Qi Taiyue's discovery of the Geng family's problems was indeed a major breakthrough, but the problem did not lie between the brothers Geng Keli and Geng Qiushi, but rather with the previous generation, namely Old Master Geng.
Because he was not favored by his parents, Geng Qiushi lived with his grandfather in the old house until he started junior high school. Grandpa Geng was old, his wife had passed away early, and he had handed over the family business to his son, preferring to enjoy the life surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
Children are sensitive and can sense their parents' displeasure. They become even more dependent on their only close relative, their grandfather. In addition, the old man is in poor health and often needs someone to take care of him. The precocious and sensible Geng Qiushi naturally became the best choice. Over time, even though the Geng family is a traditional family that values Alphas, the old man still showed more favoritism towards his beta grandson.
The year Geng's mother recovered and successfully conceived Geng Keli, the old man's health deteriorated, and it was hard to say how much longer he could live. Thinking about the situation Geng Qiushi would face after his death, the old man thought it over again and revised the family trust agreement.
"So, the current strange relationship within the Geng family is due to the safeguards that Old Master Geng left for his grandson back then?" Shan Song narrowed his eyes.
No matter how capable Qi Taiyue was, he couldn't get the specific details of the agreement, but he found something else.
“I found that the Geng family’s 32% stake is not currently owned by a fixed entity, meaning it is still held by a trust.”
This ratio... Dan Song frowned. The Geng family had reserved too many shares for their future heirs.
"The amendments to the agreement must be beneficial to Geng Qiushi. I personally believe that Mr. Geng has reserved an additional 12% to 22% of the shares and added some additional conditions to the inheritance of this part of the shares."
Qi Taiyue's reasoning was clear and logical, and Shan Song had no objection: "The reason why Old Master Geng did this was simply to protect Geng Qiushi's rights and interests, to prevent the shares from falling into other hands, and to prevent Geng Qiushi from being expelled from the Geng family, but he did not directly allocate these shares to Geng Qiushi..."
To ensure competition? But this goes against the old man's original intention, Shan Song murmured, then paused and suddenly looked up: "What percentage of shares does Geng Qiu currently hold?"
"6%", people from families like theirs are always more sensitive to shareholding ratios. Qi Taiyue thought of what Shan Song thought of as well. "Geng Keli has 20%, Geng's father has 22%, Geng's mother has 8%, and a small portion is scattered in the Geng family's collateral branches."
Shan Song and Qi Taiyue exchanged a glance: "If we exclude the portion left to the heirs, the old man's reserved share ratio exceeds 20%, and the share transfer restriction ratio is set to not exceed 10% of the personal shareholding. Geng Qiushi does indeed have a chance to become the largest shareholder of the Geng family."
"This guy is really hiding his true strength!" Qi Yan almost jumped up from the sofa, clicking his tongue for a while before saying, "It seems this is Geng Qiushi's trump card."
"The conditions must have been very harsh, otherwise the status quo wouldn't have remained unchanged for over twenty years. It can only be said that the old man indirectly gave the two brothers a fair chance to compete." Shan Song thought about the abnormal actions that Geng Keli had previously taken for granted, as well as the doubts about his sudden period of good behavior after the show ended. Now, the mystery was gradually being unveiled.
"So Geng Keli is getting impatient now? No, it's Geng Qiushi who took action first, making him feel threatened. No wonder Geng Keli is so eager to win over partners." Qi Yan asked and answered himself, then said, "Then his anticipation for the child is most likely because he can get an extra share of trust equity after the child is born, right?"
Qi Taiyue nodded: "In principle, yes."
Shan Song continued, "But it's hard to understand why Geng Qiushi didn't have a child earlier."
“Isn’t Geng Qiushi married? He hasn’t had any children all these years, unless he’s infertile…” Qi Yan blurted out, but was glared at by the two of them and buried his head in Luan Yining’s arms and shut up.
Luan Yining didn't understand any of this. She listened quietly to their conversation. When he rushed over, she just slightly curled the corner of her mouth and casually put her hand on his back and patted him twice.
Qi Yan lay there for a moment, then suddenly realized that his wife hadn't spoken for a long time. After a few seconds of reflection, he quickly made amends by pulling Luan Yining into the conversation: "Wife, what do you think?"
Luan Yining shook her head slightly: "Shan Song and my second brother are more professional in this regard."
"I'm very professional too!" Qi Yan eagerly opened the screen.
"Yeah, you're a professional too." Luan Yining patted his head reassuringly.
Qi Yan shifted his body restlessly. Seeing his stubborn yet earnest expression as he asked for her opinion, Luan Yining felt a warmth in her heart. She thought for a moment, following the line of thought they had just discussed, and said:
“I think the Geng family, as you said before, should be considered a traditional clan. So, the old man’s favoritism towards his grandson is one starting point, but subconsciously, his desire for Alpha to succeed as the family head and carry on the family line is another. The two starting points are contradictory, but the core purpose will not change, which is to select an outstanding successor to continue the family’s glory.”
“By adopting a complex trust system, we can give our favored grandson the right to choose. If he is outstanding, he can naturally compete for it. If he only wants to live a quiet life, he doesn’t have to worry about making a living.”
The amendment to the trust agreement was driven by emotional motives; it should be seen as the last act of love from an elderly person who had spent their life battling in the business world for their children and grandchildren.
After he finished speaking, Qi Yan paused for two seconds before mechanically clapping with his hands that had been raised earlier. Instantly, a surge of excitement welled up inside him. He had been thinking that no matter what his wife said, he should give her face and praise her. But as expected of his teacher, Teacher Luan! There was no need for any false flattery. Even if he didn't know her, her words were always insightful, her views unique, and her summaries incisive.
Did you see that? My teacher Luan is amazing!
Qi Taiyue and Shan Song watched Qi Yan's wild boasting, remained silent for a moment, and then silently joined in the support.
Luan Yining's words did indeed give the two new insights. Shan Song said, "Yining is right. Even if Geng Qiushi has the largest shareholding, as long as the other members of the Geng family stick together, his say in the Geng family will still not be high. Therefore, he has only one chance to compete, while his children may not have one. Most likely, they can only obtain equity income through trusts."
"Things here are too complicated. In fact, we don't need to consider how the Geng family will distribute the spoils. We already know Geng Qiushi's choice. He wants to fight for it, so we don't need to keep probing."
“Yes, what we want is simple: just shut Geng Keli down. The Geng family will definitely have their own plan to adjust the shareholding.” Qi Yan was still excited and eager to try: “Why don’t you let me negotiate?”
"Tsk," Shan Song shoved him aside: "Who are you to argue with your business partners?"
"..." Qi Yan muttered, "I'm just given a job where I have to put up with all the mistreatment."
Shan Song, with his sharp ears, overheard this and teased, "Perfect for tempering your temper."
Qi Yan: "..."
"Song-ge." Qi Taiyue checked the time and prepared to leave. He stood up naturally and stretched out his hand in front of Shan Song, rubbing his thumb between his index and middle fingers. The meaning was clear.
Shan Song: "..." This younger brother should be used less often!
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