Chapter 393: The Family Assembly
Chapter 393: The Family Assembly
As Meng Huang spoke, various reactions emerged within the room.
Meng Zheng Huai's body seemed to tremble slightly, but his head soon drooped even lower, and he appeared to doze off.
Meng Lei didn't offer any rebuttal. Instead, he wore a faint smile, and Aunt Yu beside him remained as she had been before, as if she had known all along.
Meng Shu remained silent, her entire being exuding calmness.
She hadn't been aware of this information beforehand, but she had never held any expectations for her grandfather. Without expectations, there was no room for disappointment, and this news made no difference to her.
Chen Chuan, on the other hand, utilized the resources within the Boundary Realm to research the Consciousness Coordinator and Bio Substitute. He discovered that these were technologies developed by the Primordial Company.
The Bio Substitute was an unconscious biological body of the host, capable of performing tasks remotely or independently through the Consciousness Coordinator, thus alleviating the burden on the host.
However, further investigation proved futile, as all external communications were blocked, leaving only a brief introduction.
Chen Chuan didn't react much to this, as he believed it was normal for the upper echelons of these companies to utilize such technologies. Unlike combatants, they lacked formidable force, and using substitutes to preserve their lives was not uncommon.
Moreover, they were about to confront Meng Huang, who might have colluded with the other side. If Meng Lei truly understood this, his presence here would be strange. Now, it made more sense.
Meng Huang was taken aback by Meng Shu's exceptional composure, which seemed genuine. "You're just like they said—rational and calm. Well done. In another time, you would have been the ideal heir. But now, things are different."
Meng Shu met his gaze without flinching, her cold eyes unwavering. "What do you mean?"
Meng Huang fiddled with his fingernails. "You should know, yes, you know that the world is on the verge of critical change. The true transformation is upon us, and the surging tide will soon engulf us..."
He spread his hands, gesturing to those around him. "Everyone, everything—can you lead the company through this impending wave? Or will you merely..." He glanced upward. "...follow the orders of whatever sits above?"
Fixing his gaze on Meng Shu, he continued, "If this is all you can do, I advise you to step aside. I can promise you that what you have now will not be lacking in the future." He pointed at Meng Lei with his finger. "It's no different from when he sits up there."
Leaning forward, Meng Huang clasped his hands together and stared at Meng Shu. "Think about it. You can live peacefully with the rest of the Meng family, as long as you don't cause me trouble. I can tolerate you."
Meng Lei didn't interrupt their conversation. His deep and meaningful gaze shifted to Meng Shu, as if awaiting her response.
Meng Shu turned to him and said, "Are you Meng Huang?"
Meng Huang raised an eyebrow.
Meng Shu looked into his eyes with certainty. "You're not. You're not even a member of the Meng family. You have no right to ask me that question."
Meng Zheng Huai, who had been dozing off, suddenly jerked his head up and lifted it slightly.
Slow applause filled the living room, and Meng Lei lightly clapped his hands. With a look of relief, he said, "Well said, Shu. I didn't misjudge you."
Meng Huang leaned back, seemingly disappointed by Meng Shu's refusal. He scoffed at Meng Lei's words.
Meng Lei continued, "An heir to the company must not only excel but also understand the art of timing and situation analysis. They should be able to make calm and rational decisions at critical moments."
He turned to Meng Huang, expressing his disappointment. "Meng Huang, your behavior truly disappoints me."
Meng Huang seemed unbothered. "And then?"
Meng Lei sighed. "If you were still the Meng Huang I knew, I wouldn't have considered Shu. But your intentions go beyond the company; you're after something else, and you seem impatient. That something has already influenced you, and it appears to run deep."
"I had hoped to give you a choice today, expecting a response that would satisfy us both. We could have compromised further, but you didn't even bother with the final act."
A mist of dark fog seemed to stir within Meng Huang's eyes, but it might have been a mere illusion. "Old man, what do you know?"
He scoffed. "You're still thinking with your stubborn, outdated mind, operating within the world's old rule system. This can't be done, that can't be done—you're confined by the boundaries others have drawn for you.
Your family and company are vast, but they're like illusions. Once the government stops placing orders, the company will falter. You're too insignificant.
Everything you strive for is built on loose sand. One push, and it all collapses."
He pointed at himself. "I've worked tirelessly to expand business channels, find new directions, establish technology research labs, and strive to prolong the company's life. What have I gained?"
Not even a promise of inheritance.
But now I understand; none of this matters. Even if I did everything right, the path I've chosen means you no longer see me as one of your own. And even if I were to take that seat, what would it change? In the end, I'd be no different, hiding within this mortal shell, issuing commands.
Fortunately, the world is changing right before our eyes. The things you once held dear are now meaningless."
As he spoke, his facial muscles twitched 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 biofield ever since he entered. It was initially vague and obscure, similar to the other Meng Clan members who wore certain items.
However, just now, an extremely abnormal change occurred. It was as if, in an instant, he became agitated and frantic. In his mind's eye, he sensed something additional on Meng Huang's body.
Meng Lei spoke slowly, "Are you referring to your communication with the presence across the way?" Chen Chuan shook his head. "You're mistaken. I don't care if you truly communicated with the presence over there. In this era, what you did isn't considered too extreme.
If you can remain rational and utilize the presence across the way to your advantage, making it your partner, I'd appreciate you even more. I'd be more willing to entrust the company's business to you. But if you submit to them, you won't be the qualified candidate to lead the company forward."
Meng Huang spoke casually, "Looks like you're here to call my bluff today?"
Meng Lei remained silent, merely observing him.
Meng Huang continued, "You've been wanting to do this for a while, right? You've only endured until now because you feared I'd be forced to betray the company, causing greater damage. So, you've been testing my destructive power and probing my true intentions.
That's fine; I've tolerated you for a long time, too."
In the 1619 book, there is no error in the version!
Chen Chuan smiled with a hint of mischief, "Since you like following the rules, I'll play by them this time. Let's handle this using the rules you prefer..."
"The decision you made about Meng Shu as the heir requires the Meng Clan's vote. As a member of the Meng Clan, I propose a family meeting. If you think I'm not qualified, I can find a suitable person."
Meng Lei nodded, "This matter needs to be addressed sooner or later. So, Xiao Lu, let's bring everyone in, including the family members, and have them connect to the signal."
Aunt Yu bowed slightly and immediately sent out a meeting invitation to all Meng Clan members. Soon, a holographic screen appeared, displaying over thirty clan members, most of whom were directors of the Fusion Boundary Corporation.
Meng Lei spoke, "You've probably heard about this. I've chosen Meng Shu as the company's heir. Let's hear your opinions."
Someone immediately spoke up, "Second Uncle, how about reconsidering? Meng Shu is still too young. Why not wait a few years?"
"Yes, she hasn't handled company business. Let her manage a portion first. If she does well, she can continue; otherwise, it's not a big deal. With so many outstanding younger generations in the family, we can find a suitable heir, right?"
"I think Meng Huang is a good choice. These past few years, he's been diligent, respectful to the elders, and caring towards the younger ones. Isn't he satisfactory, Second Brother?"
Meng Lei hummed in agreement, "Let's hear everyone's thoughts." He looked to the side, "Meng Jing, what do you think?"
The named person seemed hesitant, "Second Brother, this... I'll leave it to you. Meng Shu is good, and so is Meng Huang."
Meng Lei asked another person, and the response was similar. After everyone expressed their opinions, only a few supported Meng Shu, while most favored Meng Huang.
Meng Huang spread his hands and said with a hint of mischief, "Didn't you see? Your proposal won't pass. How do you want to proceed? Are you still going to follow the rules?"
Meng Lei didn't seem bothered by the situation. He spoke calmly and assuredly, "Of course, the rules must be followed. A position like this cannot be held by someone who acts recklessly. I respect the family's decision, but..."
His gaze shifted to Meng Huang, and his eyes became intensely sharp. "Just as Meng Shu said, are you still Meng Huang?"
Chen Chuan felt a sudden sensation and focused his eyes. On his second self, a faint trace of virtual reality appeared.
Meng Huang frowned, sensing something. His eyelids twitched, and his facial muscles and skin began to pulsate slowly, and I bear any responsibility.
"You..."
He tried to stand up, but even a slight movement caused the entire sofa to flip over. He covered his face and trembled, and his shadow, which had fallen to one side, began to distort and expand outward.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
