Ch 23: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

The Shen family greeted Madam Huo, glancing through the glass at Huo Siheng lying in the hospital bed. Even they were taken aback that someone so remarkable could fall into such a state.

Madam Shen offered a few comforting words to Madam Huo, while Old Master Shen and Shen Guobang exchanged polite conversation with the shareholders. Then, with a firm tone, Old Master Shen stated, “The union of the Shen and Huo families was built on mutual support. At this critical time, Yunxuan is the most suitable choice to act as interim president. If any partners have concerns, the Shen family is willing to step in and handle negotiations. You may rest assured.”

The shareholders’ faces darkened at the remark. Rest assured? That clearly implied the Shen family planned to interfere in Huo Group’s affairs and take control of partnerships. Who would believe the Shen family had no ulterior motives?

With the Shen family hovering in the picture, the shareholders’ preference shifted even further toward Huo Siming. After all, he bore the Huo family name and was Second Uncle Huo’s son. If there was no one left to lead on Huo Siheng’s side, it made sense for the Huo family to retain control. If Shen Yunxuan took over, Huo Group would effectively become “Shen Group.”

Huo Group, a multi-generational business empire, couldn’t simply fall into the hands of the Shen family. Even previously neutral shareholders started leaning toward Huo Siming, agreeing it was better to let him temporarily manage the company and revisit the situation later if Huo Siheng recovered.

Shen Yunxuan’s sharp gaze landed on Huo Siming. “Kevin, do you want to act as interim CEO?”

Huo Siming responded with a helpless expression. “Sister-in-law, I truly have no such intention. If you don’t trust me, I can leave and go home right now.”

The shareholders frowned, sensing Shen Yunxuan was pressuring Huo Siming into backing down. This reinforced their doubts about her intentions. Given the Shen family’s reputation, they wondered if she planned to seize Huo Group for herself. What kind of person could the Shen family raise?

At that moment, Liu, who had stepped out to take a call, returned with urgency. “Bad news—there’s been an issue with one of our business partners. They’ve somehow learned about Huo’s condition and are demanding a meeting with him. If they can’t speak with him personally, they’re threatening to cancel the collaboration. This project is critical to the success of our major overseas endeavor. Someone must resolve this immediately.”

Whoever stepped forward would be held accountable, making this no light matter.

Shareholder Li seized the opportunity. “Madam Huo, why not let Mrs. Huo and Second Young Master Huo handle this issue? Whoever successfully resolves it can take on the role of interim president. After all, the interim president must be able to address crises during Huo’s treatment. If they can’t manage this, they certainly won’t earn the team’s confidence.”

The proposed solution seemed fair and objective, putting both Shen Yunxuan and Huo Siming on equal footing. Whoever could manage the company better should take the reins. Madam Huo, though fond of Shen Yunxuan, couldn’t prioritize personal preference over the company’s interests. She looked at Shen Yunxuan apologetically. “Then let’s proceed with this arrangement.”

The Shen family exchanged glances but held their tongues. There was no reasonable objection to such a fair method. Their sole task now was to help Shen Yunxuan address the issue with the business partner. If she succeeded, she could take charge of Huo Group; if not, she’d be sidelined.

Relieved by this turn of events, Old Master Shen and Shen Guobang relaxed. The pressure was now on Shen Yunxuan, who would have no choice but to seek their help, granting them leverage to negotiate favorable terms.

With no further opposition, the shareholders prepared to leave. Before departing, Shareholder Li turned to Huo Siming and said, “Second Young Master, the situation at Huo Group technically doesn’t concern you, but given the circumstances, we thought your involvement would carry weight. Please forgive us for suggesting your participation without consulting you first—we’re truly at a loss.”

Huo Siming quickly replied, “As a member of the Huo family, it’s only right for me to contribute. I could never blame you for acting out of concern for the company. I may not have established many connections since returning, but I’ll do my best.”

“That’s all we ask.” Shareholder Li then addressed Madam Huo, sighing, “Both Mrs. Huo and the Second Young Master are exceptional individuals. They’re truly a blessing to the Huo family. I’m confident this crisis will be overcome. Madam Huo, please don’t worry too much.”

The atmosphere softened, with everyone appearing united in their commitment to the company’s well-being. Madam Huo, reassured by their words, felt a glimmer of comfort. “Thank you, everyone. Once Siheng recovers, I’ll have him personally thank you all.”

“Of course.” The shareholders offered a few more words of reassurance before leaving, though inwardly, they harbored little hope for Huo’s recovery. The odds of a comatose patient waking were slim, and even if he did, it would likely take years. Huo Group couldn’t afford to wait. A leadership transition was inevitable, and each shareholder weighed their interests in deciding who to support.

Eager to settle the matter, Huo Siming also excused himself, claiming he needed to see what could be done. Madam Huo nodded and reminded him to do his best.

After Huo Siming left, Madam Huo turned to Shen Yunxuan and asked, “Yunxuan, what are your thoughts? What do you plan to do?”

Shen Yunxuan glanced at the Shen family members. They had just promised to support her fully, and now was the time for them to deliver.

Old Master Shen sat down and spoke in a measured tone, “Dear in-law, I hope you won’t take this the wrong way, but Yunxuan is your daughter-in-law and your closest family member. That Huo Siming, on the other hand, is from Huo Siheng’s uncle’s family. They already split their assets and moved abroad years ago. If they come back now to take over Huo Group, isn’t that equivalent to stealing your family’s inheritance? You mustn’t be confused and agree to let Huo Siming take charge.”

Madam Huo frowned. “It’s just a temporary management of affairs. The shares belong to Siheng. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t take them away.”

Madam Shen interjected, moving closer to Madam Huo and patting her hand. “In-law, there’s a lot of trickery involved in running a company. Even without shares, if someone has control, they can influence projects and the flow of funds. By the time everything is moved around, what’s left might be an empty shell. Even holding the shares would be meaningless.”

Shen Yunxuan raised an eyebrow slightly. Madam Shen had unknowingly hit the nail on the head. She suspected that this was precisely Huo Siming’s plan, cloaked under the guise of incompetence or failed management.

Madam Huo’s headache grew worse. Feeling that the situation was already decided, she didn’t want to listen to any more arguments. She glanced at Huo Siheng lying in the hospital bed and said lightly, “The decision has already been made with everyone. Changing it now is pointless. If Yunxuan wants to take over, she needs to resolve the matter with the business partners first.”

Madam Shen sighed, “You shouldn’t have agreed earlier. It only created more complications. Now, to fight for it, we’ll have to exert great effort. If Huo Group itself considers this a crisis, it must be very difficult to resolve.”

Shen Guobang chimed in, “In-law, to be honest, our Shen family has also faced some issues recently, suffering consecutive losses. If we’re to help Yunxuan compete, it’ll take everything we’ve got. Our rivals are watching us closely. One wrong move, and we might end up in a crisis ourselves.”

Shen Yunxuan spoke coldly, “So, you’re saying you won’t help? Then leave. Don’t stay here making my mom’s headache worse.”

Madam Shen’s face darkened. Hearing Shen Yunxuan refer to someone else as “mom” made her uncomfortable, and her tone became frosty. It didn’t feel like they were there to help—it felt more like they were being coerced.

Seizing the opportunity, Shen Yunrui stepped forward, her voice dripping with mockery. “Sister, I understand you’re upset, but you shouldn’t misunderstand the family’s intentions. Everyone here is trying to help you, but you need to consider the family’s difficulties. If the family helps you and ends up greatly weakened, then once you take over Huo Group, you’ll have to assign several projects to the family to make up for the losses. It wouldn’t be fair for Mom and Dad to suffer without any compensation, don’t you think?”

Her logic was sound. Unless there was extraordinary closeness, even familial support often came with strings attached. To their surprise, Shen Yunxuan agreed readily, “Alright. Once I take over, I’ll assign a few projects to the Shen family.”

Her quick agreement caught everyone off guard. Shen Yunrui, however, recalled how Shen Yunxuan had previously made verbal promises, only to later claim she’d never agreed to anything. Knowing this, she immediately said, “Then let’s make it official. Let’s draft a contract stating how many projects you’ll assign us, and we’ll outline how the family will help you. That way, it’ll be fair for everyone.”

Madam Huo was stunned. She hadn’t expected the Shen family to negotiate terms so blatantly, treating Yunxuan more like a stranger than family. She looked at Shen Yunxuan, whose face had darkened considerably.

“Draft the contract,” Shen Yunxuan said icily. “If it’s reasonable, I’ll sign it.”

The Shen family quickly gathered to draft the agreement. When they handed it to Shen Yunxuan, Madam Huo and Shu Yue leaned in to read over it. Both were immediately enraged.

The Shen family was making outrageous demands, essentially asking for half of Huo Group’s benefits. This wasn’t just support—it was daylight robbery. If Huo Group were to split half its assets with the Shen family, resolving the issue with the business partners directly would have been far cheaper and easier.

Madam Shen smiled, unfazed by their reactions. “In-law, we’re doing this for you and Yunxuan’s sake. That Huo Siming is clearly ambitious. Relying on him would be disastrous. It’s better for us to join forces. Together, we’ll achieve a win-win situation. Even if Siheng never recovers, the Shen family will be your pillar of support. We’ll ensure no one dares to bully you.”

Madam Huo’s face turned pale with anger. She was about to respond when Shen Yunxuan, her expression icy, said, “Don’t worry, Madam Shen. If I sign this contract, I’ll make sure the entire world knows what kind of people you are.”

Madam Huo, deeply worried about Huo Siheng’s condition, was rendered speechless by the Shen family’s shameless demands. Her voice trembled as she said, “You… you all—”

Shen Yunxuan threw her phone back at Madam Shen in fury, her voice icy. “Get out! Siheng will recover, and we don’t need your so-called help. Every time I face a challenge, you all stoop to a new low. Do you really think we’d ever be desperate enough to rely on you? Take a good look at yourselves!”

Madam Shen, her anger rising, shot back, “Shen Yunxuan, don’t be so ungrateful! Acting tough now will only make you regret it later. When Huo Siming takes over Huo Group, you and your mother-in-law will be left with nothing!”

Old Master Shen added sternly, “Yunxuan, this is no time for impulsiveness. You won’t find anyone willing to fully back you in such a short time. Shu Yue might be your friend, but can her parents mobilize their entire network for you? Only the Shen family can give you the support you need. This is a win-win situation. Trust your family—we won’t harm you. We are your only true dependents.”

Shen Yunxuan let out a cold laugh. “Dependents? People who only know how to kick someone when they’re down and squeeze them dry? You call yourselves my family? You’ve never been my support, and I’ll never need you to be.

From this moment onward, I disown you as my family.”

The Shen family froze in shock, unable to process her words. To them, Shen Yunxuan had lost her mind. At such a critical juncture, how could she sever ties with them? Was she truly giving up on Huo Group and resigning herself to fate?

Shen Yunrui, eager to twist the knife, said sharply, “Sister, are you out of your mind at such a crucial moment? Without the family’s help, how will you handle the business partners? Are you really going to sit back and let Kevin take over Huo Group?”

Shen Yunxuan took a deep breath, her voice unwavering. “If it comes to that, I’ll offer the West Suburb land to the business partners. I refuse to believe the matter can’t be resolved.”

Shen Yunrui gasped audibly. The West Suburb land was worth at least ten billion! She didn’t know who the business partners were, but she was certain no one could resist a ten-billion-dollar offer. Was Shen Yunxuan truly this desperate?

Pointing at the door, Shen Yunxuan snapped, “Get out. Or I’ll call security. And remember, from today onward, we are no longer family. Go your way, and I’ll go mine.”

The Shen family, fuming with anger, had no choice but to leave, unwilling to be publicly thrown out by security. Shen Yunrui left seething with regret. If she hadn’t provoked Shen Yunxuan, perhaps the family could have worked out a deal with her. But now, her meddling had pushed Shen Yunxuan to take an extreme approach.

As they left, Shen Yunrui couldn’t help but curse herself. By tipping her hand, she might have inadvertently given Shen Yunxuan a way to turn the situation around. Now, if Shen Yunxuan succeeded in taking over Huo Group, even if her leadership failed and the company eventually collapsed, she’d still go down in history as the young CEO of a top conglomerate. Shen Yunrui couldn’t stand the thought of Shen Yunxuan outshining her.

But she wasn’t about to let things end there. If Shen Yunxuan planned to offer the land as a solution, Shen Yunrui could inform Huo Siming of the plan. If Huo Siming acted first and resolved the issue, becoming the interim president, Shen Yunxuan’s move would be rendered meaningless.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆