My Virtual Girlfriend-Chapter 459: Slapping the Face, Slapping the Face, Slapping the Face!

Chapter 459: Chapter 459: Slapping the Face, Slapping the Face, Slapping the Face!

Hearing what the Director of Strategic Investment had said, Zhang Yonghao chuckled.

Then he said, "Don’t put it that way."

"Regardless of how many shares Chen Yan holds, he is a part of our company."

"We can’t change our attitude towards him just because of the number of shares he has."

"Besides, 20% is not a small amount."

He said, "It’s already enough to participate in the board resolutions and call a shareholders’ meeting."

"So..."

He said indifferently, "We still need to treat him with caution."

Although Zhang Yonghao’s words sounded nice, from his calm demeanor, it was clear that he shared the same view as the director of the investment department—they didn’t pay much attention to the shares Chen Yan held.

After all, he was the company’s largest shareholder and the management owned over 50% of the stock; the other shares were too fragmented to form a coalition and pose a threat to him.

The entire company was his one-man show.

What he wanted to do, he could do.

To him, the other shareholders who held stocks were just clinging to his coattails, vying for financial freedom, nothing more.

He didn’t need to take them too seriously.

Like the leaders of other internet conglomerates in the country, how many of them cared about what their shareholders thought?

Didn’t they all just do what they wanted to do, say what they wanted to say?

There were plenty of examples far more outrageous than what he did.

Most of those present were Zhang Yonghao’s loyal supporters and direct reports. After sensing his attitude, they looked down on Chen Yan even more.

One of the vice presidents even took the initiative to say, "Actually, when we initially brought Chen Yan on board as a shareholder, it was all due to a stroke of luck."

"The only assistance Chen Yan can provide to us is cash."

"He doesn’t have any other resources that can help the company."

"So, we should just treat him as a regular investor."

"We don’t need to take his opinions into too much consideration for other matters."

"After all, he doesn’t understand the internet, nor does he get our artificial intelligence technology."

"If we let him meddle blindly, the company would be doomed."

Several others agreed.

Clearly, they saw Chen Yan—who lacked solid backing and resources—as nothing more than a cash cow.

When they needed cash, they would talk to him.

Once they got the cash and had no further use for him, they could set him aside.

Within the group, only the head of the Operations Department and the head of the Technology Department had some reservations.

Especially Pang Bowen, the head of the Tech Department, might be because he came from a technical background and always judged matters through logical thinking.

So, he felt that what the executives were saying didn’t quite make sense.

What is a resource?

Money, connections, traffic—anything that is useful to the company is a resource.

And "money" is the most important resource of all.

It made no sense to him.

But seeing everyone else agreeing, he chose not to speak up and continued to mind his own business as usual, preferring to deal with technical issues rather than the affairs of the business departments.

So long as they didn’t interfere with his Tech Department, that was fine.

Humans are too hard to understand—code was somehow more endearing...

Soon, the brief meeting ended.

The reason Zhang Yonghao called this meeting was simple: to secure the allegiance of his direct reports in advance.

He was also worried that upon Chen Yan’s arrival, certain comments might influence his lieutenants.

After all, he hadn’t forgotten that Chen Yan had made a very deep impression on him with just a few encounters and was his first choice when funds were needed.

Looking back, he had reflected on this.

Why, when there were other opportunities available, did he choose Chen Yan?

In the end, he could only conclude: it must have been because Chen Yan was exceptionally personable and charismatic.

Even though compared to others, his qualifications were only average, Zhang Yonghao couldn’t help but want to choose him.

This made Zhang Yonghao rather uneasy.

After all, every entrepreneur regards their enterprise as their own private possession.

Now with the addition of someone with the charm of Chen Yan, he feared being sidelined and driven out of the power center.

That’s why, when the Zhao Family came knocking, he tacitly consented to his subordinates’ plan to oust Chen Yan from the company.

However, unexpectedly, Chen Yan solved the crisis with ease.

Even taking advantage of the situation to wrestle for additional shares.

This made Zhang Yonghao even more wary of Chen Yan.

So, he once again stood against Chen Yan in this standoff.

Even though since becoming a shareholder in the company, Chen Yan had never exercised any of his rights as a shareholder and had always shown utmost trust in Zhang Yonghao, giving him free rein.

But still... Zhang Yonghao did not want an unpredictable element in the company.

After dispersing the meeting, the company’s executives didn’t leave the building but returned to their departments to deal with company affairs while waiting with ease for Chen Yan’s arrival.

So, as it approached noon...

Around 11 a.m., Chen Yan arrived at the Headline Technology Company offices with his team in tow.

The receptionist, already instructed by Zhang Yonghao, avoided any conflict and proactively guided them, "President Chen, President Wang said he’s waiting for you in his office."

"Would you follow me, please?"

Chen Yan, however, didn’t give Zhang Yonghao any face and said directively, "No need."

"Direct us to the meeting room."

"Also, notify President Wang and the heads of each department that I’d like to hold a small meeting."

Hearing Chen Yan’s words, the receptionist hesitated, unsure whether to agree, she said, "This..."

"President Chen, I..."

Chen Yan understood her dilemma and so countered, "Do you think I don’t have the right to hold a company meeting?"

"Then tell President Wang to call the meeting."

With that, Chen Yan ignored the receptionist and led his team straight to the company’s meeting room.

As soon as Chen Yan and his group arrived at the company, many employees took notice.

Although unaware of the specifics, Chen Yan—a shareholder who had visited the company many times—was recognized by many.

So seeing Chen Yan’s hostile demeanor, many quietly speculated what could have happened...

...

Chen Yan, with He Mengxue, Qin Ming, and his team, found their way to the office and then took their seats.

He Mengxue glanced at the others and whispered to Chen Yan, "Chen Yan, are we being too aggressive?"

"I think we even scared the receptionist."

Chen Yan looked at her and chuckled, replying, "I’m not targeting her."

"Besides... business is like a battlefield."

"If you approach your enemy with a weapon in hand and a smile on your face, wouldn’t that be even more frightening?"

Mengxue visualized the scene and indeed found it more intimidating, so she fell silent.

Chen Yan took another glance at her and felt a touch of emotion.

Despite her usual stern demeanor and occasional coldness, Mengxue was actually the most tender-hearted person around him.

Her temperament actually limited her ability to manage a company.

Thinking this, Chen Yan told Mengxue, "When President Wang and the others arrive,"

"Speak less, but observe more."

"It could be useful to you."

Mengxue nodded in agreement.

Qin Ming, hearing Chen Yan’s words, also silently increased his attention, wanting to see how Chen Yan would handle the situation.

Within a couple of minutes, Zhang Yonghao entered the meeting room smiling and greeted warmly, "President Chen, you’ve arrived?"

"This morning, when I received your secretary’s notice, I thought I had made a mistake."

"Didn’t expect you to actually come all the way from Qin Island—is there an urgent matter?"

Only a deputy president and the Director of Strategic Investment accompanied Zhang Yonghao, indicating that he hadn’t convened the company’s executives for the meeting as Chen Yan requested.

Therefore, Chen Yan didn’t humor him and stated bluntly, "There is indeed an urgent matter, President Wang."

"However, I’d prefer to wait until all the executives have arrived before discussing it."

Taken aback by Chen Yan’s frank words, Zhang Yonghao hesitated.

Unaccustomed to this side of Chen Yan, who was usually genial and carefree, he dropped his insincere smile and showed a hint of sincerity.

He walked across to Chen Yan, sighed, and said, "Little brother Chen, I know you’re upset with me."

"But I really wasn’t to blame for what happened last night."

"The Zhao Family is powerful, and our company is too weak—we simply can’t afford to offend them."

"So, all I could do was remain neutral."

"Plus, they offered some terms that were in the company’s interest, so naturally, I had to agree for the sake of the company."

"I hope this won’t affect our relationship."

Hearing Zhang Yonghao’s words, Mengxue couldn’t help but feel agitated.

Knowing the incident from last night, she was tempted to interrogate him, "Would covering up and suppressing keywords count as remaining neutral?"

Or, "You agreed to neutrality with Chen Yan one moment and sided with Zhao Qingtian the next. Didn’t you consider whether such actions would impact feelings?"

However, as if anticipating her reaction, Chen Yan caught her hand just as she became restless.

Interrupting her train of thought, Mengxue looked at Chen Yan.

Then she saw him subtly shake his head.

Instantly recalling what Chen Yan had said to her earlier, she quieted down, prepared to see how he would handle the situation.

At that moment, Chen Yan was not angry.

He looked at Zhang Yonghao and smiled, commenting, "President Wang, you might have misunderstood."

"My visit today isn’t to question you about last night."

"In fact, I don’t care about what happened last night at all."

He added, "I’m here for business matters."

"So, please inform the company’s executives of this issue."

Seeing Chen Yan remain unmoved and intending to notify the executives, Zhang Yonghao’s brows furrowed as well.

He glanced at the director of the strategic investment department.

The director shook his head slightly, clearly disapproving of calling the executives directly.

Noticing that the person beside him was of the same opinion, Zhang Yonghao turned back, his face once again plastered with a smile. Then he asked, "Brother Chen, with our relationship, is there something you can’t just tell me privately?"

Chen Yan leaned back in his chair and looked at Zhang Yonghao. He said, "President Wang, business is business, and personal matters are personal. I’m here to handle official business. You’ve always wanted to deal with it yourself. What’s going on with that?"

His voice began to chill as he continued, "Otherwise, shall I not meet with the executives and directly issue a formal document instead?"

"To call a shareholders’ meeting?"

Chen Yan said, tapping lightly on the table.

Immediately, the legal team, who were already prepared, opened their bags and took out several formal documents, along with the company’s seal.

Obviously, if Zhang Yonghao didn’t agree, they were ready to draft the documents right then and there and submit the formal application.

Seeing this, a spark of anger started to flare in Zhang Yonghao’s heart.

He felt that Chen Yan had truly gone mad!

It was just because he had sided against him the night before, and now it had escalated to this level!

Alright!

Then he wanted to see exactly what kind of trouble Chen Yan intended to stir up!

He simply didn’t believe it!

In his own territory, could Chen Yan really turn the place upside down?!

Thinking this, he stopped beating around the bush. He sat down with a stony face and then ordered the director of the investment department, "Lao Wang, call the heads of each department for a meeting."

The director of the investment department hesitated for a moment, then advised in a low voice, "President Wang, it’s best to find out first what he wants to do....."

Zhang Yonghao cut him off, "It’s fine. Just go do it."

The director of the investment department hesitated a moment longer before going out to notify others.

Soon, the directors of all departments arrived one after another.

Chen Yan’s gaze lingered on them, keenly identifying the company’s core competitive power: Pang Wenbo.

Then he observed Pang Wenbo’s state upon entering.

He seemed unconcerned about it all, greeting Zhang Yonghao with a very ordinary demeanor, not as affectionate as some of the other directors.

Chen Yan breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that his plan should be on track.

While he was thinking this, the directors of various departments had also taken their seats.

Zhang Yonghao looked at Chen Yan, then asked, "President Chen, now you can tell me, what exactly do you want to do?"

Chen Yan’s train of thought was pulled back by Zhang Yonghao’s words.

He glanced at Zhang Yonghao, then remained silent.

Then, he surveyed the executives opposite him and said coldly, "My purpose of coming here today is simple: I want to formally reclaim the shareholder rights that belong to me."

"As a major shareholder of the company, I have the right to participate in the company’s affairs and to supervise the company’s finances, operations, business, and other work."

"Moreover, if I believe there is an issue with the management team, I have the right to convene a shareholders’ meeting, reorganize the board of directors, and replace the company’s management."

Hearing Chen Yan’s open speech, everyone’s faces changed colors.

Obviously, although they knew Chen Yan’s visit wasn’t with good intentions, they hadn’t expected him to be this unsavory!

Zhang Yonghao was also taken aback by the strong opening salvo from Chen Yan.

He said with an ugly expression, "President Chen, I think there might be some misunderstandings between us." freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

"Last night I...."

Chen Yan raised his hand to interrupt Zhang Yonghao.

He looked at Zhang Yonghao and said, "President Wang. Please do not bring up last night’s incident again."

"I must state clearly: my presence here today is not because of last night’s incident."

"Everything I do today has nothing to do with last night’s incident."

"The only reason is that, as a shareholder and partner of the company, I have the right to participate in the company’s affairs."

Chen Yan said this, but Zhang Yonghao understood that Chen Yan’s repeated reference to "last night’s incident" was actually telling him that he was indeed upset because of it.

For a moment, Zhang Yonghao felt a headache brewing.

The reason he had dared to "bully" Chen Yan before was largely because Chen Yan was known to be good-natured and had little background. As long as it wasn’t too excessive, Chen Yan would mostly have to endure it.

But he had not expected Chen Yan to be so resolute.

Suddenly, he was regretting having played Chen Yan like that the previous night.

Just then, the director of the investment department also spoke up. A loyal follower of Zhang Yonghao’s, seeing Zhang Yonghao "humiliated," he naturally felt dissatisfied.

Therefore, he said to Chen Yan, "President Chen. You are indeed one of the company’s major shareholders and certainly enjoy the company’s rights."

"We all agree with that."

"However, this does not mean you can arbitrarily affect the company’s operations and business."

"I remember that a 20% shareholder doesn’t have that right, do they?"

Upon hearing the investment department director’s words, Chen Yan simply smiled faintly.

Then he tapped on the table again.

Instantly, the legal team took out several more documents.

One of the lawyers walked over, placing documents in front of the company’s management one by one, then bowed with a pleasant smile and said, "President Wang, and everyone, please look."

"This is the legal document from Hongshan Capital, transferring 6% of your company’s shares to our group’s subsidiary overseas."

He took out another document, "This is the notarization certificate of the agreement’s effectiveness."

Continuing, he reached for more, "This is from Blue Moon Capital, transferring to us....."

"This is from Lumi Capital transferring to us....."

Document by document laid out, the management, including Zhang Yonghao, were a bit stunned.

And the lawyer continued amicably handing out documents, "The above are all stock transfer agreements."

"I know, this does not signify that our President Chen now holds your company’s stock."

"Therefore, these are the documents authorizing Mr. Chen Yan, on behalf of the subsidiary companies, to hold shares and exercise rights."

He placed two more documents down.

Then he concluded, "In this manner, our boss, Mr. Chen Yan, now holds a total of 41% of your company’s shares and corresponding rights."

"All of these documents have been notarized, and the contracts are registered."

"Everyone is also welcome to contact the relevant companies to verify."

Hearing the lawyer’s explanation, Zhang Yonghao and others gradually regained their composure from the shock.

Zhang Yonghao, looking at Chen Yan, had an incredulous expression on his face.

But Chen Yan didn’t even glance at him; instead, he turned his head to look directly at the director of the investment department and said, "This Director Wang, do I now have the rights to deeply participate and supervise the company’s operations with these shares I hold?"

At this moment, the investment department director was already flabbergasted, looking at Chen Yan with quivering lips.

"You... you...." he stammered without being able to articulate a response.

Seeing him like that, Chen Yan simply gave him a cold glance, then turned to Zhang Yonghao and said, "President Wang. I came here today to inform you about the recent change in shareholdings."

"And..."

He paused, then stated, "I’m going to exercise my shareholder rights."

"Here, I have a few demands to make."

"First, I request the appointment of three directors to the board."

"Second, I will send several elite employees to the finance, investment, and operations departments to supervise the company’s operation."

"Third, I demand a reassessment of the company’s management team. I’m not very satisfied with certain members."

As he spoke, Chen Yan’s gaze swept over the director of the strategic investment department.

The director turned even paler.

Zhang Yonghao, watching Chen Yan, clenched his teeth hard enough to make a ’gritting’ sound.

After a moment, he forced a smile on his face and said to Chen Yan, "Brother Chen, I understand and support all your demands."

"But aren’t we being a bit too formal here?"

"I’ve given it some thought about last night, and I believe some of your points had merit."

He continued with a smile, "How about we go to the office and have a more detailed discussion?"

Chen Yan looked at Zhang Yonghao, feeling somewhat disappointed inside.

To be honest, he had a high regard and respect for Zhang Yonghao. He thought Zhang Yonghao’s rise from nothing was very impressive.

Even after those two incidents, he just thought that he had many differences with Zhang Yonghao. He wanted to kick Zhang Yonghao out of the game, not because of their different interests and principles, without it affecting his assessment of his abilities or character.

But one thing he couldn’t understand was: why, after several choices, did Zhang Yonghao always choose the Zhao Family over him?

Now, upon this encounter, Chen Yan seemed to suddenly understand the reason.

Zhang Yonghao was capable and bold, but he lacked perseverance and principles. Fence-sitting and weather-vaning seemed to be his nature.

This manner of acting would pose no problem under normal circumstances.

But.... under external pressure, he might immediately surrender.

Such a trait, in the leader of a large domestic group, was far too dangerous. To the country and to the people, it was a peril.

While thinking this, Chen Yan shook his head and said, "President Wang. You’ve misunderstood."

"I’ve explained many times."

"I’m not here because of last night’s incident."

"I’m just simply reclaiming my rights."

Saying that, Chen Yan stood up and declared, "Let’s end this matter here."

"I’ll give you a few hours to think about it."

"We’ve traveled all the way to Tiandu and haven’t even had a meal. Let’s go get some food."

"I’ll come back in the afternoon."

After he finished, Chen Yan left the documents, taking his people and striding out of the conference room.

And as he left the meeting room, he suddenly turned around, as if he had just remembered something, and said to Zhang Yonghao, "Oh, by the way, President Wang."

"Even though I did not come because of last night’s event."

"After my people take their positions in the company, I will still initiate an investigation into the matter."

"I believe, regarding this issue, someone inside the company has twisted the law for personal gain. Altered the internal algorithms."

"This violates the promise you made about being fair to every topic."

Having said that, Chen Yan left without looking back.

After he left, sounds of smashing objects and what seemed to be Zhang Yonghao’s furious roar could be heard in the office!

....

There are no walls in the world that do not let the wind through, and in less than half an hour, the news of Chen Yan "making a scene" at Headline Technology spread throughout Tiandu...