thefictionvixens Chapter 31: Undercurrents and a Four-Way Game
Chapter 31: Undercurrents and a Four-Way Game
After hearing Lin Chen's complete plan, Xu Zhiping remained silent for a long time.
Having managed Yinghai's finances for many years and holding the high position of Chief Economist, he had witnessed countless business battles and high-level infighting, and had seen through the deceit and power struggles of the workplace. Zhao Xiankun had cultivated Yinghai for decades, building a massive conglomerate from scratch. His methods, shrewdness, and strategy were among the best in the industry. Over the years, regardless of crises or internal factional struggles, Zhao Xiankun had always managed to steadily quell the turmoil, firmly grasping the highest authority at Yinghai, and never truly falling into a disadvantageous position.
But now, under Lin Chen's increasingly elaborate schemes, this helmsman who single-handedly built the Yinghai business empire has stepped into a pre-arranged game.
Xu Zhiping looked up at the composed young man beside him.
Lin Chen leaned back in his chair, his expression calm and even, his tone devoid of any aggressive arrogance, as if he were merely discussing a trivial matter. But beneath this nonchalant facade lay a composure, forbearance, and decisiveness far beyond his years. Each step was meticulously planned and executed, leaving no room for error.
His shrewd methods, far-sighted planning, and profound thoughts are completely unlike those of a young person.
"Zhao Xiankun was a master strategist his whole life, planning everything meticulously before acting, always striving to control the overall situation," Xu Zhiping thought to himself, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him. "He was single-mindedly focused on consolidating his power, rectifying the ills of the Tianzi Group, pushing forward internal reforms, and paving the way for Yinghai's listing. He poured his heart and soul into it, exhausting himself with painstaking efforts. In the end, all his hard work and painstaking planning unknowingly became stepping stones for others."
Wang Mingyu picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and a hint of indifference flashed in his eyes. He and Zhao Xiankun had worked together for half their lives, as partners fighting side by side and rivals secretly competing. He knew Zhao Xiankun's ambition and obsession all too well, and he was also aware of the corruption and cracks hidden behind this massive conglomerate.
After the private meeting, the three of them briefly finalized their respective roles and statements for tomorrow's board meeting.
Wang Mingyu, as the executive director, will remain neutral and supportive, pushing the proposal through smoothly; Xu Zhiping, as the chief economist, will provide evidence of the necessity of the merger from the perspectives of financial compliance and listing risk control, cooperating steadily; Lin Chen, as the representative of the capital side, will keep a low profile, not stealing the limelight, and only gently pushing forward at key junctures, without showing off.
They had a clear division of labor and worked together seamlessly.
After the dinner ended, Wang Mingyu left first to prepare materials for tomorrow's meeting and to contact several neutral directors in advance to secure their votes. Xu Zhiping also got up to leave. After tonight's conversation, he completely abandoned any thoughts of wavering and firmly aligned himself with Lin Chen and Wang Mingyu's camp, determined to safeguard his position and his family's future.
Lin Chen straightened his coat, left Wang Mingyu's house, and got into his car. Night had completely enveloped the city, streetlights lit up one after another, and cars slowly moved through the streets. Beneath the bustling urban night scene, unseen clashes of interests were hidden everywhere.
Instead of going home, he had Li Xu drive him to a secluded Zen-style teahouse in the city center.
The environment here is serene and secluded, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The private rooms are elegant and quiet, with the aroma of tea wafting through the air.
He had arranged to meet Xia Ming here tonight, long before the dinner party even started.
Xia Ming had arrived earlier, dressed in a simple formal suit, sitting upright with a calm expression.
"What do you think about the board meeting tomorrow?" Lin Chen sat down, poured himself a cup of tea, and spoke casually.
Xia Ming traced the rim of his teacup with his fingertips, his gaze deep: "Zhao Xiankun has been cornered. With Lin Xiaomin's incident, morale within the company is low, the listing deadline is approaching, and the five major subsidiaries have long suffered from internal strife and financial chaos, which has become Yinghai's biggest weakness. He must seize this opportunity to quickly consolidate resources, consolidate power, and suppress internal dissent."
"Therefore, he will definitely do everything in his power to push for the merger."
Lin Chen nodded slightly: "That's right. Moreover, in order to stabilize the situation and win over key forces, he will definitely offer sufficiently tempting conditions."
Xia Ming smiled faintly, a hint of understanding in his eyes: "Our Tianke is the most crucial force in the Tianzihao system, and it is also the object he must win over right now."
Unspoken to each other.
Zhao Xiankun waited for Huang Lilin at home.
The recent upheavals have already left the chairman of Yinghai exhausted.
Lin Xiaomin's sudden downfall and involvement in a criminal case has sparked rumors and unrest within the group; the listing process has been forced to slow down, and various capital groups are exerting continuous pressure; Wang Mingyu's attitude is ambiguous, and he is secretly forming alliances; Xu Zhiping has become increasingly cautious in his actions recently, deliberately keeping his distance and no longer acting as obediently as before.
The pressure from all sides made Zhao Xiankun keenly aware that an invisible undercurrent was eroding the foundation of his power.
He knew he could no longer sit idly by and wait for his doom; he had to take the initiative to stabilize the situation.
In the past two days, Zhao Xiankun has used all his connections, pulled strings everywhere, and made numerous trips to try and smooth things over, hoping to secretly help Lin Xiaomin reduce his punishment and get lenient treatment.
He instructed the legal department of Yinghai Group to inquire about the progress of the case; attempted to contact the victim and bribe her; asked someone to connect with the investigators to understand the direction of the investigation; and used his accumulated network of contacts to smooth things over at each level in an attempt to suppress public opinion and weaken the impact of the case.
But after all that effort, the result was utterly disheartening. All avenues were completely blocked, the layers of procedures were airtight, leaving no room for maneuver.
The chain of evidence was complete and solid, the procedures were compliant and legal, and there were no loopholes left throughout the entire process. Neither connections nor financial resources could allow for any attack. Upon hearing that Lin Xiaomin's case was involved, everyone avoided it like the plague, not daring to get involved in the slightest.
After several fruitless attempts, the idea of rescuing Lin Xiaomin had to be completely abandoned.
Lin Xiaomin had followed him for many years, was a trusted confidant whom he had personally promoted, and was his most important right-hand man within the group. Now that he was imprisoned, not only had his own power been diminished, but he had also been implicated in many negative controversies, and there were even people secretly targeting him under the guise of Lin Xiaomin's situation.
What Zhao Xiankun was even more concerned about was the Yinghai Group shares held by Lin Xiaomin.
These shares, though substantial enough not to challenge the largest shareholder, represent a significant and undeniable force. They can influence the course of events in shareholder votes and major decision-making processes. With morale low and factions rife, every share is crucial. Left with no other option, Zhao Xiankun has set his sights on Lin Xiaomin's shares.
He contacted Lin Xiaomin, who was in custody, through an intermediary, and communicated with him privately despite the many barriers between them.
The atmosphere at the meeting was exceptionally heavy and oppressive.
The once high-ranking and ambitious head of the top-level management team is now imprisoned, looking haggard with exhaustion and dejection in his eyes.
Zhao Xiankun looked at his old subordinate who had followed him for many years, his tone both earnest and firm, leaving no room for refusal:
"Xiaomin, things have come to this. I've done my best, and there's no turning back in this case. What you're about to face is already predetermined. But I can help you take care of your family and your future."
"I will take over the Yinghai shares you hold. I will compensate you in full according to the market price, and I will also ensure the future livelihood of your family. I will make proper arrangements to ensure that your family will not be implicated and will live a worry-free life in their later years."
In Zhao Xiankun's view, this is a win-win choice.
Lin Xiaomin's power has waned, and he's imprisoned. Holding onto his shares is useless; in fact, they make him an easy target for others to covet and scheme against. Handing them over to me is the best outcome, as it will protect my family and provide me with real funds.
By acquiring these shares, one can further solidify their equity advantage, strengthen control, and gain more confidence in the upcoming power struggle.
Faced with Zhao Xiankun's suggestion, Lin Xiaomin remained silent for a long time. He was down on his luck, unwilling, regretful, and his heart was filled with grievances and resentment.
These shares represent the culmination of his years of hard work at Yinghai, his last line of defense, and his only trump card.
If he were to sell it directly, he would truly have nothing left, and even Zhao Xiankun would no longer help him.
After a long silence, Lin Xiaomin slowly shook his head, his voice hoarse but unusually firm:
"Chairman Zhao, I cannot sell you the shares."
He directly rejected Zhao Xiankun's acquisition request. Zhao Xiankun's expression darkened slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes, but seeing the other party's current predicament, he ultimately did not react. He knew Lin Xiaomin harbored resentment and could understand his unwillingness to accept it.
Just as the atmosphere reached a stalemate, Lin Xiaomin changed the subject and continued:
"I will not give up my shares; that's my bottom line. But I will never forget your kindness and support over the years."
"I will sign a proxy agreement to have someone hold my shares on my behalf. From now on, all voting rights under my name at the group's shareholders' meetings and on major matters will be exercised by this proxy, who will unconditionally support you throughout the process."
This answer surprised Zhao Xiankun. Not receiving actual shares and not being able to fully realize the asset's ownership was inevitably somewhat regrettable. However, from another perspective, this outcome was already the best possible result at present.
After weighing the options, Zhao Xiankun slowly breathed a sigh of relief and nodded in agreement: "Okay, I promise you. I will arrange for someone to handle the entrustment procedures and properly manage everything afterward. I will take good care of your family."
Facing Huang Lilin, Zhao Xiankun didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point. He understood Huang Lilin's demands, as well as his weaknesses and ambitions. For years, the Tianzi Group had operated independently, resources were scattered, and development was limited; Huang Lilin had always longed for a larger platform and greater authority.
"Li Lin, I know what you're worried about, and I also know the difficulties faced by everyone in the Tianzi Group." Zhao Xiankun's tone was calm, carrying the authority of someone who had been in a position of power for many years. "At tomorrow's board meeting, I will formally propose a motion to fully merge the five Tianzi Group subsidiaries. After the merger, we will have unified management, unified finances, and unified strategic planning, thus completely resolving the internal friction problem."
Huang Lilin's expression shifted slightly, but he remained silent, waiting for what would happen next.
"I can promise you that as long as you fully support me at the board meeting and the merger proposal is passed smoothly, I will appoint you as the general manager of the merged company."
This statement carries immense weight.
The merged Tianzihao integrates the assets, projects, connections and resources of five companies, making it a massive entity with significantly increased influence. The general manager position holds real power and has unlimited potential.
This is Zhao Xiankun's greatest sincerity and most tempting offer.
Huang Lilin was overjoyed, barely suppressing the urge to grin. Xia Ming was right again, and he immediately agreed, afraid that Zhao Xiankun would change his mind.
"It's a deal, Chairman! At tomorrow's board meeting, Tiancheng and I will definitely give you our full support."
As night deepened, the entire city finally fell into silence.