Chapter 55

On the evening of the thirtieth, the streets were unusually quiet, with no sign of even a single taxi.

In just half an hour, Lin Yushu had rushed from the city center to the private recuperation hospital in the suburbs. At this point, many media outlets had arrived and were waiting in front of the hospital.

As he rode the elevator to the top floor’s VIP ward, Lin Yushu saw many relatives of the Shao family standing in the hallway, all wearing grieving expressions, some even crying uncontrollably.

Lin Yushu had a bad premonition in his heart. He approached the door of the ward, only to see that the bed was already covered with a white sheet…

“He passed away ten minutes ago.”

On the rooftop garden, Song Qiming leaned against the railing, gazing at the bustling city in the distance. His tone was relatively calm, and one couldn’t discern much sadness from it. From his serious expression, it seemed he was immersed in deep thought about the situation.

However, Lin Yushu still patted his shoulder gently. “My condolences.”

“Mm,” Song Qiming replied softly.

The wailing downstairs continued unabated, with cries from Shao Hedong, Shao Hexu, and even some of the elder relatives of the Shao family. To Lin Yushu’s surprise, he even heard Shao Guangjie’s loud sobbing.

Although Shao Zhenbang claimed to treat everyone equally, he clearly favored Shao Guangjie more, as he was not only his direct grandson but also spent more time with him. When Shao Zhenbang passed away, Song Qiming didn’t show too much sorrow, while Shao Guangjie was deeply affected by the loss of a family member.

As for Lin Yushu, it was impossible for him to say that he wasn’t sad at all, but he was still an outsider, and he had known for a long time that Shao Zhenbang’s time was limited. So, his emotions weren’t as turbulent.

“I guess I have to cancel my flight tickets,” Song Qiming said, “My parents are on their way back.”

“Okay,” Lin Yushu nodded.

It was not appropriate to discuss the will at this moment, so he could only change the subject and ask, “What are you thinking?”

“The contents of the will,” Song Qiming said straightforwardly, without the reservations of Lin Yushu, “The situation is not in my favor.”

Song Qiming had just become the CEO of Yong Xing Automobile, but he hadn’t achieved any remarkable results yet. Besides, the incident of ousting Shao Guangjie had left a bad impression on Shao Zhenbang. No matter how one looked at it, the will’s distribution couldn’t possibly favor him at this time.

“Just thinking about it won’t change anything,” Lin Yushu frowned, “You need to talk to Shao Hexu.”

Song Qiming massaged his forehead, feeling a bit of a headache. “But Grandpa is still lying there…”

“That’s exactly why you need to act,” Lin Yushu interrupted Song Qiming, “If you don’t, you might lose your CEO position.”

Song Qiming had made so much effort before, all in order to make a last attempt at gaining an advantage.

Lin Yushu understood that the will’s distribution would undoubtedly favor Shao Hexu and his family, which would be a severe blow to Song Qiming. It was no wonder that he had thoughts of giving up at this critical moment.

“I know,” Song Qiming exhaled, “I’ll call Shao Hexu and talk to him.”

Ten minutes later, Shao Hexu appeared in the rooftop garden with Shao Hedong. They were the focus of everyone’s attention, but they couldn’t stay here for too long with the commotion downstairs. As soon as they saw Song Qiming and Lin Yushu, they asked, “What’s the matter?”

Although his eyes were showing signs of swelling from crying, like Song Qiming, Shao Hexu’s expression also revealed an underlying worry.

“Sign a concerted action agreement with me,” Song Qiming got straight to the point.

“You want to oppose Shao Hexu?” Shao Hedong was somewhat surprised, “You might as well sign with me and let me handle it.”

A concerted action agreement meant that two or more shareholders would act as a single entity, with one representing the other in exercising voting rights.

For example, assuming that after the will was revealed, Song Qiming held 10% of the shares and Shao Hexu held 20%, if they signed a concerted action agreement, Song Qiming would have 30% of the voting rights at the shareholders’ meeting.

This meant that they agreed to work together, not only in word but also in writing, which was more formal and secure.

“You can’t do it,” at this crucial moment, Song Qiming didn’t want to waste time with Shao Hedong, “If you step forward, do you think Fang Lan will support you?”

Shao Hedong fell silent for a moment, then said, “Dad has always intended for me to take over the company. If the bulk of the inheritance goes to him, then signing the agreement with us won’t be of any use.”

“We still need to be prepared,” Lin Yushu couldn’t help but remind them, “It’s certain that Shao Hexu will be reshuffling the cards in the near future.”

By then, Song Qiming would undoubtedly be ousted from the CEO position, and Shao Hedong might also be sidelined.

The hard-won land they fought for might be gone, and instead, it would be used by Shao Hexu to build a resort.

“Alright,” Shao Hedong nodded with a serious expression, “What about Fang Lan? What’s her stance?”

Song Qiming and Lin Yushu exchanged glances, and Song Qiming said, “Let’s go talk to her now.”

On this New Year’s Eve, it was destined to be turbulent.

Originally, Weibo was filled with hot searches related to the Spring Festival Gala, but gradually, the news of Shao Zhenbang’s passing took over.

On stock trading forums, panic spread on a large scale, but fortunately, the stock market had already closed, so it didn’t impact Yong Xing’s stock price.

The two hurriedly drove back to the city, arriving at Fang Lan’s villa.

Going to someone else’s house on New Year’s Eve, this experience was probably not something they would encounter again.

“Grandpa just passed away, and you both come to me now?” Fang Lan led them to the study on the second floor, isolating themselves from the cheerful atmosphere downstairs.

The housekeeper brought a plate of fruits, but Fang Lan waved her hand, saying, “No need.”

Indeed, neither Song Qiming nor Lin Yushu had the leisure to eat fruits at this moment.

“I need you to stand with me,” Song Qiming said bluntly.

“If I recall correctly,” Fang Lan crossed her arms, “I have already repaid your favor, haven’t I?”

“Then let me owe you one favor.” Song Qiming didn’t waste any words; even Lin Yushu seldom saw him take such an aggressive stance. “If Shao Hedong takes over, Fangtian Real Estate will only be marginalized. You know that only I can bring you the greatest return.”

This was a fact laid out on the table, and he even brought up the favor he owed her. Fang Lan would not disagree.

She rested her right leg on her left, and casually started chatting, “You are already eyeing the family assets so soon after Grandpa’s passing. Aren’t you afraid he will be disappointed in you?”

Song Qiming furrowed his brow, “Now is not the time to hesitate.”

Lin Yushu understood Song Qiming’s situation very well. He could choose not to fight and take what he could get, but the problem was that Shao Hedong would not make it easy for him.

It was just that Shao Zhenbang left at such an inconvenient time, right when the two sides were at odds.

If he had lived a little longer, he could see how Song Qiming managed the company, and perhaps he wouldn’t be left with the negative impression of Song Qiming fighting his cousin.

“Okay,” Fang Lan smiled lightly and said to Song Qiming, “Honestly, you remind me more of the old man when he was young. Shao Guangjie is nothing but useless mud.”

“Is that so?” Song Qiming replied nonchalantly.

As Shao Hexu’s ex-wife and having a tense relationship with the Shao Hedong’s family, her evaluation of Shao Guangjie might be influenced by personal emotions.

But as long as she supported Song Qiming, it was enough.

“Let’s leave it at that for today. I have to have a small meeting with Fangtian’s shareholders,” Fang Lan said, “You can come to my company tomorrow to sign the agreement.”

By the time they rushed back to the hospital from the city, it was already past 11:30 pm, and the Spring Festival Gala was nearing its end.

The list of attendees for Shao Zhenbang’s funeral had been released, and to Lin Yushu’s surprise, his name, as the nominal CEO of the Shao family’s company, was nowhere to be found.

This indicated that Shao Hedong’s reshuffle had already begun.

“This year is truly eventful.”

On the rooftop garden, Lin Yushu hung up the call with Lin Yuzhe and leaned back in his chair, sighing as he stared at the dark night sky.

“Have you come out to your brother?” Song Qiming leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, appearing more tense than Lin Yushu.

“I didn’t have the chance,” Lin Yushu lifted his chin and looked at Song Qiming, “I’m already prepared for the worst outcome, like my brother breaking my leg, but who knows… sigh.”

“Yes,” Song Qiming didn’t say much more and also looked at the ground with a heavy heart.

Shao Zhenbang held 100% of Yong Xing Holdings’ shares, making him the indisputable major shareholder, untouchable by anyone.

However, the role of the holding company was just to control, without any actual business. Therefore, all power struggles revolved around the mid-level listed company.

In other words, the ownership of the listed company was the most critical.

The holding company owned 60% of the listed company, all belonging to the Shao family, while the remaining 40% belonged to external shareholders.

Originally, Shao Zhenbang could entirely control this 60%. But after his passing, the shares were distributed to his children according to the will, and this portion was no longer concentrated.

For example, if Shao Zhenbang divided his 100% of shares equally between Shao Hedong and Shao Hexu, the shares projected onto the listed company would be 50% (divided equally) × 60% (Shao family’s portion), resulting in 30% for each.

But since Shao Zhenbang intended for Shao Hedong to take over the company, they couldn’t split it evenly.

Shao Hedong would surely take the larger share, increasing his ownership to more than 30%.

Over the years, according to Lin Yushu’s knowledge, these core members of the Shao family intentionally hoarded the company’s stocks in the secondary market. Therefore, it was highly probable that Shao Hedong’s ownership would exceed 40%.

Once this number surpassed 50%, there was no need to think further—Yong Xing would be under Shao Hedong’s control.

Song Qiming would have no choice but to pack up and leave.

“Don’t worry,” Lin Yushu patted Song Qiming’s shoulder and reassured him, “I’ll take care of you if that happens.”

After a tense night, Song Qiming finally smiled, “Are you sure? Taking care of me can be expensive.”

However, as he finished speaking, the smile disappeared from his face because Shao Guangjie appeared in the corridor, holding a cigarette box and a lighter.

“Heh, you’re here,” he lit a cigarette and walked straight toward the two, “I thought you’d know you’re not needed here and disappear.”

“Should we leave?” Lin Yushu asked Song Qiming.

After just soothing their little baby, he didn’t want to ruin his mood again.

“Yes,” Song Qiming responded, and both of them stood up.

“Wait a minute,” Shao Guangjie stopped them, holding his cigarette, and blew out a puff of smoke. He said to Song Qiming, “Are you packing up to return to Germany?”

“Are you in a hurry?” Lin Yushu frowned.

“Haha, that’s a question I should be asking him,” Shao Guangjie looked satisfied, “Are you in a hurry to move your office?”

…Darn it.

On the day he made the decision to let Song Qiming move his office, Lin Yushu couldn’t have anticipated that such a monumental change would happen.

However, Song Qiming showed no reaction and calmly said, “Let’s go.”

Lin Yushu nodded, “Alright.”

They ignored Shao Guangjie and continued walking towards the corridor, but at that moment, Shao Guangjie suddenly said, “I have a rough idea of the contents of the will. The old man probably didn’t make any changes.”

Song Qiming’s footsteps paused, and Lin Yushu did the same.

He used to respectfully call him “Grandpa,” but now that he’s gone, Shao Guangjie referred to him as the “old man.”

“We’re taking the lion’s share, no surprises there,” Shao Guangjie smoked and couldn’t hide the smug tone in his voice. “Also, since last year when the old man fell ill, our family indirectly held over 10% of the company’s shares.”

Lin Yushu’s heart sank.

“Do you know what this means?” Shao Guangjie looked at Song Qiming’s back and tossed the cigarette butt to the ground, stomping it fiercely. “You’re finished, Song Qiming.”

Lin Yushu couldn’t help but turn back to look. In the faint light of the rooftop, Shao Guangjie’s eye sockets were swollen from crying, but there was a ferocious smile on his lips.

Lin Yushu believed that Shao Guangjie was genuinely upset about his grandfather’s passing.

But he also felt that Shao Guangjie thought his grandfather’s death was opportune, and that was also true in Shao Guangjie’s perspective.