Ling Qingxiao's face turned ashen as shock surged through her. Was it really possible that Feng Xian had taken everything from her today? Why did he suddenly seem so... different?
"I…"
Ling Qingxiao opened her mouth but struggled to find any words.
Not long ago, her entire focus had been on securing the position of chairman at the Feng Group. Her plan was simple: once her son returned to China, he would take control, and she would use her influence to propel him to the top, with the support of the seven adopted daughters. Together, they would rise even higher.
But now, she couldn't help but feel completely defeated by Feng Xian.
At that moment, Feng Xian pretended to be concerned, his voice laced with a fake sweetness. "Auntie, you don't look too well. Are you feeling alright?"
Ling Qingxiao looked up at the sound of his voice.
Feng Xian was smiling, but his eyes were cold and menacing, like a predator lurking in the shadows. It sent a chill down her spine, and she realized he might just be capable of doing something ruthless.
"Auntie, are you alright? Should I ask Ling Yi to come over and check on you? He should be back from his business trip soon, right?"
When Feng Xian mentioned Zhang Lingyi, it was like a subtle threat. Ling Qingxiao felt her legs weaken, as if an icy wind had swept through her.
She instinctively took a few steps back, but Feng Xian reached out and caught her waist, his touch unexpectedly soft and the scent of his cologne overpowering.
"Auntie, be careful," he said with feigned concern. "You should rest if you're tired. I've got everything under control at the company."
Before she could protest, he patted her on the backside without any regard for propriety, then announced, "I'm making my first decision as chairman."
The room fell silent as he continued, "Anyone who supported me can stay. The ones who opposed me, though? Pack your things and leave!"
The executives were in an uproar.
"You… What did you say?"
"We've been loyal to this company for years!"
"What do you think the staff will say about you? How will they trust you?"
Feng Xian shrugged nonchalantly. "Just so you know, My patience is limited. If you don't leave, someone else will make you."
As soon as he spoke, a group of bodyguards appeared, following Feng Xian's orders. The veteran shareholders, who had been part of the company for years, were left standing, stunned and furious.
After their departure, those who remained quickly began to flatter him, eager to stay on his good side.
"Impressive, young master. Well done!"
"Those people were just dead weight. I've been wanting to report them for ages, but I didn't expect you to notice so quickly!"
"Haha, I always knew you had it in you. You're definitely the one for this position."
"What young master? He's the chairman now!"
"Long live the chairman!"
As the flattery filled the room, Feng Xian's takeover was nearly complete.
Later, after the funeral of Feng Zhongguo was wrapped up, Feng Xian called Ling Qingxiao over to speak before he left.
"Auntie," he said, his voice low.
Ling Qingxiao's anger boiled beneath her calm exterior. Losing the chairmanship made her feel vulnerable, but she wasn't going to show it.
Taking a deep breath, she turned to face him. "What is it?"
Feng Xian spoke matter-of-factly. "I want you to arrange a dinner with Han Yue tonight. I need to discuss a possible collaboration with her."
Han Yue was the third of the seven girls Ling Qingxiao had adopted. She had risen to fame as an actress, winning countless awards, and now she was the chairwoman of Wuyou Media, a huge player in the entertainment industry.
This dinner, Feng Xian thought, was part of his grand plan to shift the balance of power. If he could get Han Yue to work for him, it would be another powerful ally in his arsenal. These women, his "sisters," held influence, and he planned to take that power for himself.
Ling Qingxiao stiffened at the mention of Han Yue. "I don't know her," she said, trying to deflect.
Feng Xian scoffed. "Really? Funny, because I heard Han Yue was raised by you from the orphanage. She even calls you 'godmother,' doesn't she?"
Ling Qingxiao froze, her mind racing. How did he know?
Feng Xian continued, enjoying the look of shock on her face. "I also know that her entire career, all her success, is thanks to you feeding her opportunities through Fengshi Group. Now that she's successful, shouldn't she be thanking the one who gave her all that?"
Ling Qingxiao's expression faltered. The secret she'd guarded so carefully was no longer safe. How had Feng Xian uncovered it?
He saw the fear in her eyes and added, "If I was you, I wouldn't want this little secret to get out, Auntie. You wouldn't want to damage Han Yue's hard earned reputation, would you?"
Ling Qingxiao felt trapped. The walls were closing in, and she realized she had seriously underestimated Feng Xian's cunning.
After a long pause, she finally spoke. "Alright. I'll set up the dinner, but it has to be at home. Han Yue is a special case."
Feng Xian grinned, pleased with the outcome. "Good. And don't forget to have Zhang Lingyi come see me when he's back from his trip. There are some things I need to explain to him."
With that, he turned on his heel, striding away without another word.
Ling Qingxiao watched him leave, her hands trembling as she dug her nails into her palm, the pain a small distraction from the anger boiling inside her. Her thoughts were interrupted when her phone rang.
It was Zhang Lingyi.
"Mom, I just got back to China and saw the changes in the company. Why did Feng Xian become the chairman? He's always been uninterested in business. How could he just take over like this?"
Ling Qingxiao closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "He's the only son. He has the right to inherit Feng Zhongguo's shares. If he wants to be chairman, no one can stop him."
"But Mom, we've worked so hard for this company!" Zhang Lingyi complained, frustration clear in his voice. "I won't just hand it over to him."
Ling Qingxiao tried to calm him down. "Stay calm. It's just temporary. If he messes up, we'll have our chance to take back control."
She was still shaken by Feng Xian's boldness. She couldn't be sure what he would do next, and she was increasingly worried about Zhang Lingyi's safety. She had to be careful, especially when it came to the dinner with Han Yue tonight. Whatever Feng Xian was planning, it wouldn't end well for someone.
"You stay at the company for now," she told Zhang Lingyi. "Don't come back to the villa yet."
"What? But I just got here!" Zhang Lingyi protested.
Ling Qingxiao didn't have time for his complaints. "Just do as I say."
She hung up before he could argue further.
Meanwhile, across town, Zhang Lingyi sat in a private restaurant with Han Yue, his mood clearly sour. He had just learned about his mother's latest strange demands, and it had set him off.
Han Yue, who had been quietly listening, placed her hand on his. "Brother, what did your godmother say?"
Zhang Lingyi grumbled, clearly frustrated. "She's acting weird. I don't want the chairmanship, but she insists I take it. And now, she's asking me to stay away from home!"
Before Han Yue could respond, her phone buzzed. She read the message, then looked at Zhang Lingyi with raised eyebrows. "It's true. She wants me to have dinner with Feng Xian tonight."
Zhang Lingyi's eyes widened. "What? Is she doing this because he's now the chairman?"
Han Yue smirked, unimpressed. "Feng Xian? Please. He's just some spoiled rich kid with no real power. My fifth sister already dug into his background. He's nothing but a hollow shell. Don't worry, I'll handle him for you."
Zhang Lingyi smiled, grateful for her support. "You're the best, third sister."
As he got up to sing a spontaneous song, Han Yue's gaze softened. She admired Zhang Lingyi—his charm was undeniable, even in the midst of all the drama. But tonight, she had her own battle to fight.
Feng Xian was not going to get away with this.