First Test of Sharpness

When Lin Wanqing said he was the Son of the Zhao Family, he could not help thinking that her own son was now too embarrassing to show off. She probably was not feeling too pleased about it either!

Only after the two of them had talked themselves dry and looked at him expectantly did he slowly speak, his voice clear and calm:

"Director Lin, Secretary Liu, I understand what you mean. The company is in trouble, and I am deeply saddened by it."

Then his tone shifted, his gaze turning sharp and grave. "But My Father was only taken away to 'assist with an investigation.' The results are not out yet, and the truth remains unknown."

His words were exceedingly pointed. "At a time like this, as his trusted subordinates and the company's old guard, instead of actively finding out what is happening and working on his behalf, you are impatiently trying to push an inexperienced student like me forward to issue a statement saying I'll 'act as proxy'?"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over their subtly changed expressions. His tone took on a deliberately pained and righteous edge.

"If we do this, what will the public think of My Father? Will they think he has already completely fallen? What will they think of Henglong?

"A dignified Listed Company, and the moment its chairman is taken away, his son cannot wait to take over? If word gets out, what will My Father think? It will break his heart!"

"Though I, Zhao Chen, am young, I still know how to write the words Filial Piety and Righteousness. Before the investigation results come out, before I understand what My Father truly needs, I will never make any decision that might cause him to misunderstand or disappoint him!"

Those words were lofty and flawless, placing him on the moral high ground of ethics and Family Affection.

Not only had he rejected their request, he had also turned the tables and accused them of being "disloyal," "unrighteous," and "hasty."

Lin Wanqing and Liu Mingyu were both stunned.

They had anticipated all sorts of reactions from Zhao Chen—panicked acceptance, hesitation, bargaining... yet they had never expected him to refuse so righteously, then throw the accusation of "disappointing his father" right back at them.

"Xiao Chen, you misunderstand. That's not what we mean..." Lin Wanqing hurriedly explained, a flash of awkwardness and irritation crossing her face.

"We are doing this for Chairman Zhao and the company! The situation is critical right now. Someone has to steady things..."

"Steadying things does not necessarily mean issuing this kind of statement." Zhao Chen cut her off, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

"The most urgent matter is to use every legal and proper channel available to find out exactly why My Father is being investigated, how far things have progressed, and what help he needs! Not rushing to replace a chess piece here!"

He looked at Liu Mingyu, his tone carrying an order.

"Secretary Liu, you are the Board Secretary. External communications are your responsibility. What you should do now is immediately contact the company's legal counsel and find a way to formally communicate with the investigating authorities to learn the situation!"

"At the same time," he continued, "prepare a public announcement. State the facts: 'The chairman is assisting the relevant authorities with an investigation, and the company's operations remain entirely normal.' Do not add a single extra word!"

Liu Mingyu opened his mouth, but Zhao Chen's sudden display of forcefulness and clear logic left him speechless.

This was nothing like the reaction a twenty-year-old student should have had.

Lin Wanqing was still unwilling to give up. She suddenly turned her gaze toward the silent Su Wantang, softening her tone with a pleading note.

"Xiao Su, say something too. You need to make a decision for this family now. Xiao Chen is still young; perhaps he does not understand how serious this is.

"Persuade him. The sooner that statement is issued, the less the company will lose! It's for the good of this family too!"

Everyone's eyes focused on Su Wantang.

Su Wantang raised her head, her face still pale.

She looked at the anxious Lin Wanqing and Liu Mingyu, then at Zhao Chen beside her, whose expression was calm but whose gaze was resolute.

The Living Room fell silent for several seconds.

She softly drew a breath. Her voice was quiet, yet exceptionally clear.

"Xiao Chen... is the Son of the Zhao Family. With His Father absent, he has the final say in this family. What he says... makes sense."

She neither supported Lin Wanqing nor questioned Zhao Chen. Instead, with a gentle yet firm attitude, she handed the decision entirely to Zhao Chen and implicitly acknowledged his reasoning.

The last trace of hope in Lin Wanqing's eyes went out, and her expression completely darkened.

She exchanged a glance with Liu Mingyu. Both saw the surprise, frustration, and faint unease in the other's eyes.

This Zhao Chen was completely different from what they had imagined.

"Since... Young Master Zhao and Xiao Su both think so,"

Liu Mingyu said dryly, putting away the draft statement.

"Then... then we'll think of other ways and ask around about Chairman Zhao's situation."

"Fine."

Zhao Chen nodded, his expression easing somewhat, as though his harsh words just now had been born solely of filial devotion.

"Thank you for your efforts, both of you. Please notify us immediately if there is any definite news."

His intention to send them away was already unmistakable.

Left with no choice, Lin Wanqing and Liu Mingyu rose and departed with A Group of Senior Executives, their backs carrying a hint of panic and heaviness.

Just as the group was about to reach the door, Zhao Chen suddenly seemed to remember something and spoke.

"Oh, right. Director Chen, please stay behind. There's something regarding... something My Father mentioned before that I'd like to learn about."