Author: 公子于歌 / Gong Zi Yu Ge
Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/
Chapter 154: Significance
“Have you heard that Touhua was photographed going in and out of the hospital where the Yan family was located many times? According to insiders in the hospital, he went there almost daily, no different from the Yan family.”
“Rumors have it that he and Yan Qiuchi have already talked about it, so I think it’s true that it’s going to be announced to the public soon.”
“But I heard that Yan’s family has been in turmoil recently. Yesterday, I was chatting with my friends, and I was still emotional. Such a flourishing business empire could be so fragile that it could collapse at any moment.”
“Your district is really only suitable for water gossip. Such little IQ. Yan Tiefang may fall, but the Yan group will not. The country will not let them fall, as they are related to the jobs of tens of thousands of people. At most, there will be a successor.”
“Prince Yan, Prince Yan! Yan Qiuchi, as the Prince Yan of the Yan family, isn’t he the rightful and only successor? His younger brother seems to still be in school, right?”
“Yan Qiuchi is too young. I don’t think he can match the directors of the Yan Corp.”
“A company that has grown to that scale, the distribution of power must be relatively balanced. Unlike small companies, where the boss is in charge of everything, the Yan’s leadership is relatively intertwined, so the internal struggle will be fierce. When Yan Tiefeng was at the helm, he relied not only on business ability but also prestige. Yan Qiuchi is only 25 and is too young to helm such a large business.”
“Not only the Yan’s, but Sunshine Media stock has fallen a lot as well. It’s too miserable. It’s only been listed for less than a year.”
“Sunshine Media belongs to the Yan Group. It is the entertainment territory of the Yan Group. It is not surprising that it is affected by the parent company. However, I don’t think that Sunshine Media shares falling has anything to do with Bai Qingquan. After all, it is a matter of family. There were too many projects invested in by Sunshine Media last year, and they also acquired two major companies. There’s also a time difference between the projects and earnings, so the annual report looks ugly.”
“Yes, Sunshine Media has developed so well in the past two years that there will definitely be no problems. The main thing is the future of Yan’s parent company, and whether it can survive safely or not.”
Although Yan Tiefeng was sober, he couldn’t control the company’s affairs. Several shares of the Yan Group have fallen, and some have even been delisted, as the company was in turmoil.
The Yan Group was founded by Yan Tiefeng, so naturally his son is the successor. It’s just that after Yan Qiuchi graduated from college, he founded Sunshine Media to hone his skills. His main expertise was in the film and television industries, while the Yan group covered many fields like real estate, entertainment, tourism, and finance, forming a huge business empire. If Yan Qiuchi wanted to take over smoothly, he couldn’t do it without the support of the leadership of these various branches.
However, some members of the board of directors wanted to use this opportunity to decentralize power. With the internal struggle intensifying, rival companies have taken the opportunity to come and poach talent. The vice presidents of two important departments submitted their resignations and took their teams away; since the spot was vacant, someone would have to fill it, causing the factional struggle to become even worse and spiraling the Yan Group into a major crisis.
“Don’t worry about it,” Old Lady Fang said. “Old Wang and Old Li have a very good relationship with Tiefeng. They hold prominent seats on the board of directors. With their assistance, Qiuchi will be able to live up to their expectations. This difficulty will pass. The most important thing is for you to take care of your health. Everything else is unimportant. Isn’t the money you make in this life enough to spend?”
Mrs. Yan laid down and said, “It’s not a question of money or not. Old Yan has worked hard all his life. You can see how hard he fought and suffered when he was young. The Yan Group is his lifelong effort, and it can’t be taken away by others because of an accident, let alone have it collapse. Xinyang Group and Chunfeng clearly want to divide us.”
“But what can you do in this state?” Old Lady Fang said.
“Now that Old Yan is incapacitated, we have to support the company and then give it back to him when he recovers. Qiuchi is capable, but he’s too young. They’ll bully him for being young, so it’s impossible for him to compromise easily. I have to talk to them.”
“Look at your condition. You want to help, but you can’t even walk yet, and the scars on your body haven’t even healed,” Old Lady Fang hurriedly said. “Don’t be brave.”
Mrs. Yan smiled and said, “Only when I appear in front of them like this will they be soft-hearted. Qiuchi will be the one to take over in the future. He can’t be soft with those old things. When I think about it, it’s best for me to come forward. Moreover, they are all old people who have followed Old Yan for over ten years. It’s best to give them some benefits, then move them with affection and reason. I’m also familiar with all their wives as well.”
Having made up her mind, Mrs. Yan went to Yan Tiefeng’s room to learn more about the company’s inner workings. Since she planned to make a move, she must prepare to make a big movie.
Yan Tiefeng disagreed and said, “You’re like this. Just rest and recuperate for me.”
He was like Old Lady Fang; in this moment, her body was the most important. She still had bandages all over her arms.
“I think Qiuchi has been working too hard recently. He eats and lives in the company. Those old men rely on the old to sell the old1, and they always make trouble for him. One’s either an elder uncle or a younger uncle2. He’s still young, so it’s not a good outlook if he’s too aggressive. If this continues, maybe nothing big will happen, but it will affect his mood. After all, he is still the one who’ll take the helm in the future. Now that he’s deflated in front of these directors, who will be afraid of him in the future? You can’t move now, but I can. Don’t think I don’t have any skills just because I’ve been a housewife for all these years and go shopping and to beauty salons every day.”
1(倚老卖老) Idiom referring to an older person who shows his seniority, despises others, and believes that everyone must be humble and considerate to him.
2Clarity: She’s calling them [Shushu] (叔叔) and [Bobo] (伯伯). They both mean uncle, but shushu is used to refer to someone who is older than one’s father, while bobo is used to refer to someone younger or of the same age as one’s father.
Yan Tiefeng smiled and said, “I have never thought of you that way.”
“Before I got married to you, I supported myself. Later, when we got married, didn’t we work hard together in the early years? In fact, in the past two years, I have started to doubt. You are becoming more famous, and whenever I get out, everyone always calls me Mrs. Yan. I’m not only Mrs. Yan; I also have my own name. When did people stop calling me Sister Fang? Don’t people know that I’m Fang Fengmei.”
Yan Tiefeng smiled and patted her hand.
Fang Fengmei sat on the hospital bed and continued, “The Yan Group is your effort, mine, and the future of our children. I will guard you well, and you will recover from your injuries. When you recover, I will return it to you. In the future, you will lead Qiuchi and Yaoxuan to make the company even bigger and better. I know your ambitions best. Haven’t you always wanted to make Yan a world-class company?”
Yan Tiefeng’s eyes were moist, and he held her hand without speaking.
“Besides, if it weren’t for you protecting me at that time, it might’ve been me who couldn’t get up from the hospital bed. You know my temperament. If you treat me well, I’ll treat you well. I can’t stand being unable to help you and still lying in bed all day doing nothing.”
After Fang Fengmei finished speaking, she suddenly burst into tears. Yan Tiefeng said, “What’s wrong? It’s not that I didn’t agree with you.”
Fang Fengmei smiled, lied on top of him, and said, “If you don’t die in a catastrophe, there’ll be blessings in your future. Our blessing is all behind us.”
……
Yan Qiuchi was sitting in the office, preparing for the upcoming board of directors. A knock came from outside, then Gao Qiao came in, bowed, and said, “President Yan.”
Yan Qiuchi: “Your back.”
Gao Qiao nodded. He was extremely excited to see Yan Qiuchi again.
“Your spirits look much better than before,” Yan Qiuchi said as he stood up. “Are you ready? We’re going to fight side by side again.”
Gao Qiao excitedly said, “I’m at your disposal at any time.”
“You can discuss it with Fang Yun. Without affecting the normal operation of Sunshine Media, form a team for me. You two should take the lead and be courageous and capable.”
Gao Qiao: “Yes!”
“Go,” Yan Qiuchi said.
Gao Qiao hadn’t seen Yan Qiuchi for a long time, and he wanted to take a good look at his boss, but he also knew Yan’s current situation and that Yan Qiuchi was overloaded with work. He hurriedly turned around and went out when Yan Qiuchi suddenly stopped him. “Gao Qiao.”
Gao Qiao turned his head, and he saw Yan Qiuchi smiling at him and saying, “Be polite when you see Shen Jintai. He’s my partner now.”
Gao Qiao was momentarily stunned before blushing. “Don’t worry. I’ve changed my views on him a long time ago. I’m really happy for you.”
“Go,” Yan Qiuchi said.
After Gao Qiao left, Old Wang and the others came in. Yan Qiuchi stood up and greeted them. “Uncle Wang. Uncle Li.”
At the Yan’s last board meeting, the latest staff adjustment would be released soon. Whether it would be approved by the board of directors was still unknown. The entire headquarters was under high pressure as senior directors entered the meeting room one after another.
As the directors talked among themselves, they saw the door of the conference room pushed open, and Yan Qiuchi walked in dressed in a formal suit, holding a folder, and being surrounded by President Wang and President Li.
Yan Qiuchi’s eyes resembled Yan Tiefeng’s, and he looked extremely cold and dignified with his serious expression. Ignoring his abilities, his appearance alone could intimidate anyone.
The room became quiet as the meeting officially started. At first, the atmosphere was relatively harmonious, but after the latest staff adjustments were presented, everyone was unable to sit still.
“The chairman just can’t get out of bed, but we can still have a video conference. Letting Qiuchi participate in the board of directors’ meeting for the staff adjustment report by various management departments is a major event. I’m not saying he doesn’t have the ability, but is he familiar with the company?”
“At such a critical period, any small mistake can trigger a chain reaction. It would be better for the chairman to come forward, right?”
“What is Mr. Tian implying? Qiuchi and the chairman are father and son, so aren’t his intentions the same as the chairman’s? How would he act against the chairman?”
“Then as you say, if he’s just the mouthpiece for the chairman and can’t make decisions personally. Isn’t it better to hold a video conference? It’ll be clearer if we can hear directly from the chairman.”
While the meeting erupted into chaos, the door of the conference room was suddenly pushed open. Everyone looked over and saw a well-dressed, plump, and tall woman with her hair in a bun and a neat and calm demeanor walk in. It was Fang Fengmei, followed by her second son, Yan Yaoxuan.
“Deputy Director Liu, is there something that you still don’t understand?” Fang Fengmei walked in with a smile. Yan Qiuchi stood up, and she waved her hand to Yan Qiuchi to sit down, as she sat down on the vacant seat next to him. “If you’re still unclear, I can explain it to you.”
Fang Fengmei hadn’t intervened in company affairs for many years, but she was a veteran of the company and its largest shareholder. Back then, she earned her title as the Iron Lady. Many directors present had worked with her when she was young, so they were quite surprised by her appearance. Her arms still had plaster, and despite the gorgeous makeup, it still didn’t cover up all the injuries on her forehead. Who could say anything when such a woman was sitting in front of them?
“Many of the people here are old friends who worked hard with Old Yan back then. I have nothing to say. Everyone knows Old Yan’s current condition, and he will not be able to come back in a short time. Recently, the company’s stock has plunged sharply, and everyone here has suffered heavy losses. At this juncture, we should work together to support the company through this difficult time. Qiuchi just took office, and all of you are his elder and younger uncles. You all have watched him grow up, and I hope everyone can support him. Those who have any opinions can talk in private, but on the forefront, I hope everyone can come together in unison.”
After Fang Fengmei finished speaking, Yan Yaoxuan behind her said discontentedly, “As the successor of the Yan family, my brother is recognized by everyone, whether you like it or not. Even if he doesn’t take over today, he will eventually succeed. I hope that all you elder and younger uncles can support him for not only his own good but yours as well. Everyone in this room is smart. There’s no need to play games in this meeting.”
“Don’t talk nonsense,” Fang Fengmei said.
The mother-son duo was collaborating with each other*.
*Singing double reeds (在唱双簧) Metaphor referring to working together (like singing a duet).
Fang Fengmei had a gentle attitude as she talked and laughed, while Yan Yaoxuan, due to his habit of being a dandy, would step in with a harsher rebuttal. As for Yan Qiuchi, he remained polite to the directors present while hidden needles pricked his heart, just like his father. The three joined hands, and with Old Wang and Old Li, they were able to reach a compromise, and thus the staff resolution was successfully passed.
“Why are you here?” Yan Qiuchi asked as soon as he entered the office and hurriedly went to help Fang Fengmei.
Fang Fengmei let out a sigh of relief, sat down in pain, and said, “Your dad was afraid that you wouldn’t be able to handle them, so I had to step up.”
“Mom, did I behave well just now?” Yan Yaoxuan asked.
“I’ll reward you with a car.” Yan Qiuchi said.
Fang Fengmei smiled. “You did good and said everything we wanted to say but didn’t dare say.”
Yan Yaoxuan: “If you want, I can say that our family owns the majority of shares, and we don’t have to be afraid of them! What can they possibly do?!”
“That would hurt both sides,” Fang Fengmei said. “It’s not that simple to manage a company.”
Yan Qiuchi sent Fang Fengmei back to the hospital along with Yan Yaoxuan. On the way back, Fang Fengmei suddenly asked, “What’s the name of your friend who came back with you from abroad?”
Yan Yaoxuan: “Shan Cheng.”
Fang Fengmei: “Is it the Shan I’m thinking of?”
Yan Yaoxuan let out a vague “Nn”.
Fang Fengmei: “When did you make such friends? He’s quite loyal enough to stay by your side at the hospital for these past few days.”
Yan Yaoxuan: “He just messes around and is completely useless.”
Yan Qiuchi, who was driving in front, said, “I don’t think he is as bad as you say.”
Yan Yaoxuan immediately changed the subject, pointed out the window, and said, “Look, it’s Xiao Jin!”
On the big LED screen in the distance, the final trailer for <When You’re Older> was playing. Smiles, tears, youth, and a love that never ends. The scene showed a full back, then a naked body appeared in a flash, and finally the picture froze, showing Shen Jintai and Bai Qingquan, twins of divine beauty.
The author has something to say:
The comeback of Bai Qingquan, the transformation of Mrs. Yan into Fang Fengmei, the deepening of Yan Qiuchi and Shen Jintai’s feelings, the emergence of Shen Cheng, the return of Gao Qiao, Yan Qiuchi’s career, and even the image of the Yan family foreshadow the performance of <Welcome Rain on a Spring Night>. Li Meilan, Xiao Tang, Wei Ge, and Fang Yun are all supporting roles that have shown their warmth.
—After writing about Mrs. Yan for a while, I suddenly found that she was always addressed as Mrs. Yan and didn’t have her own identity. Thinking of the previous novels, several wives didn’t seem to have their own names, so I felt that everyone should remember her name.
Only an enlightened, tolerant, and tough woman like Old Lady Fang can raise an excellent mother like Mrs. Yan, and a husband and wife like Mrs. Yan and Yan Tiefeng can raise a dedicated and outstanding son like Yan Qiuchi. The Yan family are all good people.
Except for crazy black powders, there are no bad guys in this novel!
Kinky Thoughts:
Yassss Bai Qingquan comeback! I’m here for it!
I’m glad the author gave Fang Fengmei an empowering scene. Too often, danmei ignores the supporting roles of women. As one of my favorite characters, she’s getting the recognition she deserves!
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