chapter 16: board meeting 1

The room fell into a deathly silence, board members squirming under Chenxiu's piercing gaze. He leaned forward, hands splayed on the polished wood.

"No volunteers? How disappointing. I had hoped for at least a modicum of backbone among you."

Yun, recovering some of his earlier bravado, cleared his throat. "Now see here, Chenxiu. Your sudden appearance doesn't negate the very real concerns we have about your fitness to lead. One narrow escape from death doesn't erase the reckless behavior that led to it."

Chenxiu's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Careful, cousin. You're treading on thin ice."

But Yun, sensing his ambitions slipping away, pressed on. "The board has a responsibility to the shareholders. Your... escapades... have put the entire company at risk. We cannot in good conscience allow-"

"Enough." Chenxiu's voice cracked like a whip, silencing Yun mid-sentence. "You speak of responsibility and conscience, yet you scheme behind closed doors, salivating at the chance to seize power. Your hypocrisy is breathtaking."

He straightened, adjusting his cuffs with deliberate precision. "Let me make this abundantly clear to all of you. I am not only fit to lead, but I am the only one capable of steering this company through the storms ahead. My 'reckless behavior', as you so charmingly put it, has secured us contracts and connections that will propel us to heights you can scarcely imagine."

Chenxiu's gaze swept the room once more, challenging anyone to object. "If any of you still harbor doubts about my capabilities or dedication to this company, I invite you to tender your resignation immediately. Otherwise, I expect your unwavering support and loyalty going forward. Am I understood?"

A chorus of mumbled agreements and hasty nods rippled through the chastened board members. Only Yun remained defiant, his fists clenched at his sides.

"This isn't over, Chenxiu," he hissed under his breath.

Chenxiu's smile was cold and predatory. "Oh, I think it is, dear cousin. But by all means, continue to entertain delusions of adequacy. It's quite amusing."

With that parting shot, Chenxiu turned his attention to the actual business at hand, effortlessly taking control of the meeting and leaving Yun to stew in his impotent rage.

As the meeting progressed, it became increasingly clear that Chenxiu's grip on power was as strong as ever. The failed coup attempt had only served to reinforce his dominance, leaving his opponents thoroughly cowed and his position more secure than ever.