“Chapter 93 Update.”

"Chapter 93 Update."

"The shareholders' meeting was scheduled to start at 10 AM, and two or three minor shareholders were yet to arrive."

"These shareholders rarely appeared and held a minimal stake, so their absence had little impact on the meeting's outcome. As 10 AM approached, Wang initiated a video call."

"Soon, the CEO appeared on the large screen, lying in bed with only his head mobile, Lei Chenglei holding the phone for him. Adjusting the screen uncomfortably close to his face, the CEO greeted everyone nonchalantly: 'I'm here, let's talk.'"

"His straightforward approach left those prepared with arguments speechless, none wanting to be the first to speak."

"Eventually, a senior company figure broke the silence: 'CEO, you must be aware of the meeting's purpose. It's not that we're kicking you while you're down, but the company has just secured several promising projects. No one expected this situation, but given your current health, unable to move, and while you can make some decisions, isn't it prudent to prepare in advance, lest the company suffers in case of any eventuality?'"

"The CEO, somewhat amused and annoyed, thought about how these old foxes never showed up when the company was in trouble, but now feared his condition might affect the company."

"He knew their true intentions: with the company prospering, they saw an opportunity to remove him and seek greater benefits."

"Rong Dongfeng had probably been rallying support for a while."

"After the others spoke, a few bolder individuals echoed the sentiment. Expecting the CEO to react angrily, they were surprised when he responded with a smile: 'Fine, that makes sense. Let's appoint an acting CEO to manage the company on my behalf.'"

"The shareholders' eyes brightened: 'The CEO is indeed magnanimous, considering the company's welfare at such a time.'"

"The CEO quickly interjected: 'But since it's about appointing an acting CEO, shouldn't I be the one to nominate?'"

"The elder who first spoke replied: 'We should choose someone who commands respect. Since it’s about gaining consensus, shouldn’t we consider everyone's opinion? An arbitrary appointment might not sit well with everyone. In my opinion, the appointment should be based on shareholding percentage, so no one can object, right?'"

"His suggestion left the others silent."

"The CEO's uncle then spoke: 'I think it's a good idea, but I don't hold enough shares to contend for the position. I believe Vice President Rong, being both a vice president and a shareholder, is a suitable candidate.'"

"The middle-aged man sitting next to the uncle smiled politely: 'Uncle, you flatter me. I haven't contributed much to the company in recent years. If anyone, Mr. Su, who runs a successful business overseas, is more suitable for this role.'"

"Mr. Su, also present, was the CEO's classmate who usually didn't involve himself in company affairs and held a nominal position."

"The man with gold-rimmed glasses chuckled: 'I usually don’t involve myself in company affairs and am not familiar with them, so I’d rather not get involved.'"

"After some discussion, the role of acting CEO eventually circled back to Rong Dongfeng."

"The CEO, listening with a semi-amused expression, finally spoke as Rong Dongfeng was about to interject: 'I think the suggestion to choose the highest shareholder as acting CEO is good. But Dongfeng, if I recall correctly, you only own 15%, which might not be enough, right?'"

"Rong Dongfeng, unbothered, smiled: 'Indeed, I don’t have a high share percentage. But CEO, you might not be aware that recently, the uncle had to sell me 5% of his shares due to some financial needs.'"

"The CEO asked: 'Oh? So you now hold 20%?'"

"Rong Dongfeng’s smile deepened: 'Not exactly, more like 30%.'"

"The CEO’s expression finally changed. He stared intensely at the screen, his eyebrows furrowed. Glancing around, his gaze incredulously settled on Mr. Su: 'You sold your shares to Vice President Rong?' Rong Dongfeng’s additional 10% could only have come from Mr. Su’s 15%."

"Mr. Su maintained his gentle demeanor: 'I forgot to inform you. Most of my business is overseas. When Mr. Rong approached me, I thought selling some shares wouldn’t affect much since you held 55%. But then I learned you sold some shares for investment.'"

"The CEO chuckled bitterly, wondering if Mr. Su had sold the shares before or after perceiving the company as a lost cause."

"He had anticipated a tough battle today, but never expected such a move from his old classmate."

"The uncle, trying to mediate: 'What's done is done. Now, Vice President Rong holds a slightly higher stake than the CEO. Since Mr. Xie isn’t here and likely unfamiliar with the company, I think Vice President Rong is the most suitable choice.'"

"The CEO retorted: 'Who said Mr. Xie isn't here?'"

"The CEO's words caught Uncle Zhu and others by surprise. Rong Dongfeng looked up, 'Mr. Xie is here?' Could there really be such a person, not just a facade?"

"Hao Jixin, who had been itching to speak up amidst the mutual flattery, finally found his chance, clicking his tongue, 'My master is low-key, unlike some who desperately want something but pretend otherwise, nearly wearing the guise of righteousness.'"

"Rong Dongfeng, almost directly addressed, glanced over to the unfamiliar trio, frowning, 'Mr. Xie?'"

"Xie Qingfeng nodded: 'Xie Qingfeng.'"

"Uncle Zhu glared at him and turned his attention back to the CEO on the screen: 'CEO, you actually sold so much of your shares to an outsider? Aren’t you afraid of the company changing hands?'"

"The CEO replied with scorn, 'Uncle, double standards aren’t good. Aren’t you currently handing over the company as well?' Did he think allying with Rong Dongfeng would end well?"

"Uncle Zhu was displeased, 'How do you speak to your elder?'"

"The CEO: 'That’s assuming you act like one.'"

"Rong Dongfeng, prepared for this, calmly addressed Xie Qingfeng, 'Mr. Xie, as I understand, your parents run a small business. It’s unlikely they could invest billions. I’m curious where this money came from? Or are you just holding a place for someone else?' He implied suspicion that the CEO himself funded the investment."

"Xie Qingfeng calmly admitted, 'Indeed, I couldn’t.'"

"Rong Dongfeng’s eyes lit up, about to speak, but the young man continued, 'The funds to help the CEO came from the person beside me. His unique status makes it inconvenient to be named, so the actual controlling shareholder is him.'"

"Everyone's gaze shifted to the man beside Xie Qingfeng, who had remained silent but exuded a powerful presence. Initially thought to be just a wealthy heir due to his long hair and mask, his identity became clear as he slowly removed the mask and coldly curled his lips, his gaze disdainful: 'What, all of you flee at the first sign of trouble, and now you have issues with me lending a hand?'"

"Everyone present was taken aback upon seeing Jing Xiu's face, not expecting the long-absent figure to appear so unexpectedly, let alone as a major shareholder of the company."

"Uncle Zhu, stunned, asked, 'You... you're Jing Xiuming?' The once top star of the company had disappeared from the public eye for years, presumed to have fallen into obscurity due to past events. Yet, here he was, making a dramatic return."

"Jing Xiu ignored him, instead addressing Rong Dongfeng, 'Thirty versus thirty. Weren't you just modestly declining the position, Vice President Rong? Since you're not interested, I think I might take up the role.'"

"Rong Dongfeng’s face turned ashen. His earlier humility now made him look foolish. He never really intended to pass up the role, but now he was caught off guard."

"He glanced at Uncle Zhu, unwilling to openly express his desire for the position."

"Regaining his composure, Uncle Zhu quickly objected: 'That's not acceptable. Even if it's a tie, Jing Xiu has been away from the company for years and is unaware of its internal affairs. Vice President Rong, on the other hand, is more suitable.'"

"Jing Xiu scoffed, 'How is he more suitable? By nearly bankrupting the company while serving as Vice President? Let’s be clear, if it weren’t for my intervention recently, none of you would be sitting here.'"

"They should be elsewhere, dealing with the aftermath."

"Jing Xiu exposed their hypocrisy, and they coughed awkwardly, most feeling ashamed and knowing their actions were disgraceful."

"When the company faced its crisis, the CEO called each of them, offering to exchange money for his shares."

"But they hesitated, fearing the company was doomed, and didn’t want to risk their money."

"Unexpectedly, the CEO secured investment, not only turning the company around but also propelling it to new heights."

"While other shareholders and executives could afford not to compete, Uncle Zhu and his group couldn’t. Uncle Zhu had sold his shares to Rong Dongfeng in exchange for promised benefits."

"The CEO, known for his unyielding nature, had once ousted Uncle Zhu from any real power in the company for exploiting it for personal gain."

"Uncle Zhu, persisting, said, 'That may be true, but the crisis is resolved. I believe Vice President Rong is more fitting for the interim CEO role. What do you think, Mr. Su?'"

"Mr. Su, who had been contemplating with lowered eyes, finally spoke up, 'Since both sides hold 30%, and there’s no clear advantage, why not let the executives present vote?'"

"Rong Dongfeng, loosening his tie, smiled, 'I have no objections.'"

"The CEO on the screen chuckled bitterly. These three seemed well-prepared and in sync."

"But he had to admit, under these circumstances, it would be difficult for Jing Xiu to secure the position without widespread support."

"The CEO turned to Jing Xiu, 'What do you think?'"

"Jing Xiu shrugged indifferently, 'Doesn’t matter to me.'"

"It was just an investment of a few billion. If lost, so be it. His treasury was filled with gold."

"But causing such a financial loss to his master, he vowed to make these people pay dearly in the future."

"The CEO fixed his gaze on the crowd, 'Since Jing Xiu is indifferent, let’s exclude those involved in the share dispute from voting. Uncle, given your bias, I assume you have no objections to abstaining?'"

"Uncle Zhu, discontented yet wary of provoking the CEO further, reluctantly agreed."

"With the three agreeing, Jing Xiu, Xie Qingfeng, and Hao Jixin naturally couldn’t participate either."

"Before the remaining shareholders voted, the CEO issued a blunt warning, 'Think carefully. Jing Xiu has 30%, and I have 25%.'"

"Unless this move completely ousted him, once he recovered and retook control of the company, they would all regret their decision."

"The shareholders exchanged glances, many not daring to defy and choosing to abstain."

"However, some, hoping to ingratiate themselves with Rong Dongfeng and already swayed by him, voted in his favor."

"The final tally was 9 to 9, resulting in another stalemate."

"Jing Xiu raised an eyebrow, 'Another tie, huh?'"

"Rong Dongfeng's face soured. What seemed a sure victory was thwarted not once, but twice."

"Thankfully, he had an ace up his sleeve. Glancing at his phone, he read a message sent five minutes earlier: [I’m in the company elevator now]."

"Rong Dongfeng’s demeanor brightened with a spring-like smile, 'Who says it's a tie? There's still one more vote.'"

"Wang, the assistant, felt an ominous premonition, eyeing the vacant seat up front."

"Had Vice President Rong managed to sway one of the less active shareholders?"

"As expected, the conference room door opened, someone ushering in the latecomer."

"A young man with slicked-back hair, wearing a sharp suit and sunglasses, walked in with an entourage, exuding arrogance."

"The young man, hand in pocket, emotionless behind the shades, had an assistant whispering to him, 'Be careful with your choice, Young Master. It’s Vice President Rong, our collaborator this time.'"

"Qi Wenxuan smirked, annoyed, 'I’m not an idiot. Can't I remember a name?'"

"The attendees frowned at the newcomer, the assistant pulling out a chair for him. Qi Wenxuan nonchalantly sat down, grinning broadly, 'Where are we in the proceedings? I heard there's a vote for an interim CEO. Does my 1% stake grant me a say?'"

"His insignificant share was a gift, and he hadn't paid it much mind. But following a recent incident, his family tightened reins on him, seeing this as an opportunity for him to gain experience at Minghuan Entertainment."

"Seizing the moment, Rong Dongfeng had extended an olive branch, and his father had sent him to handle it personally."

"Rong Dongfeng quickly briefed his assistant on the current situation."

"Qi Wenxuan lazily agreed, about to cast his vote for Vice President Rong, his mouth already open, when suddenly his sunglass-covered gaze sharply turned elsewhere."

"Qi Wenxuan nonchalantly slid his sunglasses down to the bridge of his nose, fully revealing his eyes."

"The trio nearby got a clearer view, and Qi Wenxuan's eyes suddenly widened in excitement, almost exclaiming, 'Big, big, big, big...'"

"Hao Jixin had found Qi Wenxuan familiar from the start. Initially, he hadn't recognized him, given how disheveled Qi had been when last rescued by the Master from a 12th-floor haunting. But now, with the sunglasses down, Hao Jixin recognized those eyes."

"As Qi Wenxuan was about to shout out, Hao Jixin coughed discreetly to interrupt, 'Ahem, ahem.'"

"Regaining his composure, Qi Wenxuan hastily scurried over, his assistant failing to stop him: 'Young Master! Do you remember why you're here?'"

"Everyone watched, dumbfounded, as the previously arrogant young man suddenly dashed like an eager puppy toward his master, almost collapsing in excitement."

"If it weren’t for Jing Xiu's stern gaze, Qi Wenxuan might have clung to Xie Qingfeng's legs, chuckling, 'Hehe, Mr. Xie, what a coincidence to meet you here!'"

"Rong Dongfeng, seated across, turned pale with shock, quickly glancing at his assistant: 'What the heck is happening?'"

"The assistant, utterly confused: 'I...I have no idea.'"

"The assistant coughed to regain attention, but to no avail. Seeing Qi Wenxuan lavishly flattering without restraint, he finally interjected, 'Mr. Qi, everyone's waiting, it's time for your vote.'"

"Annoyed, Qi Wenxuan was about to respond but then paused, realizing something was amiss. 'Mr. Xie, are you a candidate for the interim CEO of this... small company?'"

"Zhu Zong chuckled at the mention of 'small company,' but sensing an ally, he begrudgingly went along with it."

"Xie Qingfeng pointed to Jing Xiu, 'It's him.'"

"Qi Wenxuan grinned broadly, 'Then I choose him,' pointing directly at Jing Xiu."

"Not only Rong Dongfeng but also Mr. Su’s expression changed, casting a stern look at Rong Dongfeng."

"Rong Dongfeng took a deep breath, 'Mr. Qi, remember what your father told you.' He was now desperate, knowing this was his last shot at the CEO position."

"Qi Wenxuan, visibly irritated, retorted, 'I’m sure my father would agree with my choice.'"

Rong Dongfeng managed a laugh tinged with frustration: "Are you certain, Mr. Qi? We were supposed to be partners."

Qi Wenxuan casually replied, "Oh, now that you mention it, if you're opposing Mr. Xie, you can't be a good person. Our Qi family will cease cooperation with you. You might want to start thinking about the termination process."

Rong Dongfeng was nearly standing in anger: "Mr. Qi, I won't stoop to argue with someone of your youth, but your inability to judge character could bring trouble to the Qi family."

Qi Wenxuan scoffed, "Trust a lifesaver over you? Besides, it's just a vote. If my dad knew about this, he’d probably gift Mr. Xie a company of similar worth with no issue."

"After all, my life's worth more than one, maybe even two companies."

"I'm pretty valuable, you know."

Finally grasping the situation, Rong Dongfeng asked, "A lifesaver? What do you mean?"

Qi Wenxuan didn’t bother to explain, turning instead to complain to his father about Rong Dongfeng’s unsuitability as a partner, wondering if his grandfather would scold his father for such a poor choice.

Jing Xiu, expressionless, tapped his fingers on the table, "Now that it's 10:9 in our favor, do we have a conclusion?"

Wang, Zhu Zong's assistant, quickly affirmed, "Mr. Zhu, it appears Mr. Jing is the chosen interim CEO."

Zhu Zong, wishing he could leap up in celebration, declared, "Naturally, it's Mr. Jing. If anyone has objections, keep them to yourselves." Then, addressing Jing Xiu, "Mr. Jing, we're relying on you for the coming period."

Jing Xiu, thinking about days apart from his beloved, looked gloomy: "Can I work remotely?"

Zhu Zong was incredulous, "Do you really think that's possible?"

Jing Xiu sighed in resignation, "Fine then." He glanced pitifully at Xie Qingfeng, seeking consolation.

Xie Qingfeng averted his gaze, pretending not to notice. His expression had remained unchanged throughout, already anticipating the outcome.

He couldn't predict Jing Xiu's victory, but he was certain of Rong Dongfeng's defeat.

So he wasn't worried.

As Xie Qingfeng stood up, Qi Wenxuan eagerly asked, "Mr. Xie, my father and grandfather have wanted to thank you but never got the chance. Could we perhaps invite you to dinner this time?"

"Master Xie is too busy. When he returned from the hospital, he only heard that both Duan Yue and Hu Daochang had met with misfortune."

"Since then, there’s never been a chance to properly thank Master Xie."

Xie Qingfeng declined the invitation, "I have classes tomorrow and need to return today."

Qi Wenxuan could only watch regretfully as Xie Qingfeng and his group left. A realization struck him, and he suddenly turned to Zhu Zong on the screen, "Do you need investment? How about the Qi family invests in you? No interest needed, you set the terms. My only request is to be an assistant to your new CEO, Jing Xiu."

"Being close to Jing Xiu means being near Master Xie."

Zhu Zong was speechless.

The others were bewildered: "???"

Xie Qingfeng and his party, along with Wang, left the top floor. Wang felt like he was floating, his emotions complex.

"Expecting a fierce battle, who knew it would resolve so smoothly?"

Seeing Wang's intention to escort them back to the hospital, Hao Jixin waved him off, "Go back. Just pick up Mr. Jing tomorrow to familiarize him with the company."

Jing Xiu, barely containing his laughter, chided: "Enjoying my misfortune?"

Suppressing a grin, Hao Jixin playfully retorted, "Can't help it. With Mr. Jing staying in B city, it means I'll be Master Xie's only confidant."

"Most importantly... no more morning training sessions."

"A double celebration. Definitely worth a toast."

Wang, seeking affirmation from Jing Xiu, eventually watched as the group departed.

Hao Jixin, noticing Jing Xiu's sullen aura, coughed to reassure, "Work hard here for Master Xie. He'll notice your efforts."

Jing Xiu, uninterested in the banter, desperately sought solace from Xie Qingfeng: "Am I so pitiable that the Master won’t even console me?"

Xie Qingfeng finally turned his gaze, noticing Jing Xiu's droopy, pitiful eyes. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly behind his mask, "We'll leave in the evening. Let’s grab dinner first, then buy you some suits."

Jing Xiu brightened up, barely suppressing his smile: "Will you pick them out for me?"

Xie Qingfeng nodded, "If there's anything else you want, let me know later."

Jing Xiu's mood improved, except for Hao Jixin, who also raised his hand, wanting to shop.

Jing Xiu didn't comment at the time, but after dinner, he returned to the hotel first. Hao Jixin, realizing too late, found that Jing Xiu had already taken Xie Qingfeng away, leaving him alone at the hotel!