Finally, after all the CEOs had finished their reports, it was Xu Ke’s turn. When everyone saw Xu Ke about to report, they were even more attentive than when listening to Xiao Zhen earlier. Xiao Zhen was extremely frustrated with this but was also curious to see how Xu Ke’s branch was doing.

Xu Ke didn’t even need to look at the files; he already remembered what last year’s development was like with just a glance.

"Last year, our branch lost more than 20%, the highest among the branches. The main reason is that the Headquarters is located here, and our branch is only five blocks away, which makes the competition extremely fierce, leaving us with no advantage."

What Xu Ke said was the truth, but people couldn’t help but chuckle upon hearing it.

Even Xiao Zhen, sitting in a prominent position, turned his chair and looked at Xu Ke with a smile: "Your branch has developed to this state, and yet I didn’t expect you’d stand here and say it so justifiably."

The other branch CEOs began whispering to each other. They couldn’t believe someone would have the nerve to run a branch into the ground and still speak so boldly. They, who all contributed to the revenue, were swelling with pride upon hearing this.

Mr. Zhuge obviously didn’t expect Xu Ke to tell the truth about last year. None of the people sitting here were straightforward about their situations. Instead, they chose a more tactful way, or perhaps some even falsified their accounts, just to save face for the time being, taking this year as a turning point.

But Xu Ke practically left him with no room to maneuver, nothing could be done about those words once they were said.

Amidst everyone’s mockery, Xu Ke remained unfazed, taking the laptop handed over by Secretary Zhou: "Of course, last year was last year. I wasn’t at the branch then, so if you want to question someone, find last year’s branch team. What I want to tell you is our branch’s plan for this year."

"The so-called letting go of the past and looking forward to the future naturally means this. Our branch will likely surpass the Headquarters’ revenue this year."

Upon hearing Xu Ke’s words, Xiao Zhen’s expression changed. He didn’t expect Xu Ke to say that, and he couldn’t find a flaw at all.

But this young man’s audacity is astonishing, thinking he can surpass the Headquarters, which he had been painstakingly managing, after just one transformation. It’s absolutely impossible.

Xiao Zhen curled his lips: "Young man, you clearly do not know fear. The Headquarters has been established for over 50 years, and is considered a leader in the real estate industry, a pinnacle existence. You just transformed this year and dare to make such bold claims. I understand young people want to save face, but isn’t this too much?"

After Xiao Zhen finished speaking, everyone burst into laughter.

Meanwhile, Mr. Zhuge frowned, a bit unbelieving. The Headquarters was founded single-handedly by the old chairman and had extended into many industries. It’s far from being surpassed by a small, newly-transformed branch company.

Xu Ke’s words were indeed boastful and reckless.

Xu Ke glanced at the laughing Xiao Zhen indifferently: "Of course, being a second-generation heir, you wouldn’t understand. So, I don’t expect you to have the brains for this, but just watch."

Xiao Zhen: "..."

Startling everyone in the room, there was a loud bang as the table was hit, leaving them shocked. They never expected Xu Ke would say something like that, striking Xiao Zhen in his sore spot.

After all, no one likes being told they owe their position to family connections rather than their own abilities, Xiao Zhen included.

His face turned dark instantly.

Xu Ke didn’t care at all, looking at everything coldly as if nothing concerned him.

Originally, Xu Ke wouldn’t have said such a thing against the Headquarters Chairman if Xiao Zhen hadn’t provoked him so incessantly.

Since he brought it upon himself and practically offered his face for a slap, it would be a waste not to oblige his courtesy.

The Headquarters Chairman never cared about the branch’s development, and now kept mocking him non-stop.

Others might tolerate Xiao Zhen’s fiery temper, but Xu Ke, believing in his innocence, saw no reason to endure it.

So he left without caring what Xiao Zhen would say next, taking Secretary Zhou with him. Secretary Zhou didn’t expect Xu Ke to be so stubborn.

Glancing awkwardly at the others still in the meeting room, he hurriedly followed Xu Ke without any delay. Mr. Zhuge was taken aback by Xu Ke’s behavior.

The old man had sent him here to ensure Xu Ke didn’t suffer any grievances, but how could someone as headstrong as Xu Ke be wronged?

Now it seems it’s the Chairman who feels aggrieved, and at the verge of erupting, no one dares to speak.

Mr. Zhuge awkwardly coughed to get everyone’s attention: "Listen, everyone, Chairman Xu was specially authorized by the old man, and the old man is already aware of Mr. Xu’s projects. So there’s no need to worry too much. Let’s continue with the meeting."

After Mr. Zhuge finished speaking, he braved the storm outside the meeting room to call the old man. Meanwhile, the old man was at home drinking tea and couldn’t help but laugh upon hearing this.

His own son’s ambition is incredibly high, and being left hanging like this probably made him furious.

But there was nothing to be done. The old man took a deep breath, acknowledging Xu Ke’s approach as unconventional, but their family owes Xu Ke a considerable debt.

"Alright, if the pressure is too much for you, just come here and avoid it for a while. Anyway, things are already settled over there, so if he’s angry, no one’s there."

After leaving the Headquarters, Xu Ke didn’t go back to work immediately but went straight to the hospital. Today was the day Xiao Keyi was to be discharged, and he had remembered and promised her he would be there to pick her up once she was out.

When Xu Ke arrived, Xiao Keyi had already packed her things with the nurse’s help, and her wounds had healed well over this time.

Seeing Xu Ke come, Xiao Keyi’s eyes squinted with joy.

To avoid being disturbed by her grandfather, Xiao Keyi hadn’t informed him or anyone at home about her discharge.

Upon seeing this, Secretary Zhou immediately grabbed Xiao Keyi’s bag.

"Miss, let me carry your bag so you and the CEO can have some time to talk since it’s been a while you last met."

After Secretary Zhou finished speaking, he carried the bag without any pretense. Xiao Keyi gave him a few looks.

After seeing Secretary Zhou leave, Xiao Keyi carefully put her hands behind her back and said, "Your company’s secretary is really considerate. He must have handled a lot of troubles for you, right?"