Chapter 28 (2/2): Takeover

Now there were investment scams targeting rich second-generation kids everywhere.

He’d be lucky not to lose his underwear.

“Not much. I just chipped in a bit. Others invested too. Don’t worry about it. I’ll be self-reliant.”

Lu Shuo dodged the question.

Yao Yun frowned.

“If you want to be self-reliant, spend more time with your grandfather, not playing games here.”

“I said it’s game testing! As Chairman, I need to test games myself. This one’s really fun. Try it—it’s better than losing money at mahjong every day.”

Lu Shuo hurriedly handed her the phone.

Yao Yun stared at him for a long time, speechless, then turned and left.

“You’re not eating breakfast? How will you have energy for mahjong without breakfast?”

He shouted after her.

After a while, a suppressed voice replied.

“Just seeing you is enough.”

Lu Shuo grabbed another bun and resumed gaming.

There were still issues to fix in this game.

He’d schedule a meeting in the afternoon to discuss.

Thinking of this, he messaged Bai Xia.

【Young Miss, meeting at 3 pm.】

A Bentley stopped at the Song family villa.

Bai Xia opened the car door, checked her phone, and replied.

【We’ll see.】

Before she could approach the entrance, heated voices erupted from inside.

Clearly, there was fierce debate today.

“I disagree. That girl is Lu Lin’s daughter. How can she join our group? If she has ulterior motives, wouldn’t we be raising a tiger at our side?”

“That’s right. The Lu family isn’t declining. Why doesn’t she join her own company? If her surname were Song, I’d have nothing to say, but she’s Lu Lin’s daughter. I absolutely oppose her employment!”

Voices of opposition filled the hall.

Song Yuehua sat at the head with his eyes closed.

When everyone finished, he opened his eyes and spoke calmly.

“Xia Xia is a child registered in our Song family genealogy. She is one of us. It’s only natural for her to join the company.”

Upon hearing this, other shareholders’ faces changed.

They hadn’t expected him to lay out plans so early.

If they’d known Song Xun wouldn’t have children, they’d never have let that girl be added to the family register.

The Lu family was flourishing, raking in cash with their AI ventures, and now sending their daughter to steal business.

“Uncles and elders seem to have strong opinions about me.”

A clear female voice rang from the entrance.

Everyone turned.

A tall, youthful girl entered, wearing a beige dress.

She looked lively—perhaps not even an adult yet.

It was said she’d already graduated college; who knew if she took shortcuts.

“No particular thoughts. The Chairman is right. You’re listed in the Song family registry, so you’re family. Still, since you’re young, it’s best to learn and gain experience.”

A shareholder changed tune, spouting polite words.

“Right. We watched you grow up. We hope the younger generation will surpass us.”

Another quickly agreed, dropping his earlier hostility.

Everyone knew she was the Lu family’s treasure.

Lu Jinnian took her everywhere.

If not for her age, they’d have handed the Chairman’s seat to her already.

Bai Xia accepted a document folder from the assistant and placed it on the long table.

“I hope everyone doesn’t judge by age. Regarding the company’s recent situation, I have my own ideas and hope uncles and elders will provide guidance.”

The shareholders exchanged glances.

One opened the folder and passed out the documents.

Upon reading the content, their expressions shifted.

There had indeed been recent company turmoil.

The girl’s analysis was thorough, and her solutions solid.

She clearly wasn’t just some rich kid wasting time at school.

But so what?

They had built the company with the Chairman; how could they let an outsider take over?

“Xia Xia wants to gain experience. Of course we support it. But since you’re young, it’s best to train at the grassroots level for a year or two before rising—only then will you convince others.”

Song Qiming said sternly.

Bai Xia sat nearby, smiling faintly.

“Times are changing. Traditional concepts don’t always fit current management. Give me a month. If I make mistakes, I’ll resign myself.”

The shareholders looked at each other.

Wasn’t this girl too confident?

“I believe everyone knows the company’s recent troubles. Although minor at first, things have escalated into a major problem, exposing serious flaws and management failures.”

“In the rush to launch a new product, it was released without adequate testing, resulting in three serious injuries among buyers. The company should have recalled the product for inspection, but instead, those responsible covered up the issue, leading to further quality problems.”

“Now, the drone market is under attack. Our brand relies on reputation—it’s how we’ve thrived among competitors. But with issues like this, public opinion spirals, and without a good reputation, what competitive advantage remains? Can anyone guarantee customers will give a second chance?”

“The core issue is management trying to use small money to cover big problems. But it’s not the old days anymore. With the internet’s rapid development, how long can a cover-up last? Are there problems with management decisions? All of you are respected elders, but I believe any company that wants to keep up with the times must accept fresh blood, not exclude outsiders and stagnate. None of us want the company to fail, right?”

The girl’s clear, calm voice echoed through the room—words not fitting an eighteen-year-old.

Song Yuehua sipped his tea with a faint smile.

The others sat in silence.

Only Song Qiming looked upset.

This girl was clearly targeting him—she hadn’t even joined the company yet and already wanted to make an example.

“Xia Xia is right. This isn’t a minor issue but a massive error. The new product leader is fired, the PR manager resigns, and tomorrow Xia Xia takes over the PR department. Any objections?”

Song Yuehua swept his gaze across the room.

No one dared speak.

With both the Lu and Song families backing her, none would offend her—at least not openly.

“I’m old. I want to see how young people handle problems.”

Song Qiming smiled, looked at Bai Xia, and left.

The others also departed.

Bai Xia poured herself tea.

She had wanted to be courteous first, but with some people, force was needed, or they’d take kindness for weakness.

She’d originally planned to pursue graduate studies.

But seeing the Song family’s internal chaos, Song Yuehua had to have her build a foundation in the company.

Otherwise, in a few years, things would spiral out of control.

There were too many Song relatives.

Everyone wanted a piece of the company.

With Song Xun childless, all hoped their own kids would inherit.

How could they accept an outsider?

But she hadn’t been appointed at the last minute.

For years, she’d observed the Song company’s situation.

It was obvious that the drawbacks of a family business were already showing.

Since Song Yuehua planned to hand things over, she had to clean house.

Anyone who didn’t value customer safety had no place here.

“Xia Xia truly takes after your great-grandfather. He also built an enterprise single-handedly. Now, we’re all old—the future belongs to your generation.”

Song Yuehua sighed.

Bai Xia poured tea for him and smiled sweetly.

“I’m just a kid. What do I know? The rapid progress of the times is thanks to pillars like you pioneering markets, allowing a hundred flowers to bloom. Just like this tea—it tastes sweet at first sip, but only with time do you understand its depth.”

Looking at the graceful young girl, Song Yuehua felt bittersweet.

In a blink, his granddaughter could stand on her own, unfazed in front of so many.

She must have gained much experience with Lu Jinnian over the years.

Noticing she even appreciated tea, he immediately had a fresh pot brewed.

Unlike Song Xun, she had taste.

He was sure his granddaughter would enjoy it.

“Xia Xia?”

Suddenly, a gentle female voice came from the door.

Bai Xia turned, smiled widely, and rushed to hug Bai Ruanwen.

“Mom! I didn’t eat breakfast today. I’m starving!”

Bai Ruanwen patted her head helplessly.

“If your great-grandpa knew, he’d scold you to death.”

“The butlers are my people. No one will tell great-grandpa. I waited especially for your sweet and sour ribs.”

She clung to the female lead’s neck.

She’d even gifted the butler a house, and he never reported to the male lead about her anymore.

She was grown now and needed privacy.

“Whenever you want, I’ll have your favorite dishes sent over, so you can eat them fresh.”

Bai Ruanwen gazed at her daughter lovingly.

Bai Xia blinked.

She was so big already, but everyone still worried she’d go hungry.

“Xia Xia didn’t eat? Quickly make her some porridge.”

Song Xun called toward the kitchen.

Servants immediately relayed the order.

Whenever the young lady visited, the Chairman and CEO doubled the dishes.

Still, she was kind and gave generous bonuses during holidays—worth a year’s wages.

If only she lived here, the Chairman would be delighted.

At noon, there were a dozen dishes and cakes.

Bai Xia knew her mom would want her to eat more, so she’d purposely left her stomach empty in the morning.

Never mind.

If it made them happy, she’d eat more.

At eighteen, maybe she could still grow taller.

She chatted with Song Xun about company matters.

It wasn’t until three in the afternoon that she left, needing to attend a graduation party.

She messaged Lu Shuo to attend the meeting alone and send her the notes.

She couldn’t slack off.

Who knew what wild ideas he’d come up with?

She’d invested money and couldn’t let him ruin the company.

At the restaurant, the private room was noisy.

Someone was singing.

As the door opened, sure enough, several people were shouting.

“Bai Xia’s late! Penalty three drinks!”

A boy shouted.

He Yuehua, discussing nail art with a classmate, looked up.

“Are you paying? Then I’ll order another case of red wine.”

At once, the boy fell silent.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t pay, but if He Yuehua chose the expensive stuff, his card would be maxed out.

“Drink, drink, drink. If you like it, have more. What’s with all the yelling?”

Qi Mo smacked him on the head.

The boy covered his head, pointing at him wordlessly—a coward who valued love over friendship.

Even after graduation, he couldn’t confess.

If Bai Xia got married, he’d just cry.

“The road was blocked. Today’s bill is on me. Put it on my account later.”

Bai Xia told the manager.

He nodded quickly.

“Understood.”

“Look at my new nails. Aren’t they pretty? I picked pink diamonds!”

He Yuehua stretched out her hand.

Bai Xia examined it seriously.

“Very pretty.”

“I think so too. When I’m done, I’ll take them off and donate them. That way, they can be reused and do charity work—two birds with one stone!”

He Yuehua raised her brows, feeling her idea was both eco-friendly and charitable.

“I ate too much. Can you buy me some digestive tablets?”

Bai Xia sat on the sofa and sent a voice message to her assistant.

She’d searched long for this assistant.

With so many matters and classes, she needed someone to handle trivial work.

The private room buzzed with chatter, games, drinks, and singing.

Bai Xia chatted with classmates.

She felt there was a sea of talent in the world—most just lacked opportunities.

She happened to have some spare money, so helping others realize dreams while earning herself was a win-win.

Qi Mo quietly crept over, holding a box.

Looking at the girl’s delicate profile, his ears reddened.

“Um… I gave everyone graduation gifts, but yours is the last.”

Bai Xia turned, accepting the box.

“Thank you.”

He Yuehua admired her nails, then glanced at Qi Mo, exasperated.

Some people never grew bolder, even after all the trouble jumping grades with Bai Xia.

She’d thought he was brave, but he gave a gift in the class’s name.

“Not going to open it?”

Qi Mo’s eyes flickered.

Bai Xia opened the box.

Inside was a watch.

If she recalled, it was worth over a million.

She’d hinted countless times, but no matter what, he insisted on studying with her, even as the lowest-ranked.

“Why is Bai Xia’s different from ours?”

A boy nearby raised his brow.

Qi Mo glared.

“If you don’t like it, give it to me. What’s the fuss?”