Chapter 19
Zhong Yuxiao didn’t know much about Chenxi International. After he and Xi Shi got their marriage certificate, Xi Chongyang gave him 10% of the shares as a betrothal gift, and the Zhong family reciprocated with 10% of their own shares, a form of mutual benefit.
Xi Chongyang’s shares would eventually be left to Xi Shi, so the 10% given to him was actually for Xi Shi.
“Chenxi International was initially founded by my grandfather and his older sister. When my great-aunt passed away, Xi Le was still young, so my grandparents adopted her and raised her as their own daughter. In terms of share distribution, my grandfather had 30%, my mother 20%, and Xi Le also had 20%.”
It took Zhong Yuxiao a couple of seconds to process this. Xi Le was Xi Yue’s cousin, the daughter of Xi Shi’s great-aunt.
Also Xi Shi’s stepmother.
When Xi Yue and Xi Le were young, Xi Chongyang held 70% of Chenxi International’s shares, having absolute control. Later, he distributed the shares to his two daughters, remaining the largest shareholder.
“After they got married, my mother gave half of her 20% shares to Shi Fengsheng.”
Holding more than 10% of the shares allowed one to request a shareholder meeting.
Shi Fengsheng was a classic example of a “phoenix man,” marrying into wealth. After marriage, he became the third largest shareholder of Chenxi International, his influence in the company growing stronger and stronger.
Xi Shi played with his phone and sneered. “This is the price of marriage.”
Zhong Yuxiao felt a pang. “I also received 10%.”
Xi Shi choked and immediately corrected himself, “This is the price of misjudging character and marrying a scumbag.”
After so many years, Xi Shi’s attitude towards Shi Fengsheng remained unchanged, treating him like an enemy.
“You’re not the same as Shi Fengsheng. You’re just a nerd at most.”
Serious and rigid, nothing like a scumbag.
Most importantly, he wasn’t like his mother.
Xi Yue’s life had been smooth and happy, but she misplaced her affections. Meeting Shi Fengsheng was the greatest misfortune of her life.
He didn’t do relationships and wouldn’t let himself fall to that point.
Zhong Yuxiao was noncommittal. If Xi Shi knew his reputation abroad, he wouldn’t say that. “Only 10% of the shares shouldn’t be enough to call a shareholder meeting, right?”
He didn’t study this major, but his family had businesses in this field, so he had picked up some knowledge through daily exposure. Like in his family, he and Zhong Zhili had the same number of shares, but his shares were delegated to Zhong Zhili, so the company was essentially under absolute control.
“Shi Fengsheng probably got some shares from Xi Le and won over some other shareholders.”
Over the years, Shi Fengsheng had been secretly acquiring scattered shares of Chenxi International, his ambition clear. However, Xi Shi wasn’t worried. He and Xi Chongyang held 40% of the shares. Even if Shi Fengsheng could call a shareholder meeting, he couldn’t gain control of the company.
“Are the remaining 10% of your mother’s shares under your name?”
Xi Shi nodded. “After I got married, that 10% was transferred to me.”
This was a clause in Xi Yue’s will, and it was one of the reasons Xi Chongyang was so eager for him to get married.
Zhong Yuxiao sighed. “Grandpa is really generous, giving 10% of the shares as a dowry.”
Chenxi International was a listed company, a leading enterprise in Lincheng and even the whole country. The marriage between the Xi and Zhong families was, theoretically, a step up for his family. Although both sides contributed 10%, the Xi family actually contributed more.
“Dowry?” Xi Shi tapped the steering wheel, correcting him. “Teacher Zhong, please be clear, that’s a betrothal gift for you.”
“Is it meaningful to argue about this?”
Whether it was a dowry or a betrothal gift would be determined in bed.
“Of course it’s meaningful. This is a man’s dignity.” Seeing Zhong Yuxiao speechless, Xi Shi’s mood brightened. “You also have 10% of the shares, want to play around on the board of directors?”
Play?
The young master was really carefree.
Since he had nothing to do, and thinking of what Zhong Zhili had mentioned, Zhong Yuxiao agreed. “Do you know Xu Chengyue?”
“The second son of the Xu family?” Xi Shi frowned. “Why are you asking about him?”
“I heard something happened to the Xu family recently, I’m a bit curious.”
“Don’t be curious. What good could come from the mistress’s son? The eldest son of the Xu family is also useless, going abroad…” Suddenly remembering something, Xi Shi paused. “The eldest son of the Xu family went to the same country as you.”
Zhong Yuxiao hummed in agreement. “We know each other.”
The Xu family was a mirror image of the Xi family. In ancient times, it would be a case of favoring the concubine and neglecting the wife, the mistress taking over, and the legitimate son being driven out. Two days ago, the old man of the Xu family suddenly had a stroke and was hospitalized. He wanted to see his eldest grandson, and for Xu Linfeng, this was an opportunity.
“You want to help him?”
“It’s hard to mediate family disputes, I can’t get involved, I’m just asking.” Zhong Yuxiao added, “We’re friends.”
From acquaintance to friend, their relationship took a step closer. Xi Shi was silent for a moment, then said tactfully, “Xu Chengyue’s character is questionable. He likes to stab people in the back. The eldest son of the Xu family is no match for him, basically abandoned.”
Abandoned sounded a bit better than useless.
Zhong Yuxiao could hear his disapproval of Xu Linfeng. Indeed, if it were Xi Shi, he would definitely fight back and drag everyone down with him, never enduring humiliation and going abroad.
So there was no one else like Xi Shi in the wealthy circles.
“But since he contacted you, maybe he still has a chance to fight against Xu Chengyue.”
Xi Shi didn’t elaborate, but Zhong Yuxiao understood what he meant. “I’m just an ordinary university teacher, I can’t help him.”
“Teacher Zhong, you’re too modest.”
Xi Shi stepped on the gas and drove straight to Chenxi International. “My car might not be able to brake today. If things look bad, get out of the car and stay away, so you don’t get scared.”
“You’ve become so considerate now that you’ve grown up. You didn’t hold back when you hit people before.”
Not only did you not hold back, you even used me as an excuse.
Zhong Yuxiao imagined the scene of Xi Shi and Shi Fengsheng meeting, and for fear of something going wrong at the banquet, he hadn’t even invited Shi Fengsheng’s family of three. If they met at the board meeting, the father and son would definitely fight.
There would be a good show to watch.
Frankly speaking, Zhong Yuxiao was looking forward to it.
“Zhong Er, be honest, are you always against me because you hold a grudge?” Xi Shi was puzzled.
He had a bad temper, and he had already restrained himself after marriage, but Zhong Yuxiao always opposed him, as if he had a vendetta against him.
Thinking about it carefully, only that incident from their childhood could be considered his fault.
“Am I against you?” Zhong Yuxiao was even more surprised than him.
“Of course you are! You lied to me, deliberately provoked me, and even threatened me…” Xi Shi counted on his fingers.
Once he started, he couldn’t stop. Zhong Yuxiao’s crimes were simply too numerous to mention!
After ranting until his mouth was dry, Xi Shi came to a conclusion. “See? You’re always against me. I haven’t offended you since you came back. If you’re still holding a grudge about something from ten or twenty years ago, that’s too petty.”
He sounded quite aggrieved.
Zhong Yuxiao couldn’t help but laugh. “As if I’m the one bullying you.”
“It’s not ‘as if,’ it’s a fact! You’re bullying me, taking advantage of my kind heart and forgiving nature.”
It wasn’t that he was holding a grudge, but he did have the intention of teasing Xi Shi. Zhong Yuxiao was speechless. “Then what do you want?”
Xi Shi’s eyes lit up. “I can ask for anything?”
“Try me. I’m in a good mood, so maybe.” Zhong Yuxiao smiled. “If I’m in a bad mood, then who knows? So, Student Xi, the teacher advises you to be careful with your words and actions, and know when to stop.”
“…”
Student Xi humbly accepted the lesson. “Let’s just shake hands and make peace, and treat each other with respect.”
The use of these idioms was very Xi Shi-like, absurd yet appropriate, with an indescribable sense of humor.
Zhong Yuxiao couldn’t help but laugh.
Arriving at Chenxi International, Xi Chongyang called. The grandfather and grandson talked about something, and when Xi Shi hung up, his expression had clearly changed.
“What’s wrong?”
Xi Shi suppressed his emotions. “Shi Fengsheng wants to change the CEO.”
Only with a sufficient number of shares could one change the CEO. Shi Fengsheng daring to do this meant he was confident in his shares, at least more than 30%.
Fuck.
Xi Le must have transferred all of her 20% shares to Shi Fengsheng.
Xi Shi wanted to curse. He had calculated everything, but he didn’t expect Xi Le to leave herself no way out, as if she had been drugged.
The staff at Chenxi International didn’t dare to stop them, and Xi Shi took Zhong Yuxiao to the top floor. The board meeting hadn’t started yet. Shi Fengsheng and a few shareholders were talking in the office. Xi Shi kicked the door open, catching everyone off guard.
Shi Fengsheng frowned. “Xi Shi, why are you here?”
“I heard there’s a mad dog causing trouble, shouldn’t I come and take a look?” Xi Shi hooked a chair with his foot and snatched Shi Fengsheng’s seat. “Shi Fengsheng, don’t forget I’m also a major shareholder of Chenxi International.”
He glanced behind him and pushed the chair to Zhong Yuxiao. “Sit.”
“Cough, this isn’t appropriate.” Zhong Yuxiao looked at Shi Fengsheng. This was Shi Fengsheng’s office, and logically, he should address this man as “father-in-law.”
“What’s not appropriate? Sit when I tell you to sit.” Xi Shi pushed him into the chair and grabbed the mouse from the table, throwing it at Shi Fengsheng.
“Xi Shi!”
“Sorry, my hand slipped.”
Zhong Yuxiao chuckled and tugged at the corner of his clothes. Xi Shi grabbed his wrist and squeezed it hard.
His hand was strong, it didn’t seem like it would slip.
Xi Shi’s appearance completely disrupted Shi Fengsheng’s plan. The young master stared at him like a vengeful spirit, occasionally making sarcastic remarks, scaring the shareholders away. Soon, only the father and son, and Zhong Yuxiao were left in the office.
Zhong Yuxiao looked down at his phone, trying to be inconspicuous.
“Xi Shi, is this how you treat your father?”
“Father?” Xi Shi sneered. “Everyone should have self-awareness. Why don’t you look in the mirror before saying that and see if you’re worthy.”
Shi Fengsheng was so angry he almost had a heart attack. Xi Shi was very obedient when he was young, hugging his leg and calling him “daddy.” But he didn’t know when it started, his son became more and more distant from him, and now, Xi Shi had completely changed. The obedient and adorable son seemed like a figment of his imagination.
Shi Fengsheng felt a chill in his heart and didn’t want to say anything more. “It’s good that you’re here. Watch the shareholder meeting vote with your own eyes and see who the real owner of this company is.”
The shareholder meeting started on time, and Xi Shi unceremoniously occupied the main seat. The shareholders knew he was the crown prince, and no one dared to stop him.
“As you all know, the company’s shareholding structure has changed recently, and the management should be adjusted accordingly. I’ve invited you all here today to vote and choose a suitable leader for the company’s future.”
“Leader?” Xi Shi sneered disdainfully.
Xi Chongyang didn’t attend the shareholder meeting but sent a share transfer document. He transferred all of his 20% shares to Xi Shi.
Xi Shi slammed the document on the table. “Shi Fengsheng, do you really think you can become the real owner of this company with those shares you swindled as a kept man?”
The words “kept man” struck a nerve with Shi Fengsheng. Since marrying Xi Yue, no matter how capable he was or how outstanding his work performance, in the eyes of others, he would always be a kept man who married into wealth.
“30% is not enough.” Shi Fengsheng clenched his fists. Soon, very soon, everything would be settled. “Even if you get all the Xi family’s shares, it still won’t change the situation.”
Chenxi International no longer belonged to the Xi family. It would soon change its name.
Change to Shi, his Shi.
Shi Fengsheng handed over the prepared shareholding certificate, feeling triumphant. “Do you understand the situation now?”
Chenxi International’s total share capital exceeded tens of billions. Besides the publicly traded shares, holding nearly 40% basically made him the largest shareholder, and moreover, the support he had gained already exceeded 40%.
Shi Fengsheng was confident. “Xi Shi, you should change your temper.”
He assumed a fatherly tone, feeling proud in front of his son for the first time in almost twenty years.
Xi Shi’s face darkened. The 42% on the shareholding certificate made him feel like he had fallen into an icy abyss. Besides Xi Le’s 20%, Shi Fengsheng had also secretly acquired 12% of the shares, far exceeding his expectations.
“No need to change, I think his temper is fine now.”
The door to the meeting room opened, and Zhong Yuxiao shook his wrist. “Sorry, I’m late.”
Xi Shi was startled. His attention had been completely on Shi Fengsheng, and he had forgotten that Zhong Yuxiao came with him. “What happened to your hand? Are you injured?”
He immediately noticed the redness on the back of Zhong Yuxiao’s hand, the knuckles a bright red, seemingly scraped.
Shi Fengsheng frowned. “What happened?”
The secretary at the door looked troubled. “Sorry, CEO Shi, we couldn’t stop him, he, he hit someone!”
This gentle-looking, handsome man was ruthless and fierce, single-handedly taking down a group of security guards.
“It wasn’t hitting, just teaching a lesson to those who maliciously obstructed a shareholder.” Zhong Yuxiao gave Xi Shi a reassuring look. “Don’t worry, I’m fine.”
The security guards weren’t professional bodyguards, these few weren’t enough for him to practice on.
Perhaps it was the timing of Zhong Yuxiao’s appearance, or perhaps it was the sight of Zhong Yuxiao walking towards him resolutely that was too attractive, but Xi Shi suddenly had the urge to rush over and hug him. Like a moth drawn to a flame, at this moment, he felt like even being burnt to ashes was worth it.
“Why didn’t you call me? I would have picked you up.” Xi Shi frowned, taking Zhong Yuxiao’s hand to examine it carefully.
Zhong Yuxiao pursed his lips. He always hated physical contact and disliked being touchy-feely in public, but now, he didn’t want to pull his hand back.
Xi Shi’s casual words seemed to materialize, falling on his heart, making his heart skip a beat.
“You were busy.”
His expression was so grim, he must have been extremely busy.
Xi Shi looked up. “No matter how busy I am, I have time to pick you up. Don’t fight alone next time, what if you can’t win?”
Zhong Yuxiao fell silent. From the moment he appeared, Xi Shi hadn’t mentioned the shares at all, only checking his injury and reminding him, as if…he was more important than the shares, more important than the company.
He was captivated by this earnest concern and nodded. “Okay, I’ll call you next time.”
Seeing their intimate behavior, many people guessed Zhong Yuxiao’s identity. Shi Fengsheng waved his hand, and the secretary closed the meeting room door.
“Let me introduce myself. I’m Zhong Yuxiao, Xi Shi’s legal spouse. All the shares of Chenxi International under my name are entrusted to Xi Shi.”
Imitating Xi Shi, Zhong Yuxiao stretched out his long legs and hooked Shi Fengsheng’s chair. “Please wait a moment, my lawyer is on the way.”
Outsiders didn’t know the details of the two families’ marriage, but Shi Fengsheng knew that Xi Chongyang had given 10% of the shares to the Zhong family. This was also one of the reasons he dared to fight for the company at this time.
“Even with your 10%, it’s not enough.” Shi Fengsheng was relieved that he had acquired more shares just in case.
“Who said I only have 10%?”
These words stunned not only Shi Fengsheng and the other shareholders, but also Xi Shi.
A rapid knock on the door interrupted the tense atmosphere in the meeting room. The secretary hurriedly announced, “CEO Shi, Mr. Zhong from Dingming Shengshi is here. He brought a lawyer and requests to participate in the shareholder meeting as a shareholder.”
Shi Fengsheng’s expression immediately changed.
To participate in the shareholder meeting, one had to hold at least 3% of the shares.
Zhong Yuxiao picked up the document on the table, glanced at it, and casually threw it at him. “CEO Shi, your 42% is not enough.”
That action was no different from throwing it at him, completely mirroring Xi Shi.
