Shang Group’s quarterly shareholders’ meeting was held on time in the large conference room on the 28th floor.
All shareholders with any stake in the group arrived one after another.
Shang Yushang stepped into the room dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his already expressionless face made even colder by the sharp cut of his attire. His tall, lean figure radiated an intimidating presence that made it hard for anyone to look at him directly.
The spacious conference room was filled to capacity. Around the massive rectangular table at the center sat the group’s major shareholders—Shang Guozhang, Zhang Nian, Lin Changqing, Jiang Fangzheng, Wang Shounian, Shang Yuchen, Shang Yuhe, and several other shareholders with significant holdings.
The aluminum alloy doors to the conference room swung open from the outside. Shang Yushang entered with Da Zhou, Xiao Wu, and his secretary, drawing the attention of every person in the room.
He took the head seat, greeted his father with a nod, and officially called the meeting to order.
As always, the meeting began with departmental reports. Division heads presented the quarter’s performance, plans for the next, and key targets. The routine dragged on for over two hours before concluding with individual summaries.
Next, the Public Relations Director gave a comprehensive update on the Metropolitan News crisis—how the negative reports had impacted Shang Group and what steps were being taken. It was then up to the president to outline the next course of action.
Low murmurs rippled through the room. The initial coverage had indeed dealt a heavy blow, especially evident in the company’s steadily declining stock prices. Shang Yushang’s quick response had curbed major losses, but the group’s reputation still took a hit.
Some shareholders had privately reached out to him, expressing their trust and pledging their support, encouraging him to move forward without hesitation. They also warned him to stay alert—when something this odd happens, something fishy is always behind it. Though Shang Yushang had made no promises, the best return he could offer was helping their wallets grow even fatter.
Lin Changqing, watching the murmuring shareholders, subtly nodded at Shang Yuchen.
Catching the signal, Shang Yuchen tugged on his tie and stood. “President Shang, the food poisoning case at the hotel and the high-radiation jewelry scandal have caused irreparable damage to Shang Group. Our reputation has taken a huge hit, and this affects not just the shareholders, but also the tens of thousands of employees across the company. What exactly is your plan to fix this?”
His aggressive tone and posture made Shang Guozhang frown, while Shang Yuhe stared at her brother in frustration. Idiot. This was the moment to see who had real ambition—either stay neutral or assist, but absolutely do not kick someone while they’re down.
After all, Shang Yushang had taken over the company at twenty-two and, in just eight years, had turned it into a powerhouse. His sharp intellect, ruthless decisiveness, and ability to win loyalty—through a mix of reward and discipline—were things most could never replicate.
To someone like him, the Metropolitan News fiasco wasn’t difficult to clean up. It would take time and effort, sure, but not nearly enough to bring him down. Anyone stupid enough to think otherwise would end up gutted and skinned alive, never to rise again.
And yet Shang Yuchen—that fool—failed to see that during the very battle he thought would ruin Shang Yushang, the group’s reputation had begun to bounce back, thanks to the coverage from ten competing papers. If Shang Yushang turned the tide—and he likely would—Shang Group’s standing in the business world would soar to new heights. The stock price would skyrocket, profits would explode, and the company would come out of this stronger than before.
Shang Yuhe, unwilling to see her brother crash and burn—if only for the sake of their mother—spoke up. “Brother, it’s really not as bad as you think. I’m sure Big Brother already has a solution. You should just focus on your own responsibilities.”
Shang Yushang glanced at her, surprised by how much more sensible she was than her brother. She knew exactly when to act and when to stay out of the way.
Shang Guozhang silently approved of his daughter’s judgment. Smart people knew that targeting Shang Yushang now was tantamount to making a public mockery of the company—and hinted at motives of removing him from power. While Shang Yuchen had a certain craftiness, he lacked the vision and leadership to steer a company. That’s why the company had been handed to Shang Yushang in the first place—and so far, that decision had proven correct.
Still, the father had not overlooked his younger son’s ambition. A desire for wealth and status wasn’t a sin—but only if one had the brains and skill to back it up. A savvy businessman understands timing, leverage, and the flow of power. But someone who overestimates himself and thinks a minor scandal can topple a leader like Shang Yushang is either a fool or worse. That kind of person would eventually be devoured—bones and all.
Instead of appreciating his sister’s help, Shang Yuchen bristled. Everything was already in motion. He was determined to use this opportunity to oust Shang Yushang and take over as president.
“Yuhe, you don’t understand how the company works. Just sit back and observe.”
He turned to Shang Yushang. “President, I wonder what brilliant strategy you have to turn this around? As far as I know, consumers already list Shang Group as an untrustworthy brand. If this keeps going, the public will shut us out entirely. That would mean the end of Shang Group.”
The murmurs in the room swelled noticeably.
“He’s right. If there’s no real solution, the group’s future looks grim.”
“Exactly—our whole livelihoods are tied up in Shang Group. We can’t let it go under!”
“But what can we even do? The evidence is solid. No amount of spin is going to change that. What now?”
Jiang Fangzheng spoke calmly. “There’s always a solution. Let’s not jump to conclusions.”
Lin Changqing smiled coldly. “Solution? What solution? Denials will only make it look like Shang Group is trying to cover things up again. Consumers aren’t stupid.”
Jiang Fangzheng raised a brow. “Chairman Lin, are you that certain the problem lies with Shang Group?”
Lin Changqing shrugged, smug. “The facts are right in front of us—there’s no denying them.”
Wang Shounian chuckled. “I’d say it’s premature to jump to conclusions. We haven’t received results on the jewelry tests yet, and the hospital still hasn’t confirmed that the customer’s illness was from our food. Everything’s still up in the air.”
Lin Changqing sneered. “Director Wang, you’re quite the optimist. The fire’s already at our doorstep, and you think you’re just imagining the smoke? A little self-delusion goes a long way, I guess.”
Wang Shounian ignored the jab and kept smiling. “Shang Group’s nearly century-long reputation isn’t so easily destroyed. Consumers may be misled, yes, but facts speak louder than headlines. Until we have the full picture, any speculation is just noise.”
Lin Changqing frowned. “Director Wang, I suggest you face reality. The hospital has already issued a definitive diagnosis, and the quality control department’s report came stamped and sealed. Clinging to fantasy won’t change the facts.”
Throughout the commotion, Shang Yushang remained unmoved, letting the meeting descend into chaos like a noisy marketplace.
Shang Guozhang had long distanced himself from the company’s daily operations. He only showed up at these meetings as a formality—and today, he remained silent, offering no opinion on the matter.
One shareholder nodded in agreement with Lin Changqing. “Exactly. The evidence is clear. What we need to focus on now is how Shang Group plans to respond to the public and work to restore its image. If we can’t fix this, the company’s future is going to be bleak.”
Another chimed in, “I agree. What matters now is giving the public a proper explanation. We need to rebuild trust if Shang Group is going to have a future.”
A third voice followed quickly, “The priority should be to address the public’s doubts with honesty and clarity. This passive silence only looks like a cover-up.”
Da Zhou rubbed his nose and couldn’t help but smirk. They really couldn’t hold back, huh? Just a few lines and they’re all showing their cards. Master really played this well—staged the whole act with a few planted allies, and like clockwork, the rats are crawling out of the woodwork. No need to dig anymore—these clowns were outing themselves.
Shang Yuchen, seeing the tension had built to just the right pitch, struck. “President Shang, what’s your take on all this?”
Still expressionless, Shang Yushang replied coolly, “Manager Shang, if you have any brilliant ideas, feel free to share them.”
Sensing that Shang Yushang might finally be cracking, Shang Yuchen was thrilled. He put on a show of hesitation, even a little reluctant concern. “For the future of Shang Group… I’m afraid, President, the only solution might be… your resignation.” His tone dripped with mock sorrow—as if to say: This mess is on your watch. You should take the fall.
Shang Guozhang leaned back in his chair, his face heavy with disappointment. This child, really…
Shang Yuhe shut her eyes, unwilling to witness what came next. She sighed inwardly. So this is how it plays out after all.
Across the table, Lin Changqing couldn’t hide the smug curve of his lips. Victory was almost in hand.
Shang Yushang slowly scanned the room, eyes cool and piercing. Those who supported him instinctively straightened in their seats. Those harboring rebellious thoughts squirmed or turned their heads away—unable to meet his gaze. The tension was thick enough to slice.
He looked back at Shang Yuchen. “And how exactly do you think I should ‘sacrifice’ myself to undo all the damage?”
Shang Yuchen cleared his throat, pretending to give the matter deep thought. Then, with mock solemnity and a hint of contrived guilt in his eyes, he said, “If we want to truly resolve this crisis and keep the public from giving up on Shang Group altogether, then I believe… the best course of action is for you, President Shang, to resign—out of remorse. That would carry far more weight than any PR statement.”
Shang Guozhang’s eyes darkened. He hadn’t expected his son to go this far. Power struggles among the wealthy weren’t new—but to utterly destroy one’s own brother? That was cold-blooded. Had he misjudged this son’s character all along? Or had he simply failed as a father?
A wave of deep failure swept over him. He’d already failed his eldest son… and now, it seemed, he’d raised his younger one into this. Maybe I was never a good father to begin with.
Shang Yuhe’s eyes flew open in shock. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. He’s lost his mind. Completely lost it. There was no coming back from this.
Still, Shang Yushang’s face didn’t twitch. His emotions were unreadable. “Chairman Lin… is that what you believe too?”
Lin Changqing hesitated for a split second. His plan had been to let Shang Yuchen be the face of the push, while he remained hidden in the shadows. But clearly, Shang Yushang wasn’t going to let him stay behind the curtain.
Fine. No point holding back now.
“Yes,” he said smoothly. “Given the current circumstances, it might indeed be the most effective—and expedient—solution.”
