TNSFC – Chapter 88

“Ningning has been training for a long time. If I didn’t recognize her abilities, I wouldn’t be so reckless. You can rest assured.”

Que Hanyi sat in the main seat, his expression calm as he faced such questioning.

“Who can say for sure? Is your approval enough? Let me speak frankly. Setting aside how excellent Linyang’s abilities are, just based on the fact that Linyang has worked at our Que Corporation for so many years, his understanding of our Que Corporation alone is much deeper than Ningning’s. This isn’t a small matter for your family; it’s a big deal for everyone. You really can’t act recklessly!”

Que Hongde stood up from his chair, older than Que Hanyi, and nearly ran out of breath after his long speech.

What he said was actually quite reasonable, at least on the surface. The eldest son had worked in the company for many years and was considered by everyone to be the stable successor. He had brought considerable achievements to the company and seemed impeccable. On the other hand, the younger daughter, who was about to be parachuted in, was notoriously unscholarly and incompetent, burdened with the bad reputation of a love-struck fool who had unsuccessfully pursued a man for years. This group of shareholders would never let Que Hanyi be so willful.

But he didn’t know that his “fair words” had deeply pierced Que Hanyi’s heart.

The thought that he had allowed Que Linyang into the company for so many years, diligently taught him things, and given him so many benefits, only for Que Linyang to later turn around and cause the ruin of their family, almost gave him a heart attack.

“Everyone here is either my family or a friend I’ve collaborated with for many years. I’ll be frank: my mind is made up. Ningning’s capabilities will be evident once she takes office. It’s pointless to jump to conclusions now. If Ningning is incompetent or makes any mistakes, I will take full responsibility.”

Once Que Hanyi finished speaking, the murmurs of discussion ceased. Everyone looked at each other, and many glanced at Que Linyang’s face.

After all, Que Hanyi’s words clearly indicated his intention to designate Que Yining as the next head of the company. In that case, wouldn’t this person, whom everyone thought was a sure winner, end up with nothing?

“I naturally trust your decision, Big Brother. I’ve also seen Ningning’s progress, and I’m very reassured. Our Ningning will sooner or later take up the mantle.”

The one who spoke was Que Hanyi’s second younger brother’s wife, Que Yining’s Second Aunt-in-law. She smiled at Que Yining, her face full of encouragement.

Que Corporation had grown step by step over so many years, and the shareholders present had all contributed significantly. However, the main pillar who had put in the most effort was Que Hanyi. Over the years, he had people who followed his lead, and Que Family Second Aunt-in-law was one of them. Although she was still somewhat worried about Que Yining’s abilities, in her view, Que Yining was Big Brother’s legitimate biological daughter, so it was natural for her to inherit Que Corporation. Que Linyang was, after all, an adopted son; it was human nature to distinguish between close and distant relatives. Who wouldn’t want their own biological child to enjoy everything they had created?

After Que Family Second Aunt-in-law stated her position, two other people also voiced their agreement.

“This… I still feel it’s somewhat inappropriate. Ningning is inexperienced, after all. Why not let her practice with small projects first? And Boss, let me tell you something from the bottom of my heart: whether biological or not, once someone bears our Que family name in our family registry, they are part of our Que family. You can’t favor one over the other, bringing in someone new and neglecting the old. It’s disheartening.”

Que Family Fourth Uncle shook his head and sighed, looking somewhat sympathetically at Que Linyang, who was sitting there.

These words stabbed Que Hanyi’s heart again, and he almost fainted.

Back then, to prevent the Que family from looking down on Que Linyang because he was an adopted son, he had even disregarded the elders’ objections and added Que Linyang to the family registry. Thinking about it now, he wished he could slap himself to death.

“Fourth Brother, I don’t think what you said is right. Even if he’s on the family registry, he’s not of the same bloodline as us. I think Big Brother’s decision is correct. How can you talk about favoritism? Big Brother’s family hasn’t mistreated Linyang, have they? If you ask me, they’ve given him more than they’ve given Ningning. Hasn’t his own business been flourishing these years? He probably wouldn’t mind much even without our Que Corporation.”

Que Family Third Uncle spoke coolly. Among the shareholders, he was the one most opposed to Que Linyang, and his prejudice had only grown over the years.

He was an old-fashioned man, with a pedantic and stubborn style, very xenophobic and placing great importance on blood ties. He felt that Que Linyang was not a true Que family member and wouldn’t consider the Que family’s interests from the bottom of his heart. He was even more dissatisfied with Que Linyang using the Que family’s influence to pave his own way, believing Que Linyang to be ambitious and wolfish, yet feigning a harmless, filial, and respectful demeanor. He never bought his act.

Now, seeing that the Boss had changed his decision, he was incredibly supportive.

“Third Uncle, you’ve misunderstood me. I have no ulterior motives. Those ventures are just hobbies, some are industries my wife is interested in, so I got involved. But I would never risk Que Corporation for anything, so I did them on my own, without touching Que Corporation’s resources in the slightest. I hope you can understand.”

Even in such an embarrassing situation, Que Linyang’s tone was not impatient. His expression was sincere, making people want to believe his words.

Que Yining could roll her eyes to the heavens. Que Linyang was truly an actor. Cultivating a loving persona for so many years wasn’t just to establish a good husband image, but also to use Hou Manni as an excuse.

He started a clothing company because he wanted to design clothes for his wife; entered the jewelry industry because his wife liked beautiful jewelry; ventured into the entertainment industry because his wife wanted to watch dramas that suited her taste… He squeezed every last drop of benefit from this image, constantly using it for marketing and publicity.

Que Linyang was indeed not bad-looking. He was in his late forties, approaching fifty, but well-maintained, still looking like he was in his thirties or forties. He knew how to dress. In earlier years, he had attracted many fans with this doting husband and domineering CEO persona, who then bought his company’s products.

With such a beautifully constructed image, it would surely be interesting when it was exposed. Thinking this, the smile in Que Yining’s eyes deepened.

Que Linyang shifted his gaze from Third Uncle Que, looked at the seated shareholders, and finally fixed his eyes on Que Hanyi.

“I can understand Dad’s feelings. It’s also right that he wants to hand the company over to Ningning. It’s just that Ningning is still too young now, but I can help out. It’s good for Ningning to take over this project. I can be Ningning’s assistant and help on the side. When Ningning is capable of managing the company, I can then retire with honor.”

Que Linyang smiled brightly, showing no hint of reluctance, impeccably so.

Que Hanyi had to struggle to remain calm and not burst out cursing.

If it weren’t for these events, he probably would never have suspected this adopted son of his. How well he could talk, how well he could pretend.

But he didn’t want Que Linyang to interfere in this matter anymore, worried that Que Linyang would pull some tricks. He looked at the faces of the shareholders below, shook his head, and said, “No need. I will personally oversee this. You can handle other things.”

Que Hanyi’s expression was gentle. He forced a smile at Que Linyang and said, “Linyang, I heard that your company hasn’t been doing too well recently. Don’t worry about my affairs for now. I’m not senile yet; I can still hold on for a while. You should sort out your own matters first before coming back.”

They were all old foxes; who didn’t know how to put on an act?

Just as Que Linyang was about to speak and defend himself, he heard Que Yining cough twice lightly.

Que Yining deliberately interrupted Que Linyang. Once she spoke, everyone’s attention focused on her.

“Thank you, Big Brother, for your concern, and thank you, uncles, for your support. I understand your worries, and I will definitely do my best. I dare not boast that I can complete it perfectly, but Dad can still teach me. Even if you don’t trust me, you should trust my father. I am a daughter of the Que family; I would never joke about our family’s affairs. You can all rest assured.”

Que Yining smiled and said all the right things. She wasn’t someone who liked to be polite before being forceful, but in this situation, she had to put on an act. If Que Linyang could pretend, so could she, and she had a stronger standing than him. Besides, her plan wasn’t just to isolate Que Linyang from the start; she needed to make full use of him.

“Besides, Big Brother said he would help me. Coincidentally, Dad mentioned this project to me before. I’ve already prepared the proposal, and it’s different from Big Brother’s. I have new ideas. Uncles who don’t support it can take a look before deciding.”

Que Yining had come prepared. She quickly turned this appointment meeting into her own project proposal meeting, distributing the documents to all the shareholders.

She was in a wheelchair, but her aura as she presented the proposal was imposing, full of confidence. Everyone present was a seasoned veteran of the business world; even if they lacked the ability, they had the discernment. From Que Yining’s demeanor, they sensed something extraordinary, and their thoughts gradually began to change.

After all, everyone was looking out for their own interests. Some who hadn’t been optimistic about Que Yining changed their attitude after she spoke. Although they still had doubts and felt it was very risky, they didn’t say anything.

The person with the ugliest expression in the room was Que Linyang. He stared coldly at Que Yining, the smile barely staying on his face.

He hadn’t expected Que Yining to produce such a nearly perfect plan. At first, he even thought it was something Que Hanyi had someone write for Que Yining to help her stand out. But he quickly dismissed this idea, given the success of Que Yining’s game studio.

He seethed inwardly, not expecting Que Yining to have grown so quickly. She had clearly been a good-for-nothing waste at the beginning.

“Regarding the promotional collaboration, I also have some ideas,” Que Yining looked at Que Linyang. “Big Brother.”

Que Linyang, having been called out, immediately put on a smile.

“You will fully cooperate, right? After all, you’ve been with the company for so many years and have provided a lot of convenience for your own company. For this joint promotional event with your company, you won’t charge us, will you?”

Que Yining asked with a smile, her intention to gain benefits not at all subtle.

Directly kicking Que Linyang out, making him lose everything and pay the price, was indeed Que Yining’s initial thought. But after gaining a deeper understanding, she no longer thought so.

She had to squeeze every last bit of value out of Que Linyang before kicking him out like trash. Que Linyang had benefited so much from the Que family; how could she not make him spit some of it out?

Over the years, Que Linyang had used Que Corporation to facilitate his own company’s affairs countless times, whether it was in bidding, cooperative profit-sharing, or other aspects. Que Yining deliberately asked this in front of numerous shareholders to prevent Que Linyang from being evasive. Moreover, she had already calculated it in her mind; she wouldn’t let Que Linyang gain any advantage.

Under these circumstances, Que Linyang naturally couldn’t refuse. After all, the shareholders still remembered the nice things he had just said. He had no choice but to continue his act.

“Of course, no problem.”

Thus, the meeting ended with everyone satisfied.

Of course, there were still a few individuals who were not pleased.

“I don’t know why Big Brother is so biased, letting a little girl who can’t even walk properly manage such an important matter. Linyang was clearly doing a great job, yet he has to stir things up.”

Fourth Uncle Que grumbled, making no effort to hide his displeasure as he passed by Que Yining.

“So Fourth Uncle and Big Brother are that close, huh? Those who don’t know might think Big Brother is Fourth Uncle’s biological son. Looks like I’ll have to have a good talk with Fourth Aunt-in-law later, remind her not to forget to check if you, Fourth Uncle, have sown some wild oats outside.”

Que Yining was known for her sharp tongue, but even when saying such things, she wore a smile. If one didn’t hear the content of her words, her expression might lead one to believe she was praising someone.

Fourth Uncle Que stopped in his tracks and said angrily, “Don’t you be too arrogant, girl! You have no respect for your elders! How dare you speak to an elder like that? Don’t think you can be so insolent just because Boss is backing you!”

“Fourth Uncle, we should be reasonable. You criticized me first, so can’t I make a joke or two? If Fourth Uncle takes it so seriously, could it be that what I said casually is actually true?”

Que Yining feigned surprise. She was still in the meeting room, and Que Linyang also remained seated, motionless.

“Alright, Fourth Brother, why bicker with a junior? If you really have an issue, I’ll have a proper talk with you.”

Que Hanyi walked over, put his arm around his blood brother’s shoulder, and led him out.

Most people had left the meeting room, leaving only Que Linyang and Que Yining facing each other.

The smile was gone from Que Linyang’s face, which looked somewhat gloomy. He clapped his hands slowly.

“I never expected that the little sister I watched grow up would become so capable. It’s truly a surprise for me, her older brother.”

Que Linyang actually didn’t know which misstep he had taken to lead to today’s situation.

Everything was proceeding according to his plan, yet it was constantly deviating.

A few days ago, he had noticed Que Hanyi’s attitude towards him was off. But at that time, Que Hanyi was short on working capital for a company project. Que Linyang hadn’t fully gained control of Que Corporation yet. Annoyed by Que Hanyi’s astuteness, he hastily let go of that certain profit, but Que Hanyi still sensed something was amiss.

He initially thought Que Hanyi was just angry with him because of this, but when he later visited to sound him out, he couldn’t seem to find out anything. Then, Que Hanyi suddenly pulled this stunt on him, catching him off guard.

He knew that old fellow still favored his biological daughter. The moment he saw his daughter had some ability, he eagerly pushed her into a high position, unafraid that pushing her too high would cause her to fall to her death.

And this Que Yining in front of him had also slipped out of his control. His last attempt to deal with her had failed, and he couldn’t find a better opportunity.

But he wasn’t without a plan. Didn’t Que Yining want to do well on her first project after taking office? He would never let her succeed.

“It’s because Older Brother set such a good example, so I figured I should strive to catch up to you.”

Que Yining responded with a smile, playing along with this act of sibling harmony. Anyway, she wouldn’t be disgusted by it.

“Didn’t you use to hate these things the most? You even said you wanted to live happily under your brother’s protection for a lifetime. You’ve grown up.”

Upon hearing this, Que Linyang stood up. He walked in front of Que Yining, his shadow enveloping her. With his back to the light, his face was somewhat obscured and indistinct, and he let out a soft sigh.

“That’s right, I’ve grown up. I know that others are unreliable; it’s better to rely on myself. After all, there are plenty of people in this world who want to snatch what belongs to others. I have to protect my own things, don’t you think?”

Que Yining smiled and retorted, showing no sign of nervousness.

They both smiled, engaged in a silent confrontation and contest. The smell of gunpowder grew stronger. Neither was a fool; both were pretending to be oblivious while understanding perfectly.

Que Linyang thought Que Yining might have discovered something, yet he also felt she might not have discovered anything at all.

He wasn’t surprised that Que Yining had such thoughts; even the strongest emotions were fragile in the face of interests. Perhaps she had just grown up and wanted to compete for something, realized he was just an outsider, and so she changed.

People always tend to speculate about others based on their own thoughts. On this point, Que Linyang was particularly extreme.

“The starting point of capital is, fundamentally, plunder.”

Que Linyang said, as if lecturing, gave Que Yining a meaningful look, and left the meeting room.

Que Yining watched his retreating back and silently cursed, ‘Idiot.’

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From this day on, Que Yining became even busier.

She didn’t come to Que Corporation alone. Papa Que had found trustworthy people to help Que Yining. Que Yining trusted Papa Que, but she was more accustomed to using her own people. So, she handed over the matters at Qingyun Studio to Li Suyin and the assistant team, and brought Zhang Shiyu to Que Corporation.

After half a year of training, guided by Que Yining and Li Suyin, Zhang Shiyu was no longer the girl who had been fired from her company due to ostracism and rumors. She had put in a lot of effort before coming, and when she joined the company with Que Yining, her ability to take over and absorb information was exceptionally fast.

Que Yining arrived at the office and looked at the project team members.

Most of them had smiles on their faces, but Que Yining didn’t know if any were faking it. She didn’t care about these things, briefly introduced herself, and then started the meeting, clarifying the core content of the project.

Que Corporation started in the catering industry and owned various tiers of restaurants in Lu Su City, including affordable chain restaurants, top-tier restaurants offering high-end consumption and service, and its own hot pot brand. However, brands always need to innovate. With the continuous development of online platforms, offline stores were constantly facing challenges.

Taking the revenue of the first quarter of this year as an example, it was several percentage points lower than the first quarter of last year. This was a significant loss, and some stores were already facing closure due to reduced customer traffic.

Regarding what kind of new project to launch, the senior management had discussed it several times and finally decided to launch instant food products that catered to the market.

Instant hot pot, instant rice – this market seemed to have very good development prospects. But the Que family, accustomed to comfort, was very hesitant. Only when they were forced to change did they decide to make a move.

Que Linyang originally wanted to create a brand series of self-heating rice and hot pot. But after Que Yining took over, she completely changed the project plan he had decided on.

Que Corporation was by no means the first to try this, not even the hundredth. Catering to the market this way would only lead to being lost in the market. She decided to first create sensational, internet-famous stores, and then launch the products, building a reputation first instead of relying on their previous fame for secondary marketing.

Que Yining’s plan was much riskier than Que Linyang’s, requiring more upfront capital investment. Consequently, someone raised doubts at the meeting.

“Why choose this method? Isn’t it an unnecessary detour? The manager’s previous plan was clearly very good. We are an established catering restaurant. As long as we add our name for secondary marketing, we absolutely don’t need to spend so much effort on such an unrewarding task. The tastes in the market are all pretty similar, and consumers don’t really care about those slight differences in flavor; they only care about price differences. Doing this will only lead to increased costs and higher prices, deviating from the demand of the instant food target audience for affordable options. I’m not optimistic about this.”

The person who stood up to speak was the project team leader, a man around thirty. What he said wasn’t entirely unreasonable, if only he could better conceal the unfriendliness and arrogance on his face.

Before starting, Que Yining had reviewed the profiles of each member of the project team. The employees selected for this project team were all outstanding employees from the past, and their professional abilities were naturally indisputable. However, the team leader who was refuting her now had worked under Que Linyang for several years and had been promoted all the way by him. Que Yining was somewhat surprised when he spoke up, not expecting him to be so impatient.

Didn’t this just give her an excuse to kick someone out? Thus, a smile appeared on Que Yining’s face. When she smiled, everyone in the meeting room instinctively felt a chill down their spines.

The team leader thought Que Yining found his point valid and was about to continue speaking when he saw Que Yining’s expression suddenly change, her eyes turning cold and sharp.

“It seems you’ve forgotten the original intention of being in the catering business. What is Que Corporation’s business philosophy? To give every diner the greatest taste bud enjoyment! If a restaurant’s food isn’t good, no matter how well it’s promoted or how cheap it is, it will sooner or later be replaced by something cheaper. You must first establish a firm footing and be attractive enough to draw more people. If you just launch mediocre products and then promote them, then there’s no need for innovation.”

Que Yining didn’t actually understand catering, but she understood business.

The history of Que Corporation’s rise began with a small restaurant. Because the chef Papa Que hired was skilled, he relentlessly and strictly controlled the taste of the dishes and managed the prices. With many repeat customers, he was able to open one restaurant after another, reaching today’s scale.

However, as the scale grew, so did the dilution. It became difficult to manage, the taste of some restaurants deteriorated, and gradually, customer traffic dwindled.

Since it was a new launch of instant food, the foundation had to be laid well. After all, food is different from other things; no matter how extravagantly it’s hyped, once it reaches the diner’s mouth, judgment will naturally be passed.

“But from an efficiency perspective, your plan…”

Que Yining’s words stunned the team leader. Unwilling to give up, he wanted to continue insisting on his point of view but was interrupted by Que Yining’s gaze.

“If you don’t agree, then I can very well remove you from this project list. You won’t have to sit here anymore; you can leave directly.”

Que Yining glanced at the recording device on her computer and spoke calmly.

She didn’t care if this was a setup designed by Que Linyang, nor did she care if this person was Que Linyang’s pawn. Anyone connected to Que Linyang, she didn’t know about those in secret, but she didn’t want to keep those in the open.

“Or rather, I hope you withdraw from this project directly. After all, with such strong disapproval, it’s hard for me to believe that you, as a team leader, can assist me well.”

Que Yining was actually speaking very objectively and not trying to make things difficult. If the project team leader was so unsupportive, why should she keep him?

Hearing Que Yining’s undisguised words and seeing the mocking or sympathetic gazes from his colleagues, the man’s face flushed with embarrassment. He didn’t say a word and left the office angrily.

“It seems I need to promote a new project team leader. Everyone can actively express their opinions, and I will choose the best one.”

The atmosphere, which had just dropped to freezing point, became lively again with this sentence. Everyone proposed suggestions they thought were feasible, and Que Yining’s attitude was also very good, engaging in communication.

After the meeting, Zhang Shiyu brought pastries and coffee to everyone. They all smiled and thanked Que Yining. Que Yining smiled back and entered her office.

【Law-abiding Good Family】

[Suyuan Qing]: I declare! This isn’t the Crown Princess! This is a decisive Lady Ruler! Hahahaha, the way she kicked that person out was so cool!

[Guangdong Chen Pingping]: What, what? Isn’t the Princess in a wheelchair? How did she kick someone??

[Socialist Jia Zhengjing]: Hahaha, no, it’s that she kicked so-and-so out of the new project team. Good riddance! That person was so-and-so’s simp, just blabbering on and on.

[kiki?]: Hahahaha, the tyrant is so cool! She even got us pastries and coffee. These pastries are the most famous ones from the west side of the city! I waited in line for so long last time and couldn’t get any! I got to eat them today! I love her!

[Qiqi Guaiguai]: The coffee is amazing too! Seriously, she’s a boss with great ideas and insights. And the Lady Ruler said she’s treating us to a big meal later, hehehe.

[Earth Globe]: Wait a minute, hasn’t she ascended the throne yet?

[Reality]: We’ve already crowned her king!

Que Yining had no idea she was already being called this behind her back. She sat in her office, currently complaining coquettishly to Miss Gu.

“I’m so tired today, I’ve been talking to those people all day. There are definitely Que Linyang’s people among the shareholders. I’m still investigating the financial transactions. Que Linyang must be planning something now. You need to be careful; I’m afraid he might try to set you up because of me.”

“Don’t worry about me, he doesn’t pose a threat to me yet. By the way, I saw a promising investment project. I’ll send it to you later.”

Gu Shanxue never forgot Que Yining when it came to profitable ventures and sent the email to Que Yining.

Que Yining wasn’t just calling to talk about work. Before Gu Shanxue could start discussing work details, she spoke first.

“My mouth is so dry, I talked too much today.”

They were on a WeChat video call. Que Yining turned on her camera and slightly tilted her neck, showing Gu Shanxue. That posture was very much like asking for a kiss.

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