Chapter Eleven: Qian Qianjun

"Second Sister, where’s the eldest?"

Ye Qiu returned with the materials needed for printing, only to find Xiao Yurou alone. She was observing the steps of nasal reconstruction surgery through a holographic projection cast by Yunyan.

“She went back to hold a board meeting,” Xiao Yurou replied without much thought. After all, the eldest sister had been the CEO for so long—her whole year seemed to consist of meetings or traveling to them.

“A board meeting?” The thought of Tong Tiexing leading the shareholders to impeach Liu Yiran made Ye Qiu uneasy. At present, artificial intelligence was only virtual and hadn’t been fully realized in robotics; though the equipment had been purchased, assembly still depended on manual labor. Ye Qiu hurriedly set up the basic 3D printer and rushed off to the Ye Qiu Group.

…

Everyone’s here?

Liu Yiran pushed open the office door and found all the shareholders present—a rare occurrence. Tong Tiexing glanced around, “Now that Director Liu is here, let’s begin.”

No sooner had he spoken than Chu Shu pressed impatiently, “Director Liu, the shareholders want to know: who exactly is that pretty boy to you? Also, Zhang Group has suspended all business with us. What measures do you plan to take? How will you handle the inevitable plummet in stock price tomorrow?”

“What?” Except for a few major shareholders, the rest only now realized Zhang Group had ceased cooperation with Ye Qiu Group. If this news broke, they’d take a huge hit tomorrow. They invested in the Ye Liu Group to make money, not for charity. Instantly, all eyes turned to Liu Yiran, some following Chu Shu’s lead to demand answers. “Director Liu, what’s going on? You owe us an explanation.”

Liu Yiran looked around. Aside from a handful of minor shareholders still on her side, most faces were marked by shock and anger.

“Explanation? Explain what?” she replied coolly. “The company is operating as usual. Are you implying our group can only survive by relying on Zhang Group?”

Chu Shu seemed to have anticipated her response and immediately countered, “Director Liu, Zhang Group’s business makes up nearly one-fifth of ours, plus another fifth is closely tied to them. You offended Mr. Zhang over a pretty boy, causing the company substantial losses. A casual claim of ‘normal operations’ won’t suffice.”

Liu Yiran turned to Tong Tiexing. “Director Tong, every financing round for Ye Qiu Group was initiated by you. Without you, Ye Liu Group wouldn’t exist as it does today. I’d like to ask you: Our group has faced countless crises before, and each time we fought through. You should be the one to trust me.”

Tong Tiexing’s expression remained unchanged as he toyed with the beads in his hand. “Yiran, Ye Qiu Group owes much to your efforts, but a successful manager cannot rest on past laurels. You built the company, but it belongs to everyone. I cannot allow you to jeopardize its interests.”

Liu Yiran was taken aback; she hadn’t expected those words from Tong Tiexing. She recalled how, during the initial financing, he had been the first to invest, repeatedly expressing praise and trust.

Jeopardizing the company’s interests? So it was all about picking the fruit after all. Even without Ye Qiu’s appearance, this board meeting would have happened sooner or later—a matter of days, nothing more.

Chu Shu, sensing victory, decided to skip the formalities and lay things bare. “Director Liu, after our discussion, we unanimously believe you are no longer fit to serve as CEO. By board resolution, you are relieved of your duties effective immediately. Your future responsibilities will be decided after further discussion.”

“Relieved of my duties?” Liu Yiran watched Chu Shu’s performance with cold elegance. “By what right?”

She was no fool, and never let her guard down with the investors.

“By the fact that shareholders supporting your dismissal now exceed 51%.”

Wretched woman—just wait; you’ll be crying soon enough.

Chu Shu snorted, “Let’s vote. All in favor of relieving Director Liu of her position, please raise your hand.”

A few minor shareholders raised their hands first, though their combined shares amounted to less than 6%, hardly decisive. But then Zhang Yu raised his hand, followed by two others. Now the total reached 16%.

Tong Tiexing then calmly raised his right hand.

36%.

Chu Shu looked to Directors Chen and Qian.

Surprised at how smoothly things were going—if either Chen or Qian spoke up, the dismissal would succeed.

“From its inception, under Director Liu’s leadership, the company grew from a few dozen people to a listed entity. I trust that Director Liu’s decisions are made with careful consideration,” Director Qian paused, then turned to glare at Tong Tiexing. “But some seem unable to wait to pick the fruit, finding any excuse to push Director Liu out, even going so far as to buy our shares. That’s excessive. I disagree.”

Chu Shu’s face changed repeatedly, flushing deep red as she glared at Qian Qianjun. “Qian Qianjun, do you know what you’re saying?”

What angered Chu Shu more than his words was that he dared support Liu Yiran at this crucial moment—especially after expressing clear dissatisfaction with Liu Yiran on the phone earlier.

“Of course I do.” Qian Qianjun’s tone turned cold. “Miss Chu, this is our group’s board meeting. What is your status here? What gives you the right to attend?”

“You—”

Chu Shu was so incensed by Qian Qianjun she couldn’t speak.

“What’s all this commotion?” Tong Tiexing’s calm words quelled the dispute. He turned to Chen Long and casually prompted, “Director Chen, your opinion?”

Chen Long glanced at Tong Tiexing, then at Liu Yiran, hesitated a moment, and said, “Our stock price has dropped to three yuan per share. Frankly, I don’t have much confidence in the company’s current prospects, so I’ve decided to sell my shares.”

“Chen Long, what do you mean?”

Chu Shu hadn’t expected Chen Long to step forward at this moment. Though he hadn’t sided with Liu Yiran, his decision to sell shares now introduced a new variable in the dismissal.

“I mean I’ve already sold my shares.” Chen Long turned to Tong Tiexing. “Director Tong, I believe you now control 35% of the shares, correct?”

Chu Shu’s eyes lit up as she looked at Tong Tiexing, thrilled that her uncle had acquired Chen Long’s shares—so assertive, she thought, worthy of praise.