Chapter 78: The Vice President of the Association

“Since everyone is in agreement, good, this item is passed. Next, we need to decide which five companies will be admitted to the association.”

“Mr. Chen, we've been meeting since early morning and haven't even had breakfast yet. I think we're all hungry—how about we eat first, then continue?”

Zhang Jun interrupted Mr. Chen, appearing to be considerate of everyone’s stomachs. He then sat upright, looking utterly relaxed, as if none of this concerned him.

“I’ve already made arrangements,” said Mr. Chen. “Since everyone is hungry, let’s eat first.”

Momentum is everything—if you don’t seize it, the chance fades. Not bringing the five substitute companies up for discussion now probably means things won’t go as planned.

Zhang Jun, a direct descendant of the Zhang Group, was arrogant, yes, but arrogance didn’t mean he lacked intelligence.

Mr. Chen sighed inwardly and stood up, preparing to head downstairs.

As everyone rose to follow Mr. Chen to breakfast, Zhang Jun suddenly remarked, “It’s always this restaurant. How many times have we eaten here? I’m sick of it.”

While everyone was surprised, Zhang Jun continued leisurely, “Though our ideals align, taste is a fickle thing. I suggest we each eat where we please.”

“Mr. Peng, Mr. Kong, what do you think?”

Having refused Zhang Jun earlier, now, with him singling them out, Peng Zhen and Kong Li couldn’t afford to feign indifference.

The two exchanged glances, then looked toward Mr. Chen.

With tacit understanding, they didn’t follow but stayed with Zhang Jun.

Not going with Mr. Chen might anger him, but provoking Zhang Jun could ruin them in an instant.

They understood this well enough.

“Hmph,” Zhang Jun snorted, glaring fiercely at them, still angry about their earlier refusal.

In truth, Zhang Jun was clever, able to assess the situation and spar with seasoned players. But few in Linhai matched his family’s wealth, so he’d grown up believing no one could rival him, and if he couldn’t have something, he’d rather destroy it.

If it were Murong Xiaofeng, he would have enlightened the two but not embarrassed them, perhaps even inquired if there were any overlooked concerns.

That was the difference between them—and the reason the Murong family had endured for centuries.

“This afternoon, the old man will definitely push his favored companies into the association. If we remain passive, we’ll lose our influence, maybe even be kicked out.”

Zhang Jun didn’t actually dislike the restaurant’s food—it was just an excuse to gather his allies and strategize.

“Ye Liu Group is already set. What about the others?”

“Why are you looking at me?” Zhang Jun snapped at Peng Zhen. “How should I know?”

Peng Zhen, rebuffed in front of everyone, turned red with embarrassment. He managed hundreds, even thousands, preparing for an IPO, and Zhang Jun showed him no respect.

Zhang Jun understood the art of winning loyalty, but simply disdained it.

As long as he provided enough benefits, people would flock to him like dogs drawn to bones.

Dogs never refuse bones, and as long as there are bones, people will circle around them.

So why bother currying favor? Securing interests sufficed.

“Mr. Zhang, lately Qianlai and Xunxing’s CEOs have been close to Mr. Chen. They’ll likely be nominated.”

“Qianlai and Xunxing?”

Qianlai was listed, Xunxing not, but Xunxing’s profitability rivaled or even surpassed listed companies.

Both were formidable—hard to resist.

“If that’s the case, with Ye Liu Group plus these two, our seats will only dwindle.”

Another chimed in, “Given Mr. Chen’s style, nominating Ye Liu Group is for the public good, Qianlai and Xunxing for personal reasons. Plus, he’ll ask everyone to recommend a company, probably giving us a seat to quell our anger. These old-timers always balance things. The times have changed, but they cling to old ways—hindering progress.”

That statement pleased Zhang Jun, but he didn’t get carried away. He tapped the table. “Fang Hui’s right. That’s exactly what the old man will do.”

He slapped the table. “We can’t let him lead us by the nose. If he wants Ye Liu Group in, there must be three seats. Otherwise, we walk away.”

Zhang Jun glanced at Xu Zhen and Kong Li. “If there’s anything to discuss, say it now. The Zhang family’s rewards won’t be lacking. But if anyone betrays us this afternoon, I’ll say it here—whoever isn’t with us is our enemy, and the Zhang family never shows mercy to enemies.”

...

“This morning, we decided to add five companies to the association’s voting seats. Ye Liu Group is already set. The remaining four will be proposed by everyone, then voted upon. Let’s begin.”

Zhang Jun was stunned. The old man had changed tactics.

“No matter what you do, if we don’t agree, it’s over.”

Zhang Jun glanced at the other four, signaling them to proceed as planned.

In moments, fifteen people had written down their chosen companies.

“Let’s count the votes.”

Zhang Jun, impatient, said, “Hurry up, I have a pile of documents waiting for my signature.”

He cast his vote against.

“Mr. Zhang, you didn’t even look at Qianlai’s information before vetoing. What’s the meaning of this?”

“Nothing special,” Zhang Jun replied calmly. “I simply don’t think they’re qualified yet.”

With Zhang Jun taking the lead, the afternoon vote became child’s play.

Of the fifteen companies, apart from Ye Liu Group, not a single one managed to enter the council with voting rights.

Everyone eyed each other with disdain, and the neutral faction, only interested in profit, were thoroughly bored.

With so much business to attend to, arguing here seemed pointless.

“Since everyone has their own opinions, the council will not add any new voting members for now.”

Mr. Chen showed no displeasure at Zhang Jun’s disruption, his expression steady as ever.

“As you all know, Ye Liu Group’s AI has undergone a revolutionary transformation. Combined with our VR technology and existing patents, our Cosmic Association will soon surpass those of America, Britain, and France. When that day comes, our Huaxia standard will be the global standard.”

“Therefore, I propose Ye Liu Group be appointed as vice president of the Cosmic Association. I have also invited President Liu to join us.”