Feng Zhenghui’s eyes narrowed. "And what of Tang Xue Mei? How do you plan to handle her newfound power?"
Feng Shiyan hesitated before answering. "She’s family now, Grandfather. We need to respect brother Han’s wishes. It will show our dedication to his legacy. Besides sister-in-law hasn’t stepped into the company since Brother Han left, she left it all to me."
The old man stood slowly, walking to a nearby cabinet. He poured two glasses of baijiu, offering one to Feng Shiyan. "You’re playing a dangerous game, boy. Remember, in business and in life, sentiment can be a fatal weakness."
As Feng Shiyan accepted the drink, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this uneasiness he was feeling.
"If you’re not going to help, I’ll be taking my leave now.."
"Wait, I’m still hurting boy...stay a while and have a drink with your old grandpa here. I’m getting older, you don’t have to worry about seeing me all the time.."
Feng Shiyan sighed, he wasn’t even angry anymore. He just didn’t know how to approach him.
"Why did you never let us do anything?"
"To stop you from becoming like your father, we let him do what he liked and look at what happened to him? I was just trying to protect you guys. I’m an old stuck up guy you know, I can’t always think like you youngsters.."
"It’s call it truce then.."
Feng Zhenghui took a slow sip of his baijiu, his eyes never leaving his grandson’s face. After a moment of contemplative silence, he spoke, his voice low and deliberate.
"Very well, Shiyan. Here’s what you must do to secure our position and move forward with our plans." He set down his glass and began to pace the room.
"First, we need to consolidate our support within the board. Arrange private meetings with each member. Remind them of the benefits they’ve enjoyed under our leadership and hint at future opportunities if they continue to back us."
Feng Shiyan nodded, noting each point.
"Second, reach out to our old friend, Minister Zhang. Remind him of the favors we’ve done for him over the years. We need his support to fast-track approval for the new tech park project. That will boost investor confidence and silence any remaining doubters."
The old man Feng paused, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Third, and most importantly, you need to neutralize Wu Yungmin. He’s been the most vocal opponent to our vision for the company. Find something in his past - there’s always something - and use it to ensure his silence and cooperation."
Feng Zhenghui turned back to his grandson, his expression stern. "Remember, Shiyan, in this world, power is everything. Compassion is a luxury we cannot afford when dealing with our enemies. Do you understand?"
Feng Shiyan felt a chill run down his spine, but he met his grandfather’s gaze steadily. "I understand, Grandpa. I’ll do what needs to be done to secure our position."
The old man Feng nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Good. Now go. You have much to do, and little time to do it. Don’t disappoint me, boy."
As Feng Shiyan bowed as he left the room.
***************************
Feng Shihan rubbed his eyes tiredly as he pored over another page of financial reports. Across the desk, Ken was engrossed in his tablet, scrolling through streams of data. The small office in one of their lesser-known bases was quiet except for the occasional rustle of paper.
"These numbers are concerning. Seems like Shiyan’s been making some bad choices.."
Feng Shihan said, breaking the silence. "Our expansion into the southeast market isn’t progressing as quickly as I hoped. I wondered how he went about it?."
Ken nodded without looking up. "True, but there’s some good news. Take a look at this," he said, turning his tablet to show Feng Shihan a chart. "Our market share in smart home devices has grown by 68% in the last quarter."
Feng Shihan leaned forward, studying the graph. "That’s a bright spot. What about our new renewable energy division? The board had high expectations for that initiative."
Ken’s expression tightened slightly. "It’s... not going as smoothly as they hoped. They’re facing some unexpected regulatory hurdles in several key markets. It’s slowing down they’re rollout significantly."
Feng Shihan frowned. "Regulatory issues? We can’t afford delays now, not with our competitors gaining ground. What are our options?"
Ken hesitated before speaking. "We could consider... leveraging some of our political connections. Maybe expedite the approval process in certain regions."
Feng Shihan sat back, his fingers drumming on the desk as he weighed the implications. "That’s risky, Ken. If word gets out that we’re trying to circumvent proper channels, it could seriously damage our reputation."
"True," Ken admitted. "But if we don’t act, we might lose our competitive edge in the green energy sector. And you know how important that is for our long-term strategy."
Feng Shihan sighed, feeling the weight of the decision. "Alright," he said finally. "Look into our options, but be extremely careful. We need to handle this with the utmost discretion."
Ken nodded and dropped the tablet, he swept his hand through his before standing up.
"Doctor Jeong is here as you requested, I’ll go bring him in.."
Feng Shihan nodded looking at his elevated leg, just a few more months and he’ll be able to walk properly again.
"Wait for me Xue Mei, I’m almost home.."
Feng Shihan smiled feeling excited, now that he was back in capital city. He couldn’t wait to go home.
Ken arrived with Jeong Da Ren not too long after.
"So the feeling has risen! I knew you’ll crawl out from whatever pit you fell into. I also brought some images that you’ll love to see.."
Jeong Da Ren handed the file to Feng Shihan and his eyes widened.
"These are.."
"Yes...pictures of Tang Xue Mei’s ultra sounds and baby bumps. A little gift for surviving.."
Feng Shihan felt his eyes reddened as he stared at the ultrasound, they had gotten to big.