BXBX NOVEL Chapter 101: Board meeting (1)
The large mahogany table in an inverted U shape bore witness as it braced itself for a pivotal confrontation.
The two conflicting aura arose within the room—calmness with the presence of opulent furniture and antiques on several glass shelves as decoration, adjusting the atmosphere to those who were sitting on the one side.
Ling Qingyu placed many such similar pieces, showcasing the wealth and seriousness she had for her company.
On the other side, several glances were exchanged and nobody spoke a word; a depressing feeling brewed until the door swung open.
Everyone stood up, seeing the identity of a visitor.
Ling Qingyu, impeccably dressed in a sharp business suit, walked in briskly and sat at the head of the table.
Zhao Xiurong and Su Ruomei took seats behind her as assistants.
Her expression remained composed but her eyes gleamed with steely determination. In today\'s board meeting, as a chairman of Spirit Beauty & Clothing Co. Ltd., she radiated authority.
Until she took a seat, everybody also sat down consciously, some with heavy faces, fearing the outcome of the meeting.
Before Ling Qingyu would ask them not to stand up to greet her and never allow the members of the board to proceed with etiquettes hard for the younger age to accept.
No one was surprised at Ling Qingyu\'s change in attitude. Her dissatisfaction was obvious to everyone.
During her momentary absence, due to her unfortunate accident, a power vacuum was created and some directors attempted to seize power, given the opportunity never to see Ling Qingyu again soon.
The recent notification to have a recent meeting astounded everyone, especially when they saw the initiator was their chairman.
Her unexpected return from the hospital after a recent accident in good condition without any faults to point at had caught the directors off-guard.
The coup d\'état that had been exploiting Ling Qingyu\'s absence was now impossible. Those who participated in the process clicked their tongues in pity, while those who didn\'t were relieved and felt fortunate they weren\'t involved in the first place.
Unlike the four directors, who possessed a larger proportion amount of shares and didn\'t fear Ling Qingyu\'s retaliation, most of them were frightened since they only had a small percentage.
Especially those who collaborated with the four strongest directors. Everyone was clearly aware of Ling Qingyu\'s biography.
Anyone who crossed her would never have a good ending, even though by law, nothing should happen; but this was Ling Qingyu, they were talking about.
She made her opponents live a life worse than death or than being persecuted by law.
Everyone exchanged calculating glances and decided to choose their words carefully, to avoid agitating the angry tigress further.
All of this was captured in Ling Qingyu\'s eyes. Every expression and hidden communication between the directors was obvious to her.
Athena\'s glasses pinpointed every single behavior and calculated a rough judgment of their emotions and thoughts. Ling Qingyu wore a lie detector.
An absolute cheating device during an interacting banquet. Along with Ling Qingyu\'s experience, there was nothing hidden in front of her.
As she took in the faces of the directors in the board meeting, Ling Qingyu\'s icy gaze lingered on the four most prestigious directors—Li Wei, Huang Mei, Zhang Hao, and Gu Qing.
Seeing them still complacent in their expressions without remorse, Ling Qingyu sneered. She wasn\'t going to tolerate these four any longer. She hoped these old hags liked the surprise she left for them.
Of course, Huang Mei was the exception within the group or more normal in Ling Qingyu\'s opinion.
Ling Qingyu had been reluctantly tolerating and compromising with these four old members as they were also once the support for the birth of Spirit company.
In addition, her grandfather introduced these men to her to facilitate her work. Ling Qingyu could only give a wry smile to her dead grandfather who always left her with problems after problems.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Ling Qingyu began, her voice carrying a commanding tone, "I\'m back, fully committed to driving our company forward in spite of challenges. I trust you\'ve managed the ship well during my absence."
All the directors sensed an irony in the later part of her speech. But Li Wei, the company\'s CFO, leaned forward, his expression smug.
"Chairman Ling, we\'ve managed quite well in your absence, don\'t you think? In fact, some of us now are convinced that collective leadership might be more effective, given what we experience. To be frank, please don\'t let your views rely on the news, our company situation isn\'t as bad as many speculated."
Ling Qingyu\'s eyebrow raised at his remarks. How dare he say this out?
Wasn\'t anyone clear whose merit ensured the company ran smoothly despite obstacles? Apart from soap operas to remove or lessen her authority, what did they do?
If not for Zhao Xiurong\'s contribution and her help behind the scenes virtually, the question of whether the company\'s existence was in dilemma.
Ling Qingyu\'s eyes narrowed slightly, as she replied. "While I appreciate your efforts during my recovery, please do remember the vision and strategy that have created Spirit Beauty & Clothing. Who had designed all of this; my position is not up for discussion." read-on-NovelFire
Huang Mei cleared her throat and chimed in, attempting to regain some semblance of control. "Chairman Ling, we\'ve had to make certain decisions in your absence to ensure the company\'s stability."
Ling Qingyu\'s lips curved into a cold smile, her eyes glinting with calculation and mockery. "Stability, you say, Mrs. Huang. Everyone?"
Ling Qingyu\'s eyes traveled across the board members, who also avoided her gaze but their expressions seemingly agreeing with Huang Mei\'s words.
"Stability is not achieved by undermining the company\'s very foundation, especially striving for my abdication now and before." Ling Qingyu\'s gaze locked into each director\'s face as she spoke.
Gu Ling interrupted politely after Ling Qingyu finished speaking. "We just want to ensure stability, Chairman Ling. There wasn\'t the slightest thought of removing you from the board. In order to guarantee the company runs normally, we initiate a collective process to unite everyone to tackle the problem arising due to your accident.
You\'ve been through a lot; you might need time to adjust yourself and maybe it\'s time to consider delegating more."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room causing, Ling Qingyu\'s grip, hidden under the table on the wooden armrest carved in dragons and phoenix sculptures, tightened.
She disallowed her authority to be undermined, not after building everything from nothing herself.
With the four most prestigious taking the lead, some regained their courage and began their quiet discussion.
The tension escalated and the pressure was on. Ling Qingyu\'s anger or disappointment was displayed obscurely in her eyes.
"Delegation is important," Ling Qingyu recollected her words carefully, to avoid ruining her reputation by cursing out at her board members. "But let\'s not confuse delegation with abdication here. I\'ve trusted my team and arranged them meticulously if something goes wrong in the chain. What happened?"
"Even if I\'m gone, the system is supposed to work flawlessly after a slight obstacle and new challenges, provided everyone does their work. Instead, you use precious time, only thinking of ways and creating ideas for your own selfish agendas and benefits.
I have to admit, it\'s pure luck that there isn\'t any embezzlement in my company with those mindsets…Or is it really?" Ling Qingyu\'s voice reverberated across the room.
The power struggle was no longer veiled and Ling Qingyu accepted the direct challenge.
Zhang Hao spoke next, his voice measured. "Chairman Ling, your worry doesn\'t exist; no one doubts your accomplishments. Perhaps your system might have some flaws when tested in reality. But times change, and adaptability is key. We believe a more collaborative approach—"
"—Will lead to our downfall, with the mindset of yours." Ling Qingyu interrupted, her tone sharper now. "Collaboration is essential, but a ship cannot have multiple captains. This company thrived under my leadership, and it will continue to do so."
The room fell silent again, the weight of the confrontation pressing upon them all. Ling QIngyu leaned forward, her arms over the smooth wooden surface, her gaze piercing each director.
"Let\'s be clear," she declared, "this company\'s my life\'s work. I\'ve poured my heart and soul into it, and I won\'t stand by while its direction is compromised. I will continue to lead, and those who are not aligned with our goals are welcome to leave."
The tension was palpable as Ling Qingyu\'s words hung in the air. The previously confident directors had uncertain expressions. Ling Qingyu\'s resolve and authority were undeniable, her determination unshakable.
The directors who had bad minds were shaken to the core by her speech, except for Li Wei\'s group.