Atlas of Heaven and Earth

Meng Huang's words elicited various reactions in the room.

Meng Zhenghuai's body seemed to tremble slightly, but then his head drooped even lower, as if he had fallen asleep.

Meng Lai did not refute this, only smiled slightly, and Yu Auntie beside him remained as before, as if she had known this all along.

Meng Shu did not speak; she was completely calm inside and out.

She hadn't known this news before, but she never had any expectations of her grandfather. Without expectations, there was no disappointment. Besides, it made no difference to her.

Chen Chuan used the Data already available in the Boundary Token to check the Consciousness Coordinator and Biological Substitute, discovering that these were technologies of the Primordial Human Company.

A Biological Substitute was the subject's unconscious biological body, but it could be remotely or independently controlled by the Consciousness Coordinator to complete tasks that the main body needed to undertake.

However, further information was unavailable, as external communication was currently blocked, providing only a simple introduction.

But he didn't react much to this because, in his opinion, it was normal for the upper echelons of these Companies to use such technologies. Unlike Martial Artists who possessed formidable martial strength, they used body doubles to protect their lives, which was not uncommon.

Meng Huang was somewhat surprised by Meng Shu's unusual calmness, which didn't seem feigned. "You really are as they say, rational and calm. Not bad. If it were another time, you would indeed be a suitable candidate for succession, but now, things are different."

Meng Shu looked at him without flinching, her clear, cold eyes showing no evasion. "What's different?"

Meng Huang fiddled with his nails. "You should know, yes, you know that the world's changes are about to reach a Threshold. A real change is coming, and a surging tide is about to engulf us…"

He spread his hands, gesturing around as if to include everyone present. "Everyone, everything. Can you lead the Company through the coming tide? Can you? Or…" he looked upward, "are you just listening to the orders of some unknown entity sitting up there?"

He stared at Meng Shu. "If you can only do these things, I advise you to step aside sooner rather than later. I can promise you that you won't lack anything you have now in the future." He pointed to Meng Lai in the main seat. "It's no different than having this thing sitting up there."

Saying that, he leaned forward, clasped his hands together, and stared at Meng Shu, saying, "How about it? Consider it carefully. Like the rest of the Meng family, live your own lives peacefully and don't come looking for trouble with me. I can tolerate you."

Meng Lai did not stop their conversation, his deep and meaningful gaze turning towards Meng Shu, as if waiting for her answer.

Meng Shu looked at him and said, "Are you Meng Huang?"

Meng Huang raised an eyebrow.

Meng Shu looked into his eyes and said with certainty, "You are not." She met Meng Huang's unrestrained gaze. "You aren't even a member of the Meng family. You have no qualification to ask me that question."

Meng Zhenghuai, who had been dozing off, paused and raised his head slightly.

At that moment, slow Rhythm applause echoed in the living room. Meng Lai clapped his hands lightly, saying with satisfaction, "Well said, Xiao Shu. I didn't misjudge you."

Meng Huang leaned back, seemingly regretting Meng Shu's rejection. He merely scoffed at Meng Lai's words, showing disdain.

Meng Lai then said, "Besides being excellent, the Company's successor also needs to know how to assess the situation and make calm, rational decisions at critical moments."

He looked at Meng Huang and said regretfully, "Meng Huang, your performance has really disappointed me."

Meng Huang seemed unconcerned. "And then?"

Meng Lai said with regret, "If you were still the Meng Huang of the past, I wouldn't consider Meng Shu, but your goal is not just to take the Company; you have something else you want, and you're already a little impatient. That thing has Influenced you, and it seems to have Influenced you too deeply.

Originally, I wanted to give you a choice today, hoping you could give a reply that would satisfy both of us, so we could continue to compromise. But you don't even bother to pretend anymore."

A dark mist flickered in the depths of Meng Huang's eyes, but it seemed like just an illusion. He said, "Old thing, what do you understand?"

He sneered. "You're still using your stubborn, decaying old brain to think about problems and doing things within the old world's rules. This can't be done, that can't be done. You're acting within the rules drawn up by others; you'll never jump out of the circle they've drawn for you.

Your family business is large, and the Company is also large, but it's all a mirage. As soon as the Government stops giving you orders, the Company will immediately decline. You're too humble.

Everything you've worked for is built on a loose sand dune; it will collapse with a slight push.

But I…"

He pointed to himself. "I've worked hard to expand business channels, find new directions for the Company, and establish new technology research labs, striving to extend the Company's life. What have I gotten?

Not even a promise of inheritance.

But now I understand that none of this matters. Even if I do well, I'm no longer considered one of your own because of the path I've chosen. Actually, even if I could sit up there, what would it matter? In the end, I'd just be like you, hiding in this shell and issuing orders.

Fortunately, the world's changes are right before our eyes. Those things you used to adhere to are no longer meaningful."

Speaking of which, the muscles on his face seemed to twitch unnaturally. "Only by embracing those great things and facing the world's changes head-on can we do what we should do."

Chen Chuan stared at Meng Huang. From the moment he entered, he had been observing this person's energy field. At first, it was somewhat obscure and blurred, like the Meng family members wearing certain items.

However, just now, extremely Anomaly changes occurred, as if he suddenly became manic and frenzied. In his perception, he seemed to have something extra on him.

Meng Lai slowly said, "Are you referring to your communication with the other side?" He shook his head. "You're wrong. I don't care whether you've really communicated with the beings on the other side. In this era, your actions aren't too outrageous.

If you can maintain rationality and make good use of the other side, making it my collaborator, then I would appreciate you more and entrust the Company's business to you with greater confidence. But if you turn around and submit to the other side, then you are not a qualified candidate to lead the Company forward."

Meng Huang said casually, "Looks like you want to lay your cards on the table today?"

Meng Lai didn't speak, just looked at him.

Meng Huang continued on his own, "Actually, you've wanted to do this for a long time, but you've been holding back until now because you were worried that I would be forced to betray the Company and cause even greater damage to it, right? So you've been trying to determine my destructive power and testing my reality intentions.

That's fine too. I've been putting up with you for a long time."

He smiled playfully. "Since you like to abide by the rules, then I'll play with you once and do things according to the rules you like…

You just chose Meng Shu as the successor, right? This requires a vote from the Meng family members. Now, in the name of a Meng family member, I propose that the family hold a meeting. If you think I'm not qualified enough, I can find a suitable person to come over."

Meng Lai nodded and said, "This matter has to be done sooner or later. Then, Xiao Yu, while everyone is here, notify the family members and have them connect their signals."

Yu Auntie bowed slightly and immediately sent a meeting summons to all Meng family members. Before long, a beam of light shone down from above, where Meng family members appeared one by one, totaling more than thirty people, most of whom were directors of the Fusion Boundary Company.

Meng Lai said, "You should have heard about the matter. I have chosen Xiao Shu as the Company's successor. Let's hear your opinions."

Immediately, someone spoke up: "Second Uncle, shouldn't we reconsider? Xiao Shu is still too young. How about waiting a few more years?"

"Yes, she hasn't handled Company business yet. Why not let her manage a section first? If she does well, let her continue. If she doesn't, it doesn't matter. With so many outstanding descendants in the family, we're not afraid of not finding a suitable one, are we?"

"I think Xiao Huang is not bad. He's been diligent and conscientious these past few years, respects the family elders very much, and cares for the younger generations. Second Brother, are you still not satisfied with him?"

Meng Lai hummed and said, "Everyone, speak your mind." He looked to the side. "Meng Jing, what do you think?"

The person called out seemed somewhat embarrassed and said, "Second Brother, this… you decide. I have no objections to this matter. Xiao Shu is good, and Xiao Huang is also not bad."

Meng Lai asked another person, and the answer given was roughly the same. After everyone had expressed their opinions, except for a few who expressed their willingness to support Meng Shu, most people supported Meng Huang.

Meng Huang spread out his hands, saying playfully, "See? Your proposal can't pass at all. What do you want to do? Are you still going to follow the rules?"

Meng Lai didn't seem bothered by the situation at all. He said very calmly and certainly, "Of course, the rules must be followed. A reckless person cannot sit in this position. I respect the decision of the family meeting, but…"

He looked at Meng Huang, his eyes suddenly becoming extremely sharp, and slowly said, "Just like Xiao Shu said just now, are you still Meng Huang?"

Chen Chuan suddenly felt something and his eyes narrowed. He looked at Second Self, on which faint signs of fading appeared.

Meng Huang frowned. He seemed to sense something. His eyelids twitched, and the muscles and skin on his face slowly bulged, as if something was about to burst out from within.

"You…"

He immediately tried to stand up, but even a slight movement caused the entire sofa to overturn. He covered his face with his hands, his body shaking non-stop, and his shadow cast aside began to twist strangely and gradually expand outward.