TNSFC – Chapter 95

It was still the early stages of the turmoil, and the shareholders weren’t overly emotional. They just hoped the matter could be resolved as quickly as possible, so they merely nodded at Que Yining’s words, having no objections.

However, Fourth Uncle Que started speaking sarcastically again, “It’s best not to make grand claims yet. Let’s solve this mess in front of us first. What kind of mess is this, for things that were originally fine to turn out like this.”

“Fourth Uncle, I call you Fourth Uncle because you’re an elder, and because you’re a shareholder of the group, so I’m speaking to you politely here. But people should always keep their eyes open and weigh what should and shouldn’t be said. So, you mean this company should be handed over to Lin Yang, and no matter how capable I am, I can’t interfere, is that right? Even my father and the other shareholders can’t decide, is that right?”

Que Yining gently tapped her fingers on the conference table, looking at Fourth Uncle Que as she questioned him.

Her speaking pace wasn’t fast, and there was no sign of anger, yet it made people feel somewhat breathless.

Que Yining’s consecutive “is that right?” made Fourth Uncle Que a little flustered. He looked at the person next to him in a daze, then shook his head.

“Don’t talk nonsense! When did I ever say that? When did I ever have that idea? Don’t wrongly accuse people. I just hope our company does well, and everyone’s interests are protected.”

Fourth Uncle Que immediately stated his position, then muttered under his breath about being wronged.

Que Yining had no mind to waste words with an elderly person here; she just let out a light chuckle.

“Everyone thinks so too. Who here doesn’t want the group to do well? The only fear is that some people harbor ill intentions and want to drag us down.”

Que Yining’s gaze swept over everyone in the conference room; everyone had different expressions.

“What do you mean by that? Are you implying I’m dragging you down? Let me tell you, I’m a member of the Que family, you…”

Fourth Uncle Que glared angrily at Que Yining, and Que Hanyi, annoyed, shot him a glare.

Que Hanyi said, “Fourth Brother, Ningning wasn’t talking about you. Alright, stop talking. This matter is settled. Does anyone have any objections to this personnel change?”

Those below naturally agreed, and the shareholders’ meeting ended just like that.

Que Yining walked out of the meeting, went into her office, and began to busy herself with the piled-up matters. Que Linyang, oh no, Lin Yang, had played this move on her. Although it was within her expectations, and she had made preparations in advance, the company still suffered considerable fluctuations.

The public opinion on the market wasn’t pleasant. Although Que Yining planned to quietly observe the development of the situation and intended to expose some people, she didn’t intend to ruin the company’s image. The public relations team was busy operating, and Que Yining also urgently convened a press conference.

This wealthy family drama, although lacking melodramatic twists like affairs or mother-in-law versus daughter-in-law battles, featured Lin Yang on one side, who had established an image as a good man, good husband, and good father for over a decade, and on the other, the beautiful boss who had recently been in the limelight. It wasn’t just discussed in Lu Su City’s business circles; netizens from all over who enjoyed gossip were also relishing it.

【Haitang is My Home】: Everyone, make way! The class representative is here! Now, let me summarize this piece of gossip for everyone. As expected, wealthy family gossip is tastier than ordinary people’s gossip. Let’s begin.

Three mornings ago, a man’s face appeared on news pages and various websites. It’s him, it’s him, it’s really him! That super invincible, rich, and doting-wife-maniac CEO! Unexpectedly, he had such a miserable life. He briefly talked about what happened and announced he had no more ties with his family. What’s this all about? It turns out he was just an adopted son. The adoptive parents adopted several children, but after having their own biological child, you know, that kind of disparity became apparent.

He was treated as a money-making tool, working tirelessly for his adoptive parents’ family without complaint. He accomplished many practical things and achievements, expanded their company’s scale, and earned a lot of money. At this point, the adoptive parents let their biological daughter, who had just graduated not long ago, directly take office and become the actual head of the group. They kicked him out of the family and started targeting him in various ways within the company. Even the collaborations with the company he started were all terminated and canceled. It can be said they were very thorough, showing no mercy at all.

Looking at this situation, he perfectly fits the ‘handsome, strong, and tragic’ character archetype. His family was broken and he was orphaned at a young age, then adopted, only to be treated as a tool and a stepping stone. I was furious when I saw it and joined in cursing the ‘vampire family’ as inhuman. But soon I realized something was off. The ‘sister’ he mentioned is actually the beautiful boss I’ve recently become a fan of.

You should know, our Jiejie is also very inspirational. Not to mention her stunning beauty and superior intelligence. And I don’t think she’s the type of person to use someone and then discard them. You can’t just look at one side when enjoying gossip, so I quickly read the clarification posted by my Jiejie’s side.

She is now the head of Que Corporation. Judging from press releases and some statements at the press conference, her side stated that the adoptive brother is an ungrateful wretch. He silently sold off the family’s shares, then cut off ties without any notice. They never committed any of the actions the other party accused them of. The motive for all this was simply that the other party became angry and resentful because he couldn’t get their family’s assets.

Neither side actually has much solid evidence. The CEO’s side has slightly more concrete ‘proof.’ I don’t know what move my Jiejie’s side is going to make. I’m waiting to see if there will be any reversals next.

By the way, as a Lu Su local, I can really feel the impact on the restaurants under Que Corporation. A fast-food restaurant I often went to, which is one of their brands, actually closed down.

【DogTDiesForMe】: As a Lu Su native, I also deeply feel it. The Que family is really being criticized quite severely. My mom even knows about this. But they don’t pronounce the name (Que), they just say ‘the restaurant owners,’ how they’re so heartless, and say they won’t eat at their places anymore. But she just didn’t make dinner, so I still ran off to eat there, hahaha! Before things are clear, of course, I won’t take sides while enjoying the gossip. To be honest, I think the CEO is quite pitiful, but the beautiful Jiejie’s attitude is very firm. I can’t figure out which side is right or wrong.

【XiaoBaiCriesForYou】: It’s true that two of their brand stores have closed. I saw it when I passed Xiyun Road. But Minzhi’s business is still booming. Their dishes are absolutely amazing, truly authentic Lu Su cuisine.

Anyway, I’m a brainless stan of Goddess Ningning. I believe whatever the goddess says is right. It’s a kind of feeling, I guess. Anyway, I don’t really like that adoptive brother. I always feel like he doesn’t look like a good person. Showing off his love so ostentatiously, it feels so fake.

【NoNoNoNoPu】: The person above is just sour grapes, right? Can your family show off love for over a decade? Please, go look at the compiled timeline data, and you’ll know. It’s practically a decade of unwavering affection, okay? I think it must be that family who sucked him dry, felt he had no more value, and then kicked him out. Disgusting. Anyway, I won’t go to their restaurants to eat or spend money, and I’ll tell my friends around me to boycott them too. We can’t let these trashy capitalists earn our money #BoycottQueFamilyBrands#

【CutieFlyingInTheSky】: I fucking ache for my CEO. I quickly went and bought two more new necklaces. Do adopted sons deserve to be treated as tools? This company should go bankrupt sooner rather than later. Don’t think good-looking people don’t do bad things. You may know a person’s face but not their heart; there are plenty of venomous women out there.

【YueGuiIsReal】: Idiot above? Did reading a couple of sponsored articles blind you? This is clearly someone deliberately targeting our Boss, okay? Before, it was smear campaigns through press releases, escalating from the game to personal attacks. Our official Weibo has posted so many clarifications and lawyer’s letters. Now, are they not only slandering the Boss personally and her company, but also her entire family? I suspect all these things were done by that bad adoptive brother. You talk about venomous women; I say some men like to pretend to be righteous and sanctimonious. You know their face but not their heart—wolves in sheep’s clothing!

The gossip was rampant and known by almost everyone. Que Yining worked overtime at the company for three consecutive days, not even having time to go home. She slept only two or three hours a day and only ate a few bites hastily.

As she expected, after waging the public opinion war, Lin Yang started making other moves.

Countless resignation letters came pouring in. Que Yining didn’t try to retain any of them, having the HR department register them and let them leave directly.

Although Que Hanyi had already urgently recruited and trained people before this incident broke out, at this juncture, they still didn’t have enough staff. So, a number of restaurants had to close.

Some didn’t close, but their management was rather chaotic. And the chaos wasn’t limited to Lu Su City; Que Yining also had to send people on business trips to various places to control the situation. The larger their industry was before, the harder it was to manage now.

Moreover, some people were fishing in troubled waters, lowering the quality of food in the restaurants at this time. Several food safety incidents were reported one after another. Que Yining didn’t hesitate at all and mercilessly fired those people directly.

Some suppliers resolutely terminated their cooperation, while others were hesitating. Que Yining and Que Hanyi had to hurriedly arrange talks. In short, they were swamped.

When Gu Shanxue came to the company to see Que Yining, Que Yining had already pulled an all-nighter and hadn’t slept for over 30 hours.

She looked like she was still in good spirits. Her long hair was tied back, her expression stern and cold. After hearing a knock on the door, she said ‘Come in’ without raising her head.

“Shanxue, why are you here?”

Que Yining looked up, a hint of pleasant surprise on her face, and asked Gu Shanxue to sit down.

“Your assistant told me you haven’t slept for a whole day and night. You should rest for a while.”

Gu Shanxue looked at Que Yining’s bloodshot eyes and the dark circles beneath them from lack of sleep. Standing beside her, she looked down and met her gaze.

When she received that call, she was a little angry. Because just yesterday, when Que Yining had some free time, she had sent her a message, and Que Yining had promised her she would rest early and then work.

“I’m almost done with this matter at hand, very soon!”

Que Yining replied, and the phone beside her rang. She gave Gu Shanxue an apologetic look and answered the call to discuss business.

Gu Shanxue waited for her to finish the matter at hand. When Que Yining slightly relaxed in her soft chair with a sigh of relief, Gu Shanxue scooped her up in her arms.

Que Yining exclaimed, “Shanxue?”

“You haven’t been eating properly again,” Gu Shanxue frowned. She placed Que Yining on the bed, covered her with the blanket, and sat by the bedside. “I’ll watch you sleep.”

Meeting Gu Shanxue’s gaze that brooked no refusal, Que Yining pouted slightly and obediently closed her eyes.

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