Chapter 22: Election - Now he can truly act without restraint.

After getting into the car, He Guan checked his phone and called Yan Xu, "Yan Assistant, we don’t need too many people for the afternoon meeting. Invite only those departments that attended last time... but this time, besides the tech department, mainly invite the marketing department. The rest can continue their work."

There was some background noise from Yan Xu's side, which soon faded.

He Guan's brow furrowed: "What happened?"

Yan Xu coughed lightly, "Boss, I’m fine. Go ahead."

He Guan: "How's Tong Jiaqi's mother?"

Yan Xu, sounding a bit hoarse, cleared his throat: "She's in the hospital. Tong Jiaqi came to the company for training this morning. I've assigned three bodyguards to rotate outside her mother's door, eight hours each."

He Guan quickly responded: "Alright, good. That’s all for now. Goodbye."

After ending the call, He Guan sat in contemplation in the backseat, suddenly asking Du Junyan, "Junyan, under what circumstances would you tell me 'I’m fine'?"

Du Junyan hesitated, "…Did something happen to you?"

He Guan: "Yes."

But if Yan Xu chose to conceal something, He Guan wouldn’t press him on it.

He opened his WeChat to check Tong Jiaqi's messages and, sure enough, found Tong Jiaqi updating him about his whereabouts.

[Bro He, my mom can get out of bed today.]

[Bro, they asked me where I'm going. What should I tell them?]

[Bro, I saw the bodyguards sent by Yan Assistant. Thank you!]

Although the kid isn't great at reading situations, he's genuinely grateful.

Just as He Guan was about to reply, a long message of gratitude popped up on his WeChat, distinctly different from Tong Jiaqi's usual tone.

[Thank you so much for taking care of me and my mother these past days. We owe you our lives. If there's anything you ever need, just let me...]

Before He Guan could finish reading, the message abruptly disappeared from the screen.

A WeChat notification informed him that the message had been retracted.

He speculated that after Tong Jiaqi finished training and went to the hospital to visit his mother, he showed her their chat history, leading her to lecture him on worldliness while holding his phone.

He Guan arched an eyebrow, awaiting Tong Jiaqi's next message.

[Tong Jiaqi: Bro, I accidentally sent the wrong emoji.]

[He Guan: It's fine.]

Tong Jiaqi typed in surprise: [Bro, you replied instantly.]

[He Guan: Recognizing me as your brother now? I just started work and turned on my phone.]

[Tong Jiaqi: I see.]

He Guan didn't feel like prolonging the chat. The kid, athletic and not much of a talker, has always had limited social interactions.

Being the main dancer, he's always immersed in the practice room, hardly having any lines in songs. Hmm...

He definitely needs to get out more.

[He Guan: Spend less time on your phone and stay with your mother.]

[Tong Jiaqi: Alright!]

He quickly ended the conversation, briefly scanned the progress reports from various departments, closed WeChat, and opened another APP on his private phone.

The app was named "Smart Robot".

He Guan accessed one of the robots he had added and tried to open its interface.

The phone screen showed a ground-level perspective, like that of a mouse.

The main focus on the screen was... the master bedroom's bed.

He had purchased this pet cam just yesterday. The salesperson had explained it was mainly for keeping pets company.

After some thought, He Guan figured it might be nice to accompany Lou Dongzang with it, so he bought it. Earlier today, while Lou Dongzang was having breakfast downstairs, he took the opportunity to set it up in the master bedroom.

He Guan maneuvered the tiny robot out of its charging dock and took it for a spin around the master bedroom.

Lou Dongzang wasn't in the master bedroom.

Where could he be then?

Leaving the master bedroom, he reached the guest room door and adjusted the camera angle.

The rotund little robot tilted its screen upwards.

The person he was looking for was by the window, feeding sparrows.

Glancing over, He Guan noted, amusingly, that several had hopped inside.

The man is entirely hands-off.

He steers the small robot towards the sparrows.

The robot, trying to keep pace, topples over midway, narrowly avoiding a sparrow that almost landed on it, then promptly chases several others away.

Lou Dongzang seems to hear the robot's movements, turns around, and crouches, searching the floor with a furrowed brow.

He Guan makes the robot execute a quick backward roll to dodge Lou Dongzang's hand and scurry back to its charging station in the master bedroom.

The noise ceases.

Lou Dongzang, having followed, pauses in the hallway, stands quietly for a moment, then returns to feeding the sparrows.

He Guan breathes a sigh of relief and closes the app.

It's good he wasn't discovered; he's still getting acquainted with the robot, a perfect tool to discreetly observe Lou Dongzang's daily activities.

Arriving at the company, He Guan encounters several employees who had just awoken from their siesta. He greets them with a smile and proceeds to his office.

Inside, he finds a stack of documents, nearly half his height, meticulously arranged by Yan Xu. He picks up the topmost one to peruse.

Once he's done reading, he plans to visit Tong Jiaqi's mother, and then...

Business at the company is light today. As he contemplates his schedule post-review, the door is suddenly thrust open.

He Guan looks up.

Yan Xu steps in, closing the door behind him, "Director He, Mr. Lou has arrived, accompanied by Lawyer Rong."

He Guan straightens up, puzzled, "What? Why is my father-in-law here?"

Yan Xu explains, "He's here for the shareholders' meeting, to vote for you as a board member."

A moment's reflection darkens He Guan's expression, "…What?"

He'd forgotten about that.

Although he and Lou Yi had already signed the contract and he was appointed as a director, there's still a formal electoral process to follow.

He needs the approval from the shareholders' meeting to officially become a director of Xingyu.

Given the timeline, Lou Yi must have notified all major shareholders on the day he left Dongzang Garden. Today, they've convened at Xingyu's headquarters for the shareholders' meeting, ready to elect a director.

The employment contract was just the initial step; the electoral process is the crux.

Currently, He Guan is an independent director, standing alone, not even drawing a salary, holding only a nominal position.

The exclusive right to hold regular meetings and communicate with various departments is solely because he's leading Nolimit, a privilege Lou Yi granted deliberately.

The settlement period for the betting agreement is in three months, and He Guan currently holds no cards in hand.

This means if more than half of the participating shareholders disagree now, He Guan's directorship could be terminated.

Lou Yi alone holds 35% of the shares.

If He Guan fails in the election, any boast about leading Nolimit and increasing the company's performance by 105% would be sheer folly.

He's been played by Lou Yi.

He Guan rises from his chair, biting his fingertip, pausing for a moment before stating, "I need to ask my father-in-law to let me join in..."

Lou Yingjie, who showed a friendly inclination towards him a few days ago, might be his only hope. Otherwise, in three hours, he would have to step down from this position.

—Shareholder meetings typically don't last more than three hours.

A knock resonates on the office door.

He Guan: "Come in."

The lawyer He Guan met at the hospital the previous day steps in, smiling, "Director He, the senior Mr. Lou requests your presence."

This is Attorney Rong.

He Guan's spirit lifts, "I'll be right there."

It seems there's still a chance to turn things around, or else the lawyer from Lou Yingjie's side wouldn't have extended an olive branch.

Entering the conference room, He Guan hands his phone to Yan Xu.

Given the confidentiality of the shareholders' meeting, there are jamming devices in the room, rendering mobile phones useless.

Typically, only two minute-takers remain to document the meeting's proceedings.

Deliberately, He Guan slows his stride as he pushes open the door, following behind Attorney Rong into the conference room.

He catches a snippet of an emphatic statement, not from Lou Yi. The middle-aged speaker, noticing the door's movement, quickly retakes his seat.

The fragment he hears is...

"Why is he here?"

Who's unexpectedly here? Could it be Lou Yingjie?

Does Lou Yingjie typically abstain from attending the shareholders' meetings?

Or perhaps... his presence today is unexpected?

As He Guan closes the door, he takes a fleeting moment to survey the room.

Naturally, the shareholders' meeting is conducted around a round table.

But using Lou Yingjie as the central reference, to his left including Lou Yi, there were five individuals in succession.

He didn't recognize the other four from the He family.

On Lou Yingjie's right, there was only one person, seated two spaces away from him.

Attorney Rong chose the seat furthest from Lou Yingjie among the two available and gave He a friendly smile as he looked back.

He immediately understood: at the shareholders' meeting, those on the right were Lou Yingjie's allies.

Being a step behind gave him a few seconds, enough buffer time to think.

To the onlookers, He walked in, calmly pulled out the chair next to the elder, and sat down.

Lou Yingjie, expressionless, coldly said, "Now that everyone is here, let's begin. There are two main items on the agenda for this shareholders' meeting. First, board member elections; second, organizational restructuring. Attorney Rong will elaborate on the latter."

There were a total of nine attendees, all nodding in agreement.

No one raised any objections.

From the moment he sat down, He pondered: at least two individuals were absent.

The major shareholders of Xingyu should number more than eleven.

Today, both Lou Dongzang's second brother and third sister were absent.

Shareholders unable to attend the meeting typically entrust their shares to a trusted attendee to vote on their behalf.

He wondered who was managing the shares of the second brother and third sister.

He had checked that afternoon: there was no information online about the Lou family, so naturally, he was clueless about the temperaments of the second brother and third sister.

He only knew that both of them weren’t close with Lou Yingjie…

If, by chance, their shares were all held by Lou Yi…

He steadied his mind, tightly clasping his interlocked fingers.

There must be another way, though the chances might be slim.

The meeting had already started; he had to be prepared to counter any moves.

The chairman presiding over the meeting was surnamed Xie. His balding head seemed to suit him well. He said, "The election process will now commence. Given that Mr. He was recommended by Director Lou Yi from the beginning, I invite Director Lou Yi to introduce Mr. He's credentials to everyone.”

This piqued He's interest.

This procedure was merely a formality; every attendee had a file containing He's details.

However... He originally thought he would be presenting his own credentials, not expecting it to be Lou Yi.

He didn't think Lou Yi would go out of his way to review his information.

In Lou Yi's eyes, he was but a commoner who, by sheer luck, managed to marry into the prestigious Lou Dongzang family.

Lou Yi nodded, a rare serious demeanor, clearly feeling some nervousness.

—The unexpected presence of his father at the shareholders' meeting was the cause of his tension.

He watched Lou Yi's expressions intently as he spoke, detecting the nervousness but uncertain of its origin.

As Lou Yi progressed, his voice grew fainter until he finished reading the file in his hand, then slightly raised his voice to conclude, "That's all I have to present."

Lou Yingjie responded, "What about the motive?"

The elder, usually silent, always had a knack for pinpointing the crux of the matter.

Why would Lou Yi, without much ado, nominate his legal younger brother-in-law for a director's position? What was the motive?

Lou Yi was visibly sweating.

Sensing his father's scrutiny, he hastily added, "There's another reason. Once part of the Lou family, one is expected to engage in our business matters eventually. It's good to get some early experience, isn't it?"

He wouldn't dare to mention the gambling agreement he forced upon Lou Dongzang and He.

At this statement, even the typically genial Attorney Rong couldn't help but cover his mouth, stifling a subtle laugh.

It was as if he was suggesting that Xingyu was a family enterprise where connections mattered more than qualifications.

This struck a nerve with Lou Yingjie.

Everyone in their circle knew the efforts Lou Yingjie exerted trying to get his second son and third daughter into the business. Yet, he couldn't convince them.

One became a lawyer, and the other, an engineer, both preoccupied with their careers.

Calls to run the company were ignored.

Now, Lou Yi brings his brother's partner into the boardroom without discussing it with the elder in desperate need of staff?

Such a significant move, yet you didn't inform your father in advance or keep him in the loop?

And he only found out when he attended the shareholders' meeting himself?

This is where you erred.

It's a case of good intentions leading to a misstep—an oversight which, given the strict family rules of the Lou household, shouldn't occur.

Realizing his mistake post haste, beads of sweat broke on Lou Yi's forehead, reminiscent of someone in a sauna.

Lou Yingjie closed his eyes briefly and said, indifferent, "Alright, let's begin the election."

Chairman Xie, with his conspicuous bald head, interjected, "Alright. There are nine attendees holding a total of eighty-seven percent of the shares. The election will now commence."

After the announcement of the shares, He could clearly see the panic in Lou Yi's eyes.

He speculated... there might be shares managed by a proxy unknown to Lou Yi.

And there's a high likelihood that this proxy is Lou Yingjie.

The thirty-five percent of shares from the wagering agreement proposed by Lou Yi probably represents his entire stake, while his son, Lou Junhua, being of the younger generation, holds a mere two percent.

Judging by Lou Yi's agitated demeanor and the four people beside him, their combined shares...

Shouldn't surpass half of the total shares represented at the meeting.

Reflexively, He glanced at the reserved middle-aged man sitting beside Attorney Rong.

This man had shown no reaction since his arrival, but He was certain he was aligned with Lou Yingjie's faction. Could he be the proxy for the second brother and third sister's shares?

He's movement was subtle, a mere fleeting glance, quickly reverting his attention.

In contrast, Lou Yi's reaction was far more evident.

A reaction of panic.

The look of a plan falling apart.

Attorney Rong closed his notebook, sighing deeply.

The hierarchy was evident.

The elder Lou's presence here today was essentially a preliminary vetting.

After learning about his youngest son's mishap the day before, Lou Yingjie had private detectives tail Lou Yi overnight and had his contacts trace Lou Yi's recent activities, which unexpectedly led to Lou Junhua.

With Lou Junhua currently away on business and unable to return, the elder Lou, fueled by his frustration, rushed to attend the imminent shareholders' meeting called by Lou Yi.

Typically, shareholder meetings are convened only once a year for most companies.

At Xingyu, the annual shareholders' meeting is held consistently at the end of December.

Lou Yi's unusual move to call a meeting at the start of spring was suspicious, especially when the elder Lou heard about He's imminent director nomination and election.

Lou Yi's ill intentions today were crystal clear.

His strategy: first establish He's presence in the company, and then push him into the spotlight during the election.

On the surface, it would appear that only He, an outsider, would lose face.

But having lived for so long, how could Lou Yingjie not discern Lou Yi's intentions?

Truly ruthless, indeed.

Even with the youngest being in such a state, he still wishes to slap him in the face.

How could Lou Yingjie tolerate such discord between brothers within the family?

He had just discovered the harsh and underhanded tactics his eldest son employed against his fourth son, only to witness it firsthand upon his arrival at the company.

But Lou Yingjie wouldn't fully entrust Xingyu to an outsider; much depended on Lou Yi's reaction.

Surprisingly, with all his years, Lou Yi behaved as though he hadn't matured at all.

His responses were riddled with errors. Even his allies couldn't bear to watch, covering their faces and turning to their documents.

For a moment, the rustling of papers was the only sound in the conference room.

Attorney Rong, fully aware, noticed the elder Lou's foot firmly pressing on the floor, a sign he was on the verge of anger.

He's appointment during today's election was all but assured.

All thanks to Lou Yi's own doing.

Naturally, He didn't have a controlling stake; he was merely an attendee. The remaining eight individuals cast their votes.

After the voting, Chairman Xie gathered all the ballots, ready to tally the results.

"Che Weihang, opposed."

"Wei Ming, opposed."

"Zheng Xingwen, opposed."

"Guangyuan, opposed."

Four consecutive opposing votes. Without any reaction from Attorney Rong, He deduced these four were aligned with Lou Yi.

"Lou Yi."

Chairman Xie deliberately paused before announcing Lou Yi's vote.

Lou Yingjie, who had been closing his eyes, opened them.

He held onto hope, wanting to confirm through Lou Yi's affirmative vote that he wasn't genuinely trying to encroach upon the last vestiges of his brother's domain.

"Opposed."

Lou Yingjie closed his eyes, seeming to age a decade in an instant.

Lou Yi, you, who harms your brother for your own sake...

"Rong Jianghe, in favor."

"Yue Qingwei, in favor."

"Luo Yingjie, in favor."

Luo Yi looked incredulously at his father.

How could everyone agree?

He couldn't understand why his father would let an outsider take control of the company.

How is this possible?

But Luo Yingjie had no interest in meeting his gaze.

Chairman Xie continued, "The shares opposing total... 41 percent."

Luo Yi's expression darkened further.

"The shares in favor amount to 46 percent, surpassing half of the total shares present. He Guan has been elected as a board member."

He Guan leaned back in his seat, glanced at the exhausted Luo Yingjie, and signaled the secretary, who was now less occupied, to bring Yan Xu in with some hot water.

The secretary nodded in acknowledgment.

Shortly after, Yan Xu arrived with a glass of hot water.

He Guan offered the hot water to the elderly man, intending for him to take a sip.

Unexpectedly, Luo Yingjie opened his eyes abruptly, stood up, and threw the entire glass of hot water onto Luo Yi!

He Guan was taken aback.

Luo Yi was caught off guard by the splash of 70-degree water — a quirky habit of Yan Xu's to label the temperature of the water he served to He Guan. Fifty degrees was a comfortable warmth, anything more would be scalding.

Luo Yi cried out, taking a step back and shaking his suit, exclaiming, "Father, what are you doing? Are you trying to humiliate me in front of all these shareholders? Why did you throw water at me?! Did second brother and third sister give you their shares to manage?!"

Luo Yingjie was trembling with rage, "Do you see the mess you've made? Don’t you know He Guan is on the fourth child’s side?! Had I not been here today... You wanted to let the fourth child be humiliated like this?"

"I should have never let you run the business. I taught you nothing, yet you learned greed, wastefulness, short-sightedness, and cowardice... All at the expense of your own family!"

Luo Yi, drenched and humiliated, retorted, "Of course you didn't teach me! All you ever preached was enduring hardship to become a better person, making me suffer needlessly. With all the money you've earned, why can't I just enjoy it?"

"You've always embarrassed me in front of others! The second and third siblings don't do this, and certainly not the fourth! Look how you've pampered the fourth! In internet terms, I’m like your neglected main account in a game! All my siblings outshine me!"

Hearing these words, Luo Yingjie, in disbelief, fiercely threw the glass at him!

The glass shattered on impact with the floor.

Luo Yingjie laughed hoarsely, "So that's how you've always felt... My eldest son, my eldest..."

The elderly man seemed to wither instantly, "Tell me, when times were tough and you fell sick as a child, no matter how heavy the rain or how muddy the paths, I carried you across two villages in my rubber shoes to find a clinic... Your mother and I saved the best food for you while we starved, content with a pot of thin porridge... During the SARS outbreak, you were barely twenty and caught it. We looked after you for so long... And yet you say we didn’t love you..."

His voice was weary. He hadn't had a sip of water since the meeting began and now, completely drained, he leaned on the table and sat down, his vision blurring.

"What an ungrateful wolf I’ve raised..."

Yet Luo Yi wasn't willing to let the old man be. Flushed with anger, he retorted, "This is love? Why didn’t you express love after I became an adult? We're all adults now, and the most practical thing is money. Do you give me any?"

"When you were handing money to the second and third siblings, did you ever think of me? You call me ungrateful? Haven’t I been the one taking care of you these past years? I’ve more than repaid any past debts to you! The second and third are hardly ever home, seeing them three times a year is already a lot. It’s always been me taking care of you!"

Luo Yingjie was livid, "Haven’t I given you enough? I never hid anything from you because my conscience is clear, but look at you, just look at you..."

Dirty laundry aired for all to see.

The argument escalated, and the other shareholders discreetly left their seats. The secretary stopped taking notes and quietly exited.

He Guan reluctantly closed the door.

Attorney Rong noticed He Guan’s lingering gaze as he shut the door, trying to catch a few more words. Smiling, he remarked, "You'll have plenty of time to understand them. Now, you should focus on yourself and think about your responsibilities once you assume your new role."

The other exiting shareholders nodded in agreement.

One even gave He Guan a thumbs up, "Keep up the good work, young man. You have a promising look about you. I've heard about the other day’s meeting. Truly a young talent."

He Guan acknowledged with a smile.

Beyond taking sides, the senior executives sought mutual benefits.

Successful management, be it at the board or general manager level, meant higher dividends for shareholders at the year's end.

Fundamentally, their fates were intertwined.

Only after the sounds of chaos inside ceased did Chairman Xie dare to enter.

Following behind, He Guan quickly noticed Luo Yingjie’s absence. Stepping forward, he found the old man clutching his chest, struggling to breathe.

He Guan gasped, quickly squatting beside him, instructing, "Father-in-law! Stay still. Take deep breaths with me. Inhale... exhale... slowly..."

Luo Yi took one last drag from his cigarette. Once he saw his father’s breathing stabilize, he turned to He Guan, "How sanctimonious of you, He Guan."

The rift between Luo Yi and He Guan was now irreparable.

Only after the old man’s breaths became steady did He Guan dare to speak again, "Didn’t you claim to always be the one caring for him? Have you ever looked at his medical reports?"

Tossing his cigarette, Luo Yi scoffed, "Now you want to settle old scores with me? What right do you have to bring up the past?"

Seeing Luo Yingjie struggle for breath again, He Guan snapped, "Idiot."

"You really are an idiot. Not knowing your own father has coronary heart disease and claiming to care for him while doing nothing. He shouldn’t be agitated, and if he had a heart attack during your argument, where would you stand? You’re the most unfilial son, doing this in front of so many witnesses. Are you out of your mind?!"

Luo Yi was stunned, "What?!"

His gaze shifted to Luo Yingjie, who was still being comforted by He Guan, and defensively he said, "How could this be? My father never told me! This isn't my fault!"

He Guan responded, "Who said it was your fault? Can't you be proactive and ask? Is it so hard to communicate? You say you care for him, yet you never even looked at his medical records?"

Luo Yingjie grabbed He Guan’s wrist tightly, causing him pain, and finally intervened, "Enough."

The old man took a labored breath and, after a brief pause, said, "He Guan, take me out."

Seeing his father in such distress, all of Luo Yi's anger dissipated. He hesitantly took a few steps forward, "Coronary heart disease? Why didn’t I know? Isn’t that the incurable disease? Dad, why didn’t you tell me? I swear, the family doctor never showed me the reports..."

Supported by He Guan, Luo Yingjie walked slowly, remaining silent. He never looked back or acknowledged his son.

The shareholder meeting was an impromptu gathering, and with its abrupt halt, no one suggested continuing.

As Luo Yingjie left, he noticed the old shareholders still waiting outside, and tears welled up in his eyes.

Many among them stayed out of loyalty to Luo Yingjie, his comrades from days gone by.

Their unanimous dissent in today’s vote was likely influenced by Luo Yi's machinations.

After all, if his eldest son could be so ruthless towards his fourth brother, what tactics would he spare others?

Shakingly, he gave a bow to everyone.

He wanted to apologize.

Everyone rushed to help him up, effectively blocking Luo Yi, who was trying to approach.

"Oh, it's alright, Mr. Luo, please take care of your health. We'll escort you."

"You mustn’t stay down, please get up!"

"With young He Guan here at the helm, the company is sure to prosper. You shouldn’t worry."

One of the older directors added, "I live close by and overheard. Do you have coronary heart disease? It’s a tricky condition. Relax, rest up, and try to look at the bigger picture. Some kids, if you can’t control them, just let them be. Help those who appreciate it, and leave the rest."

"Your health is paramount at our age. Maintaining a calm mindset is key. After all, we bring nothing into this world and take nothing out, right?"

Amidst their chatter, a smile slowly crept onto Luo Yingjie’s face.

Only now did he begin to calm down from the prior altercation. He paused, reflecting, and asked, "Isn't Jun Duo currently acting as the interim general manager? There's no official selection yet, right?"

The crowd replied, "Yes, do you have any suggestions?"

Standing on the outskirts of the group, Luo Yi felt an ominous premonition.

But he couldn't intervene now.

Their earlier confrontation in the office was already a grave disrespect. Luo Yi had little standing amongst the older generation. Further contesting his father, especially for his son's sake, would only earn him disdain from all present.

It's just a general manager position. He would concede if needed. As long as He Guan wasn't the choice, everything else could be negotiated...

Luo Yingjie pondered for a moment and proposed, "What do you all think of He Guan for the position?"

Luo Yi was stunned.

Luo Yingjie continued, "In my opinion, his current position on the board somewhat underutilizes his talents, especially as an independent director... How about this: Let's have him join Hengyun Assets first."

He Guan was taken aback as well.

Hengyun Assets was the enterprise overseeing the Luo family’s wealth. Joining it would mean He Guan would have a stake, albeit a small one, in that fortune.

Luo Yingjie clarified, "Three percent, He Guan. And don't think it's too little. For a newcomer's first year, granting you three percent is already a generous offer on my part."

He Guan replied, "Of course. I understand that wealth isn't earned without effort."

Luo Yingjie nodded in approval.

Observing the poised young man before him, then glancing at his own son standing on the fringes, Luo Yingjie couldn't help but sigh internally.

Why couldn't such a fine young man be his son?

Nevertheless, the current arrangement had its advantages. He Guan was an orphan, and now his son-in-law...

At the very least, owing to their bond, he could exert some influence over the young man for a while.

Luo Yingjie continued, "The documents for Hengyun Assets will be sent to my fourth son's home. Remember to pick them up. As for the position of general manager... Chairman Xie?"

Chairman Xie leaned in, affirming, "Whatever you command, I'll ensure it's done."

It was a no-brainer. Gaining favor in Luo Yingjie's eyes was worth its weight in gold at the moment.

Such a significant gesture would hardly meet any resistance.

Luo Yingjie proposed, "Hold another board meeting in a few days. He Guan should get acclimated to his new roles. With both director and general manager titles, you'll be quite occupied."

He Guan, still reeling from the rapid succession of high-ranking titles bestowed upon him, could only tighten his grip on the elder Luo’s hand for support.

Luo Yingjie surveyed the gathered crowd and smilingly said, "That will be all. I’d like to take a walk with He Guan. There's no need to escort me. I appreciate your goodwill, but given my frailty, I don't have the energy to interact further. Thank you all for your understanding."

Such humility and consideration, even at his age, was a hallmark of Luo Yingjie's old-school graciousness.

Some among the crowd had misty eyes, stepping aside to clear a path for the elder Luo.

He Guan, supporting the old man, began their slow walk out of the building.

In front of the building, a sleek black sedan smoothly pulled up. The driver exited, respectfully opening the car door for the elder Luo.

Luo Yingjie halted and flashed a weary smile at He Guan, "This is far enough."

He Guan nodded, "Once you're home, try to forget today's events. Dwelling on them won't do you any good."

Luo Yingjie responded with a bitter smile, "Would you believe it if I said I could forget? How could I possibly not reflect on all that's transpired?"

Before leaving, he took another long look at He Guan, finding him more endearing with every glance.

From the rescue on the mountain to the argument with Lou Yi today, every action seemed to touch a chord in his heart.

Moreover, he secured actual control within the company and gained an entry opportunity into Hengyun Assets...

Still poised and calm, his gaze remained clear, untouched by the allure of fame and fortune.

Truly a rarity.

With such a companion by Laosi's side, he could rest much easier.

He Guan smiled, "That's why I remind myself not to dwell on it. How about you think of your granddaughter when you get home today? Haven't you lost touch with her for a while? Give her a call; she'll be thrilled."

Lou Yingjie looked visibly reluctant.

He Guan coaxed, "Your daughter would be so happy to hear from you. Haven't you missed her for a long time? She and her child are abroad, surely missing home. Trust me; she won't resent your call."

Lou Yingjie responded childishly, "What if she isn't happy to take my call? What do I do then?"

He Guan: "Then you can call me, and I'll surely soothe you to sleep."

Lou Yingjie chuckled, "You cheeky lad! Aren't you powerless when she rejects me too?"

He Guan laughed, scratching his head, "I'm still young, so you can vent on me all you want, I won't take it to heart."

This time, Lou Yingjie genuinely sighed.

How could Lou Yi ever compare to He Guan?

They're simply not on the same level.

Fortunately.

Thankfully, such a man isn't his adversary.

Thankfully, such a person is still very young.

Thankfully, he owes such a man a favor.

He Guan's situation today didn't go unnoticed by him. The decision to assist He Guan, besides Lou Yi's influence, was mostly due to He Guan himself.

He believed that if he hadn't shown his goodwill, He Guan wouldn't have let Lou Yi present but would have spoken himself.

Only now did He Guan truly earn his trust.

Judging by He Guan's current state, Lou Yingjie was confident that the upcoming years would be pleasant.

Let it be...

Upon seeing Lou Yi, who had just hurriedly come down from the elevator, Lou Yingjie, without a second thought, got into the car and commanded coldly, "Drive."

He Guan: "Goodbye, father-in-law."

The elderly man nodded as he settled into the stretched Lincoln, soon speeding away.

Lou Yi arrived too late, swallowing a mouthful of dust kicked up by the car's exhaust.

He Guan, watching Lou Yi slowly crouch beside him, lifted his foot, ready to leave.

Suddenly, Lou Yi reached out to grab him.

He Guan agilely hopped a half-step away, out of Lou Yi's reach, asking, "Big brother, what's the matter?"

Lou Yi, sitting on the ground and due to his obesity, resembled a misshapen ball.

Tears streaming, he uttered, "How did you know about dad's... heart condition...?"

He Guan: "I went hiking over the weekend and encountered your father having a heart attack at the mountain peak. Luckily, I was there and followed him in the ambulance."

Lou Yi choked out, "You know CPR?"

He Guan nodded, then finally remarked, "... you should consider losing some weight. At this age, are you really without fatty liver disease?"

Covering his eyes, Lou Yi nodded.

He Guan's mother was a doctor. As a child, he'd often wait outside the operating room for her, especially after she became the chief physician and had even less time for him.

Frequently, when his mother wasn't looking, He Guan would sneak into the observation booth within the operating room.

It was a place typically reserved for supervisory visits.

Even as a child, He Guan had a charming way with words and was quite popular with adults.

Whenever he was present, any visiting supervisor would be charmed by this intelligent child who understood surgeries, always leaving with a brighter smile.

From then on, it became a given that he could stay there.

In that place, he observed many surgical procedures and matured earlier than most kids his age.

He had seen too many surgeries go awry, patients they couldn't save.

He Guan could tell that from the moment earlier, Lou Yi truly began to regret.

Regretting his ignorance of his father's illness, regretting the words he spoke.

But there's no antidote for regret in this world.

Words once spoken, like water once spilled.

He Guan sidestepped him and walked ahead. Passing through the revolving doors, he stood in the main lobby, gazing up at the company that, from today, he would officially helm.

Glancing upwards, the peak remains elusive.

The front part of the building boasts a minimalist open interior design. The staircase, both understatedly luxurious and elegant, is complemented by ivory tiles that shine with immaculate brilliance.

Interns, finishing their shifts, noticed He Guan in his refined attire and makeup. A savvy colleague nudged one of them, prompting a bow towards He Guan, greeting, "Good evening, Director He!"

He Guan acknowledged with a nod.

Chairman and General Manager...

This signifies that everything, from reporting to the board and shareholders to staff layoffs and recruitments, would pass through He Guan's hands.

He could now truly act without constraints.