The conference room was silent, with no one speaking.
Of course, it was obvious Bai Xia was making indirect accusations, but what did Song Qiming’s actions have to do with them?
She was a vested stakeholder and naturally couldn’t stand others having children.
“Since the chairman has already made his decision, I have no further opinions. But the matter hasn’t been fully sorted out yet, and Xia Xia rashly reported it to the police. Isn’t that a bit too impulsive? Even if Song Qi made a mistake, he is still a veteran employee.”
A shareholder hesitated, wanting to speak.
Bai Xia’s face was expressionless.
“I’m protecting the company’s interests and those of all the shareholders. If everyone followed suit, what company secrets would remain? Can anyone just take company information and sell it?”
“Besides, I don’t know how you all define ‘veteran’ and ‘new’ employees. I remember Director Song joined the company with no qualifications and was directly appointed to management, yet no one said anything. Why is it that when it comes to me, suddenly being young and inexperienced means I’m unfit for responsibility? If my abilities were lacking, I would accept any criticism, but I’m curious how you judge seniority. What exactly is a veteran employee? And what is a new employee?”
As the girl questioned each word sharply, no one spoke.
They realized clearly this young woman had fully inherited her father’s style—obviously not someone to offend lightly.
If they could attack Song Qiming today, tomorrow it might be them.
“Whether Song Qi leaked company secrets should be decided by the courts. Right is right, wrong is wrong.”
Song Yuehua’s gaze swept over the others like a burning torch.
“Xia Xia is my granddaughter. Anyone who harms her is disrespecting this old man. I’m still strong enough to make some noise.”
“Meeting adjourned.”
He knocked twice on the table, then stood up and left.
The others exchanged looks.
The chairman’s partiality was clear—this young girl was bound to succeed him. As for Song Xun, he was probably already bewitched by Bai Ruanwen.
After the meeting, several shareholders’ phones suddenly rang.
They exchanged glances, then all left the conference room together.
***
The quiet tea room was filled with the fragrance of tea.
Outside the window, the green forest swayed gently, casting dappled light on the windowsill.
Song Qiming sat on one side, fingers playing with a string of jade beads.
Across from him, several shareholders remained silent.
“This little brat is overbearing.”
Hearing this, the shareholders frowned.
“What can we do? She has the chairman’s backing, after all. Besides, your son is truly unbearable. It’s better if others handle these matters. Who buys blackmail articles for himself? It’s just asking for trouble.”
Song Qiming slammed the jade beads onto the table, then raised his tea cup and drank it all at once.
His face darkened.
He had already arranged for Zhengyuan to spread dirty rumors.
Once the company’s profits dropped, he would have a chance to kick that brat out.
But who knew the fool actually bought marketing accounts himself and leaked company secrets?
He handed them a perfect handle.
That little girl would only have more ammunition to oust them all.
“I know my big brother. He’s been soft-hearted all his life and wouldn’t do such a thing. As long as that brat knows what’s what, she’ll learn her place eventually.” He pondered.
The others looked at each other. “But that girl is stubborn. Didn’t you see how she indirectly insulted us? She doesn’t care if we’re elders, and with the Lu family backing her, she’s a tough nut to crack. I say forget it—just let her have her moment to show off.”
“Yeah, the chairman’s always soft. You should talk to him. The police probably won’t press charges further. It’s better than your son going to jail.”
Song Qiming snorted coldly, glaring at them. “What use is my brother’s approval? That little brat has him wrapped around her finger. The old man’s lost it. Handing a multi-billion company to an outsider—what a farce. Does the Song family have no other bloodline? How can we let a Lu family member boss us around?”
“What do you want to do then?” The others sipped their tea helplessly.
Song Qiming looked out the window, clutching his tea cup tightly. “She’s just a kid, no matter how capable. Once she realizes she’s crossed a line, she’ll back off.”
The others’ expressions hardened. “Are you crazy? Her father is Lu Lin! Everyone knows she’s the Lu family’s precious gem. If something happens to her, it’ll be chaos.”
“Then my son deserves to be caught?” Song Qiming’s face darkened with cruelty. “What’s Lu Lin going to do? He can’t touch me. Once that brat takes over the company, where will we stand? We’ll all be left out in the cold.”
The company that he and his brother built from scratch had weathered every storm. Now some little girl wanted to sweep him aside? She was truly ignorant of her place.
Cold sweat formed on the others’ brows. They understood his plan was serious. They might be easy to deal with, but this girl was not.
After the meeting, Bai Xia went to Song Yuehua’s office. Since she had acted without reporting first, she needed to explain herself. She knew Song Yuehua would be soft-hearted—after all, Song Qi was his nephew.
But she had no qualms. If Song Yuehua still couldn’t be firm, staying would be pointless. No matter what she did, if Song Yuehua softened, it would all be for nothing. After all, final decisions lay with Song Yuehua.
“Do what must be done. Giving him a lesson is for the best.” Song Yuehua sighed deeply, seated behind his desk.
For a company to renew itself, it had to offend some old-timers. It couldn’t let a few people hinder development; otherwise, what’s the point of leaving a mess to the granddaughter?
“Song Qiming won’t just sit still. He’s close with many shareholders. If he harbors ill intent, it won’t be good for the company.”
Bai Xia sat on the sofa and poured two cups of tea. “I plan to buy out the scattered shares. If the price is above market value, most will weigh pros and cons. If we wait longer, Song Qiming might strike first. He might not even care about his relationship with you—after all, profits come first.”
Surprised by her thorough thinking at such a young age, Song Yuehua’s mood grew complicated. Lu Jin Nian had clearly taught Xia Xia well—she fully inherited the Lu family’s unique way of doing things. What reason did he have to worry?
“If you need your grandfather’s help, just say so. Don’t shoulder this alone. You’re still young; people’s hearts are treacherous. If you get wronged, your great-grandfather will be unhappy.” Song Yuehua spoke with concern.
Bai Xia glanced at the time, then smiled and stood. “My great-grandfather tells me the same thing every day. I still have a meeting to attend, you enjoy your tea. This is the good tea I got from him. It tastes better on rainy days.”
Song Yuehua smiled and nodded, watching the girl leave briskly, full of vigor—not at all like his son, whose eyes only held thoughts of his wife and no care for the company. At least she brought him a granddaughter.
Back at the department, Bai Xia held an emergency meeting. Regarding the recent online comments, they had to immediately clean up and counterattack. Song Qiming had thrown plenty of mud their way; naturally, they would return it in kind and see who would end up on the losing side.
That afternoon, her team bought off a senior industry blogger who leaked news on a certain social platform.
Gua Ge: Recently, a certain company has been turbulent with a major shakeup in management. Indeed, the CEO’s daughter was parachuted in. But her resume is impressive—graduated from a prestigious school at eighteen, founded a very well-known search software in school, and the family has always been grooming her as the successor.
Due to mistakes by the previous management, she immediately took control and turned public opinion around. But internal strife remains, and she was forced forward.
It’s funny—those few victims didn’t get compensation initially, so they protested online. The former management sued them, but the CEO’s daughter pushed for increased compensation after taking office. That’s why those victims changed their tune, though others in the company weren’t happy. Expect more staff changes soon.
Comments:
1F: Getting bombed and then sued? That’s disgusting!
2F: Chill, it’s normal in capitalism. Who can pay five million in compensation? For that, I support the CEO’s daughter!
3F: I only care about real money. I don’t care if she’s royal or not. If after-sales stay good, I’m a lifelong loyal fan. Even if it messes up, I’ll say it’s loud!
4F: Support the young rising! Otherwise, who cares about customers’ lives?
5F: So disgusting. Not focusing on product quality but attacking a young woman and her mother. Disgusting!
6F: Her mother is impressive too, owning several companies. Marketing accounts only confuse things, dragging in personal life. Who cares about her ex? It just shows she’s charming!
7F: This CEO’s daughter is amazing. That search software was her own project. Marketing accounts say it’s nepotism—so what? The company’s takeover upset others.
8F: My drone bought from Zhengyuan had issues recently; customer service is still stalling. Who knows the value of five million!
Bai Xia then instructed her social media team to push press releases across the web. Netizens loved gossip, and while they consumed it, it would also deepen brand impressions. Everyone was a potential user.
That night at home, Lu Lin hadn’t returned. At dinner, Lu Jin Nian asked about her situation, clearly displeased with the Song family mess.
“You get the son you have, and the father is no different. Both Song father and son are soft-hearted. You going to clean up their mess is really tough on you.” Lu Jin Nian looked at his great-granddaughter with sympathy.
Bai Xia lowered her head, sipping soup, then shook it. “It’s okay, great-grandfather. Song grandpa isn’t easy either. They’re family, so it’s hard not to feel compassion.”
“Does he have to send you out to be the scapegoat because he’s soft?” Lu Jin Nian put down his chopsticks, losing appetite. “What did he tell me back then? Promises that sounded great, but he can’t even handle small matters. At his age, he’s indecisive. Better he retires and fishes.”
While Yao Yun sliced steak, she smiled faintly. “Shuo Shuo graduated too. It’s time for him to find a job. I want him to work in the company, just to do something. Better than being idle at home. What do you think?”
Lu Shuo, eating, suddenly looked up, confused why his mother brought it up again. What could he do at the company? It would just be a sinecure.