Chapter 107 Victory
All eyes were focused on the counting board in front. The staff, with solemn expressions, collected all completed ballots and thick voting authorization forms. The vote count officially began.
Three columns are clearly displayed above the vote counting board: [Against Recall] [Against Recall] [Abstain]
The initial vote count was swift and clear, mostly representing core holdings already clearly defined by both parties, like settled pieces on a chessboard. "Mr. Gu Hongyuan and his associates, holding 21% of the equity, voted against the recall." The number under the "Against Recall" column on the left side of the tally board instantly jumped to "21%. Gu Hongyuan leaned back slightly in his chair, his chin raised slightly. This was his foundational position; everything was as expected.
"Mr. Chu Yan and his associates hold 13% of the equity and vote - in favor of the removal." "Mr. Gu Ye holds 5% of the equity and vote - in favor of the removal." The number under the [in favor of the removal] column on the right side of the counting board jumped and rose to [18%].
Immediately afterwards, Gu Ye presented the power of attorney he had prepared long ago. "Mr. Gu Ye (holding the voting rights on behalf of the proxy), holding 11% of the equity, votes - in favor of removal." This 11% injection instantly pushed the number on the right side up to [29].
There was a slight commotion in the audience. Gu Hongyuan's expression grew slightly more serious, but he remained seated.
Next came the highlight, the biggest variable—the Gu family's collateral branches, which controlled approximately 15% of the shares. Their choices would influence the direction of the balance. The entire conference room fell silent, and everyone held their breath.
The teller picked up the next ballot and read aloud: "Mr. Gu Hongxin's faction, holding 4.5% of the shares, votes against removal." The number in the "Against Removal" column jumped to "25.5%." Gu Hongyuan's expression visibly eased, even a hint of approval. Very good, Old Xin is still sensible and knows which side to stand on at crucial moments.
"Ms. Gu Meihua's faction, holding 4.5% of the shares, votes against the recall." The number on the left jumped again, reaching [30%]! Gu Hongyuan almost felt like he had secured victory. He tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, making a soft clatter, trying to demonstrate his composure and control to the audience. His eyes swept across to Gu Ye in the first row across from him, with undisguised contempt and complacency, as if he were looking at a losing loser struggling to survive.
However, just as he was feeling smug, the teller picked up the next and final ballot from the side branch. "Ms. Gu Qian's side branch, 6% equity..." Gu Qian was another crucial faction within the side branch, and she wasn't on good terms with Gu Hongxin. Although a flicker of uncertainty crossed Gu Hongyuan's mind, he remained confident. He was certain he held the key to Gu Qian's compromise; there was no way she would support Gu Ye, the "traitor," at this juncture.
The teller paused for a moment, then pronounced the four words clearly and clearly: "—in favor of recall."
"What?!" Gu Hongyuan's fingers, tapping the table, suddenly froze in mid-air. The composure and smugness on his face gave way to disbelief. He whipped his head around, his gaze darting in Gu Qian's direction.
Gu Qian didn't meet his gaze. She simply stared calmly at the ever-changing vote counter in front of her, as if the earth-shattering vote just now had nothing to do with her, as if she wasn't the one who dealt Gu Hongyuan the blow of betrayal.
Oh, lifeline? She had only given it to Gu Hongyuan on purpose, giving him the illusion that he could control her.
As a shrewd investor, after weighing the pros and cons, she concluded that the innovative forces and future plans represented by Gu Ye and Chu Yan held far greater promise than the doomed ship that was Gu Hongyuan. A wise bird chooses its tree to roost in; this is the simplest truth.
In any case, at this most critical moment that determines the outcome, the 6% in her hand stabbed fiercely into Gu Hongyuan's heart from the inside of his camp, which he thought was the most solid and safe.
The number in the "Agree with Recall" column on the right side of the vote counter suddenly jumped from 29% to 35%. The number in the "Against Recall" column on the left side awkwardly froze at 30%.
The venue was filled with exclamations and discussions.
What remains is the voting of the vast, dispersed minority shareholders. Their wills are difficult to unify, and their choices are often based on short-term interests or simple emotions. This is the most agonizing and unpredictable process. Every vote read out is like walking a tightrope, determining the ultimate outcome of life or death.
The vote count grew excruciatingly slow, each second stretching like an eternity: "Tianyang Fund, holding 1.2% of the equity, voted against the recall." [Against recall: 31.2%] "Hongfeng Investment Company, holding 0.8% of the equity, voted in favor of the recall." [Against recall: 35.8%] "Individual shareholder Zhang San, holding 0.15% of the equity, voted against the recall." [Against recall: 31.35%] "Xinhua Asset Management Plan, holding 1.5% of the equity, voted in favor of the recall." [Against recall: 37.3%]
The vote counts alternated within a very small percentage range, and the gap between the two sides was minimal, leading to a suffocating stalemate and tug-of-war.
Gu Hongyuan's palms were covered in cold sweat, and his once straight back was slightly hunched. Gu Ye's spine was also tense, his lips were tightly pursed, and his hands on his knees unconsciously clenched into fists.
Chu Yan simply pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses and continued to record the ticket distribution on his laptop with an expressionless face.
Finally, the votes of all small and medium shareholders were read out:
The numbers are finally set.
Total equity opposing removal: 41%
Total equity in favor of removal: 44%
Abstention: 15%
44% ＞ 41%
"According to the voting results," the chairman's voice echoed through the microphone, filling the silent meeting room. "The motion to remove the current chairman, Mr. Gu Hongyuan, and several directors has been passed."
The audience was completely boiling.
Gu Hongyuan seemed drained of all his energy, his face a picture of disbelief. He'd lost? Not to the massive external capital, but to his family's betrayal, and a mere three percentage points.
He turned his head, gave Gu Qian a fierce look, then stood up abruptly. In the sudden flash of lights, he staggered out of the scene quickly through the side door, without ever looking at his "victorious" son again.
Gu Ye closed his eyes and let out a deep breath that had been held for a long time. His tense body finally relaxed, and an indescribable complex emotion swept over him.
Chu Yan finally closed his computer with a snap, stood up calmly, and walked forward, extending his hand to Gu Ye who was still sitting there. He had a smile on his face:
"Congratulations, future Chairman Gu."
"You really don't have any other preparations?" the system questioned Chu Yan in his mind. "This victory was too close, just 3 percentage points, and there were 15% abstentions. This doesn't fit your usual style. You're not that crazy person like Wang Chuan who always gambles everything on one throw."
Chu Yan looked at the venue that was about to fall into chaos, and the smile on his lips deepened a little. In his mind, he leisurely responded: "As for the backup plan, of course I have it."
He paused for a moment, his tone tinged with amusement: "But don't you think a victory like this, with a bit of thrill, is more like a victory worth remembering?"
[As long as you're happy.] The system was speechless, once again confirming its host's bad taste. Even the way to victory had to be carefully designed to suit its own preferences.
Chu Yan smiled and asked: [How far along is the mission?] [97%] [Then there's only one last step left.]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
