Chapter 423: Power hungry wolves

Chen villa.

Jianyu watched the entire news report on TV and sighed.

Well, bro is bro. No matter if the entire nation was against him, he didn’t lose his composure at all.

“Will Liu Jinhai be alright?”

Serena came into the study, carrying Zixin in her arms. She saw what happened too, and the whole time, she was dumbfounded to hear Jinhai’s speech.

She agreed with what he said, but to pull that off in front of the media, which the whole nation will watch, was another thing.

A smile bloomed on Jianyu’s face as his gaze fell on his son.

“Hey, champ. Let me hold him.”

Jianyu took Zixin his arms and playfully swayed him up and down. At first, Zixin smiled, and then his lips curved into soft giggles.

Serena felt a fuzzy feeling fill her chest as she gazed at the father-son pair. Their relationship had improved a lot since Serena moved to Chen villa. She had to admit that Zixin was the key.

Taking care of him and spending time with him together with Jianyu had slowly started to build their relationship, which was at a standstill until now. At times, they were awkward around each other, but Zixin’s sweet voice would make them forget all their awkwardness.

At first, Serena was shocked to know that she would live with Jianyu in his room. She never expected Chen Liling to let them stay together before marriage, and neither did Chen Guiren had any problem.

“Well, of course, Jianyu will stay with you.” She nodded. “You will need a lot of help taking care of Zixin, especially when he would wake up in the middle of the night crying for milk or bathroom. Jianyu should help you out too. It’s hard for a mother to do it all alone and she shouldn’t be the only one always losing her sleep.”

Serena smiled as she recalled that day. They still didn’t share the same bed, though. Serena slept on the bed with Zixin while Jianyu slept on the couch. Naturally, she felt concerned for him, but she couldn’t muster up to ask him to sleep on the bed.

She looked at Jianyu and said, “About Liu Jinhai…”

Jianyu’s attention went back to her. “Oh, yes.” He sighed. “Well, things would be difficult for sure. And the most direct effect will be on bro’s CEO position.”

Serena slightly widened her eyes. “Really?”

He nodded. “I heard from Dad that the board of directors have already called a meeting. Most probably, they would want bro to step down.”

“Huh? This makes no sense. He is such a capable CEO. Why would they want him to step down?”

“They only see profit. Liu Corps shares have drastically shot down because of the videotape, and bro’s reputation have also taken a big hit. Though he has managed to reduce the backlash with how he confronted the media, it is not enough for this incident to die down so easily. So for them, if Liu Jinhai keeps his CEO position and if it further makes the situation worse in the market, then they would want him to back out.”

Serena frowned. “So if not him, then who? Liu Jing?”

Jianyu smiled. “Well, he is the obvious next option after bro, but you know that Jing doesn’t want to be the CEO. His interest lies in fashion designing. He might temporarily help, but he cannot do it forever.”

“Then?”

Jianyu sneered. “So this is the time when those hungry for power will show themselves and come out in the open. Bro is out, and Jing doesn’t want to do it. Uncle has already retired. So, they would suggest someone they know to act as temporary CEO until we find a solution.”

Serena was in disbelief. “Ah? How could this be? Why would Uncle Liu let anybody outside the Liu family take over the reins?”

Jianyu smiled. “Because Serena, you are forgetting something. Chen and Liu families have never imposed that only blood-related family members can be the CEO. We see capability. If any of the directors bring an employee from Liu Corps who is capable enough, then Uncle Liu cannot resist. This is how they want control. Their appointed man would take the CEO seat, but he would dance around the director’s finger like puppets, and indirectly, the directors would have power and control over Liu Corps. That would give their families a chance to be at the same level as us.”

She was dumbfounded.

I didn’t know the desire for power ran that deep…so complicated.

Jianyu handed Zixin back to her. “But don’t worry. Uncle and bro would have surely thought of something.”

She nodded. “I will take Zixin outside for a stroll.”

As she turned to leave, Jianyu suddenly called out. “Serena!”

She stopped and looked back at him. “Hm?”

“That…um…will you…um…” he hesitated. His smile faltered a bit, and he didn’t know how to say the next.

Serena furrowed her brows. “Something wrong?”

“Ah…nothing.” He smiled.

“…Are you sure?”

“Hm. I forgot what I wanted to say. It’s alright, though. It was nothing important.”

Serena watched him carefully.

Why do I feel that is not the case?

“…Alright. When you remember, do tell me.”

Jianyu nodded.

Serena left with Zixin.

“Ughh damn!”

Jianyu brushed through his hair with his fingers in frustration.

He wanted to ask her if they could have dinner sometime outside, just the two of them. He felt the same as Serena did. Their relationship was improving bit by bit, and he wanted to spend some time with her to bridge the gap. Maybe they could sort their differences out. Perhaps they could begin once again.

Jianyu didn’t detest her anymore, and towards the end, he was honestly tired of that hatred he had towards her. Perhaps he wanted things to go back as before, but he was too stubborn to give her a chance.

He sighed.

Things are still awkward…I couldn’t ask her out. Alright, I will try again tomorrow. This time I would definitely say it.

—

Liu Corps.

The board of directors had already assembled in the conference room and were impatiently waiting for Liu Hai and Jinhai.

The door opened, and Liu Hai and Jing entered along with Assistant Xin.

They nodded slightly and acknowledged their presence, but then frowned.

“Where is Liu Jinhai, Mr. Liu?”

“You must have already seen in the news. He is hurt on his head, so he is resting at home,” Liu Hai shrugged.

One of them disapprovingly said, “But how can he be not here?”

“Yes. He is the main cause of everything that happened.”

“He is the most needed.”

Liu Hai smiled. “Do you think I am not capable enough to drive the meeting?”

Everybody stiffened.

“O-of course not, Mr. Liu. We were just expressing our concern.”

“No need for that. Now, without any further delay, let’s start the meeting.”