Chapter 28
For more than an hour, Qin Yuan and his mother, Song Yazhi, remained cloistered in the chairman’s office. The conversation they shared was a mystery to those outside. Yet, when Song Ziwei finally entered, the evidence of emotion was plain to see. Song Yazhi’s eyes were red and swollen, tears still glistening as she delicately dabbed them away with a tissue.
“Mom, stop crying. You’re the Iron Lady,” Qin Yuan said gently, his voice filled with both affection and resolve as he sought to comfort her.
“Xiao Yuan,” Song Yazhi murmured, her tone wavering between pride and complex emotion. She nodded, as if words failed her, leaving behind a mixture of happiness and lingering sorrow in her expression.
Even through the turmoil, there was a gleam of pride in her eyes.
“Mom, here’s a document that needs your signature,” Song Ziwei interjected, her gaze flickering between her mother and brother. The emotions in the room filled her with a kaleidoscope of feelings she couldn’t quite name.
“Good,” Song Yazhi replied, her composure beginning to return as she turned her attention to the document.
Seeing his mother engrossed in her work again, Qin Yuan gave a small smile, his presence unobtrusive as he slipped quietly out of the office.
“What did you say to Mom?” Song Ziwei followed, her graceful silhouette framed against the light streaming through the hallway.
“Restart Gezhi’s phone project,” Qin Yuan answered, each word resonating with unshakable confidence.
Song Ziwei’s eyes widened, lighting up like stars against a twilight sky. Her lips parted, then curved into a radiant smile. “Thank you, on behalf of my mother,” she said softly, before spinning on her heel and returning to the office with an unmistakable air of excitement.
Song Ziwei knew better than anyone how much this plan meant to her mother. And now, thanks to Qin Yuan, the dream seemed poised to take flight once more.
By noon, the family gathered in Gezhi Group’s cafeteria for a quiet lunch. As the meal concluded, Song Yazhi gave Qin Yuan an apologetic look, her determination to resume her work palpable. Qin Yuan responded with a warm smile and a nod of understanding.
The Iron Lady returned to her office with her usual resolute stride, diving headlong into the group’s pressing affairs. Meanwhile, Song Ziwei and Caifu excused themselves, each immersed in their respective tasks.
Left to his own devices, Qin Yuan found a tranquil corner. With pen and paper in hand, he began dissecting the equity structure of Gezhi Group, his sharp mind working like a blade cutting through tangled threads.
Song Yazhi held 36% of the shares, cementing her position as the largest shareholder and the group’s ultimate authority. However, the setbacks Gezhi had faced in recent years, particularly the failure of its mobile phone venture, had diminished her influence.
The second-largest shareholder, China Hui Capital, controlled 14% of the shares, followed by Qianhai Capital and BOC Real Estate, holding 12.8% and 11.7% respectively. Additionally, Hong Kong Central Clearing Co. represented decentralized shareholders, accounting for 11.6%. The remainder—13.9%—was scattered among retail investors, financial institutions, and core distributors.
To surpass Song Yazhi’s shareholding ratio, any opposing faction would need at least 36%. And yet, Qin Yuan thought, the foundation’s confirmed acquisition of 11.8% gave him and his mother a nearly unassailable combined total of 47.8%.
A sly smile tugged at his lips. “Who could wrest Gezhi from me and my mother?” he murmured. The thought was almost laughable. Sumitomo Group’s cunning schemes stood no chance against his calculated moves.
The evening arrived with hues of amber and violet streaking the sky. By five o’clock, Song Yazhi finally concluded her day’s work. Thinking of her son waiting for her, a pang of guilt touched her heart.
“I thought I could make it up to him by reuniting,” she mused, “but instead, he’s brought me honor and fortune beyond measure.”
Her mind replayed the morning conversation, and pride swelled in her chest. “My son,” she thought, “is my greatest blessing.”
Yet, amid her joy, another thought took root. Qin Yuan had mentioned he had few friends in the country. Her maternal instincts stirred; she resolved to remedy this.
“He’s successful now,” she reasoned, “and it’s time to consider the big matter of marriage.”
Her mind wandered to possibilities, but her thoughts circled back to a trusted connection. Picking up her phone, she dialed Wang Lin, CEO of Wanda Group.
“Old Wang, I need a favor,” she began, her tone direct yet warm. “You know I recently reunited with my son.”
“Congratulations, Song Yazhi!” Wang Lin’s voice boomed with genuine happiness. “You deserve every bit of joy.”
“Thank you,” Song Yazhi said, her smile evident even over the phone. “Xiao Yuan has accomplished so much, but he’s new to the circles here. I thought perhaps he and Sicong could connect. They’re about the same age.”
Wang Lin chuckled knowingly. “Say no more. I’ll ensure Sicong meets him. It’s always good to expand one’s circle.”
“Perfect,” Song Yazhi replied, her relief evident as she ended the call and summoned Qin Yuan.
When he arrived, she shared her plan. “You’ll meet Wang Sicong soon. It’ll be good for you to make connections.”
Qin Yuan’s eyebrows raised slightly. “Sicong? The nation’s eldest son?” he asked, his tone laced with mild amusement.
Meanwhile, at another location, Wang Sicong received his own call from his father.
“Sicong, you’ll be meeting Qin Yuan soon,” Wang Lin said firmly.
“Dad, do I have to?” Wang Sicong groaned. “I don’t want to hang out with him.”
“Why not?” Wang Lin retorted. “He’s a self-made entrepreneur. You could learn from him. Besides, do you think your inheritance will rival what Qin Yuan will gain from his mother?”
Chastised, Wang Sicong fell silent. But beneath his compliance simmered a flicker of annoyance. “He’s already so popular,” Sicong muttered. “Is he trying to steal my title as the nation’s young master?”
The thought left him both frustrated and resigned.
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