Shen Huaimin, after being brought into the company by Ning Zhisheng, clocked in punctually every day. He humbly sought guidance on many things he didn't understand, and his only point of reference was Ning Shunhong.
After answering Shen Huaimin's questions one more time, Ning Shunhong finally couldn't help himself. "Brother-in-law, I'm very busy. If there's anything you don't understand in the future, you can ask other colleagues. They've been working here for quite some time and know a lot."
Every day, he was pestered by Shen Huaimin with all sorts of questions and excuses, leaving him no time to do anything else. The moment he had something he wanted to do, Shen Huaimin would immediately appear by his side, even asking for his guidance on how to copy documents. He couldn't believe Shen Huaimin didn't understand such basic things!
Shen Huaimin, seeing the exasperated Ning Shunhong, expressed his delight. "Big Brother, wasn't it you who said to ask you if I didn't understand anything? Are you… are you unwilling to talk to me anymore? But in the entire company, besides Uncle, I only know you. I know I came from the countryside and am uneducated, but I'm already trying very, very hard to learn. I don't ask to be compared to Big Brother, but I also don't want to be looked down upon. Doing so not only embarrasses Father-in-law but also embarrasses Uncle and you, Big Brother…"
Shen Huaimin's "green tea" rhetoric completely bewildered Ning Shunhong. Especially those who had initially looked down on Shen Huaimin began to have a change of heart after hearing his words. Indeed, since joining the company, Shen Huaimin had been very serious about his work, asking questions whenever he didn't understand. He was clearly a highly favored son-in-law, yet he was so humble in his learning, which was truly rare. Hadn't they seen how those parachuted into companies had their noses in the air, as if "using connections" and "backdoors" were carved onto their faces?
"This consort of ours seems quite good, doesn't he?"
"Indeed, and very diligent. Every time I pass his workstation, I see him working very seriously."
"He's so much better than those who pretend to know and like to point fingers."
"Thinking about it, if the company is truly managed by Miss Ning and the others in the future, that would be quite good too."
…
Hearing everyone's comments, Ning Shunhong's expression contorted in anger, and he snapped the pen in his hand. "How could that be? Brother-in-law, you worry too much. I am truly gratified that you are so motivated. I believe Uncle will also be very pleased to know how hard you are working!" Ning Shunhong suppressed the urge to beat Shen Huaimin and quickly said.
"That's good. I thought Big Brother was annoyed by my bothering him." Shen Huaimin finished speaking, not forgetting to show a naive smile and scratch the back of his head, appearing quite embarrassed. If the Shen family were to see Shen Huaimin like this now, they would undoubtedly praise him; his ability to brew such perfect "green tea" was truly skillful!
Ning Shunhong: There's a Chinese idiom I'd like to share, but I'm not sure if I should!
While Ning Shunhong was feeling suffocated, Ning Zhisheng was also not having an easy time. Ever since his brother woke up, many senior executives in the company had been urging his brother to return quickly, saying the company couldn't function without him. This made Ning Zhisheng's face flush with anger and his teeth itch. What did they mean the company couldn't function without Ning Zhi Yong? Hadn't he been working tirelessly for the company these past two years? Why was it that when Ning Zhi Yong was in a coma, everyone said he managed the company well, but now that he had woken up, they all wished he would step down?!
The senior executives were unaware of his thoughts. If they had known, they would have surely scoffed at his ideas. Yes, he had been busy with the company for the past two years, busy placing his own people, busy ostracizing veterans who had dedicated half their lives to the company, busy lining his own pockets, and busy using company funds to fill his own massive financial holes!
"Uncle Ning, when can Mr. Ning return to the company?" Uncle Ning, this was the respectful title the company people had given Ning Zhisheng before he managed the company, used to distinguish him from Ning Zhi Yong. Ning Zhi Yong was Mr. Ning, the president of Ning Corporation, the big boss, while he, Uncle Ning, had only managed to get this title through his brother.
"Zhi Yong has just woken up; let him rest more. He will naturally return to the company when he has recovered," Ning Zhisheng said, then immediately gave a look to the man sitting to his left. The man, understanding immediately, quickly said, "What's wrong with you all? Our Mr. Ning worked diligently for the company and even fell ill. Now that he has finally recovered a bit, why shouldn't he rest more! Can't the company function without Mr. Ning? Mr. Ning has handed over the company to Uncle Ning, so we should just obey Uncle Ning." The man, while seemingly speaking up for Ning Zhi Yong, was in fact, indirectly favoring Ning Zhisheng.
"That's true, but what about now? Uncle Ning has been in charge of the company for two years, yet he hasn't achieved any results!"
"Exactly, exactly. We are businessmen, not philanthropists. What we need is profit, not sentiment. How much is sentiment worth?"
"When Mr. Ning was here before, the company's revenue increased every year! Just the dividends alone were enviable among those in Hong Kong, but what about now? At the end of the year, let alone dividends, it's good if we don't have to pay out of our own pockets!"
"How can you be so ungrateful! You said none of this when you supported Uncle Ning taking office…"
…
Suddenly, the office erupted in arguments, while the two men who had initiated the discussion sat silently on the side, watching them fight like dogs. These two were Ning Zhi Yong's former subordinates. They were a bit smarter than others and had not opposed any of Ning Zhisheng's decisions during his tenure. Any "bird that stuck its neck out" had been shot down. These two had been waiting for this day for a long time. A couple of days ago, they had received a call from Ning Zhi Yong, who had instructed them to stir up trouble. They were naturally happy to oblige, hence today's scene.
Ning Zhisheng was unaware that his brother, whom he thought was experiencing a final burst of energy before death, was actually preparing to give him a grand gift. Today was the shareholders' meeting, and everyone present owned shares in Ning Corporation, and they were all senior executives. Most people here sided with Ning Zhisheng, but unfortunately, they held only a small number of shares. Combined with the shares Ning Zhisheng had accumulated over the past two years, his total amounted to only 42%. The remaining 50% was in his brother Ning Zhi Yong's hands, with the other 6% circulating in the market.