Looking for relatives: I acquired my mother’s billion-dollar enterprise Chapter 14

The heavy air of the conference room was suffused with tension as the directors exchanged wary glances. Song Yazhi, seated at the head of the long, polished table, radiated an aura of icy authority. Her expression was calm, but her sharp eyes cut through the room like shards of glass.

The director who had spoken leaned forward, his voice thick with implied criticism. “Director Song, Gezhi is not just your legacy—it is a publicly listed company with the livelihoods of over 110,000 employees tied to its success. The market doesn’t operate on sentintality, and news like this unsettles our shareholders.”

A soft murmur rippled through the room.

Song Yazhi’s lips curved into a frosty smile. “So, you’re saying that recognizing my own son—a private matter—has destabilized a company I built from the ground up?” Her voice was calm, but there was a razor-sharp edge to it that made the directors shift uncomfortably in their seats.

The sa director, emboldened by the murmurs of agreent around him, cleared his throat. “Director Song, the optics of this situation are unfortunate. There are concerns in the market about your son’s qualifications. With all due respect, what has he achieved to be considered as a potential successor? We are here to safeguard Gezhi’s future, not—”

“Not what?” Song Yazhi’s voice cracked like a whip.

The man faltered, his words caught in his throat.

“You speak of qualifications,” Song Yazhi said, rising from her chair. The power in her stance silenced the room. “For decades, I have steered this company through storms that would have sunk lesser enterprises. I have faced down competitors, hostile takeovers, and economic downturns—and won. And now you question my judgnt over a son I’ve only just found?”

Her tone dropped, low and dangerous. “Let make this clear: My personal matters are not for your scrutiny, nor are they up for debate. And as for my son’s qualifications…”

She paused, her eyes sweeping the room. “You know nothing of his capabilities. You have no idea what he is capable of. But I do. He carries my blood, and that alone makes him more qualified than most people in this room.”

The room fell deathly silent.

Just then, the sleek double doors of the conference room swung open. A secretary hurried in, her face pale with urgency. “Director Song, there’s an urgent call for you from Lei Jun of Dami Technology.”

The ntion of the na sent a ripple of curiosity through the room. Song Yazhi raised an eyebrow but gestured for the secretary to patch the call through to the conference room.

A mont later, Lei Jun’s voice echoed through the speakerphone, strained and deferential. “Director Song, good afternoon. I hope I’m not interrupting, but I wanted to address an old matter—a bet we made five years ago.”

A hush fell over the room as the directors exchanged astonished glances.

“I’ll get straight to the point,” Lei Jun continued. “The 1 billion-yuan wager we agreed upon—I lost. I recognize that now. I’ve already instructed my finance team to transfer the amount to Gezhi’s accounts today. I hope this clears up any misunderstandings and demonstrates my respect for your leadership and integrity.”

Song Yazhi’s expression didn’t waver, but the corners of her lips twitched in a faint smirk. “Mr. Lei, I appreciate your candor. It’s good to see a man of your stature honor his commitnts.”

“Thank you, Director Song,” Lei Jun said quickly. “If there’s anything else I can do to reaffirm my respect for you and Gezhi, please don’t hesitate to let know.”

The call ended, leaving a stunned silence in its wake.

Song Yazhi turned to the directors, her voice cutting through the quiet like a blade. “Let remind you of sothing: This is how I handle challenges. I don’t need to explain myself or seek approval. And as for my son, you will withhold judgnt until you’ve seen what he can do. Dismissed.”

The directors filed out, chastened and subdued.

Alone in the room, Song Yazhi sat back in her chair, her expression softening. She picked up her phone and dialed a familiar number.

“Xiao Yuan,” she said warmly when the call connected. “I just received so interesting news. Did you have sothing to do with Lei Jun’s sudden change of heart?”

On the other end of the line, Qin Yuan chuckled. “Let’s just say I gave him a little nudge. After all, Mom, we can’t let people forget who you are—or who I am.”

Song Yazhi smiled, her heart swelling with pride. “My son, it seems the world has underestimated you. But not for long.”

The call ended, and Song Yazhi gazed out the window of the high-rise, her reflection rging with the skyline of the bustling city. The Iron Lady of Gezhi and her enigmatic son—a force the world was only beginning to reckon with.