Fated Love With the Billionaire
Chapter 193: Self-preservation is the Best Strategy

Chapter 193: Chapter 193: Self-preservation is the Best Strategy

The moment the conversation pointed sharply at Cheng Qiaobei, the person sitting remained unmoved, calmly accepting several unfriendly stares. In their view, Cheng Qiaobei was unfit to be here, let alone discuss matters with the board members.

Cheng Xiangheng declared forcefully, "After internal discussions within the board, we have decided that effective immediately, Manager Cheng will be promoted to a senior partner of the group. He will participate in daily board meetings, have decision-making authority on major group issues, hold shares in the group, and establish an independent team to carry out work. The senior partner will report directly to the group board, which means he only needs to report to me and does not need to go through layers of approval. Additionally, the hotels originally managed by Cheng Qiaobei will continue to be managed by him, and the handover will be executed immediately."

Zheng Rongxi repressed her dissatisfaction, glancing sideways, as the hotels originally managed by Cheng Qiaobei had been handed over to her daughter and son-in-law, and now had to be returned to him, which understandably irked her.

When Cheng Xiangheng mentioned the internal board discussions, Shao Zhenxuan glanced at two people beside him, Guan Yueshan and Zhao Youfeng, who both shook their heads slightly, indicating they were unaware.

Shao Zhenxuan knew this was a decision made by Cheng Xiangheng on his own initiative, so he was the first to stand and oppose it.

"Mr. Cheng, you said it was through internal board discussions, how come I didn’t know?"

Cheng Xiangheng maintained a stable demeanor and said, "You, Chairman Guan, and Chairman Zhao have consistently missed meetings due to health reasons, and you said that if there were issues, a few of us should make the decisions. Words once spoken cannot be denied. The meetings had records, and both you, Chairman Guan, and Chairman Zhao signed off on them."

Cheng Xiangheng placed a voting list on the table. No one could go verify its authenticity at that moment, but since he dared present it, it indicated meticulous preparation.

Shao Zhenxuan had words stuck in his throat. Indeed, he had said those words and had indeed signed, but he was not going to let Cheng Qiaobei easily join the board and be on equal footing with them.

Since a senior appointment required a vote and over half of the board’s agreement to pass it, and since none of them were aware, nor had Xu Yunheng mentioned it, evidently, it was a maneuver by Cheng Xiangheng in murky waters.

His son was fired from the company, so why did his son manage to rise swiftly?

Shao Zhenxuan said, "Chairman Guan, Chairman Zhao, and I were not present because of illness, so other directors should be aware of this matter," and directly asked, "Chairman Yin, are you aware?"

Yin Yihui lifted his eyelids, showing no trace of anomaly on his face, causing Shao Zhenxuan to begin to worry inwardly and wonder if he truly was aware.

Yin Yihui paused for two seconds, "...Yes."

Yin Yihui’s response was expected. He and Lian Wenlong always supported Cheng Qiaobei, and choosing to ask the two of them first aimed at solidifying the fabrication claims against Cheng Xiangheng.

Shao Zhenxuan then asked Lian Wenlong, "Chairman Lian is also aware?"

Lian Wenlong nodded, "Yes."

Shao Zhenxuan turned his gaze to Zheng Rongxi. As she was married to Cheng Xiangheng, even if she was incredibly unwilling in her heart, she would support him at critical times. He symbolically asked:

"Does Chairman Zheng also know?"

Zheng Rongxi lowered her eyes, "Yes."

Shao Zhenxuan asked the final and most critical person.

"What about Chairman Xu? Are you aware?"

"!" Xu Yunheng’s pupils constricted, swallowing subconsciously at Shao Zhenxuan’s questioning, sensing a terrifying gaze from Cheng Xiangheng. If he said he knew, Shao Zhenxuan would certainly berate him after the meeting, but if he said he didn’t, Cheng Xiangheng would make his life unbearable.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the conference room was tense to the point of incandescence. Xu Yunheng wiped cold sweat from his brow, unexpectedly becoming the last bullet aimed at the opposing side, clenching his back teeth under everyone’s gaze, and said:

"...Yes."

Shao Zhenxuan was so enraged that his cheeks immediately turned a livid color, breathing heavily, glaring at Xu Yunheng, "Xu Yunheng, you’re such a coward."

Everyone present knew the truth of the matter, but no one held the evidence. Cheng Xiangheng triumphed through his numerical advantage, and even enduring insults, Xu Yunheng had to support Cheng Xiangheng.

This was the outcome of facing absolute power—self-preservation was the wiser choice.

Calmly looking at Shao Zhenxuan, Cheng Xiangheng gently asked, "Chairman Shao, any objections?"

There was no haughty sarcasm, but patient inquiry. At that moment, one was seething with rage, while the other remained calm, both acutely aware of how to strike psychologically. Cheng Xiangheng could easily incite you, and equally knew when to provide an out. But the exit wasn’t always there, so if you were wise, you’d take it swiftly, and if not, there were different games to play.

Shao Zhenxuan, filled with resentment, lips pale and trembling, couldn’t speak or refute with the current circumstances, so he swallowed the bitter pill.

He shook his head, "No."

Cheng Xiangheng inquired of the other two board members, "What about Chairman Guan and Chairman Zhao? Any objections to this appointment?"

Guan Yueshan wasn’t foolish enough to stand out, "I have no objections."

Zhao Youfeng understood Cheng Xiangheng’s style—if he wasn’t in a favorable position, he wouldn’t push matters to an irreversible state. Clearly, now he held overwhelming advantage.

Seizing his aggression, Zhao Youfeng consistently pursued interest, choosing to align with whoever offered benefits, and it was unremarkable to him.

"I have no objections either."

Cheng Xiangheng nodded slightly, "All board members present today, the appointment of Cheng Qiaobei will be announced immediately to the entire group and synchronously to the public. Furthermore, official mainstream media will interview the group this afternoon, and Cheng Qiaobei will represent me in the interview."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Rongxi couldn’t stay composed; representing him in the interview indicated public acknowledgment of Cheng Qiaobei inheriting the group. Turning her head, she asked:

"Such an important interview, won’t it seem like we’re not taking it seriously if you don’t attend?"

Cheng Xiangheng shot her a cold glance from his eyes and replied, "Today is Saturday; after a day of media coverage plus the influence of mainstream media, investor confidence and capital market perception of the group will significantly increase. To put it bluntly, placing Cheng Qiaobei in the public eye is to salvage our stock market. If anyone had the ability to do so, the group’s market value wouldn’t have evaporated by 7.5 billion without a solution."

Zheng Rongxi was left speechless, her face alternately red and white.

Cheng Xiangheng turned to Cheng Qiaobei, "Say a few words as well."

Cheng Qiaobei nodded, keeping his remarks brief and surface-level to the board members, then ending quickly, as his attention wasn’t focused on these people.

Leaving the conference room, Cheng Qiaobei encountered Yin Yihui and Lian Wenlong in the hallway, showing they indeed waited for him deliberately.

Yin Yihui said, "Congratulations."

Lian Wenlong also extended his wishes, "Congratulations on your promotion, looking forward to your future performance."

Cheng Qiaobei exchanged pleasantries, "Thank you, Chairman Yin, Chairman Lian."

The support at the meeting was gained when Cheng Qiaobei approached the two five minutes prior to the board meeting. Though they harbored different intentions, they were willing to cooperate to theatrically suppress Cheng Xiangheng’s momentum.

Upon returning to his office, Cheng Qiaobei’s door sign had already been replaced, and the crystal desk nameplate indicating his position was temporarily removed, likely soon to be replaced with one for a senior partner.

Before the interview, Cheng Qiaobei was summoned to Cheng Xiangheng’s office, where he noted some precautions and then let him go.

Chen Ningxi wasn’t aware he was being interviewed now, and since he didn’t come back for lunch, after tidying up at home with some downtime, she sent him a WeChat message to ask about his day.

Chen Ningxi: Are you busy?