Chapter 392: The Heir
Chapter 392: The Heir
As the door opened, Meng Shu paused briefly before entering. Chen Chuan noticed her taking a deep breath unconsciously before stepping inside.
Following her, Chen Chuan entered the well-lit living room, where the autumn sunlight poured in, enhancing the grandeur of the lavishly decorated space.
In the center of the hall, beneath an intricate crystal chandelier, stood a solid wooden desk with a half-human-sized globe on it, adorned with old-fashioned drawings and annotations.
Meng Lei, the founder and current leader of Fusion Boundary Corporation, sat on a sofa behind the desk.
Fusion Boundary was established sixty years ago, making Meng Lei at least eighty years old. However, he appeared to be only in his forties or fifties, sitting there with a commanding presence.
His handsome face exuded vitality, with firm skin and thick, black hair. He carried an air of authority, as if accustomed to high positions.
Chen Chuan noticed that Meng Shu's eyes resembled his own, both with slightly upturned corners, like a phoenix's tail. However, Meng Lei's eyes held a depth and complexity, like an unfathomable abyss.
At that moment, Yu Sun approached Meng Lei and leaned over to whisper something to him. Meng Lei smiled and nodded towards Chen Chuan before turning to Meng Shu and saying, "Ah, little Shu is here."
Meng Shu approached and greeted him respectfully, "Grandfather."
Meng Lei nodded and said, "Since little Shu is here, let's sit down. We're still waiting for another guest."
Another guest? Chen Chuan wondered if it could be Meng Huang. It was possible, but the use of the term "guest" added an unusual nuance.
Yu Sun spoke up, "Please, take a seat."
Chen Chuan politely nodded in acknowledgment and sat on the nearby sofa. Looking outside, he could see the square parking lot where Meng Xu still stood, seemingly waiting for someone.
Yu Sun engaged with Jie Ping, saying a few words before a middle-aged man with neatly combed hair and a monocle entered the room. Accompanying him was an elderly man with a cane, his face marked by age spots, being supported as he walked.
Chen Chuan had reviewed the profiles of some of Meng Lei's associates and recognized the middle-aged man as Meng Lei's private counsel, Ma Guangming. The elderly man was also familiar to him.
He was Meng Lei's grand-uncle, Meng Zheng Huai, the eldest member of the Meng family, already 120 years old, his life sustained by medication.
Yu Sun left the room, supporting Meng Zheng Huai and helping him sit down. "Take it slow, Grand Uncle," she said.
"I'm getting old," Meng Zheng Huai replied. "I get out of breath just walking a few steps."
After sitting down, Meng Zheng Huai fumbled with his hearing aid before putting it on. "Little Lei, while my ears still work, speak your mind. I'm all ears."
Meng Lei smiled and said, "Grand Uncle, you're not that old. I can arrange an implant surgery for you, and with modern technology, we can also improve your overall health."
Meng Zheng Huai waved his hand in refusal. "I've said it before. I won't put those messy things in my body. I'd rather my ancestors not recognize me. I'm content with my age."
Meng Lei didn't insist further. Turning to Ma Guangming, he said, "Ma, I've invited two young family members today, both potential heirs I've been observing. Little Shu is already here, so I'll announce my decision... "
Ma Guangming's expression turned serious. He took out a document and a pen from his briefcase, waiting for Meng Lei to continue.
The room fell silent.
Meng Lei continued, "If Meng Huang doesn't arrive in this room within the stipulated time, it will be considered a voluntary withdrawal. I hereby confirm my granddaughter, Meng Shu, as the sole heir to the company."
Meng Shu remained seated, her emotions in check. She couldn't be sure if this was her grandfather's reassurance or a genuine decision.
However, she knew how to maintain the composure her grandfather expected from her, showing no signs of excitement.
Meng Lei's gaze revealed a hint of satisfaction.
Ma Guangming quickly jotted down Meng Lei's words on the document, then raised his head, his expression turning slightly grave. "Sir, I've recorded your words."
"According to the bylaws, any decision regarding succession must be confirmed and approved by the Meng family members and documented," Ma Guangming added.
Meng Lei acknowledged with a hum, then picked up a teacup from the desk and blew on it leisurely. "I'll make the official announcement at the upcoming family meeting."
"Then there's no issue," Ma Guangming said respectfully.
Meng Zheng Huai spoke up, "Little Lei, I'm here too. I'll witness today's events."
"He turned to Yu Sun beside him, "Is Meng Shu Old Four's daughter?"
Yu Sun slightly bent her waist and said, "Yes, she's the daughter of the Fourth Young Master. Your memory is really good, Great-Granduncle."
Zhenghai Meng chuckled and stroked his sparse beard, "Old Four is a good kid, and so is Meng Shu. Meng Lai, you decide on the matter, and I'll support you in the family."
Yan Yi, sitting beside him, glanced at Meng Lai above and then looked over at Guangming Ma.
Although it seemed that Meng Lai had made a decision, she didn't feel that the situation had changed. All of this was still dependent on Meng Huang's actions. As long as Meng Huang wasn't removed, these things could change at any time.
Providing long-term expectations to those below is a necessary skill for company management. As a member of the management, she deeply understood that only things that were truly implemented were of practical value. Some descriptions may sound wonderful, but until they were fulfilled, they were just empty words.
Chen Chuan heard this conversation clearly, and at this moment, he had a feeling that these words were not only for Meng Shu but also for him.
To be precise, they were for the Processing Bureau behind him.
If that was the case, it meant they regarded him as the representative of the Processing Bureau here.
But in reality, this wasn't wrong. His presence here today meant the Processing Bureau had granted him certain authority. The official letter of execution had arrived yesterday with those items, and he now carried it on his person.
Guangming Ma recorded some documents, filled out a few more, and handed them to Meng Lai for confirmation. After ensuring there were no issues, he took them back and left with Yu Sun. Not long after, Yu Sun returned and nodded at Meng Lai.
Next, Meng Lai and Zhenghai Meng chatted about past matters and occasionally asked about Meng Shu's life, just like a true family elder caring for the younger generation. The atmosphere seemed more relaxed than it had been earlier.
Time passed, and after half an hour, the designated time was approaching. The clock beside them began to chime.
Zhenghai Meng paused their conversation and narrowed his cloudy eyes.
Yan Yi instinctively clenched her fingers.
As the last chime of the clock faded away, the living room door opened, and a man in his thirties walked in. As he walked, he spoke in a mocking tone, "Oh, sorry, I seem to be late."
Chen Chuan looked over, and this man bore some resemblance to Meng Shu. His face was handsome and dashing, but his expression held a sense of carefree arrogance.
In person, he looked slightly different from the photo the Processing Bureau had given Chen Chuan. The most obvious difference was his height; Meng Huang was originally around 1.8 meters tall, definitely not over 2.1 meters as he appeared now.
Although many technologies and implants could achieve this effect, Chen Chuan was sure Meng Huang hadn't used such methods.
Moreover, genuine upper-level company leaders rarely used implants or similar things. They had better drugs and unique methods to enhance their physical qualities and prolong their lives.
Meng Huang didn't come alone. Behind him was a man wearing sunglasses, with a stout build. His arms were short, but his limbs were exceptionally thick. Compared to Meng Huang, he seemed rather unremarkable, easily overlooked. He entered and stood there motionless.
But Chen Chuan could sense that this man was no ordinary person; he was a Tier Three Combatant, likely responsible for Meng Huang's personal security.
Meng Huang first scanned the room, his gaze landing on Meng Shu and Zhenghai Meng. He smiled, then shifted his attention to Meng Lai. His eyes showed a hint of disdain, and he casually sat down on a vacant sofa, crossing his legs.
Meng Lai spoke slowly, "You're late, but you still came."
Meng Huang chuckled, "To be honest, I didn't want to come, especially not to face you. Oh, please excuse my words, but when I face you, I can't bring myself to show any respect."
Zhenghai Meng, sitting beside them, had removed his hearing aid when Meng Huang entered. He leaned on his cane, his head bobbing as if he were dozing off.
Yan Yi looked at Meng Lai with disbelief. She hadn't expected Meng Huang to be so impolite to Meng Lai, the company's leader, not even bothering with basic courtesy. Was it because he knew he couldn't be the heir and was now reckless?
Meng Huang turned to Meng Shu, "You don't know yet?" He extended his hand, pointing at Meng Lai, "This person sitting before us is just a biomimetic substitute with an implanted consciousness modulator.
You think he's our grandfather? Don't joke!
I doubt we've ever seen the real him, and the true him might have passed away long ago. What controls the company is just a consciousness modulator.
Would you follow the orders of a consciousness modulator, letting this thing decide our fates? I, for one, won't."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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