The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife-Chapter 522 - 525. Seizing Power Part Two (Welfare 3)

Lu Jincai snatched the document from Shen Junze’s hand, his eyes widening at the sight of the "Share Transfer Deed" and the description of the shareholding percentage Shen Junze held, nearly spitting out a mouthful of old blood.

He stared fixedly at Liang Tian. This man had transferred all his shares to Shen Junze, and with the addition of those given by Shen Qinglan and Shen Junyu, it had caused Shen Junze’s shareholding to skyrocket, surpassing his own.

Back then, he had gone to great lengths to get the shares from Liang Tian’s hands, even designing a trap for his son to put him into financial difficulties, hoping that Liang Tian would come begging to him so he could buy the shares from Liang Tian at a low price. But after all that waiting, what he got was not Liang Tian, but a share transfer deed.

No one knew how deep Lu Jincai’s psychological scars were at that moment. Was he simply making a wedding dress for someone else?

"Uncle, have you seen it clearly?" Shen Junze asked indifferently.

The other shareholders had also received copies of this document and, after seeing the content, they looked at each other in dismay and kept silent.

Three years ago, this uncle and nephew had staged a grand drama, and it was unexpected that three years later, it would be replayed. Only this time, the scales of victory seemed to have tipped in favor of Shen Junze.

"This document is fake, you’re lying to me," Lu Jincai said, ready to tear the document apart.

Shen Junze remained unmoved, his expression indifferent and composed, "If you want to tear it, go ahead. I have many copies. If that’s not enough, I can give you more, so you can tear to your heart’s content."

Lu Jincai’s face turned ashen. "Shen Junze, I am your uncle."

Shen Junze nodded, "Yes, I know you’re my uncle. If you weren’t my uncle, you wouldn’t even have the chance to walk into this meeting room." His gaze was taunting. Now he wanted to play the emotion card? Where was this sentiment earlier? When he had mistreated him, why didn’t he consider that his turn might come?

"Shen Junze, do you really want to burn bridges with me?"

"Uncle, how can this be called burning bridges? I am simply stating the facts. Just as you taught me a lesson once. I paid the tuition, and now that I’m learned, naturally, I have to show uncle the results. But I wonder if uncle is satisfied with my performance?" Shen Junze smiled gently, speaking softly and politely.

Lu Jincai looked at Shen Junze coldly, his expression of anger gradually subsiding, and then applauded mockingly, "Good, very good. You truly are Shen Rang’s son, you have your father’s manner. I’ll admit defeat in this round. But Shen Junze, even if you hold the largest share of the company, whether you can be the chairman, you’ll still have to ask the shareholders present."

Lu Jincai had reason to believe that these shareholders were on his side, after all, it was they who had personally pushed him to the chairman’s position and had indirectly helped him oust Shen Junze from the company. If they let Shen Junze take over now, none of them would reap any benefits. And he didn’t believe that Shen Junze would be so generous as to forgive them. So even for their own interests, these people would stand on his side—a point in which Lu Jincai had great confidence.

"Jun Ze is now the largest shareholder of the company, and naturally, he is also our company’s chairman. I am the first to support him," Wang Fu stood up.

The second was Liang Tian, "Although I no longer have shares, I also support Shen Junze as chairman."

Zhou Jianye was the third. With the support of three major shareholders, other minority shareholders’ faces began to show wavering expressions.

Lu Jincai hadn’t expected that there really would be people supporting Shen Junze, his heart in turmoil, he immediately said, "Don’t forget that it was because Shen Junze lacked the ability to lead the company forward that he was asked to step down and hand over the company to me. It’s only been a few years, and you think he’s really got the ability to control the company now?"

A few minor shareholders caught the subtext of Lu Jincai’s words, which was nothing more than a reminder that there was a grudge between Shen Junze and them—they had to weigh their decisions carefully.

Shen Junze did not offer a defense; he just sat there quietly watching Lu Jincai, wanting to see what other tricks he had.

"Everyone, please calm down and listen to me first," Wang Fu stood up and said, "Indeed, when Jun Ze was younger, he was inexperienced and not well-versed in the company’s operations, making him unfit to lead. That is a fact. But in recent years, everyone has witnessed Jun Ze’s performance within the Junlan Group, and you should all be familiar with the development of Bokai Real Estate over the past year. Bokai’s growth is the best testimony to Shen Junze’s abilities. Ask yourselves, can a person who has driven such rapid growth of a company really be an incompetent simpleton?"

Wang Fu’s words caused looks of indecision to appear on the faces of the minority shareholders once again.

Lu Jincai glared angrily at Wang Fu, but Wang Fu faced him without fear.

Liang Tian chimed in to remind the crowd, "Gentlemen, compared to our President Lu, Lu Jincai, Shen Junze is younger with a brighter future for development. Whether for the company’s prospects or for everyone’s interests, I believe we should promote Shen Junze to be the new Chairman of our company. And let’s not forget—Jun Ze is from the Beijing Shen Family, and he’s backed by the Junlan Group. His connections are wider and more powerful than those of Lu Jincai. Not to be blunt, but we all live in a society where relationships and connections are vitally important. Stronger connections mean further development for the company. Furthermore, this company was originally founded by Shen Rang, and Shen Junze is his only son. Now that Shen Rang is gone, it’s only right for us old folks to help Jun Ze manage the company and take it to the next level."

"You all must not be fooled by Wang Fu and Liang Tian," Lu Jincai roared angrily, "Indeed, Shen Junze is from the Shen Family, but what kind of enterprise is the Junlan Group? If our company relies on it, can it remain independent? Don’t let it become a subsidiary of the Junlan Group, losing even the right to operate independently. And as for you folks..." His last cold laugh was filled with malice.

Shen Junze looked at Lu Jincai, "Uncle, you shouldn’t spread fear and panic. Shen Junyu is my cousin, and I admit that the development of Bokai Real Estate is inseparable from the Junlan Group. As Director Liang said, this is a society that relies on connections. I have the relationships and ability to take the company to greater heights, and the shareholders can gain more benefits as well. Isn’t that a win for everyone? As for you, Uncle, don’t think that the Shen Family is unaware of the things you’ve done behind the scenes. They haven’t dealt with you because they left you to me, and we still have unfinished business. Do you really think they’re just going to let you off that easily?"

The Shen Family had taken note of every instance of Lu Jincai bullying Shen Junze in the past, not because they didn’t care but because they felt Shen Junze indeed needed to be disciplined. He also required a whetstone, and Lu Jincai was that perfect stone. They also wanted to leave Lu Jincai to Shen Junze to handle. If Jun Ze couldn’t handle it, the Shen Family would surely step in. After all, bad as he might be, Jun Ze was still their grandson; they could bully him, but outsiders could not.

Lu Jincai’s face was no longer iron blue but a black darker than the bottom of a pot, looking at Shen Junze as if laced with poison, "Shen Junze, must you back me into a corner like this?"

Shen Junze gave a slight smile, the epitome of gentlemanliness, "Uncle, we’re just discussing the matter at hand. I currently hold 40% of the company shares, making me the largest shareholder and rightfully the next Chairman of the company. Moreover, everyone here has a high regard for my abilities and willing to support me. You can’t just hold onto the position because you lack the capabilities, right?"

"Jun Ze is right. President Lu, you’re already old and should be enjoying your twilight years at home. Leave the company matters to the younger generation. With so many shares in hand, you’ll receive a substantial sum from the dividends each year. People should be content with what they have, as the saying goes: contentment brings happiness," Wang Fu said cheerfully.

The situation was looking excellent; Shen Junze taking back the company was a done deal. No longer needing to endure Lu Jincai’s oppression, how could he not be in high spirits?

"Do all of you share the same thoughts as Chairman Wang?" Lu Jincai forced himself to calm down as his gaze swept over the shareholders present.

Zhou Jianye and Liang Tian naturally would support Shen Junze, and among the remaining shareholders, two had already secretly defected to Shen Junze’s side. Those who had initially sided with Lu Jincai were wavering after listening to the analysis presented by Liang Tian and Wang Fu. One couldn’t blame them for being heartless; as businessmen, they prioritized profit. Shen Junze could offer them more, and it seemed he had no intention of settling scores with them, so naturally, they would support Jun Ze. As for Lu Jincai, well, what was there to fear from a defeated dog about to be chased out of the company?

Although no one spoke, their expressions already made their stance clear. Lu Jincai felt a chill in his heart. Over the years, he had been generous to these shareholders, yet at such a crucial moment, they abandoned him without hesitation.

"Very well, quite impressive. You all have great decisive power, unhesitant to let go when necessary. Shen Junze, it’s true what they say: one should reevaluate a youth after just three days’ absence. You’ve grown in ways that surprise me, and I admit defeat to this round convincingly. I hope you will be a long-lasting Chairman." He stood up from the head of the table.

"As for the shareholder meeting today, I believe everything has concluded. I will take my leave, Chairman Shen," said Lu Jincai, almost gnashing his teeth.

Shen Junze smiled slightly and made a gesture of farewell, "Uncle, take care, I won’t see you out."

Lu Jincai glowered at the shareholders, who shrunk under his gaze. Throwing his sleeves back, he stomped out of the conference room, slamming the door shut with a loud bang that startled everyone in the office.

Shen Junze smiled and said, "Alright, directors, let’s move on to discuss the company’s future developments and that nearly 100 million dollar funding gap."

Shen Junze’s words pulled the thoughts of the directors back from Lu Jincai, and as soon as they heard matters relating to their own interests, they immediately perked up.

Returning to his home from the company, Lu Jincai still had an angry expression on his face. He tore off his tie and threw it onto the sofa, fuming alone.

Because her son was sick today, Zhang Wenli had not gone to work and thus was unaware of what had happened at the company. Seeing her husband return in such a rage, she felt inexplicably perplexed, "Who are you angry with?"

"Who else but that ungrateful cur, Shen Junze."

"What has he done this time?"

"He’s colluded with those shareholders to drive me out of the company. I’m no longer the chairman."

Zhang Wenli’s complexion changed slightly, "How come? He only owns 20% of the shares, how could he have the power to force you out of the company?"

As Lu Jincai spoke of this, his rage surged within him. "It’s all because of that old bastard Liang Tian. He sold all his shares to Shen Junze. Does he think that by doing this, I will have no way to deal with him?"

Zhang Wenli had not expected such an event to occur. She was aware of Lu Jincai’s previous schemes against Liang Tian. Losing such a prize that was almost in his mouth would upset anyone, "But this means that Shen Junze should now have 30% of the shares, which is the same as you."

"Don’t forget that the Shen siblings still hold 10%. Back then, Shen Rang generously gifted 5% of the shares to Shen Qinglan to help Shen Junze."

Zhang Wenli had indeed forgotten about this. Reminded by him, she naturally recalled, "So, that would mean Shen Junze now has 40% of the shares." Lu Jincai remained silent.

"What about the other shareholders? Are they really content to let him take control of the company?" Zhang Wenli couldn’t understand. Over the years, Lu Jincai was adept at winning people over, and those shareholders had been on his side. Even if he held the most shares, without the support of the shareholders, Shen Junze would still be unable to amount to much.

"Hmph, they’re just a bunch of ungrateful curs. I treated them so well usually, but when it came down to it, each one of them only saw their own interests and forgot all I had done for them. After struggling for so many years, they actually supported a greenhorn over me. I really want to see how long this company can last without me."

This was what Lu Jincai thought. Even if Shen Junze had the backing of Junlan Group, what kind of person was Shen Junyu? He wouldn’t have so much time to manage Shen Junze’s affairs.

Although Shen Junze ran Bokai Real Estate well, how big was Bokai compared to Lu Real Estate? Could the two really be compared? Just because he could manage Bokai well didn’t mean he could manage Lu Real Estate just as effectively.

Today, he stepped down from the chairman position at the shareholders’ meeting not just because he was forced by the situation, but more so to watch Shen Junze make a fool of himself.

However, Zhang Wenli was not so optimistic, "How could you just hand over the chairman position to him? If you let go now, can you even take it back later?"

"What else could I have done? All the shareholders were on his side at the time. He had more shares than I did. What reason would I have to refuse? Do you expect me to have a fight with a greenhorn in the meeting room to decide who gets to be chairman based on who wins?"

"Of course I don’t mean that, but it’s too late to say anything now. Let’s just watch quietly and see how things unfold." For the moment, Zhang Wenli couldn’t think of a better plan. Quietly observing the situation seemed to be the only thing they could do now.

"Alright, now that it has happened, there’s no point in getting angry. Shen Junze’s capabilities are clear; he can’t manage such a large enterprise. Once those shareholders see his true abilities, they will eventually come back to you anyway. What’s there to be so angry about? It’s not worth damaging your own health over." Zhang Wenli consoled him, thinking that for the moment, Shen Junze was only temporarily in charge of the company. Whose hands would ultimately claim the victory was still uncertain.

Lu Jincai didn’t want to get angry, but he just couldn’t swallow his pride. He had worked tirelessly for so many years to earn his position in the company. What had Shen Junze done for the company? He comes back and takes his position; could he really be content with that? Right now, he would love nothing more than to tear Shen Junze limb from limb, eat his flesh, and drink his blood.

Lu Jincai tried to calm himself down, took a deep breath, and looked at Zhang Wenli, "How’s my son?"

"He’s no longer feverish; after taking the medicine, he fell asleep. Do you want to go in and see him?"

"Forget it, I’ll go later. You go ahead with your work; let me sit alone for a while to calm down." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Zhang Wenli nodded and turned back towards the kitchen.

Lu Jincai sat on the sofa alone, his face darkening and lightening alternately, lost in thought. After a long while, he still couldn’t let it go and grabbed his coat, heading straight out of the house.

"Jincai, where are you going?" Zhang Wenli called out after him.

"I feel too stifled; I need some air. Just leave me be." Without turning back, Lu Jincai left.

Lu Jincai headed straight for the place where Lu Yaqin was living. Lu Yaqin was surprised to see her brother, "Big brother, why did you come over today?"

Lu Jincai stared at Lu Yaqin with a dark look in his eyes. Lu Yaqin felt a chill run down her spine and, not knowing what else to do, spoke up again, "Big brother, what’s wrong?"

Lu Jincai came back to his senses, his expression mellowing, "I need to talk to you about something. Let’s go inside."

Lu Yaqin stepped aside to let him in, and they went directly to the study. After hearing what Lu Jincai had to say, Lu Yaqin was incredulous, "Big brother, could there be some mistake?" She knew precisely what Shen Junze was capable of; how could he possibly have replaced her brother as the company’s chairman?

"Yaqin, your son is really something. His shrewdness is far greater than that of his uncle," Lu Jincai said with full sarcasm.

"Big brother, there must be some misunderstanding. I’ll call Jun Ze right now so you two can clear everything up." She was about to make a call when Lu Jincai stopped her hand, "Don’t rush to make calls; I have some questions for you. Have a seat."

Lu Yaqin sat down, visibly anxious, "Big brother, what is it?"

"I want to ask you, did you know about Shen Junze’s contacts with the other shareholders of the company?"

"Big brother, I’m not too clear about Jun Ze’s business. After going to the company to find him that last time, I haven’t seen him since."

At her words, a flicker of displeasure crossed Lu Jincai’s eyes. This sister of his was utterly useless, "You really have no knowledge at all?"

Lu Yaqin looked innocent, "I really don’t know. He wouldn’t tell me these things." Shen Junze was on guard against her, and Lu Yaqin was acutely aware of it. She felt bitter inside; her only son treated her as a stranger. Thinking about it, she considered herself a failure as a mother.

"Big brother, Jun Ze he..." Lu Yaqin tried to explain, knowing her older brother was ruthless. Shen Junze had thoroughly offended him this time. If he didn’t quell his anger soon, should anything happen to Jun Ze, she would be so devastated she wouldn’t know where to cry.

Lu Jincai waved her off, cutting her off, "If you’re trying to plead for Shen Junze, don’t bother."

Shen Junze had set him up, and this matter wasn’t over yet.

"Big Brother, you’re magnanimous, don’t hold a grudge against Jun Ze, and besides, you’re now the second-largest shareholder in the company after Jun Ze. He definitely won’t shortchange you on your dividend," Lu Yaqin tried to defuse the tension between the two, not wanting Lu Jincai to do anything rash to Shen Junze if he became desperate.

Lu Jincai looked at Lu Yaqin with a slightly cold gaze. "It’s true what they say about blood being thicker than water, when trouble starts, you still side with your own son."

Lu Yaqin’s expression stiffened. "Big Brother, that’s not what I meant. You both are my family, and I naturally want the best for you both."

"Yaqin, do I still count as your big brother in your heart?" Lu Jincai asked quietly.

"Big Brother, why would you say such a thing? You’re naturally my real brother."

"Then good, if you still acknowledge me as your big brother, help me with one thing."

"What’s the request?" Lu Yaqin asked reflexively.

"I can’t say for now, but I’ll tell you in due time."

Lu Jincai’s words filled Lu Yaqin with unease. She spoke nervously, "Big Brother, Jun Ze is my only support, you mustn’t hurt him."

"You’re thinking too much. After all, Jun Ze is still my nephew. I might be angry, but would I really get physical with him?"

At his words, Lu Yaqin felt slightly relieved. "Big Brother, I will definitely talk to Jun Ze about this."

"Forget it, your relationship with your son is already tense enough as it is. Talking it over won’t yield any results." Lu Jincai’s expression was indifferent. He had seen through Shen Junze a long time ago. Besides the Shen family, that boy recognized no one else. In his heart, he’d probably long forgotten about Lu Yaqin as a mother.

Lu Yaqin felt extremely awkward being spoken of like this. For a mother and son to be in such a state must surely be rare.

"Alright, I have my own measure of the situation, so you need not worry. When you have time, come over for a meal at the house, your sister-in-law has mentioned it several times."

"Sure. Big Brother, will you stay for a meal today?"

"I won’t be eating, I have no appetite." He was too upset to even think about food today.

Lu Jincai stood up and left. On his way out, he ran into Fan Yanghong, who tried to greet him, but Lu Jincai didn’t even spare him a glance and just walked away.

Fan Yanghong sneered. The man was no longer the chairman, so what was there to be arrogant about? Being part of the Lu Real Estate, he naturally knew about the big shifts in the company’s management today, because right after the meeting ended, all the employees like him received an internal email from the company.

"Yaqin, what’s with Big Brother today? He wouldn’t even acknowledge a conversation?" he asked, feigning innocence.

Lu Yaqin sighed, "It’s nothing. What would you like for dinner? I’ll make it."

Fan Yanghong saw her worried face and waved his hand, "Let’s forget about that for today, let’s eat out."

"That’s fine too," said Lu Yaqin, who indeed had no mood to cook.

"By the way, Jun Ze is now the chairman of Lu Real Estate." Fan Yanghong remembered this while they were eating out and mentioned it to Lu Yaqin.

"I already know, Big Brother told me."

"It’s a wonderful thing. You should call Jun Ze sometime soon, let’s go out and celebrate," Fan Yanghong didn’t mind who was the chairman since it didn’t affect him either way.

"Forget the meal, it’s not that big of a deal," Lu Yaqin really wasn’t in the mood right now.

"How could this not be a big deal? Your son becoming the chairman is a huge fortune," Fan Yanghong was somewhat puzzled because anyone else would be overjoyed.

"Enough, enough, let’s not talk about this anymore, just eat," Lu Yaqin said, becoming irritable. She had an intuition that Lu Jincai would not let things go easily, and if he took any measures that hurt Jun Ze, what would she do? Or if Shen Junze carelessly injured her big brother, what then? At this moment, Lu Yaqin felt like the piece of meat in a sandwich, caught in the middle, in a dilemma. Her son thought she was favoring her brother over him, and her big brother felt that she was an ingrate who only sided with her son.

Seeing that Lu Yaqin was absentminded even while eating, Fan Yanghong spoke softly, "Yaqin, what’s wrong? Jun Ze taking back the company is a good thing. If you’re worried about Jun Ze’s issue with Big Brother, you really don’t have to. Remember, Big Brother once drove Jun Ze out of the company, now Jun Ze taking it back just evens things out."

In Fan Yanghong’s view, even Lu Jincai came out ahead, since he still held a significant amount of shares.

Lu Yaqin wasn’t in the mood to pay him any mind, "I’m not eating anymore, I’m going to find Jun Ze." She stood up, the more she thought, the more anxious she became, feeling it necessary to warn Shen Junze.

"Hey, wait, finish your meal first."

But Lu Yaqin couldn’t hear him anymore. Fan Yanghong watched her hurried departure and shook his head, thinking how people should be happy when their son becomes chairman, yet there she was, sulking like holding a bitter melon. If not for... forget it, he couldn’t be bothered with a woman’s worries. Muttering to himself, he sat down to enjoy his meal. Lu Yaqin might not be in the mood, but he certainly was.

Lu Yaqin called Shen Junze, but as usual, it went unanswered, likely blocked. She took a taxi straight to Lu Real Estate.

Shen Junze was indeed working late in the office. Seeing his mother, he showed not a hint of surprise. "Mom, have a seat."

Lu Yaqin sat on the sofa, gazing steadily at her son, who seemed even more cold and aloof than the last time she saw him.

"Mom, did you come to see me about something?" he asked.

Lu Yaqin looked hesitant, "That... Jun Ze, I heard about you and your uncle..."

"You mean the matter of me replacing Lu Jincai as the chairman of the company. When Lu Jincai cheated the company that my father left for me out of my hands, it was only right for me to get it back. If you’re here to plead on his behalf, then don’t bother," Shen Junze’s face turned cold.

"Jun Ze, that’s not what I mean, I just wanted to warn you to be careful around your uncle."

Shen Junze’s eyes flashed with surprise upon hearing her words. This was the first time his mother hadn’t spoken up for Lu Jincai.

"I understand your uncle very well," she said. "Despite his easygoing facade, he’s actually ruthless. Your behavior has angered him, and if he decides to use underhanded tactics to retaliate, you must be careful."

Shen Junze’s expression eased somewhat. "Mom, I know. But don’t worry, I’ll be fine. As for you, try to keep your distance from him."

Lu Yaqin sighed. "I understand." Yet she did not tell Shen Junze that Lu Jincai had asked her for a favor. Both the palm and the back of the hand are flesh, after all.

"Jun Ze, it’s been a while since we’ve had a meal together. Join me for dinner tonight," Lu Yaqin said eagerly, gazing at Shen Junze.

In the end, having born him after ten months of pregnancy, Shen Junze wasn’t completely heartless. Seeing the hopeful look in her eyes, he ultimately couldn’t bear to refuse. "Alright, give me five minutes to wrap up what I’m working on."

"Okay, okay, there’s no rush, take your time," Lu Yaqin said, unable to hide her joy at Shen Junze’s agreement.

After leaving Lu Yaqin’s place, Lu Jincai didn’t go home but instead headed to a bar to drown his sorrows in drink.

As he mulled over everything in his head, he grew more and more resentful, grabbing a bottle and taking a swig of alcohol. Although to others it might seem he still had a good life as the largest shareholder of the company and would be well taken care of by his nephew, Shen Junze, Lu Jincai himself thought differently.

He had offended Shen Junze too harshly in the past, and the young man would love nothing more than to see him devoured. He probably had already eyed the shares in his hands. There was no way Lu Jincai would willingly let himself lose everything. He had to come up with a way to deal with Shen Junze and regain control of the company.

But what could he do to reclaim the company in a short period of time? Lu Jincai fell into deep thought.

After dining with his mother and sending her home, Shen Junze eagerly called Qinglan to share his joy.

Qinglan had just coaxed Anan to sleep when she received his call. "Jun Ze?"

"Sis, I did it, I’ve taken back control of the company," Shen Junze said eagerly, as soon as the call connected.

Expecting the outcome, Qinglan wasn’t surprised at all. "Very good," she replied coolly.

"Sis, thank you for supporting me behind the scenes," Shen Junze said, moved.

"You’ve already thanked me many times; no need to keep saying it. The rest is up to you to properly manage our father’s company and not to let him down," Qinglan stated flatly.

Shen Junze nodded vigorously. "I will, Sis. I’ll definitely make Dad’s company flourish and stand on top of the world, so he can rest in peace."

"What do you plan to do about Lu Jincai?" Qinglan inquired.

"I want to take back the shares from him first, then make him leave the company," Shen Junze said, planning to treat Lu Jincai as he had been treated.

"Those shares are Lu Jincai’s last lifeline; he won’t give them up easily," Qinglan pointed out the reality.

Shen Junze was well aware of this. It was a pity that Lu Jincai’s son was still young; otherwise, he would have applied the same tactics on him that Lu Jincai used against Liang Tian.

"To prevent Lu Jincai from acting desperately, you should take your time with this," Qinglan suggested, aware that pushing Lu Jincai into a corner could provoke unpredictable actions.

"The most important thing for you now is to ensure your own shareholding exceeds 51%. Only then will your position be secure from any challengers."

"Sis, that might be a bit difficult. Besides Lu Jincai and me holding a significant amount of shares, the other shareholders don’t have many. They certainly won’t sell their shares to me now. After all, the company is doing well without any crisis, and Lu Real Estate’s shares are still valuable on the market."

"It might be tough to acquire shares from other shareholders in the company, but you can try to buy up floating shares on the market. However, try to avoid using your own identity if you really plan to do this. Of course, this is just a suggestion for your reference," Qinglan advised.

"Thank you, sis. I’ll start preparing for this tomorrow," Shen Junze expressed his gratitude.

With roughly 20% of the shares in the market scattered, as long as he could reclaim more than 11%, Lu Jincai could no longer pose any threat to him.

Thinking this, Shen Junze became so excited he couldn’t sleep. He sat up, turned on his computer, and began to type feverishly. Qinglan’s words had given him a new insight, and he was eager to write it down.

****

Lu Jincai drank bottle after bottle in the bar, his mind growing foggier with each drink, unable to think of any way to deal with Shen Junze. Eventually, he staggered out of the bar. As he turned into an alley, he saw a group of people fighting. They appeared to be local thugs from a nearby street, a dozen of them brawling.

How much it reminded him of his younger days. He had been just like that, quick to fight at the slightest provocation, never stopping until his opponent was down. For this, he had been arrested numerous times.

Lu Jincai watched, a fierce glint in his eyes. If he couldn’t figure out how to seize Shen Junze’s shares, perhaps he could at least vent his frustration first. Otherwise, smothering the rage in his chest might kill him.

With that in mind, he looked at the young thugs and shouted, "Stop fighting, the cops are coming!"

The thugs heard the word "police" and promptly ceased their fighting, but when they saw only Lu Jincai at the entrance of the alley, they quickly realized they had been tricked.

"You old bastard, tricking us like that? Believe it or not, I’ll beat you to death," one of the young guys, with dyed yellow hair, said angrily as he waved a club.

Lu Jincai burped, utterly unafraid, "I’ve got a deal for you. Help me teach someone a lesson and if you succeed, I’ll give you 50,000 dollars."

The young thug’s eyes lit up, he mulled over it and then said, "How do I know you’re telling the truth and not just deceiving us?"

Lu Jincai scoffed, pulling out his wallet and throwing a stack of money in front of them. "Here’s a down payment."

They looked and their eyes shone with greed. The yellow-haired young man quickly responded, "Tell us who you want to teach a lesson to, and we’ll do it right now."