Zhang Yang lived in an old residential area, a considerable distance from the Han Corporation.
Fearing that Han Xiyao might fall unconscious again, Zhang Yang bought a box of silver needles on his way, carrying them with him. After all, it was rather inappropriate to constantly press on someone's chest for massage. This also caused Zhang Yang to miss the first bus.
...
On his first day at work, Zhang Yang was late. As soon as he stepped into the company, he heard employees around him discussing the incident between Hao Jian and Ma Linghua the previous night. Truly, good deeds never go beyond the door, while bad deeds travel a thousand miles.
"Zhang Yang, you're finally here. I've been waiting for you for ages!" Li Dabai had gotten up unusually early today. Seeing Zhang Yang arrive, he immediately ran towards him. Without a word, Li Dabai slung an arm around Zhang Yang's shoulders and pulled him away from the marketing department.
"Where are you taking me?" Zhang Yang asked.
"To make amends, of course. Last night, I put two sleeping pills in my dad's drink, and today I'll be attending the meeting in his place." Li Dabai pulled Zhang Yang into the elevator and pressed the button for the highest floor.
The elevator ascended all the way to the top floor. Besides the CEO's office, there was also a conference room that could accommodate many people. When Li Dabai led Zhang Yang into the conference room, quite a few people were already seated inside. Han Xiyao herself had also arrived early.
Li Dabai, familiar with the layout, led Zhang Yang to the third chair below Han Xiyao. Zhang Yang moved a stool from the corner and sat beside Li Dabai. After nodding to Han Xiyao, he began to survey the surroundings.
When they entered, the only empty seat was between Li Dabai and Han Xiyao. Without a doubt, Zhang Yang knew it was Han Wenkang's seat.
"Han Wenkang hasn't arrived yet. I suppose he's conceded," Li Dabai muttered softly.
"I'm afraid it's not that simple," Zhang Yang shook his head. For some reason, he had a bad feeling in his heart, sensing that Han Wenkang wouldn't give up so easily.
After waiting for another five minutes, Han Wenkang still hadn't arrived. Han Xiyao had no intention of waiting any longer. She raised her hand slightly and said, "Everyone, I'm sure you all know why I've called this meeting today. Please share your thoughts."
Apart from Li Dabai, these shareholders were all collateral relatives of the Han family. They naturally understood what Han Xiyao wanted to convey. They had all seen the video recording of Hao Jian and Ma Linghua's illicit rendezvous on the rooftop last night, either directly or indirectly through their subordinates. However, they found it difficult to express their opinions on such matters. They all knew that this was a competition between the two main family members, Han Xiyao and Han Wenkang, and they did not wish to be directly involved.
However, Li Dabai didn't care about all that. Today, he was present as Li Jiangshan, the third largest shareholder of the Han Corporation.
"Are you all mute or what? Do you need to think about something like this?" Li Dabai stated forcefully, aiming to redeem himself. "The marketing department is an important department of the Han Corporation, and its manager, Hao Jian, has improper conduct and poor morals. He openly engages in illicit relationships with a female subordinate. Such a person should naturally be fired immediately!"
Upon hearing this, the other shareholders remained silent. Some shareholders even wore expressions of disdain. Clearly, even though Li Dabai was representing Li Jiangshan today, they did not take this young man, who had achieved nothing, seriously.
Seeing this, Han Xiyao's expression gradually turned grim. She directly instructed her secretary to bring out the resolution to dismiss Hao Jian. Her gaze swept across the shareholders, and she said forcefully, "Since everyone has chosen to default, please sign it."
The shareholders' eyes began to dart left and right. Then, an older shareholder spoke up, "President, it would be best to wait for Director Han to arrive before making a decision on such a matter."
Han Xiyao's face darkened. These old foxes were playing a clever game, intending to stay neutral and watch the conflict unfold. "And if Han Wenkang doesn't come today, am I supposed to wait here all day?" Han Xiyao became furious. "Everyone, I respect you as my elders. But don't think that I, Han Xiyao, have no temper. You fear offending Han Wenkang, but do you not fear offending me, Han Xiyao?"
This time, Han Xiyao was enraged. Her imposing and commanding aura immediately emerged. This was the first time she had lost her temper so severely at a board meeting. However, Han Xiyao's outburst and threat did not have the desired effect; instead, it made the shareholders resentful.
"Han Xiyao, you know we are your elders? Is this how you speak to your elders?"
"Stop spouting nonsense. We're asking you to wait for Han Wenkang for the good of the group!"
"Don't think that just because you've been president for a few years, you can dictate everything in the Han Corporation!"
"Compared to Han Wenkang, you are far from being his equal."
"Exactly. We only show you some respect because of your father; otherwise, would it be your turn, a young girl, to boss us around?"
...
Han Xiyao's face changed, and the shareholders retaliated with harsh words. The oldest collateral relative, who had spoken earlier, even threatened Han Xiyao in return. "Han girl, we won't interfere in your competition with Han Wenkang. But if you force us to take sides, then we can only lean towards Han Wenkang."
Seeing their attitude, Han Xiyao became very angry, her breathing becoming somewhat uneven. She had not expected that when she truly drew her sword against Han Wenkang, these shareholders would present such a one-sided front. Not a single one was willing to support her!
Suddenly, Han Xiyao's head tilted, and she nearly fainted again. Seeing this, Zhang Yang quickly stepped forward. Several silver needles flew from his hand, and at the same time, he placed his palm on Han Xiyao's back. A gentle energy flowed into Han Xiyao's body, allowing her to slowly recover.
"Zhang Yang, thank you," Han Xiyao said gratefully.
"It seems your presidency isn't going very smoothly," Zhang Yang shook his head. Then, he patted Han Xiyao's shoulder and strode towards the shareholders, his eyes filled with cold light. Han Xiyao was Zhang Yang's soft spot; he absolutely would not allow her to suffer any grievance.
"All of you combined are nearly eight hundred years old. What kind of skill is it to gang up and bully a woman?"
These shareholders all looked at Zhang Yang with unfriendly eyes. If they dared to threaten Han Xiyao, they certainly wouldn't take Zhang Yang seriously.
"Who are you? Do you have the right to speak here?"
"Ask us to apologize? Is Han Xiyao worthy of it?"
"If it weren't for the fact that she has generated revenue for the Han Corporation since taking office, we would have long ago asked Han Wenkang to dismiss her as president!"
...
Zhang Yang's eyes narrowed. Han Xiyao was Zhang Yang's soft spot. Anyone who dared to provoke her would have to pay the price. Instantly, the silver needles in Zhang Yang's hand shot out, directly piercing the throats of these shareholders. Immediately, a series of coughs erupted.
"Kid, what did you do to us... *cough*... what!"
"You... *cough cough*!"
Zhang Yang sneered, "How does it feel to be unable to breathe?"
"By the way, don't even think about pulling out the silver needles, or you might choke to death. Don't say I didn't warn you."
This! Hearing Zhang Yang's 'kind' warning, the shareholders were stunned. How could they dare to act rashly? What if Zhang Yang wasn't bluffing?
Zhang Yang's method shocked both Han Xiyao and Li Dabai.
"Zhang Yang, I'm fine. Please let them go," Han Xiyao said. She looked at the shareholders, all of them coughing until their faces turned red, some even gasping for breath.
Zhang Yang shook his head. "Unless they apologize to you, they can keep coughing."
"But..." Han Xiyao hesitated. Zhang Yang's actions, while satisfying her, would essentially push these shareholders towards Han Wenkang.
"Xiyao, I know what you're worried about, but please trust me. I won't harm you," Zhang Yang suddenly turned back and said earnestly. His affectionate gaze almost made Han Xiyao unable to cope, and she quickly averted her eyes from Zhang Yang. The atmosphere between them became somewhat delicate.
However, the moment was immediately broken by the shareholders.
"*Cough cough* ~ Xiyao... we were wrong just now. Hurry and tell him to let us go."
"Quick... save me, I'm almost... *cough*, can't breathe."
...
Hearing the shareholders apologize, Han Xiyao quickly looked at Zhang Yang. She might not have realized that her face had become somewhat flushed. "Zhang Yang, they've all apologized. Let's just let this matter go."
Zhang Yang nodded. He took the resolution to dismiss Hao Jian from the secretary. "Sign your name, and I'll let you go," Zhang Yang said.
"You... this is taking advantage of someone's distress!" one shareholder objected to Zhang Yang's actions.
"Oh, then you can continue coughing." Zhang Yang finished speaking and moved towards the second person. "If you don't want to cough out your internal organs, just sign your consent."
"Okay, I'll sign." With the first one taking the lead, the rest became much more obedient.
"It would have been fine if you had done this earlier. Why make things so complicated?" Zhang Yang shrugged. He handed the signed resolution to Han Xiyao. After glancing at it and finding no issues, Han Xiyao directly announced the adjournment of the meeting.
However, at that moment, Han Wenkang appeared.
"Xiyao, you were the one who called for a meeting early this morning. Before I even arrived, you're already announcing the adjournment?"
"It doesn't matter if you come or not. The board has already agreed to dismiss Hao Jian," Han Xiyao replied.
Upon hearing this, Han Wenkang was quite surprised. He had only been half an hour late, and these collateral branches of the Han family couldn't withstand Han Xiyao's pressure? Han Wenkang swept his gaze over these shareholders, instantly sending shivers down their spines. They all quickly defended themselves.
"Wenkang, it's not what you think. Han Xiyao forced us."
"Yes, yes. Han Xiyao instructed this person to force us to sign."
"..."
The shareholders pointed at Zhang Yang, also informing Han Wenkang about Zhang Yang's actions against them.
"I didn't expect you to have such means. No wonder Xiyao wanted to keep you around," Han Wenkang narrowed his eyes and walked to his seat. Seeing this, Zhang Yang and Han Xiyao felt that a verbal battle with him was inevitable.
But Han Wenkang's next action stunned them both. He took the resolution from Han Xiyao and, with a flourish, signed his name.
"I also agree to dismiss Hao Jian."
"However..."