‌Chapter 12: Who Agrees? Who Objects?

Ye Chenghuan rifled through his memory for information on Chu Wenxuan: a renowned host, actress, singer, and the star anchor of Huatian Media. Her flagship program, Peak Dialogue, and other variety shows had made her a household name across the nation. With a delicate face, voluptuous figure, and sharp intellect, she was hailed as a goddess by audiences—a rare blend of beauty and brains.

"President Lin, we meet again." Chu Wenxuan extended her hand as Lin Peishan entered, her voice crisp and polished.

Lin Peishan smiled politely. "A pleasure, though I only have five minutes before a board meeting."

"That's more than enough. I'm grateful for your time."

No small talk—both women cut straight to the point. For Chu Wenxuan, her pen became a weapon the moment she picked it up, her gaze turning piercing.

‌Chu Wenxuan:‌ "Your personal essays reveal a duality: gentle yet formidable. In business, you're relentless. In emotions, deeply nuanced."

‌Lin Peishan:‌ "It's about principles. Non-negotiables demand strength. Compromise exists only where principles aren't at stake."

‌Chu Wenxuan:‌ "What qualifies as a 'principle'?"

‌Lin Peishan:‌ "Company interests. Anyone undermining them faces my scrutiny—anytime, anywhere. Colleagues call it 'ruthless.' I call it necessary."

‌Chu Wenxuan:‌ "Female entrepreneurs face unique challenges. What advice would you give?"

‌Lin Peishan:‌ "Success demands sacrifice. Shortcuts breed short-lived triumphs. Sustained success requires unwavering conviction."

‌Chu Wenxuan:‌ "Rumors swirl about layoffs at Eastern International. Any truth?"

‌Lin Peishan:‌ "I've never laid off employees."

‌Chu Wenxuan:‌ "What if economic pressures worsen?"

‌Lin Peishan:‌ "Find alternatives. Layoffs betray loyalty and social responsibility. Unthinkable."

‌Chu Wenxuan:‌ "A matter of conscience?"

‌Lin Peishan:‌ "Precisely."

‌Chu Wenxuan:‌ "Recent media attacks on your reputation—do they bother you?"

‌Lin Peishan:‌ "No."

‌Chu Wenxuan:‌ "Many female executives leverage style for visibility. Will you?"

‌Lin Peishan:‌ "Clothes merely cover the body. My mind defines my value. Even designer wear comes from discount racks."

Chu Wenxuan glanced at her watch. "Five minutes exactly. Thank you."

Lin Peishan shook her hand. "Another time, perhaps."

As Xia Ruyan whispered an update, Lin Peishan strode to a conference room where a middle-aged man awaited. "The board is assembled, President Lin."

Pausing at the threshold, Lin Peishan turned to Ye Chenghuan. "One rule: don't speak unless I permit."

He smirked. "As if I'd chat with these fossils."

Inside, an oval mahogany table surrounded by men in their fifties fell silent as Lin Peishan took the head seat. Ye Chenghuan plopped beside her, drawing puzzled stares.

Lin Peishan ignored the folder Xia Ruyan offered, clasping her hands. "Today's board meeting concerns a personal matter with corporate implications." She paused, letting tension build. "I'm getting married."

The room erupted. Gasps, murmurs, dropped pens—a thunderclap in five words.

Lin Peishan, Eastern International's largest shareholder and de facto ruler, had dropped a bombshell without consultation. Family members and allies exchanged alarmed glances.

"No congratulations?" she asked coolly, met by scattered, half-hearted applause.

Her gaze swept the room. "Who agrees? Who objects?"

Silence.

Then—

‌"I object."‌

The voice came from a man near Ye Chenghuan: mid-50s, salt-and-pepper hair slicked back, face ruddy from good living. A cigar nestled between manicured fingers, his eyes fathomless pools.

Lin Peishan's composure flickered. "Uncle Zhan. Your concern?"

Zhan puffed his cigar. "You're our leader, but Eastern International's fate affects us all. Marriage risks destabilizing share distribution. We demand transparency."

Murmurs of agreement.

Lin Peishan arched a brow. "You suspect a sham marriage to shield assets?"

Zhan smiled thinly. "Marry if you must—but relinquish all shares and sever ties with the company."

Ye Chenghuan's jaw tightened. A coup disguised as concern.

The room held its breath. Zhan's allies nodded; dissenters wavered. Lin Peishan faced a choice: abandon her empire or her freedom.

Her rosebud lips curved. "Interesting proposal."