Chapter 393: The Clan Assembly
Chapter 393: The Clan Assembly
As Meng Huang uttered these words, various reactions emerged within the room.
Zhenghai Meng's body seemed to tremble slightly, but he then lowered his head even further, as if dozing off.
Meng Lei didn't offer any rebuttal; he merely smiled faintly, while Yu Sun beside him remained unchanged, as if she had known all along.
Meng Shu's demeanor was calm, both inside and out.
She hadn't been aware of this news beforehand, but she had never held any expectations for her grandfather, and without expectations, there was no room for disappointment. Moreover, this didn't concern her in any way.
Chen Chuan used the Boundary Realm's existing data to investigate the Consciousness Modulator and the Biomimetic Substitute, discovering that these were technologies from the Primordial Human Corporation.
The Biomimetic Substitute was an unconscious biological body of the host, but it could be remotely or independently controlled through the Consciousness Modulator to fulfill the needs of the original body.
However, further investigation yielded no results. After all, external communications were currently blocked, and aside from a simple introduction, there was nothing else available.
But he didn't have much of a reaction to this, as it was quite normal for the upper echelons of these companies to utilize such technologies. Unlike fighters who possessed formidable strength, they needed these methods to ensure their survival, so using substitutes was not uncommon.
Furthermore, today they were facing Meng Huang, who might be colluding with the other side. If Meng Lei truly understood this, it would be strange for her to appear here. Now, it made more sense.
Meng Huang noticed Meng Shu's unusual calmness, which didn't seem feigned, and he was somewhat surprised. "You're just like they said—rational and calm. Well done. If it were a different time, you would have been a suitable heir. But now, things are different."
Meng Shu didn't show any weakness as she looked at him, her cold gaze unwavering. "What's different?"
Meng Huang fiddled with his fingernails. "You should know... yes, you know. The world is approaching a critical point of change. True transformation is right before our eyes, and the surging tide will soon engulf us..."
He spread his hands, gesturing to those around him, as if including everyone in the room. "Everyone, everything—can you lead the company through the coming tide? Can you? Or..." He looked up, "Will you just follow the orders of whoever is sitting up there?"
He fixed his gaze on Meng Shu. "If this is all you can do, I suggest you step down early. I can promise you that what you have now will not be lacking in the future." He pointed at the main seat where Meng Lei was sitting. "There's no difference between you and that."
Leaning forward, he clasped his hands together and stared at Meng Shu. "So, think it over. Like the rest of the Meng family, live your own lives peacefully, and don't cause me any trouble. I can tolerate you."
Meng Lei didn't stop them from speaking. His profound and meaningful gaze now turned to Meng Shu, as if awaiting her response.
Meng Shu looked at him and said, "Are you Meng Huang?"
Meng Huang raised an eyebrow.
Meng Shu stared into his eyes, her voice filled with certainty. "You're not." She met Meng Huang's uninhibited gaze. "You're not even a member of the Meng family. You have no right to ask me that question."
Zhenghai Meng, who had been dozing off, suddenly paused and lifted his head slightly.
Slow clapping echoed through the living room, and Meng Lei lightly applauded from his seat. With a satisfied smile, he said, "Well said, Shu. I didn't misjudge you."
Meng Huang leaned back, seeming disappointed that Meng Shu had rejected him. As for Meng Lei's words, he merely scoffed in disdain.
Meng Lei spoke again. "The company's heir must not only be excellent but also understand the art of timing and situation analysis. At critical moments, they must be able to make calm and rational decisions."
He looked at Meng Huang, disappointment in his voice. "Meng Huang, your performance truly disappoints me."
Meng Huang seemed unbothered. "And then?"
Meng Lei sighed. "If you were still the Meng Huang of the past, I wouldn't consider Shu. But your goal is not just the company; there's something else you want, and you're already impatient for it. That thing has already influenced you, and it seems to have gone too deep.
Today, I wanted to give you a choice, hoping you'd give us both a satisfactory response so we could continue to compromise. But you don't even bother pretending anymore."
A mist of gloom stirred in the depths of Meng Huang's eyes, but it might have just been an illusion. "Old man, what do you know?"
He sneered. "You're still using your stubborn, outdated brain to think. You're still operating within the old rules of the world, bound by what you can and cannot do. You're acting within the boundaries set by others, never breaking free from the circle they've drawn for you.
Your family business is vast, and your company is huge, but it's all an illusory castle. As soon as the government stops its orders, the company will collapse. Everything you've worked for is built on shaky sand, ready to topple with a slight push.
But I..."
He pointed at himself. "I've worked hard to find new channels, seek new directions for the company, establish new technology research labs, and strive to extend the company's lifespan. What have I gotten in return?"
Not even a promise of inheritance.
But now, I understand. None of this matters. No matter how well I perform, because of the path I've chosen, you no longer consider me as one of your own. Even if I were to take that position, what difference would it make? In the end, I'd be just like you, hiding in this shell and giving orders.
Fortunately, the world's changes are right before your eyes. What you once held onto is now utterly meaningless."
As he spoke, his facial muscles seemed to twitch unnaturally. "Only by embracing greatness and facing the world's transformation can we do what we ought to."
Chen Chuan stared at Meng Huang, observing his field domain from the moment he entered. Initially, it was somewhat obscure and vague, similar to the aura of Meng family members who wore certain items.
However, just now, an extremely abnormal change occurred. It was as if he had suddenly become agitated and frenzied. In his perception, it seemed like something had been added to his body.
Meng Lei spoke slowly, "Are you referring to your communication with the entity across the way?" Chen Chuan shook his head, "You're wrong. I don't care if you truly communicated with the entity over there. In this era, your actions aren't considered too extreme.
If you can maintain your rationality and utilize the entity across the way well, making it your collaborator, I would actually admire you more. I would feel more at ease entrusting the company's business to you. But if you submit to them, then you're not the qualified candidate to lead the company forward."
Meng Huang spoke nonchalantly, "It seems like you're ready to lay your cards on the table today?"
Meng Lei remained silent, merely observing him.
Meng Huang continued, "You've been wanting to do this for a while, but you've been hesitant because you're afraid I'd be forced to sell out the company, causing greater damage. So, you've been assessing my destructive power and probing my true intentions.
That's fine. I've tolerated you for a long time as well."
He smiled with a hint of mockery, "Since you like following the rules, I'll play by your rules this time...
You just chose Meng Shu as the heir, right? This requires a vote from the Meng family members. Now, as a member of the Meng family, I propose a family meeting. If you think I'm not qualified, I can find a suitable person."
Meng Lei said, "This matter needs to be addressed sooner or later. Xiao Lu, while everyone is here, notify the family members and have them connect to the signal."
Yu Sun bowed slightly and immediately sent out a meeting invitation to all Meng family members. Before long, a light curtain appeared overhead, displaying over thirty Meng family members, most of whom were directors of the Fusion Boundary Corporation.
Meng Lei spoke, "You should all be aware of the situation. I've chosen Xiao Shu as the company's heir. What are your thoughts?"
Someone immediately spoke up, "Uncle, why not reconsider? Xiao Shu is still young. Why not wait a few more years?"
"Yes, she hasn't handled company affairs before. Let her manage a smaller department first. If she does well, she can continue; if not, it's not a big deal. There are so many talented younger generations in the family."
"I think Xiao Huang is a good choice. He's been diligent these past few years, respectful to the elders, and caring towards the younger generations. Isn't he satisfactory, Second Brother?"
Meng Lei hummed in response, "Let's hear everyone's opinions." He turned to the side, "Meng Jing, what do you think?"
The person who was called upon seemed hesitant, "Second Brother, this... You decide. I have no objections either way. Xiao Shu is good, and Xiao Huang is not bad."
Meng Lei asked another person, who gave a similar response. After everyone had expressed their opinions, only a few indicated their support for Meng Shu, while most favored Meng Huang.
Meng Huang spread his hands, a playful smile on his face, "You see, your proposal won't pass. How do you plan to proceed, still intending to follow the rules?"
Meng Lei didn't seem the least bit troubled by the situation. He spoke calmly and assuredly, "Of course, the rules must be followed. Someone who acts arbitrarily cannot sit in this position. I respect the family meeting's decision, but..."
His gaze shifted to Meng Huang, and his eyes suddenly became piercingly sharp. "Just as Xiao Shu said, are you still Meng Huang?"
At this moment, Chen Chuan felt a sudden sensation. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the Second Self, where a faint fading phenomenon appeared.
Meng Huang furrowed his brows, sensing something. His eyelids twitched, and his facial muscles and skin began to pulsate slowly, as if something was trying to emerge from within.
"You..."
He tried to stand up, but even a slight movement caused the entire sofa to topple over. He covered his face with one hand, his body trembling uncontrollably. The shadow beside him started to distort strangely and gradually expanded outward.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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