Interim CEO

"So, you requested my presence here to discuss stocks instead of addressing my grandfather's funeral?" Ethan raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a smirk as he glanced at the elderly individuals seated around the table.

To his knowledge, his grandfather had chaired Kai Consortium for nearly fifty years. However, these seasoned members seemed more concerned about the company's affairs than his grandfather's passing. He found it somewhat amusing.

The individuals in the room constituted the board of directors of Kai Consortium. This Emergency Board meeting had been convened to address the situation, assess the company's immediate requirements, and make decisions regarding leadership and corporate governance. While Ethan wasn't an expert in corporate affairs, he had watched plenty of dramas in his previous life.

He wasn't entirely clueless.

"Master Wu," Ethan didn't wait for anyone else to speak, turning his attention to the elderly man standing beside him. Master Wu had served his grandfather loyally for many years. While Ethan and Master Wu are not close in the past, he had met the man before.

"Young Master?" Master Wu handed him a towel to wipe the sweat from his forehead.

"Oh," Ethan accepted it without inquiry. Earlier, he had used the opportunity to work on his cardio for his daily quest. That's why he had chosen to run from the ambush site to the company gates. He had left Jihoon in charge of dealing with the assassins bodies from the earlier incident.

"Please update me on the situation," Ethan requested after wiping his sweat. Jihoon had already informed him that this seemed to be an ambush involving another powerful figure from one of Yeonsin's six regions.

The incident had occurred in Jeonghae City, east of Hanmiryeong. His grandfather and brother had been on their way to explore an island off the coast of Jeonghae when their ship had sunk.

Jihoon and the others suspected foul play, but the ship had been so severely damaged that it couldn't be identified. Everyone on board, including an elderly member from another clan in Jeonghae, had been declared dead.

Master Wu immediately updated him. He explained that they hadn't yet located his brother. However, shortly after the updates, the discussion shifted back to Kai Consortium's stocks.

Ethan sighed inwardly. In both his past and current lives, he had chosen not to delve into business matters.

"Master Wu, in situations like this, what typically occurs within the company?" Ethan inquired. He had some ideas but preferred to seek guidance from someone more experienced.

Master Wu pursed his lips, showing no surprise at Ethan's proactive stance. "In such circumstances, the board of directors may appoint an interim Chairman and CEO to provide stability and leadership during the transitional period. This individual could be an existing board member or an external candidate with relevant experience."

He promptly informed Ethan that the Succession Planning indicated his older brother would be the next Chairman. However, since his older brother was currently missing and presumed dead, they could only appoint a temporary leader to maintain stability.

"In that case, we shall proceed with appointing a new Interim CEO," Ethan agreed promptly. He saw no reason to contest the established rules. After this meeting, he would focus on arranging his body's grandfather's funeral. To him, it was the least he could do to honor the original owner of his body.

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted as the door swung open. Two bodyguards, clad in dark suits and sunglasses, entered, followed by a woman in all-black attire and matching shades.

Ethan blinked.

"Miss Li...It's good to see you." One of the elderly individuals rose from his seat, and strangely, the others followed suit, bowing to the woman who had just arrived.

Miss Li? Ethan quickly realized that this woman must be his older brother's fiancée. He observed her as she removed her sunglasses, revealing a striking pale yet beautiful face.

She sat opposite Ethan and gestured for the other board members to take their seats. They complied without hesitation.

"I assume you are Ethan?" Miss Li inquired, her sharp gaze not masking her arrogance despite her pale appearance.

"Hmm," Ethan smiled. He didn't understand why the board members seemed to hold this woman in high regard, but he had no time to dwell on it. "Since everyone is present, shall we proceed with the Election?"

"Election?" Miss Li glanced at Master Wu, who calmly explained that they were about to elect a new Interim CEO. "Is that so?" She directed her attention back to Ethan.

She carefully assessed the young man a short distance away. Miss Li had been engaged to Sander for years, yet he rarely mentioned his younger brother. However, it appeared that the rumors surrounding this man were accurate.

Ethan Kai appeared handsome on the surface, but it seemed like he was... perspiring. Was it that hot inside the boardroom? Clearly, it was because he was nervous! She smirked inwardly.

"The Li Family owns eighteen percent of the shares," Miss Li stated promptly. "As my father's representative and Sander's fiancée, I would like the board to consider me as the next Interim CEO of Kai Consortium." Miss Odette Li's gaze exuded confidence.

Although her family didn't hold the majority of shares, it made perfect sense for them to assume control of Kai Consortium since they were the second-largest shareholders.

With the chairman and CEO absent, they were the natural successors to rule this region.

Seeing the woman's confidence, Ethan was momentarily speechless. As if sensing his thoughts, Master Wu handed him a folder containing information about the other board members and their respective shares in the company. To Ethan's surprise, the Kai family owned a substantial forty-two percent of the total shares.

However, what truly caught Ethan off guard was the sudden appearance of words in front of him. Why was the system presenting him with a mission now? He thought this system would only give him a mission when a fight was about to happen, ah.

**MISSION TRIGGERED**

Mission: The Dance of Diplomacy

Objective: Successfully navigate the intense corporate power struggle without engaging in any physical confrontation and avoid direct conflict.

Description: Amidst the corporate battleground, the board members have gathered to elect a new Interim CEO for Kai Consortium. As a member of the Kai family, you find yourself entangled in a complex web of family dynamics, shareholders, and corporate politics. Your objective is to avoid any form of physical confrontation and resolve the situation through creative and diplomatic means. Winning the seat is not necessary; your primary goal is to maintain harmony and avoid direct conflict.

Rewards for Successful Completion:

Experience Points (EXP): Earn 2 Experience Points (EXP) for displaying exceptional diplomatic skills and peaceful conflict resolution in the corporate arena. This reflects your growth as a combatant and your ability to excel in situations beyond physical battles.

Reputation: Gain 5 Reputation points for your skillful handling of the corporate power struggle in a non-confrontational manner. Your actions have not only improved your standing within the business world but also within the community.

Skill Unlocked: NONE

Key Information: Master Wu has provided you with a folder containing the identity of the rest of the board members and their corresponding shares in the company. This information will be invaluable in your quest to maintain harmony and avoid physical confrontation.

Status: Incomplete

As if on cue, men in black suits entered the boardroom, their expressions grim, exuding an aura of hostility. They positioned themselves behind Miss Odette Li.

"..."Ethan was once again at loss for words.