The secretary's words resonated deeply with Lin Qingya.
Half a year ago, she returned from overseas, and with her grandfather's support, she took control of the Lin Corporation. There were many grumbles, both within the family and throughout the company.
Fortunately, during that half-year, she had implemented numerous measures to reorganize the company, and Lin Corporation flourished, leaving those critics without a leg to stand on.
But now, things were different. The leaked photos of her kissing the bodyguard applicant were bound to affect Lin Corporation's image and cause its stock prices to fall.
Those with ulterior motives would likely use this incident to force her out of her position.
"Ding-a-ling!"
Right then, Lin Qingya's cell phone rang in her pocket. She looked at the display; it was her uncle calling.
Just as she feared the worst, it happened!
Lin Changshan, Lin Qingya's uncle, was also a major shareholder in Lin Corporation, second only to her grandfather and Lin Qingya herself.
Before Lin Qingya returned, Lin Changshan had been serving as the Executive CEO of Lin Corporation.
However, under Lin Changshan's leadership, Lin Corporation had not been doing well, especially in the last three years, having lost many projects and accumulated some debts.
The chairman, Lin Qingya's grandfather Lin Chuanxin, seeking change and citing the need for fresh blood, removed Lin Changshan from the Executive CEO position despite much controversy and placed Lin Qingya in charge.
Because of this, Lin Changshan was anything but pleased with his niece, Lin Qingya, often picking her apart in board meetings and causing all sorts of trouble.
Seeing it was Lin Changshan calling, Lin Qingya's heart sank.
She waited for several rings before answering the call, "Director Lin, what can I do for you?"
"I have something! Of course, I have something!"
The tone in Lin Changshan's voice carried a hint of delight, as if he had encountered some joyous occasion.
"In half an hour, a temporary board meeting will be convened in the Skyscraper Sky Garden! The chairman has specifically requested your attendance!"
He chuckled sardonically, his tone teasing, "Qingya, oh Qingya, your uncle really couldn't tell. You always act so cool and aloof, but in private, you're quite the libertine!"
"And it's understandable, after all, you did study overseas where things are much more liberal, hahaha!"
By the end of his words, he laughed loudly, releasing what seemed like a long-accumulated resentment all at once.
Lin Qingya's face grew cold as she replied sharply, "I will be punctual for the meeting. And as for my personal matters, there's no need for Director Lin to concern himself!"
With that, she hung up the phone with a click.
"Was that Director Lin?"
Secretary Yan lowered his head slightly and looked towards Lin Qingya.
Lin Changshan served as the Chief Financial Officer in the company, and everyone referred to him as Director Lin.
"Yes!"
Lin Qingya nodded, sitting in her chair with her forehead in her hand, feeling both angry and depressed.
What a mess!
Her more than twenty years of pristine reputation were ruined, and now, someone coveted her CEO position, forcing her to step down!
No!
She couldn't let these people succeed!
Before finding the mastermind behind the scenes, and for her future as well as that of Lin Corporation, she absolutely must not step down!
With this in mind, she finished the lemon water on the table and got up briskly, "Let's go to the Sky Garden!"
"I want to see who dares to force me out!"
...
At 9:40, in the meeting room of the Sky Garden at the top of Chuanxin Building.
An elderly man, around seventy years old with graying hair, dressed in traditional Chinese attire and leaning on a cane, took the main seat with the help of those around him.
First, he glanced at the shareholders, then his gaze fell on Lin Qingya.
"The reason I have called everyone here today is that there is an urgent matter at hand!"
"Qingya, you are my favorite granddaughter and the junior I trust the most. When I entrusted to you the vast Lin Corporation, it was because I saw your qualities and abilities!"
"Now, the whole of Jinling City is discussing you and our Lin Corporation. You must give an explanation to me and to the directors present!"
"That's right! President Lin is correct!"
Lin Changshan was the first to raise his hand in support, "Lin Qingya, as the Executive CEO of our Lin Corporation, everyone, inside and out, is watching you!"
"Any improper behavior of yours will become a stain on our Lin Corporation!"
"If you don't provide an explanation to all of us directors today, I suggest we dismiss Lin Qingya from her position as Executive CEO!"
As soon as he finished speaking, those loyal to Lin Changshan echoed their agreement.
"I agree with Director Lin's suggestion!"
"Director Lin is right. Lin Qingya is the president of our Lin Corporation. Her every word and deed represents the Lin Corporation! If her behavior is improper, she has no right to sit in the position of Executive CEO!"
"I also agree that Lin Qingya should step down and we should choose someone capable. Director Lin is sincere, hardworking, and free from those rumors in private. I suggest electing Lin Changshan as the new Executive CEO!"
Hearing these shareholders, Lin Qingya sneered inwardly, I have yet to speak, and you people are already pressuring me to step down, are you that impatient?
"I appreciate the directors' esteem, but my abilities are meager, and I am truly not up to the task of being Executive CEO; please choose another capable person," said Lin Changshan as he stood up and bowed to everyone, suggesting an indirect strategy.
Chairman Lin Chuanxin saw through his eldest son's ploy at a glance. He waved his hand and said coldly, "Does no one understand me?"
"I asked Qingya for an explanation. How did it turn into something else in your mouths?"
"Qingya, speak for yourself!"
Seeing that the chairman had spoken, all the shareholders present bowed their heads and did not dare to interject. They focused their attention on Lin Qingya, waiting for her explanation.
Secretary Yan, standing behind her, had sweaty palms and forehead, anxiety reaching her throat.
Under everyone's watchful eye, Lin Qingya slowly stood up and spoke indifferently, "Chairman, I do not need to explain!"
This declaration immediately set off an uproar.
Lin Changshan was the first to challenge, "Not explain? Lin Qingya, how long have you been president? You no longer regard the chairman with any respect!"
His loyalists murmured below, "Tsk, tsk, tsk, Lin Qingya is really full of herself! She doesn't consider anyone else at all!"
"Even the chairman, why on earth did he let this woman be president."
"You don't know, but when Lin Qingya studied abroad, it was a mess there. I heard they often have pool parties and yacht parties, dozens of people gathering to engage in messy relationships..."
As the meeting room became more and more noisy, Lin Chuanxin banged his cane heavily on the floor, "Silence!"
He glanced angrily at his granddaughter and said, "Qingya, explain yourself properly! What do you mean by no need to explain?"
"No need to explain means just that, no need to explain!"
Lin Qingya's gaze swept across the shareholders and finally settled on her uncle, speaking coolly, "Why should I explain my date with my fiancé to you!"
...