If he was surprised, then we are in trouble. For whatever reason, the PR was written in a manner that was sure to guarantee a massive and quick sell-off, although the sell-off would have occured either way.
There's an almost 100% chance this conversation never happened in the first place based on all of the unbelievable statements Messalas allegedly made in this supposed conversation (like being surprised at the panic with his PR, like he couldn't reach anyone at the China company to clarify the news yet called it a fraud anyway without clarification) and I think in your heart you know this. Just like conversation with Xinwie, who allegedly confirmed that news release.