Shang Yushang still showed no emotion in response to Lin Changqing’s remarks.
Watching these so-called Oscar-level actors perform a drama they’d written and directed themselves, Shang Yushang actually found his mood lifting a little.
Lin Changqing, however, was starting to feel uneasy. From the beginning, Shang Yushang had been too calm. No matter how experienced he might be, he was still just a thirty-year-old man. Under such enormous pressure, most people would’ve cracked—yet here he was, looking relaxed, almost amused, like he was watching a show.
Why does he have the luxury of watching others perform? Could it be that he was completely confident in his ability to turn things around? Or worse… did he already have irrefutable evidence in his hands?
That thought sent a cold sweat down Lin Changqing’s back. If—if that really were the case, then Shang Yushang wasn’t just capable—he was terrifying. And if he won, everyone involved in this scheme would be utterly finished.
No, he quickly told himself. That’s impossible. No matter how clever he was, there’s no way he could’ve uncovered everything. As long as there’s one hole in the narrative he can’t plug, Lin would have enough to crucify him with it.
Still, the seed of doubt had been planted.
After Lin made his stance clear, a few other shareholders began murmuring among themselves, and then:
“I agree with Director Lin.”
“Same here.”
“I support the suggestion too.”
Da Zhou glanced toward those speaking. As expected—Lin Changqing’s crew.
Jiang Fangzheng’s face remained stern. “I disagree. We’re not at that point yet. All the so-called evidence comes from outside sources—it’s hardly conclusive.”
Lin Changqing had had enough of this old man always stirring the pot. “Chairman Jiang, I suggest you face facts. Don’t keep fooling yourself. Shang Group doesn’t belong to one man—it belongs to every shareholder and the thousands of employees who rely on it. Due to President Shang’s leadership failure, the group has already suffered irreparable damage. If this keeps up, Shang Group will be history. When that happens, what will you say to the employees?”
Jiang Fangzheng suddenly smiled. “Well, Director Lin, you sure know how to throw around a heavy accusation. If you cared this much about Shang Group’s future, how come we didn’t hear a peep from you when the scandal first broke?”
“Hmph. It’s not my role to intervene in executive affairs.”
Wang Shounian smiled, eyes half-closed. “Director Lin, with all due respect, I don’t share your double-standard approach. If the company belongs to everyone, then everyone has the duty to help steer it forward. I trust many here feel the same. There’s no company in the world that reaches the top without facing setbacks—even outright failure. Solving problems is part of growth. And how we handle adversity? That’s the real test of our loyalty and dedication. I think you all know what I mean—this is your moment to show what kind of shareholder you really are.”
Lin Changqing’s face darkened. “Director Wang, what are you implying? Are you questioning my loyalty to Shang Group?”
Wang just kept smiling. “Come now, no need to take offense. You’re reading too much into it.”
“Hmph. You’d better watch your words, Director Wang. Every shareholder in this room has been through thick and thin with Shang Group. Don’t go making comments that chill the hearts of those who helped build this company.”
Jiang Fangzheng’s voice took on an edge. “Let’s not be dramatic, Director Lin. Loyalty means different things to different people—it all depends on your motivations.”
Lin Changqing snapped. “What’s that supposed to mean, Jiang? Say it clearly!”
Zhang Nian, who had been calmly observing, finally spoke. “Director Lin, no need to get so worked up. Chairman Jiang was only speaking in general terms—nothing personal.”
Furious, Lin’s chest heaved with barely restrained rage. If they weren’t in a boardroom, he might have slapped Jiang Fangzheng across the face. “Easy for you to say, Director Zhang. You’re not the one being painted as a traitor.”
Zhang Nian’s tone hardened. “Watch your words, Lin. We’ve all seen how far Shang Group has come—just look at our profit margins. As for who’s truly loyal to this company… that’s something each of us knows in our hearts. But remember, it never hurts to leave yourself a way out.”
“You—!” Lin Changqing was beyond words. He knew continuing to argue would only make him look petty and insecure. But the sting of being subtly accused of betrayal was hard to swallow.
The meeting had clearly veered off course. The normally calculating Lin Changqing was now being dragged along by others, like a dog on a leash.
Shang Yushang looked on with faint amusement as Lin and a few shareholders tore into each other, red-faced and shouting. He had to admit, it was kind of entertaining.
At first, Shang Yuchen had watched the arguing in confusion, unsure how to mediate. But then he happened to glance at Shang Yushang—and saw it. That faint, icy smirk on his lips, laced with pure mockery. The blood drained from his face.
A cold shiver ran down his spine.
He’s been toying with us this whole time. They were nothing but prey in a game of cat and mouse. And once the cat got bored, he’d go in for the kill.
Terrified, Shang Yuchen quickly pulled himself together and tugged on Lin Changqing’s sleeve. “Director Lin, you’re getting too worked up.” His eyes sent a warning: You’ve been played. Snap out of it.
Reality slammed into Lin Changqing like a brick wall. He forced himself to calm down, realizing he’d been manipulated from the start—led by the nose, made to dance like a puppet for everyone’s amusement.
Fury surged in his chest. He played me like a clown.
Grinding his teeth, he shoved the rage down and forced out a cold, clipped sentence: “Enough with the nonsense. Let’s get to the point. President Shang, it’s time you made your decision.”
No more dancing around it. He’d lost the patience for chess moves—now he wanted blood.
Shang Yushang adjusted the cuff of his tailored sleeve slowly, casually. His tone was light, even lazy.
“Well… the show’s gone on long enough,” he said, with the ghost of a smile. “Time to bring down the curtain.”
He gave Da Zhou a wave.
Da Zhou cleared his throat. He wasn’t sure whether it was a blessing or a curse that the young master had handed him the spotlight, but he knew his job—play the role of the loyal subordinate. He wasn’t one to stir the pot for no reason.
“First, I’d like to update everyone on the latest developments in the poisoning case.”
As he gestured, the aluminum doors of the conference room swung open, and a woman around thirty-five years old was escorted inside.
“Everyone, allow me to introduce this woman. She’s the wife of the man who’s currently still unconscious—the one believed to have been poisoned. Mrs. Yu, please share what you know with everyone here. Don’t worry. Take your time.”
Never having stood before so many powerful people, the woman was visibly trembling with nerves. But since she had agreed to speak out and set the record straight, she tried her best to calm herself.
“My husband—the one you’re saying was poisoned after eating your food—he… he actually has late-stage lymphoma. He was diagnosed more than six months ago.”
The room erupted into chaos. No one could believe what they were hearing.
Shang Yuchen shifted awkwardly in his seat, as if trying to hide something. Lin Changqing’s brow furrowed. A bad feeling began to creep over him.
Da Zhou jumped in to cut off the rising chatter. “Please, everyone. Let Mrs. Yu finish.”
He gestured for her to go on.
She let out a shaky breath, trying to slow her racing heart. “About ten days ago, someone came to my husband. Said he needed a favor and promised to reward him well. At first, my husband didn’t want to agree—we’ve always lived honest lives and never done anything to harm others. But that person promised he’d get my husband treated at a major hospital and give us a large amount of money.”
She paused, choking up.
“We’d already spent everything we had trying to treat him, even borrowed money from relatives. He didn’t want to do it, but… he wanted to make sure my daughter and I could live on after he was gone. So… he said yes.” Her tears spilled over as she began sobbing. “We didn’t mean for this to happen. Please… forgive us. Whatever damage we’ve caused, I’ll spend the rest of my life making it right. Just… please don’t take it out on my child. She’s still so young. I’m begging you…”
The room fell into an uneasy silence.
Da Zhou gently spoke, “Mrs. Yu, don’t cry. Now that you’ve told the truth, our president will handle the matter appropriately.”
The woman wiped her tears and continued, trying to stay composed. “That man told my husband to go to a specific hotel restaurant and eat there. Then he had to pretend he got food poisoning. He said he’d arrange for people to take my husband to the hospital and that all my husband needed to do was tell the reporters he got sick from that restaurant’s food. The rest would be handled by them. We wouldn’t need to get involved again. The money, they said, would come in batches.”
Her voice cracked.
“But… my husband never woke up after being admitted. I asked the doctors… and they said he was poisoned. But all of it was fake—why did he end up in a coma? He was supposed to have three months left, but now… he’s dying. Why?!”
“Mrs. Yu,” someone asked gently, “do you know who that man was?”
“I… I don’t. My husband said he knew him.”
“All right,” Da Zhou waved his hand. “Let’s take Mrs. Yu to rest for now.”
Still sobbing uncontrollably, she pleaded, “Please… I know we made a mistake. I’m willing to come forward and clear everything up. Just don’t let my husband die like this, without justice…”
She was escorted out, but her desperate voice lingered in the room, echoing in everyone’s minds. A man who was supposed to live another three months had suddenly fallen into a coma—maybe even on the verge of death. No one here was stupid. Everyone understood something more sinister was at play.
Da Zhou didn’t care what they were thinking. He had a job to finish.
He took out a small recorder, clicked play, and a man’s voice filled the room:
“I’m Lin Changqing’s distant nephew. We hadn’t been in touch for years when he suddenly came to me one day, asking for a favor. I asked him what it was, and he said someone had helped him in the past, but the man wouldn’t accept repayment. So he wanted me to wire some money on his behalf. I didn’t think much of it and agreed. Though it was strange—he wanted me to send the money in several installments. I still have records of every transaction. Just in case, you know? You don’t want any misunderstandings.”
Da Zhou projected the bank transfer records onto the wall. Every transaction was listed clearly, showing who had sent the money, when, and to whom.
The room exploded.
“Director Lin—what the hell is going on?”
“Was this really your doing?!”
“What were you trying to pull?!”
“Don’t you know how badly this damages Shang Group’s reputation?!”
Lin Changqing roared, “How the hell should I know what this is?! Can’t you tell someone’s framing me?!”
Shang Yushang gave him a calm glance. “No need to protest, Director Lin. Your so-called relative is currently assisting the police with their investigation. This recording is from his official statement, so there’s no point debating its authenticity. Da Zhou, go on.”
Da Zhou’s mouth twitched. The young master’s really going for the jugular now.
“The man who approached Mrs. Yu’s husband has been arrested. According to his confession, he was acting under Second Young Master’s orders.”
The room fell into a stunned silence.
And then—like the delayed shockwave after a bomb—voices exploded again. People were shouting questions, accusations, curses. The scene became total chaos. It sounded more like a celebrity fan meet with a thousand fans screaming than a corporate boardroom.
Amid the shouting, Shang Yushang sat calmly, watching the mayhem unfold like a deity untouched by mortal affairs.
Shang Guozhang glanced between the beleaguered Shang Yuchen and the composed, unmoved Shang Yushang. His emotions were a swirling storm—regret, sorrow, shock—all clashing in his heart.
Surrounded by angry accusations, neither Shang Yuchen nor Lin Changqing could find any footing. No amount of talking would save them now.
Shang Yushang had seen enough. He’d had his fill of the spectacle. What he really wanted was to wrap this up quickly and go home to enjoy some peace with his lovely young husband.
He tapped the table.
A deep, magnetic voice echoed across the conference room:
“Enough. Everyone shut up. Da Zhou, continue.”
It was as if a bucket of ice water had been dumped over the room. The noisy mob instantly quieted. Seeing the president’s stormy expression, they all sat down obediently, waiting for the next blow.
Da Zhou cleared his throat, muttering in his mind, Young Master, you’re really pulling no punches today.
“Dr. Bai Mo from Huakang Hospital, along with a team of medical experts, has been working with the hospital where the patient is currently being treated. The diagnosis is now clear: The patient fell into a coma due to an overdose of immunosuppressive drugs. The attending physician administered these drugs despite knowing the patient had late-stage lymphoma. This overdose directly caused the coma and could lead to imminent death. Authorities are now investigating. The doctor is suspected of deliberately inducing the patient’s death—possibly attempted murder.”
A fresh wave of shock rippled through the room.
Murder.
This wasn’t just a scheme to ruin Shang Group.
This was a full-on cover-up. A kill shot.
Cold sweat poured from Shang Yuchen’s body.
How did things spiral into this?
He never ordered anyone to go that far. But could he really wash his hands of it now?
If he was labeled the mastermind, the rest of his life could very well be spent behind bars.
Trembling, he turned toward Lin Changqing and stammered, “D-Director Lin…”
Lin Changqing, just as stunned by the revelation, could only shake his head in disbelief. “I don’t know… I really don’t know.”
But Da Zhou didn’t give the room time to recover. He calmly lobbed another bombshell into the mix.
“The test results are in for the rest of the jewelry items produced in the same batch as the high-radiation piece.”
Everyone instinctively held their breath. All eyes shot to Da Zhou.
Standing under their near-glowing gazes, he raised his voice for everyone to hear:
“All radiation levels in the products meet the national safety standards for heavy metals in jewelry. Nothing exceeds the legal limits. Every item passed inspection.”
A wave of ecstatic cheers burst through the conference room. People were overjoyed—more than they’d ever been from closing million-dollar deals.
“That’s fantastic! Absolutely amazing!”
“Seriously! I’m more excited about this than when my wife gave birth.”
“Damn right! I’m so happy I could cry. This hell’s finally over!”
Jiang Fangzheng, Wang Shounian, and Zhang Nian exchanged knowing smiles—calm and collected, as if they had seen this coming all along.
Da Zhou cleared his throat, bringing the room back to order.
“Everyone, please, one more moment. Regarding the diamond ring that tested positive earlier—we’ve reached a conclusion after investigation.”
He glanced around, letting the anticipation build.
“The regulatory agency responsible for that inspection confirmed that an internal employee—under someone’s instruction—tampered with the ring. That’s why the radiation level came back so dangerously high. That employee has been handed over to the police and terminated from his position. The agency has agreed to offer appropriate compensation to Shangshi Group for the damages.”
He paused, letting it sink in.
“According to the official police statement, the employee admitted he was acting on orders from Second Young Master and Director Lin Changqing. Furthermore, the eldest son of the Yin family—Yin Hao from Yinshi Group—was also involved.”
The mood in the room shifted. After hearing the truth behind the poisoning incident, the crowd didn’t explode in anger this time. But their eyes—furious, disappointed, vengeful—now locked squarely onto Shang Yuchen and Lin Changqing.
Shang Yuchen had gone pale as a ghost. Cold sweat beaded down his forehead, his body trembling uncontrollably.
Lin Changqing, though seasoned from years of maneuvering in the corporate world, couldn’t hide the fear in his tightly clenched fists.
Shang Guozhang closed his eyes for a long moment. His disappointment in his youngest son had reached its peak.
Shang Yuhe, who had barely spoken a word the entire time, now sat frozen—shocked beyond belief.
She couldn’t believe it.
No—she didn’t want to believe it.
Her brother… involved in this?
This wasn’t just corporate sabotage or manipulation.
This was someone’s life.
She could accept ruthless ambition. Even dirty tactics in the fight for power. But sacrificing a life for personal gain?
That was no different from being an executioner.
The man they used was only in his thirties. His child barely a teen. Yes, he had cancer—but that didn’t give anyone the right to rob him of the time he had left.
Even if he’d made a mistake, he didn’t deserve this.
Jiang Fangzheng broke the heavy silence.
“Lin Changqing, care to explain yourself?”
Lin straightened his neck stiffly. “I didn’t do it. I have nothing to explain.”
“Manager Shang,” Jiang turned to Yuchen, “what about you? You planning to say it wasn’t you either?”
“I… I didn’t…” Shang Yuchen stuttered, “I… I swear…”
But Shang Yushang had had enough. Too much time had already been wasted.
His voice was low and cold as steel. “You can either confess now, or we hand it over to the authorities. Choose.”
