Chapter 10 - Zenith

Hong Yi made his way towards zenith company building after getting a phone call from Ling Wei about board of directors meeting. After parking his car he made his way to the top most floor reaching Hong Shan's office. 

"Host shall I start the process of memory transfer" System asked him 

"Not now" Hong Yi replied vaguely, "System other than providing information do you have any other functions" 

"I do, Host," the System replied, its mechanical tone devoid of inflection. "However, for accessing other functions, you have to complete the tasks."

A flicker of curiosity sparked in Hong Yi's eyes. Tasks? What kind of tasks? Could they offer him a way out of this mess?

"And what are those tasks?" he questioned, a hint of interest creeping into his voice.

"The tasks are to fulfill the desires of those Hong Yi held close," the System responded. "After the fulfillment of one person's desire, one new function will be unlocked for your use."

Hong Yi's brow furrowed. Fulfilling desires? What kind of situation he got stuck into?

Hong Yi was deep in thought, staring out the window, when the door creaked open. He turned to see Ling Wei walk in, but she wasn't alone. Two people followed her. They looked kind of similar, maybe siblings?

The woman with Ling Wei had a confident and determined look in her eyes. She seemed sure of herself. But the younger guy following them seemed nervous. Hong Yi could tell by his eyes – they were a little shifty, like he was trying to hide his nervousness. Hong Yi had been around a lot of people, and he'd gotten good at reading their faces and what they were feeling.

Hong Yi noticed the young man was doing a good job hiding his nervousness. He'd been around a lot of people, and he could usually tell what they were feeling by their eyes.

Ling Wei pushed open the door wider. "Hong Yi, this is Jing Ruo Xi, a designer at Zenith fashion house. And this is Jing Hao, your new assistant." Both Ruo Xi and Jing Hao bowed slightly, greeting him respectfully.

Hong Yi raised an eyebrow at Ling Wei, a suspicious look creeping into his eyes. He sensed Ling Wei was up to something. "Nice to meet you both," he said, standing up from his chair.

He turned back to Ling Wei. "Is everyone ready for the meeting?"

"Everyone's here," Ling Wei confirmed.

Hong Yi nodded curtly. "Then lead the way."

The oak doors of the boardroom swung open, as Ling Wei walked into the boardroom with Hong Yi followed by Ruo Xi and Jing Hao. Hong Yi observed the whole room looking at the faces of the people someone the faces he found familiar from the memory. Everyone present here have a different story with them.

"Thank you all for attending the meeting on a short notice." Ling Wei began, her gaze sweeping across the room while Hong Yi stood beside her. "As you know my dad's passing has left a void in Zenith Media" 

Hong Yi met her gaze briefly, a silent acknowledgement passing between them. "Hong Li and Hong Lin," Ling Wei continued, her voice firm, "have contested the validity of the late CEO, my dad's, will. They believe they have a rightful claim to Zenith Media."

A low rumble of discontent echoed around the table. As the only members of the board who are not present today were Hong Li and Hong Lin it was understandable to everyone.

Director Wen cleared his throat. "I understand your desire to fight this head-on. But a legal battle is a long and tiring process. As you said, Ms. Hong, it could cause the company's shares to plummet." 

"We understand the risks, Director," Hong Yi acknowledged, his voice steady and confident. "However, we believe there are ways to mitigate that risk and even turn this situation to our advantage."

"And what do you propose Mr. Hong Yi" Director Wen asked him. "First, we should gather all the evidence we have to show these claims are wrong. We've got a fantastic legal team on our side, so I'm confident we can build a strong defense.

Second, instead of attacking, let's be proactive. We can keep our investors and public both informed and show them we're handling this head-on. Transparency is key. "

Hong Yi observed everyone in the room as they held their doubts. But there were three people in the room who were eyeing him in a calculative way.

"You're young and inexperienced, Hong Yi. Do you think we can trust you with the company? Can we just hand it over and let you play around with it as you wish?" one of them voiced his concern. Hong Yi recognized the man as Ci Min, Ci En's brother, who held 2% of the company's shares.

"Uncle Min, even though Dad didn't train me in the usual way, I learned a lot by watching him work. I have picked up a lot of things from him too. I understand you might not trust me right away, that's fair. I won't take over as chairman until I've proven myself capable. In the meantime, I'll focus on being a good CEO for the company." this sentence made right through the directors hearts where as Ci Min's face started to turn black.

Before anyone could further say anything Hong Yi continued "We need your support, Directors. You all have been with my father for decades, pillars of Zenith Media. You've seen us grow up, witnessed the blood, sweat, and tears poured into building this company. We need your experience, your guidance, and your voice to stand with us during this fight." Hong Yi finished making everyone shut running thoughts.

He took a pause to see everyone's face and letting his words sink and continued "This isn't just about shares and percentages. It's about protecting my father's legacy, everything he built. We can't let these fall into wrong hands and tarnish his reputation or the company's future." 

A tense silence filled the room. All eyes which were on Hong Yi suddenly turned towards Director Wen. Out of blue someone spoke making their attention turn towards them. "Mr. Hong was a visionary leader and he would never want to fall the company into incapable hands." Ms. Yun who was silent through out the meeting spoke.

Ms. Yun leaned forward, her gaze locking with Hong Yi's. "I see your father's fire in your eyes, Hong Yi. I'm with you. But remember, you have three months to prove yourself. After that, the board will decide if you're ready for the Chairman position."

Hong Yi met her gaze steadily. "Three months," he echoed, a determined glint in his eyes. "That's all I need. Consider it done, Ms. Yun. I won't let you, or my father's legacy, down."

Ruo Xi and Jing Hao, seated towards the back of the room, observed the conversation with rapt attention. Jing Hao, particularly, couldn't help but admire Hong Yi's confidence. The way Hong Yi handled the situation, navigating the complexities without a single misstep, was impressive. Jing Hao was struck by Hong Yi's skill with words. His choice of words was calculated to inspire and influence. 

Ruo Xi, however, remained impassive. Unlike Jing Hao, her expression betrayed none of her thoughts. Her eyes, though focused on Hong Yi, held a hint of skepticism. Perhaps it was the weight of the accusations, or maybe a flicker of doubt about Hong Yi's untested leadership. 

Ruo Xi, noticing Jing Hao's fascination, leaned in and whispered, "Intrigued, are we?" 

Jing Hao, startled slightly, stammered a reply, "Well, I have to admit, he's handling himself remarkably well. Especially considering the circumstances."

"But Jing Hao be careful with him" Ruo Xi said with a knowing glint in her eyes.

"Careful ? what you mean sister?" Jing Hao's voice dropped to a soft murmur.

Ruo Xi's eyes narrowed slightly, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Looks can be deceiving, Jing Hao. Hong Yi isn't as straightforward as he seems. There's a hidden depth to him, something more than what he projects on the surface."

Jing Hao frowned slightly, a touch of confusion in his voice. "But sister, isn't he Ling Wei's brother? Why are you talking like that?"

"Ah, Jing Hao," Ruo Xi sighed, turning back to face him. "Ling Wei, bless her heart, is a force to be reckoned with. She's a strong leader, direct and transparent. Hong Yi, on the other hand, seems more...shrewd. Like a strategist playing a long game. Twins they may be, but their personalities are as different as night and day."

She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Think about it. Why would Chairman Hong choose the younger twin, especially when Ling Wei is an alpha too, the natural leader? Perhaps he saw a cunning, a ruthlessness that Ling Wei lacks."

Jing Hao's eyes widened a fraction in surprise. "Ruthlessness?"

"Yes, Jing Hao that's why I am warning you be careful with him. If you feel like backing away any moment I will talk with Ling Wei" Ruo Xi assured him. Jing Hao turned his head towards Hong Yi who was talking with Ms. Yun with a small smile on his face. He can't see the ruthlessness his sister is talking about.

"No, sister I want to do this" Jing Hao said making her sigh. "Fine as you please." this brought a smile on to Jing Hao's face.