Chapter 58
The senior members of the Shao family present were almost all taken aback by the scene before them.
In just half a year after returning to the country, Song Qiming achieved a three-level jump from a subsidiary general manager to the chairman of the group, and at this moment, he was not even thirty years old yet.
Lin Yushu could deeply empathize because every time he learned about Song Qiming’s ambitions, he would have this same expression.
And when Lin Yushu learned about it, at least Song Qiming hadn’t achieved his plans yet, but now the shareholders were facing the coronation of King Song Qiming.
Compared to Shao Guangjie, who was still rotating in sales positions at the age of twenty-nine, it was incredible to imagine that Song Qiming became the group’s chairman at the age of twenty-nine.
In the following days, news of the upheaval at Yong Xing dominated the headlines of major news media.
Song Qiming’s popularity soared, and some people even dug up pictures of him and Lin Yushu at the amusement park. Many others started investigating Lin Yushu’s identity.
Previously, it was rumored that he was an artist from an entertainment company, but now the news became more “accurate” and claimed that he was a junior of Yu Xiu.
Some marketing accounts even named a specific actor as Song Qiming’s boyfriend, and surprisingly, that actor did not come forward to clarify the situation. Instead, he took advantage of Song Qiming’s popularity.
“Do you even know how to issue a statement…”
In the new office, Lin Yushu furrowed his brows while browsing Song Qiming’s clarification statement on Weibo. When he opened the comments section, he saw many male accounts addressing Song Qiming as “husband.”
—What is this trend all about?
Suppressing the urge to scold people in the comments section, Lin Yushu closed the Weibo page. At that moment, his assistant knocked on his office door and said, “Mr. Lin, it’s almost time. We should go to the conference room.”
Lin Yushu stood up, adjusted his tie, and tucked the meeting materials under his arm. “Alright.”
Xunjie Electric’s headquarters was located at the intersection of the city and the suburbs, and it took more than forty minutes to drive from the residential area.
Although Xunjie’s building was not as grand as Yong Xing Tower, the various intelligent devices made the company’s overall atmosphere quite youthful.
On the way from the office to the conference room, many passing colleagues slowed down their electric scooters to greet the new CEO, Lin Yushu.
Although Lin Yushu couldn’t remember everyone’s name, he still nodded and said, “Hello.”
In the conference room, after all the executives were present, Lin Yuzhe nodded at Lin Yushu and said, “Let’s begin.”
Today was Lin Yushu’s first day at Xunjie Electric, and the regular development meeting was replaced with his self-introduction since many executives were not yet familiar with him.
After putting the PowerPoint presentation in full screen, Lin Yushu held the infrared pen and calmly explained the content on the slides.
His resume and work achievements were impressive enough, and this made him feel confident. He could present himself with ease even in front of a group of strangers.
“…Above is my work experience and future plans. Welcome to ask any questions.”
After the presentation, many executives nodded, seemingly appreciating Lin Yushu’s performance.
However, perhaps due to his background, no one dared to ask questions. In the end, it was Lin Yuzhe who spoke first, “In recent years, Xunjie has developed very rapidly. How do you view the overseas market?”
Lin Yushu replied, “Xunjie’s price advantage is not prominent in the Asian region, but it has a strong competitive edge in Europe. In the last quarter of the previous year, Xunjie’s sales in Europe grew by 300%, indicating that there is still significant market potential in Europe. Currently, one cargo ship of Xunjie can carry 5000 new cars. I think we should consider purchasing more cargo ships to keep up with the overseas market’s growth.”
After Lin Yuzhe’s question, other executives began to throw questions at Lin Yushu, ranging from operational aspects to strategic and financial matters. Although Lin Yushu wasn’t particularly proficient in some areas, his long years of experience at Yong Xing allowed him to answer without any major flaws.
After an hour-long meeting, Lin Yuzhe did not leave immediately. Instead, after other executives had left, he chatted with Lin Yushu, “How do you feel about your first day at work?”
“Hmm…” Lin Yushu relaxed, leaning back in the chair, his ten fingers interlocked in front of him. He pondered and said, “It feels like coming home, yet also not quite.”
There were too many unfamiliar colleagues here, and the working environment was very different from ten or twenty years ago.
“You’ll get used to it after a while,” Lin Yuzhe said, “How is your assistant that I arranged for you?”
“He’s doing well.” Lin Yushu finished speaking and couldn’t help but ask again, “Brother, how did I perform just now?”
“With all the preparation you did, how could you perform poorly?”
“Okay, that’s good.”
In fact, Lin Yushu’s situation was somewhat similar to Shao Guangjie’s, as both were appointed as CEOs of family businesses. Therefore, Lin Yushu didn’t want to end up like Shao Guangjie, not being trusted by external directors.
“However, you mentioned resolving customer complaints earlier,” Lin Yuzhe continued, “It’s not that simple.”
“Because it’s a period of rapid expansion?” Lin Yushu asked.
“Yes, Xunjie’s sales are growing every month, and both the production line and after-sales service are struggling to keep up,” Lin Yuzhe said, “But if we focus on that, the research and development department might fall behind.”
“…But research and development are still more important.”
“Yes, but I’m worried that the customer service side might explode with major issues. I must admit, I have a strong hunch about this because Xunjie has been going too smoothly these past few years.”
“Why are you becoming more superstitious?” Lin Yushu had observed many business owners who would get anxious when everything was going smoothly, fearing that they might encounter a setback.
It seemed like his brother was also getting older and not as carefree as he used to be.
“This isn’t superstition; it’s intuition,” Lin Yuzhe said, “Who can always have smooth sailing?”
“Well, how about this?” Lin Yushu thought for a moment and said, “I’ll pay more attention to this issue, and later on, we can discuss solutions.”
With not much work on the first day, Lin Yushu left the office on time and went home to make spaghetti and steak. He also opened a bottle of good vintage red wine.
Today was also the first day that Song Qiming officially became the chairman, a day worth celebrating. However, the person in question didn’t message him all day, probably too busy.
“Beep beep,” the sound of the keypad lock unlocking came as Song Qiming returned.
The first thing he did after entering the house was to throw his backpack to the side and collapse onto the sofa, rubbing Wowo’s head. “I don’t want to go to work anymore.”
“Wash your hands and eat, Chairman Song,” Lin Yushu placed the knife and fork properly and teased him.
“How come you’re calling me like that too?” Song Qiming lazily put on his slippers and walked to the kitchen, wrapping his arms around Lin Yushu’s waist from behind, “So, what did CEO Lin do today?”
“Western cuisine,” Lin Yushu let himself be embraced by the big figure, clearing the obstructive kitchen waste into the trash bin. “Quick, go wash your hands.”
It was early spring, and the sky turned dark quite early. When the two took Wowo for a walk, the moon was already hanging in the sky.
“So, the net assets of the company should be seen in the balance sheet?” Song Qiming asked.
“I’ll teach you later when we get back,” Lin Yushu said, “Any other questions?”
“Yes.” Song Qiming lengthened the leash, allowing Wowo to play on the lawn, “Why does Yong Xing have so many shell companies?”
“To be specific, are you referring to those without actual business operations?” Lin Yushu asked, “It’s for tax purposes. You can consult Zhan Ting for more details.”
Song Qiming exhaled a breath, forming a little white mist around his mouth. “This job is more challenging than I imagined.”
“What did you expect?” Lin Yushu smiled, “The Shao family has such a vast empire; it’s not something you can digest so quickly.”
Wowo on the lawn began to make figure eights, and he nudged Song Qiming with his elbow, saying, “Go pick up the poop.”
Song Qiming pouted, “I’ve had such a tiring day today…”
“I won’t accompany you for dog walks anymore.”
Song Qiming really liked it when Lin Yushu went for walks with him after dinner, saying it felt like being with family.
At first, Lin Yushu didn’t think there was anything wrong with it, but later he suddenly realized that he had unconsciously adapted to Song Qiming’s fast-paced lifestyle.
Song Qiming carried the heavy black bag and walked back to Lin Yushu’s side. “Stop complaining. How is it on your side? Are you adapting?”
“It’s good, no issues with adaptation,” Lin Yushu said.
“Oh,” Song Qiming responded listlessly.
“What’s with that reaction?” Lin Yushu asked.
“I was thinking, if you’re not adapting, you can come back to work by my side.”
“Work as your secretary?” Lin Yushu found it somewhat amusing. “Do you know what you sound like now?”
“What?”
“You sound like an infant emperor ascending the throne, needing me, the regent, to assist you.”
Lin Yushu thought his metaphor was quite fitting, but Song Qiming looked confused and tilted his head. “Tempting my younger brother to board a plane? What does that mean?”
…Okay, his Chinese still needs some improvement.
“It’s nothing,” Lin Yushu was too lazy to explain and quickened his pace.
However, the German guy’s curiosity was unusually strong. He used the hand holding the poop bag to grab Lin Yushu’s arm. “What does it mean?”
“Don’t get dog poop on me,” Lin Yushu frowned and dodged, but Song Qiming simply pulled him into his embrace.
“Darling, tell me.”
“You…” Lin Yushu’s reproach had yet to be spoken when the property manager, who happened to pass by, coughed twice.
“Mr. Lin, Mr. Song, good evening.”
Lin Yushu lost his temper for a moment but still politely replied, “Good evening.”
After the property manager’s figure disappeared, Lin Yushu pushed Song Qiming away, and with a dissatisfied tone, said, “Can you be more restrained?”
Song Qiming smiled and said, “It seems like you’ve already adapted.”
Indeed.
Even if others saw them, Lin Yushu didn’t really mind anymore.
But he suddenly remembered the Weibo he browsed earlier and became concerned again. “Do you know how many people online call you ‘husband’?”
“Do they? I didn’t notice,” Song Qiming pulled Lin Yushu into his embrace again, “Then should I publicly announce our relationship?”
“Wait a little longer, I’ll talk to my brother first.” As he said that, Lin Yushu finally remembered the earlier topic and explained, “The metaphor I used just now meant that you need me.”
“You still know that I need you?” Song Qiming raised an eyebrow.
“But my brother also needs me,” Lin Yushu said, “The production and after-sales at Xunjie are struggling to keep up with the development, and my brother also needs people by his side.”
“I know,” Song Qiming sighed, “So I’ll handle my own affairs.”
“What else do you need to resolve?” Lin Yushu asked.
“Shao Hedong’s people aren’t cooperating with me,” Song Qiming said, “In the end, they don’t accept me.”
This was something Lin Yushu had foreseen long ago.
Even if Song Qiming’s abilities were outstanding, his qualifications were there, but it was impossible for the elders of the Shao family to fully accept him.
Even if they let Shao Guangjie take the position of chairman, those elders would still feel he wasn’t qualified enough, let alone Song Qiming, who had only returned to the country less than half a year ago.
“And Shao Hexu is even more difficult to handle than Shao Hedong,” Song Qiming said with a headache, “He believes that I became chairman because of him and asked me for the 4S store business.”
“Did you agree?” Lin Yushu furrowed his eyebrows.
While this business could be given out, Song Qiming couldn’t let his guard down.
“No, I’m stalling for now,” Song Qiming said, then suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Lin Yushu turned around curiously, only to see Song Qiming moving his lips and saying, “Actually…”
“Actually?” Lin Yushu stopped in his tracks, waiting for Song Qiming to continue.
“There’s a way to solve many problems,” Song Qiming said.
“What is it?” Lin Yushu asked.
“It’s not related to the will; it’s my own idea.”
Lin Yushu’s heart suddenly sank, having a bad premonition.
“I want to acquire Xunjie Electric Car,” Song Qiming said.
Although Lin Yushu had already guessed this answer, his heart couldn’t help but sink further. His eyes narrowed slightly, “Is this your own idea?”
“Yes,” Song Qiming said.
“When did you come up with this idea?” Lin Yushu couldn’t help but frown. “When did you start thinking about this?”
“Before coming back to the country.”
