Chapter 163: Feel Sorry for This Old Man
"Actually, he doesn't have any shares to his name," Bai Yu admitted. "I have a will that all my money will get equally distributed between my wife and children on my passing, so I never gifted them private equity in the company." He shrugged.
Qian Meng stiffened. "Does your family know this?" she whispered.
Bai Yu nodded. "Are you scared for my wellbeing?" he asked with a charming smile.
Qian Meng couldn't help but look at the man closer. "I have seen too many family disputes over money to tell you otherwise. It is better that you don't come in contact with your son for a long period of time. Do not let your guard down at any time," she urged.
"Don't worry. It shouldn't be long," he informed. Seeing that she was curious, he continued. "We were supposed to have the meeting tomorrow morning, but Ye Qing convinced some of the integral voting members to not show up."
Qian Meng frowned. This meant he had considerable power in the company. This didn't bode well for any of them. "What is the percentage attendance necessity to go ahead with the motion?" she inquired.
"It's eighty percent," Bai Yu replied with an abashed look.
While such a high attendance rate was good to come to fair judgments, it could also help people with ill intentions to continuously delay hearings. What a pain in the ass.
"When was the meeting postponed to?" she asked. The wheels in her head were turning as she plotted.
"It was today. It is meant to be in the second half of the work-day but I received Ye Qing's mail saying that he was unwell and needed a few days off."
Qian Meng chuckled without amusement. "You should put an ultimatum. Tell him that if he doesn't appear, his employment and rights to the shares will be terminated immediately. That will have him attending in no time," she told him.
Bai Yu nodded. "That is what I plan on doing. But I will let him retreat for a few days. I think that signing over my shares to you before the meeting will be a good move." He grew silent.
"Is there an issue that I need to know about?" Qian Meng asked, worry lacing her voice.
"I am aware that the other investors and employees do not think I can lead them any longer. My bias towards my younger son has created some tension within the company. And I can now acknowledge it."
Qian Meng looked at him in pity. "So, Uncle, you want me to take the place as the fresh face who will not let anyone get in the way of a company working well. Is that what you are asking me to do?" she asked with restraint.
"I don't want to hide this from you. I don't understand the new marketing methods and sales tactics that they use. I am not the right person to employ people either. I know you just went against my son and people will point fingers at you saying that you did it to take over the company, but I think the company will prosper under you." His speech was long.
Qian Meng nodded. "If we go ahead with the acquisition, I would like to keep it under the wraps. I don't want to be an anonymous majority shareholder but I won't be publicizing it," she informed.
"That is perfect," he smiled. "I looked over the contract you gave me and I think your terms and conditions are generous. I never thought you would leave me five percent shares on a dividend basis." He gulped.
"The founder is the lifeline of the company. Even when their time is over, they remain an integral part of the identity of the institution. You put in hard work and I don't want to cheat you out of what you deserve." She shrugged.
Bai Yu shook his head. "You feel guilty, too," he reprimanded. "You're a ruthless businesswoman, Yun Qian Meng. You shouldn't feel sorry for this old man. I know you think of me as a confidant and uncle, but in business, you shouldn't allow that."
Qiang Meng bowed her head. She felt no shame. "My business strategy is slightly different. I like working and collaborating with people. I am not in business to exploit people. I want us to prosper together." Maybe that was why she didn't make as much money as her peers, but she liked the way she thought of business.
Passion. Welfare. And happiness to work.
"You've done a lot better in life than I managed, so I have no reason to reprimand you," Bai Yu apologized immediately. Qian Meng panicked.
"Uncle, that's not what I mean. I was being conversational. Measurement of success is arbitrary." And she wasn't trying to placate the older man.
"I know. Silly child," he chuckled. "But how fast can we make the acquisition happen?" he asked.
Qian Meng tried to remember what the terms were and grimaced. "It will take at least three to four days for me to finish the final stage of research and mobilizing my funds. If we follow your plan about pushing the meeting a few days, I should be able to buy you out and attend the meeting as a shareholder," she announced.
Bai Yu nodded. "That would be good."
But Qian Meng became silent. "This move will make your son turn on you. I cannot ensure what his reaction will be. Are you prepared to burn all bridges with your son?" she whispered.
"I have coddled him all my life. With the money I get, I will be able to ensure that he lives a good life without…" he didn't know how to end that sentence.
"He is not living at your home at the moment, right?" Qian Meng hinted.
"No. He hasn't come home since that night." He frowned. "My wife has been throwing a fit, as well."
Qian Meng nodded. "I'll be frank with you, Uncle."
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