Ch 22: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

The more critical the situation, the more necessary it is to pressure the other side into rushing forward without leaving them time to analyze or think. That’s why Shen Yunxuan genuinely went to the Shen family for help.

On the way, she contacted her family, insisting everyone return home because she had something very important to discuss. Initially, the Shen family, still holding a grudge against her, planned to make her wait for hours before talking. But Shen Yunrui, observing Shen Yunxuan’s anxious demeanor, speculated that Huo Siheng must have been in an accident. She persuaded the family to hear her out.

For once, when Shen Yunxuan arrived, the entire Shen family was present. Madam Shen frowned and said, “Speak. What’s so urgent?”

Gripping her handbag tightly, Shen Yunxuan said seriously, “Siheng is in a coma. My mother-in-law wants me to take over Huo Group, but the shareholders are objecting. I hope you can help me. If I can take control of Huo Group, it’ll benefit both me and the Shen family.”

“What? Huo Siheng is in a coma?!” Shen Guobang’s face shifted dramatically in shock.

He exchanged a glance with Old Master Shen, and they both became visibly excited, already considering the possibility of taking over Huo Group. It was the wealthiest family in the nation; even taking half would be enough to elevate the Shen family to unimaginable heights.

They hadn’t even entertained the idea of Shen Yunxuan running Huo Group. To them, it made no difference—if Shen Yunxuan took over, wouldn’t she still rely on them for guidance? Despite her usual pride, here she was, humbly seeking their help.

Madam Shen felt a rare sense of vindication and elation, her spirit soaring. She had always believed that no woman could truly thrive without her family’s backing. Wasn’t Shen Yunxuan proof of that now, bowing her head to them?

While the family envisioned Huo Group as their possession, Shen Yunrui had a different perspective. Having lived through a similar situation in her past life, she knew too well that there were too many contenders vying for a slice of Huo Group’s pie. The Shen family wouldn’t even get crumbs. She never wanted to own Huo Group; her only aim was to enjoy watching Shen Yunxuan’s downfall.

Smirking, she said mockingly, “If the shareholders have objections, they must have someone else in mind, right? You’re only here because you can’t outmaneuver them. So, tell us, what benefits can you offer the family? If they’re substantial enough, perhaps we can consider helping you.”

Lin Huaizhi frowned disapprovingly. “Yunrui, we’re family. Of course, we should help her. How can you talk about benefits?”

Shen Yunrui stiffened, retorting sharply, “She’s always treated us this way. Didn’t you see her demanding an extravagant dowry? What she took was several times more than mine!”

Irritated, Lin Huaizhi said, “Wasn’t that compensation for the wedding swap? Why bring it up again?” He found it embarrassing. His wife seemed insatiably greedy, and though wanting benefits wasn’t wrong, expressing it so blatantly made her appear unseemly.

Shen Yunrui, unwilling to relent, shot Shen Yunxuan a sharp glance. Her intention was to humiliate her, to relish the sight of her sister pleading for help. Yet, to her surprise, Lin Huaizhi rebuked her in front of Shen Yunxuan, deepening her resentment.

Controlling her frustration, Shen Yunxuan stood and said coldly, “If the shareholders choose someone else, it will undoubtedly be Huo Siming, a Huo family member with significant advantages. If you won’t help me, I’ll find someone else who will. Plenty of people would jump at the chance to get involved.”

She turned to leave, prompting Old Master Shen to hurriedly interject, “Now, now, why are you being so hasty? Of course, family is more reliable. You’re part of the Shen family, and we’ll fully support you. Let’s visit the hospital to check on Siheng and meet with your in-laws.”

This response was precisely what Shen Yunxuan had hoped for. She immediately agreed and led them to the hospital.

Following behind, Shen Yunrui smirked derisively, seeing Shen Yunxuan as nothing more than a desperate clown. Let her enjoy her last few days of pretending to be in control. Once Huo Siming took over Huo Group, Shen Yunxuan would be left in shambles. Shen Yunrui couldn’t wait to witness her inevitable tears.

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At the hospital, Huo Siming coaxed Madam Huo into eating a little and then suggested she freshen up. Aunt Lan, intending to subtly promote Huo Siming, seized the opportunity to speak to Madam Huo. However, Shu Yue stayed close by, refusing to leave Madam Huo’s side—even during the wardrobe change.

Aunt Lan, feeling stymied, finally said, “Miss Shu, you don’t have to trouble yourself. I’ve always taken care of Madam Huo. You can go rest.”

Shu Yue shook her head. “I promised Yunxuan I’d look after Madam Huo personally. I’m quite stubborn about keeping my word, so please don’t mind me.”

Madam Huo quickly reassured Shu Yue, who had been by her side the entire time, offering great emotional support. When Shu Yue began apologizing, Madam Huo immediately waved it off. “You’ve been such a help to me; I should be the one feeling apologetic. How could I possibly find you troublesome? I should thank you instead. Yunxuan is lucky to have such a good friend.”

Shu Yue helped her back to the room, saying, “It’s no trouble at all. There’s not much else I can do, but I can stay by your side to make sure Yunxuan has nothing to worry about while she’s handling things outside.”

Meanwhile, Aunt Lan, feeling increasingly sidelined, found an opportunity to inform Huo Siming of the situation. Huo Siming thought to himself that Shen Yunxuan must have strategically placed Shu Yue there to keep Madam Huo from making decisions in his favor. This woman truly is calculating, he mused. But being clever isn’t enough to take over Huo Group. She’s destined to lose.

Not long after, several shareholders arrived at the hospital. After assessing Huo Siheng’s condition, they emphasized that Huo Group urgently needed a new leader. Shareholder Liu said, “Madam Huo, we’ve deliberated for some time and feel that Mrs. Huo isn’t suitable to act as interim president.”

Madam Huo frowned, “If Yunxuan isn’t suitable, then who is?” She scrutinized the shareholders, suspecting that someone had ulterior motives and was angling for the position themselves.

Sensing her thoughts, they quickly responded, “We have no personal agendas. We’re solely considering what’s best for Huo Group. It’s just that Mrs. Huo hasn’t been part of the family for long. Many in the company don’t know her, and entrusting the leadership of Huo Group to her makes everyone uneasy. If we had to choose, we believe Second Young Master Huo would be more appropriate.”

Madam Huo was momentarily stunned and turned to look at Huo Siming. His expression was one of feigned shock. “Me? How could I possibly do it?”

The shareholders chimed in, “Why not? Second Young Master Huo is family, Huo Siheng’s brother. With Huo Siheng unconscious, it’s only logical for Second Young Master Huo to take the role of interim CEO. His identity gives him legitimacy, and with everyone supporting him, he can stabilize Huo Group while we wait for Huo Siheng’s recovery.”

Shu Yue interjected coldly, “Yunxuan is Huo Siheng’s wife—his closest confidant. If she’s unsuitable, how is a cousin more qualified? Yunxuan has only been married a few months, but Second Young Master Huo just returned to the country. If familiarity is the issue, how could you possibly trust him more?”

The shareholders frowned and asked, “And you are?”

Shu Yue stood her ground. “I’m Yunxuan’s friend. This decision can’t be made without her. You can’t settle something this significant without her involvement.”

Shareholder Liu countered sternly, “We’re only discussing possibilities with Madam Huo. Such an important matter would never be finalized lightly. This is an internal Huo Group issue, so outsiders have no place speaking up.”

Madam Huo patted Shu Yue’s hand reassuringly, though she seemed to deliberate for a long moment. Finally, she said, “Kevin has never been involved in the company and is known to enjoy a carefree lifestyle. Yunxuan, on the other hand, is a successful investor. She’s even starting new projects. In my opinion, Yunxuan is more suitable.”

Shareholder Li sighed. “Madam Huo, I know you care deeply for your daughter-in-law, but this concerns the company’s future. It can’t be treated so lightly. Mrs. Huo’s so-called successful investment was clearly a stroke of luck. As for her new projects, they’re nothing but speculation at this point.”

Madam Huo, visibly exhausted after nearly two days without rest, massaged her temples as she listened. Aunt Lan seized the opportunity, saying, “Madam, please don’t overwork yourself. Whether it’s Mrs. Huo or the Second Young Master, both are reliable. Let them sort it out themselves while you focus on your health.”

Shu Yue quickly added, “This concerns the company’s fate, so Madam Huo’s input is essential. Furthermore, Yunxuan isn’t without support. If she takes over Huo Group, the Shu family will fully back her. The Shen family will undoubtedly support her as well.”

Huo Siming’s expression darkened. Just as he suspected, Shu Yue had been planted to advocate for Shen Yunxuan. Between the Shen and Shu families, they could rally their connections and bring in allies willing to support Shen Yunxuan for a share of the benefits. Things were becoming increasingly complicated. He needed to act decisively before Shen Yunxuan could seize control.

Exchanging a glance with the shareholders, Liu feigned receiving a phone call and stepped outside. Meanwhile, Huo Siming pretended to concede. “Miss Shu is right. It should indeed be up to my sister-in-law. With the Shen family and other relatives supporting her, I’ll do my best to assist as well.”

His comment about the Shen family immediately reminded everyone of their connections, including the Lin family, whose antics at the wedding had been unforgettable. Coupled with the controversial marriage swap, the Shen family’s reputation made them seem untrustworthy. Allowing them to assist would be inviting trouble. Even Madam Huo hesitated, doubting whether the Shen family would genuinely support Yunxuan.

At that moment, Shen Yunxuan entered with the Shen family in tow. She froze momentarily at the sight of the group, surprised. “What’s going on here? Why are so many people gathered?”

Shu Yue quickly stood up and said, “Yunxuan, thank goodness you’re back! These shareholders think you can’t handle Huo Group and want the Second Young Master to take over!”

Madam Shen immediately retorted, “What nonsense! Yunxuan is Siheng’s wife. If anything happens to him, it’s only right that she steps up to support the family.”

The atmosphere instantly became tense. Madam Huo’s headache worsened as the situation grew more chaotic. A decision had to be made soon!

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆