Chapter 136
Chapter 136 - Lan Qingqing's Dismissal as General Manager
The top three members of the board of directors held positions just below Lan Qingqing. Crucially, they were as close as brothers to Lan Zhongtian.
No one expected that after Lan Zhongtian's death, they would swiftly engage in numerous clandestine activities.
On the surface, Lan Qingqing maintained a smile, but internally she was seething with resentment towards them.
Uncle Zhang addressed Lan Qingqing, “We've urgently convened this board meeting because the company's performance has been consistently deteriorating.”
At this point, Uncle Zhang turned to Uncle Liu.
Uncle Liu presented a document, stating, “Since you assumed the role of general manager, Nubeat Casino's performance has dropped by 12%. What do you have to say about this?”
The general manager, having been entrusted with the company's management by the board, was accountable to its members.
Lan Qingqing's eyes flashed with anger upon hearing Uncle Liu's challenge.
She responded firmly, “The decline in Nubeat Casino's performance is due to a mole collaborating with rival casinos, resulting in several incidents that have tarnished our reputation. I've identified several suspects.”
Her statement caused discomfort among the shareholders.
Uncle Liu, with a stern expression, retorted, “Dealing with moles is your responsibility. We, as shareholders, are solely concerned with performance. And it's not just the casino; Nubeat Hotel's performance has also fallen by 8%.”
“The current off-peak travel season naturally affects hotel performance,” Lan Qingqing replied coolly.
“Yet other hotels have only experienced a 3% drop. Can you account for the additional 5% loss?” he pressed.
“The sudden resignation of three Nubeat Hotel executives, who took a segment of our premium clientele with them, is to blame,” Lan Qingqing explained, well aware of the connection between these resignations and the machinations of the old guard, though she could not voice these suspicions publicly.
”The third issue,” Uncle Liu continued, fixing his gaze on Lan Qingqing, “is the 30% downturn in the Nubeat Oceangoing Freighter's performance.”
“The situation has escalated due to Kassu and Boda engaging in underhanded competitive tactics.”
“As the General Manager, why didn't you implement any countermeasures?” Uncle Liu's question left Lan Qingqing at a loss for words.
Despite having worked alongside Lan Zhongtian in the business for years, Lan Qingqing had never been at the helm of such a vast enterprise. Moreover, she faced constant challenges from the group's senior executives.
“In light of these three issues, I propose that we remove Lan Qingqing from her position as General Manager.”
Lan Qingqing's face fell.
She finally understood the real reason behind the board's sudden meeting.
They intended to strip her of her managerial authority over the Nubeat Group.
Uncle Zhang spoke evenly, “Let's follow procedure and vote. All in favor of removing Lan Qingqing as General Manager, please raise your hands.”
The twelve board members who had proposed the meeting promptly raised their hands. Their agreement was expected.
The remaining two directors exchanged uncertain glances, hesitating to make a decision.
But their stance, or lack thereof, no longer mattered.
The bylaws stated that as long as two-thirds of the board members concurred, the motion would carry.
“I hereby declare Lan Qingqing's removal from her position as General Manager,” Uncle Zhang announced, but Lan Qingqing interjected, “The resolution is void.”
Uncle Zhang regarded Lan Qingqing with visible annoyance. “Qingqing, this is a board decision.”
“Indeed, it is a board decision,” Lan Qingqing retorted, sweeping her gaze across the room. “But it seems you've all forgotten who the company's largest shareholder is.”
“I hold 51% of the group's shares, which gives me the authority to declare your resolution null and void.”
No sooner had Lan Qingqing finished than Uncle Lee gently shook his head, correcting her, “Qingqing, you possess only 25.5% of the company's shares.”
“What?” Qingqing's complexion shifted.
“Qingqing, I am also entitled to inherit your father's shares.” At that moment, the door swung open, and Lan Qingqing's stepmother, Ping Mei, entered.
“You.” Lan Qingqing's expression turned to one of shock.
Ping Mei did, in fact, have a legitimate claim to the inheritance.
The question at hand was whether Ping Mei could secure the share that rightfully belonged to her, a matter that certainly warranted discussion.
Initially, Ping Mei harbored no grand expectations. After all, Lan Qingqing hadn't been excessively unfair. She had provided Ping Mei with a substantial sum of money and a luxurious villa. It seemed Ping Mei was set for a life of ease and comfort.
However, when Uncle Zhang and two other major shareholders approached her, Ping Mei found herself swayed. With their strategic maneuvers, Ping Mei smoothly acquired a 25.5% stake in the company. These shares, however, were only temporarily hers.
Uncle Zhang and his associates wouldn't assist Ping Mei without expecting something in return. Per their agreement, Ping Mei was to allocate 18% of her shares to them. Naturally, she had no grounds to decline. If she refused, she wouldn't even retain a 7.5% share. There was no need to delve into these details with Lan Qingqing.
”We can re-evaluate based on the group's share distribution,” Uncle Zhang proposed, a smile playing on his lips. As his words settled, sixteen shareholders, including Ping Mei, raised their hands in agreement.
Casting a glance at Lan Qingqing, Uncle Zhang remarked, “The outcome is clear, isn't it?” A profound sense of dejection washed over Lan Qingqing's features. She recognized her defeat, realizing she had failed to preserve the legacy her father had left her. Overwhelmed by the thought, she was suddenly overcome with grief and coughed up blood.
As Lan Qingqing teetered on the brink of collapse, a figure swiftly caught her in his arms. “Ye Hao.” Upon recognizing her savior, Lan Qingqing's eyes widened in disbelief.
With a gentle smile, Ye Hao helped Lan Qingqing to a seat and produced a jade vase from within his coat. Upon opening it, a refreshing fragrance immediately permeated the meeting room, seemingly invigorating everyone present.
Eyes filled with eager anticipation turned towards the jade vase in Ye Hao's hands. He carefully dispensed an elixir, softly assuring, “This elixir will heal your wounds.”
“Truly?”
“This is a panacea from the Way of Nature. If this cannot mend your injuries, I doubt there's anyone under the heavens who could,” Ye Hao confidently stated, his smile unwavering.
“The Way of Nature.”
“A panacea?”
Ye Hao's revelation left Uncle Zhang and the others ashen-faced.
They were well aware of the enigmatic nature of the Way of Nature. Despite years of extensive efforts and resources, they had never managed to locate it.
And yet, this young man had managed to find the Way of Nature?
As Lan Qingqing swallowed the panacea, it seemed to dissolve into a gentle stream, infusing her limbs and bones with vitality. Her withered meridians began to heal rapidly, rejuvenated by the panacea's power.
In just a handful of breaths, Lan Qingqing's appearance transformed, glowing with health.
She dabbed at the blood on her lips and stood up, astonished.
“Have I been healed?”