Chapter 3: The First Step

Hours passed in a flash, and before they knew it, afternoon had arrived.

Huaifeng had never built its own office building. Instead, its headquarters occupied two floors in a high-rise in the city center.

Jiang Han and Jiang Zhiyu stepped into the elevator, the doors closing with a soft chime. As the floor numbers steadily climbed on the digital display, Jiang Han's fists clenched slightly.

Noticing his subtle nervousness, Jiang Zhiyu chuckled.

"Where did all that soaring confidence from home go?" she teased.

Jiang Han forced a bitter smile. "I've barely been to the company since I was a kid. It's only natural to feel nervous."

"Heh, now that's the reaction of a normal person."

Her playful tone faded as she turned serious. "Now, repeat what I told you earlier."

"The purpose of this meeting is to assess the company's situation. I should stay calm and let you handle everything," Jiang Han recited, sounding somewhat resigned.

"Good."

Jiang Zhiyu nodded approvingly before cautioning, "You've never been involved in company matters before. With the situation as it is, they'll see your presence today as a signal that you intend to take over. That means this meeting won't be peaceful. You must stay composed."

Jiang Han took a deep breath, his expression hardening. "I understand. Don't worry."

"Good."

As the elevator arrived with a soft ding, Jiang Zhiyu reached out and gave his cheek a light pinch, offering a reassuring smile.

"Relax, Xiaohan. No matter what happens, your sister is here."

That small gesture, that simple reassurance—it eased some of the tension in Jiang Han's chest.

But even as his body relaxed, his resolve only strengthened.

I won't let this situation last for long.

With that thought, he stepped forward, following Jiang Zhiyu out of the elevator.

---

The moment they arrived at the reception desk, two professional-looking greeters bowed slightly.

"President Jiang, Young Master Jiang."

Jiang Zhiyu gave a brief nod and asked, "Is everyone here?"

"Yes, ma'am. President Wu arrived earlier and took the others to the conference room."

"Understood."

Jiang Han took in the office space as they walked past rows of employees.

The atmosphere was heavy, the air thick with unspoken worries. Though the employees carried on with their work, there was a lifelessness in their eyes.

Huaifeng had always been known for its high salaries, yet the current state of its employees told Jiang Han everything he needed to know.

They aren't just worried about their jobs—they're worried about their future.

He exhaled softly. Investment plans need to be set in motion soon.

As they reached the conference room door, Jiang Zhiyu turned the handle. The heavy wooden door swung open with a quiet creak.

Inside, an eight-meter-long conference table stretched across the room, nearly every seat occupied. Over twenty executives and board members had gathered.

The second Jiang Han and Jiang Zhiyu stepped inside, all conversation ceased.

The shift in atmosphere was palpable.

Several older men sitting on the right immediately tensed, their expressions darkening. Wu Bin, who sat among them, furrowed his brows.

Even without saying a word, Jiang Han could read the emotions flickering across their faces.

Displeasure. Wariness. Calculations already in motion.

Ignoring the weight of their stares, he silently walked to his designated seat and sat down.

Jiang Zhiyu, on the other hand, approached the chair that had once belonged to their father.

For the briefest moment, a trace of sorrow flickered in her eyes. But just as quickly as it appeared, she buried it deep.

After scanning the room, she finally spoke.

"I assume you all already understand why I've called this meeting?"

A middle-aged man named Sun—one of Wu Bin's supporters—was the first to respond.

"We have a general idea."

The others nodded in agreement, but their eyes lingered on Jiang Han.

It was clear what they were thinking.

The young master, who never cared about company matters, suddenly appears at a critical time?

Their suspicions were justified. But Jiang Han didn't react. He simply observed.

Seeing no objections, Jiang Zhiyu continued.

"Then I'll get straight to the point. There are only two matters to address today."

"First," she said, her voice steady, "Uncle Jiang's funeral has been handled. As per his will, I will be taking over company affairs for the time being. Does anyone have an objection?"

Vice President Sun was the first to respond, his tone indifferent.

"We fully respect President Jiang's wishes. In terms of ability, you're certainly more capable than us old bones. Besides, you hold 5% of the company's shares. I have no objections."

The room fell silent.

But Jiang Han could feel the shift.

All eyes discreetly flickered toward him, gauging his reaction.

Yet he remained unmoved.

He simply glanced at Vice President Sun before lowering his gaze.

Heh. So this is how they want to play it?

A ghost of a smirk flickered at the corners of Jiang Han's lips.

Let's see how long you can keep that composure.