides, it doesn't mean that if you choose the latter, you must stay far away from you..."
Fu Xi understood what she meant.
So he stretched out his hand and rubbed her head, smiled lightly and said:
"In this case, then do as you think."
Tilu laughed contentedly, and quietly hid under her generous palm, revealing her longing for the person in front of her.
She knew in her heart that Fu Xi had greater ambitions and goals.In order to stand by his side, I have to become stronger to become an indispensable part of his life.
At that time, we will be able to be together happily and live a life without shame or impatience——
Her face slowly turned red, and just when her thoughts could not be suppressed anymore, the sound of footsteps from far to near behind her brought Ti Lu back to her senses, and she quickly moved her head away from Fu Xi's hands.
She coughed lightly and straightened her posture.
Both of them agreed to end the topic.
Fu Xi restrained his smile and turned sideways to look in the direction of his footsteps.
——He purposely waited for Ye Qinghuan outside the docking platform of the floating car.
The end of the meeting does not mean that the deal with Ye Shi has been completed.
Ye Qinghuan still walked very slowly, occasionally supporting Shukel, but she was unwilling to use foreign objects for assistance.
Perun followed Shuker's side and rear, not concealing his relationship with Ye Shi.
"I didn't expect Miss Qing Huan to hide such a trump card, no wonder she is full of confidence."
After approaching, Fu Xi took the initiative to speak.
Ye Qinghuan paused when she heard the words, walked up to Fu Xi, and raised her eyes to look at him:
"Ye's Bank has shown its sincerity, I hope Mr. Fu will not break his promise."
"of course."
Fu Xi groaned with a smile, and he was in a good mood because Mingren didn't speak secretly.
"Leave the alliance contract to your vice president. [Miniature disturbance field] I don't know how Miss Qing Huan plans to take it away?"
Ye Qinghuan was silent for a moment, then let go of Shukel's arm:
"I'll go there myself, please trouble Mr. Fu to go with me."
"Miss..."
Shukel called in a low voice, worried about her physical condition.
Ye Qinghuan shook her head lightly: "I'll leave the rest to you, Shuker."
Fu Xi made a gesture of invitation in front of her, and at the same time said to the hale and hearty Shuker:
"Please rest assured, after the alliance contract is signed, I will send someone to send Miss Qing Huan back to Ye's Bank intact."
The three of them boarded Fu Xi's floating car, the engine under the car shimmered, slowly drifted away from the ground, and accelerated away.
……
On the floating car, Ye Qinghuan sat on the semi-open seat, Fu Xi and Di Lu were opposite her.
Fu Xi waved his hand in the air, and the roof of the car body turned translucent gray, and the natural light from the outside would be scattered in the roof to form a stable and comfortable light source.
"I haven't congratulated Mr. Fu and...Miss Tilu yet."
Ye Qinghuan sat upright, leaning slightly towards the seat, with long and slender fingers resting lightly on her knees.
"Thank you."
Fu Xi replied calmly: "But it's still too early to celebrate, you and I both know that the matter is not over yet."
"Mr. Fu is worried about Midgar Haiye's revenge?"
Ye Qinghuan's eyes are deep and energetic, which is a deliberately created temperament. The education she received since she was a child made her show elegance in business situations like this.
Fu Xi shook his head:
"It's not Midgar Haiye. There is no need to worry about the opponent on the bright side. Miss Qing Huan should know the name 'Luo Yongkang'."
Ye Qinghuan paused and became more serious:
"know."
"His identity is very sensitive. He was the chief engineer of the gaseous planet collector of Lingguangtian energy." Fu Xi glanced at her, raised the champagne and took a sip: "I heard that the friend who first contacted Luo Yongkang and lured him to defect Shang is Ye Shi."
Maggie sent him some messages, briefly explaining what happened on her side.
The specific report will have to wait until the two meet in person.
"That's right, we first negotiated cooperation with Luo Yongkang."
Ye Qinghuan didn't hide it, but admitted it directly.
Fu Xi smiled slightly when he heard the words: "So, there is a component of 'Miniature Galaxy' on Luo Yongkang?"
Ye Qing gave him a happy look and asked:
"What does Mr. Fu want to say?"
"We all know that he was taken away by a group of unknown characters at the end. The identity of the group is unknown and the purpose is unknown. They may come for the energy of the aura, or they may be interested in the 'miniature galaxy'. Either way, I They both have a common enemy with Miss Qing Huan."
Fu Xi said steadily: "I think this will be the basis for deepening cooperation and trust between us."
Ye Qinghuan covered her mouth and laughed in a low voice:
"Are you worried that after Yeshi gets the [Miniature Disturbance Field], he will be incompatible with the Rebirth Army, and deliberately delay?"
"Mr. Fu, there is no need to have such thoughts. Yeshi Bank is a financial company, and financial companies value credibility the most. Since they have decided to cooperate with you, they will definitely fulfill their due responsibilities."
"That would be great."
Fu Xi nodded, he wasn't worried about Ye Shi's thoughts, he was just testing Ye Qinghuan.
Clearly, this woman is watertight.
Thinking of him turning his head slightly to look at Tilu, who was listening quietly beside him, it is better to be such a little girl, with her thoughts written on her face, it is easy to guess.
Among the people around him, only Tilu is the most worry-free now.
"boss?"
Feeling the gaze, Teru called out in a low voice.
"It's okay." Fu Xi comforted him.
A few minutes later, the floating vehicle landed in the familiar garden of the Ark Hill Villa.During the flight, the tripartite business alliance between Ye Shi, Lingguang Tian Energy, and Rebirth Military has been formally signed at the Rebirth Tower.
Ye Qinghuan refused the invitation, and bluntly said that she would leave as soon as she got the [Miniature Disturbance Field].
Fu Xi was not surprised, and ordered Tilu to go to the cat's mouth to snatch the food, and bring over the icosahedron that had become a toy for Madeleine's cat, while he stayed in the car to accompany her.
Tilu nodded, got out of the car and left.
Ye Qinghuan seemed to close her eyes again because of physical problems, and they didn't talk anymore.
While waiting, Fu Xi was able to observe Ye Qinghuan carefully.
He frowned, perhaps because the two of them were similar in age, people overlooked the details, and only then did he realize that Ye's Bank was too lax in protecting her.
As the helm of a huge company, and she seems to be in poor health, her vice president is really assured that she will leave alone without any security?
Although cooperation has become an established fact, Ye's Bank can really trust Rebirth Military so much.
Or, does she have some kind of unknown backhand?
In a few moments, Tilu has gone and returned, holding the icosahedron [Miniature Disturbance Field] in his hand.
And Madeleine seemed very dissatisfied with being robbed of the toy, chasing after her calf, scratching and biting.
Hearing the sound, Ye Qinghuan opened his eyes, Fu Xi took the icosahedron from Dilu's hand, and handed it over casually:
"This is the [miniature disturbance field], be careful, there is a troublesome character living in it."
Ye Qinghuan reached out and took it:
"It's the elders of the Celine clan. I heard from the other seven elders that there is a traitor among them."
The icosahedron shook, as if it was afraid of Madeleine, but in the end Elder Quinn did not appear.
"Miss Qing Huan, can you keep the components safe? I can take you back for the boss."
Tilu said kindly.
Yeqing laughed happily: "You might underestimate me too much, Sister Tilu."
She casually stuffed the icosahedron into her pocket.
Fu Xi also handed over the authorization of the floating car, and then the automatic driving will send her back to the head office of Ye's Bank.
"Then I will take my leave, Mr. Fu."
Ye Qinghuan stretched out her hand, Fu Xi gently held it, and shook it twice.
"I wish us a happy cooperation in the future."
She waved her hand, and the floating vehicle took off and disappeared.
Seeing that Fu Xi was lost in thought, Di Lu couldn't help asking:
"Boss, what happened?"
"A few other problems arose, but that's okay."
Fu Xi said to Di Lu: "I'm going out again, this time you don't have to be with me."
"Okay...but where are you going, boss?" Thiru asked cautiously.
"Go to see your sister Maggie, and I need to confirm with her."
"Eh!?"
……
(End of this chapter)
In this way, the regular board of directors of Lingguangtian Energy came to an end.
On the surface, it seemed that Midgar Haiye was eliminated, Ai Liwei was not strong enough in manufacturing, and Fu Xi won a complete victory.
Tilu took back the shares of the former chairman of Lingguang Tian Energy, and a lot of other messy assets that have not been liquidated. It will take a few days to officially take office, but this identity has been officially recognized.
Now, everyone who sees her has to address her as 'Ms.' or 'Miss'. Tilu, an unnamed village girl who was born in the wilderness countryside, has jumped to the top of the power that Rose City and even Azure Star must pay attention to.
— even she is underage!
Of course, everyone knows that Tilu is just a 'puppet', and the real person in charge behind it is Fu Xi, who is reborn for military purposes.
But this does not affect their views on girls, and flattery.
As for the person involved, she didn't have any real feelings, and she still followed Fu Xi step by step, treating herself as a personal assistant.
"In the future, I'm afraid you won't be able to follow me like now."
Fu Xi said suddenly.
Tilu was staring at his back. Hearing these words, she couldn't help feeling flustered, and slowly lowered her head:
"Ah."
"For a period of time, you don't need to take care of Lingguangtian's energy business. Lawson will take advantage of the situation to actively integrate their company, which will take a long time."
Fu Xi said to her seriously:
"We have a reason to govern Lingguang Tian Energy in an aboveboard manner, but the struggle is not over yet. Before the integration is completed, there may be accidents in Midgar Sea Industry, Elivi Manufacturing, and even Yeshi Bank."
"The business alliance signed by the three companies is currently just a paper treaty, and there is still a long way to go to form a closer whole."
"Ah."
Tilu lowered her head slightly, wondering whether she could bear such a heavy responsibility.
Fu Xi said: "So I want to ask your opinion, after inheriting the shares, do you want to stay with me, not intervene in the business alliance and just be a mascot? Or shoulder the responsibility and become the president of the business alliance. "
He paused, and then explained:
"If you choose the former, I will arrange someone to be the president; if you choose the latter, this person will come to be your assistant and help you manage the entire alliance affairs."
The candidate for president that Fu Xi was talking about was Tilu's sister, Maggie.
The trust between him and Maggie has not reached the level of intimacy, but there are common interests and a basis for cooperation.
From the perspective of the candidate's ability, the somewhat stubborn bionic sister Fu Hongying is the best candidate.
However, Fu Hongying bears the indelible imprint of rebirth for military use. In Fu Xi's plan, the new business alliance will not be dominated by 'rebirth for military use', but by 'Fu Xi'.
There is a difference.
The rebirth military is his backing, but Fu Xi needs to be independent of the rebirth military, a force that can rival the former.
Not putting all your eggs in one basket is also planning for a rainy day.
If one day he has to break with the Rebirth Army due to some reason—such as exposure of his identity as a time traveler, this independent power will become the last resort.
The probability of exposure is small, but there is no problem in diluting the risk in advance now.
After guessing that Ye Qinghuan is the 'Emperor's' 'Tianquan Star', he even has a brand new plan.
—— Let the old, weak, sick and disabled "emperor" be reborn with the newly established business alliance.
'Yoguangxing' is the president, 'Tianquanxing' is on the side to assist, and 'Ziwei Dijun' is in the rear... There are more resources and manpower to promote the research on the star god and find out the truth about his [time travel].
Maggie and Ye Qinghuan can't completely trust him, but Rebirth Military and Tilu can stand by his side as a check to maintain balance.
Triangle is a very stable shape, and checks and balances are the essence of the game.
However, he did not tell Tilu the overall plan. First, because there is still a long way to go before the formal formation of the business alliance, and it is necessary to annex Lingguangtian Energy and Yeshi Bank; If you don't want to, you will definitely be brave.
Tiru replied without thinking:
"I choose the latter!"
She didn't want to learn from the other person, but obediently chose one of the two.
Di Lu looked at Fu Xi seriously, and said solemnly:
"Boss, I want to stay by your side, but I don't want to be just a mascot. Whether it's fighting or other things, I... I have to be able to help you."
Then, she hesitated again:
"Besides, it doesn't mean that if you choose the latter, you must stay far away from you..."
Fu Xi understood what she meant.
So he stretched out his hand and rubbed her head, smiled lightly and said:
"In this case, then do as you think."
Tilu laughed contentedly, and quietly hid under her generous palm, revealing her longing for the person in front of her.
She knew in her heart that Fu Xi had greater ambitions and goals.In order to stand by his side, I have to become stronger to become an indispensable part of his life.
At that time, we will be able to be together happily and live a life without shame or impatience——
Her face slowly turned red, and just when her thoughts could not be suppressed anymore, the sound of footsteps from far to near behind her brought Ti Lu back to her senses, and she quickly moved her head away from Fu Xi's hands.
She coughed lightly and straightened her posture.
Both of them agreed to end the topic.
Fu Xi restrained his smile and turned sideways to look in the direction of his footsteps.
——He purposely waited for Ye Qinghuan outside the docking platform of the floating car.
The end of the meeting does not mean that the deal with Ye Shi has been completed.
Ye Qinghuan still walked very slowly, occasionally supporting Shukel, but she was unwilling to use foreign objects for assistance.
Perun followed Shuker's side and rear, not concealing his relationship with Ye Shi.
"I didn't expect Miss Qing Huan to hide such a trump card, no wonder she is full of confidence."
After approaching, Fu Xi took the initiative to speak.
Ye Qinghuan paused when she heard the words, walked up to Fu Xi, and raised her eyes to look at him:
"Ye's Bank has shown its sincerity, I hope Mr. Fu will not break his promise."
"of course."
Fu Xi groaned with a smile, and he was in a good mood because Mingren didn't speak secretly.
"Leave the alliance contract to your vice president. [Miniature disturbance field] I don't know how Miss Qing Huan plans to take it away?"
Ye Qinghuan was silent for a moment, then let go of Shukel's arm:
"I'll go there myself, please trouble Mr. Fu to go with me."
"Miss..."
Shukel called in a low voice, worried about her physical condition.
Ye Qinghuan shook her head lightly: "I'll leave the rest to you, Shuker."
Fu Xi made a gesture of invitation in front of her, and at the same time said to the hale and hearty Shuker:
"Please rest assured, after the alliance contract is signed, I will send someone to send Miss Qing Huan back to Ye's Bank intact."
The three of them boarded Fu Xi's floating car, the engine under the car shimmered, slowly drifted away from the ground, and accelerated away.
……
On the floating car, Ye Qinghuan sat on the semi-open seat, Fu Xi and Di Lu were opposite her.
Fu Xi waved his hand in the air, and the roof of the car body turned translucent gray, and the natural light from the outside would be scattered in the roof to form a stable and comfortable light source.
"I haven't congratulated Mr. Fu and...Miss Tilu yet."
Ye Qinghuan sat upright, leaning slightly towards the seat, with long and slender fingers resting lightly on her knees.
"Thank you."
Fu Xi replied calmly: "But it's still too early to celebrate, you and I both know that the matter is not over yet."
"Mr. Fu is worried about Midgar Haiye's revenge?"
Ye Qinghuan's eyes are deep and energetic, which is a deliberately created temperament. The education she received since she was a child made her show elegance in business situations like this.
Fu Xi shook his head:
"It's not Midgar Haiye. There is no need to worry about the opponent on the bright side. Miss Qing Huan should know the name 'Luo Yongkang'."
Ye Qinghuan paused and became more serious:
"know."
"His identity is very sensitive. He was the chief engineer of the gaseous planet collector of Lingguangtian energy." Fu Xi glanced at her, raised the champagne and took a sip: "I heard that the friend who first contacted Luo Yongkang and lured him to defect Shang is Ye Shi."
Maggie sent him some messages, briefly explaining what happened on her side.
The specific report will have to wait until the two meet in person.
"That's right, we first negotiated cooperation with Luo Yongkang."
Ye Qinghuan didn't hide it, but admitted it directly.
Fu Xi smiled slightly when he heard the words: "So, there is a component of 'Miniature Galaxy' on Luo Yongkang?"
Ye Qing gave him a happy look and asked:
"What does Mr. Fu want to say?"
"We all know that he was taken away by a group of unknown characters at the end. The identity of the group is unknown and the purpose is unknown. They may come for the energy of the aura, or they may be interested in the 'miniature galaxy'. Either way, I They both have a common enemy with Miss Qing Huan."
Fu Xi said steadily: "I think this will be the basis for deepening cooperation and trust between us."
Ye Qinghuan covered her mouth and laughed in a low voice:
"Are you worried that after Yeshi gets the [Miniature Disturbance Field], he will be incompatible with the Rebirth Army, and deliberately delay?"
"Mr. Fu, there is no need to have such thoughts. Yeshi Bank is a financial company, and financial companies value credibility the most. Since they have decided to cooperate with you, they will definitely fulfill their due responsibilities."
"That would be great."
Fu Xi nodded, he wasn't worried about Ye Shi's thoughts, he was just testing Ye Qinghuan.
Clearly, this woman is watertight.
Thinking of him turning his head slightly to look at Tilu, who was listening quietly beside him, it is better to be such a little girl, with her thoughts written on her face, it is easy to guess.
Among the people around him, only Tilu is the most worry-free now.
"boss?"
Feeling the gaze, Teru called out in a low voice.
"It's okay." Fu Xi comforted him.
A few minutes later, the floating vehicle landed in the familiar garden of the Ark Hill Villa.During the flight, the tripartite business alliance between Ye Shi, Lingguang Tian Energy, and Rebirth Military has been formally signed at the Rebirth Tower.
Ye Qinghuan refused the invitation, and bluntly said that she would leave as soon as she got the [Miniature Disturbance Field].
Fu Xi was not surprised, and ordered Tilu to go to the cat's mouth to snatch the food, and bring over the icosahedron that had become a toy for Madeleine's cat, while he stayed in the car to accompany her.
Tilu nodded, got out of the car and left.
Ye Qinghuan seemed to close her eyes again because of physical problems, and they didn't talk anymore.
While waiting, Fu Xi was able to observe Ye Qinghuan carefully.
He frowned, perhaps because the two of them were similar in age, people overlooked the details, and only then did he realize that Ye's Bank was too lax in protecting her.
As the helm of a huge company, and she seems to be in poor health, her vice president is really assured that she will leave alone without any security?
Although cooperation has become an established fact, Ye's Bank can really trust Rebirth Military so much.
Or, does she have some kind of unknown backhand?
In a few moments, Tilu has gone and returned, holding the icosahedron [Miniature Disturbance Field] in his hand.
And Madeleine seemed very dissatisfied with being robbed of the toy, chasing after her calf, scratching and biting.
Hearing the sound, Ye Qinghuan opened his eyes, Fu Xi took the icosahedron from Dilu's hand, and handed it over casually:
"This is the [miniature disturbance field], be careful, there is a troublesome character living in it."
Ye Qinghuan reached out and took it:
"It's the elders of the Celine clan. I heard from the other seven elders that there is a traitor among them."
The icosahedron shook, as if it was afraid of Madeleine, but in the end Elder Quinn did not appear.
"Miss Qing Huan, can you keep the components safe? I can take you back for the boss."
Tilu said kindly.
Yeqing laughed happily: "You might underestimate me too much, Sister Tilu."
She casually stuffed the icosahedron into her pocket.
Fu Xi also handed over the authorization of the floating car, and then the automatic driving will send her back to the head office of Ye's Bank.
"Then I will take my leave, Mr. Fu."
Ye Qinghuan stretched out her hand, Fu Xi gently held it, and shook it twice.
"I wish us a happy cooperation in the future."
She waved her hand, and the floating vehicle took off and disappeared.
Seeing that Fu Xi was lost in thought, Di Lu couldn't help asking:
"Boss, what happened?"
"A few other problems arose, but that's okay."
Fu Xi said to Di Lu: "I'm going out again, this time you don't have to be with me."
"Okay...but where are you going, boss?" Thiru asked cautiously.
"Go to see your sister Maggie, and I need to confirm with her."
"Eh!?"
……
(End of this chapter)
You'll Also Like
-
Bengtie: After I was exposed, Liuying came to my house crying
Chapter 147 1 hours ago -
Second creation of shocking famous scenes, Loki, the god of stories!
Chapter 162 1 hours ago -
Bengtie: Behind the Scenes, I Create the Herrscher Group
Chapter 187 1 hours ago -
American comics: Invasion of the Heavens, Wanda Gwen was shocked
Chapter 77 1 hours ago -
Live broadcast of collapse, live broadcast to the collapse world
Chapter 93 1 hours ago -
Stronger than the Hulk, you say he is a policeman?
Chapter 193 1 hours ago -
All evil: My crew is a hundred million evil
Chapter 222 1 hours ago -
In Naruto, people fall to the ground and die
Chapter 152 1 hours ago -
Human in Fairy Tail: Draw the Dragon Knight Card Box at the beginning
Chapter 165 1 hours ago -
I am the ultimate villain
Chapter 169 1 hours ago