Chapter 120: Vote, Then!

Chapter 120: Vote, Then!

Jinfu Group had nineteen directors in all, including three “independent directors.”

Independent directors were directors who held no Jinfu Group shares and had no direct business dealings with Jinfu Group. The precondition for becoming one was the absence of those relationships; only then could a person take part in voting on resolutions with relative fairness and impartiality.

An independent director might be an important figure from another giant enterprise, with outstanding ability, reputation, and very high social standing.

There was also another case: they could be sent by “investment institutions.” Directors were elected by the shareholders’ meeting, but voting rights at a shareholders’ meeting were determined by shareholding ratio, so as long as the group’s major shareholders agreed, they could certainly ensure the institution’s candidate was elected.

Although “investment institutions” were connected to Jinfu Group, they had no business dealings with it. Their business wouldn’t become entangled with Jinfu Group’s. They had simply provided Jinfu with financing back then, and they didn’t interfere with company operations—nor could they.

And the directors they sent would certainly want the company operated well, because good operations meant a higher stock price, and a higher stock price meant the shares the investment institutions held were worth more. So a director dispatched this way would certainly consider the company’s interests and act fairly and impartially, and could serve as an independent director.

Of the nineteen directors in total, fifteen were present today.

Four were absent altogether.

They were chairman Su Ruiwen, in the capital for meetings; two independent directors who weren’t in Donghai; and one inside director currently away on business.

With more than two-thirds of the directors present, the board meeting could proceed.

“Originally, this was only a small matter.” Su Qingying’s tone was extremely grave, her gaze even somewhat sharp. Before this meeting she had shut herself in her office for several hours precisely to bring her emotions in line for this moment.

She had already done everything she could.

“Dismissing two mid-level managers doesn’t need to be dragged before the board at all. As executive vice president, I have the authority to dismiss them directly. If serious consequences follow, I can accept the board’s questioning afterward.” Her voice eased, and she looked toward Madam Su. “But since the special adviser to the chairman has strong opinions, then let us hold a board meeting and let all of you vote.”

Madam Su’s expression shifted slightly.

There was nothing wrong with being addressed that way on a formal occasion like this, and still… was this the same obedient daughter as before?

The corners of Madam Su’s mouth curved in a cold smile so faint it was barely there.

Make your scene. Go on.

Once the vote is over, we’ll see whether you soften.

The more she loved her daughter, the angrier she was at her now.

Today she had to teach her a lesson that went deep.

“First, I’d like to state my reasons for dismissing Security Department supervisor Zhou Da and deputy supervisor Yang Kuo. Regarding Zhou Da…”

Su Qingying began again, repeating the long argument she had already delivered once.

She didn’t mind expending the words.

She meant to reason it out.

The conference room was very quiet. Everyone listened to her, their expressions varying. Apart from a few who listened seriously, the rest weren’t—they had already heard the details before. They also knew… what mattered was the vote. Everything before it was unimportant.

Several minutes later.

“I am doing this for the company’s interests, to eliminate negative public opinion, and to show the outside world Jinfu Group’s stance. So Zhou Da must be dismissed. Of course, it would be best if he can resign to take responsibility.”

Having finished her reasons for dismissing Zhou Da, Su Qingying explained the dismissal of Yang Kuo in a single sentence. “Yang Kuo is currently attached to the company in name only. He does no work for the company. Dismiss him directly.”

That said, she sat down—then added, “If anyone has objections, you may speak. I hope those who oppose me can give reasons, rather than opposing for the sake of opposing. Such people, now or in the future, are not suited to remaining on Jinfu’s board of directors…”

Su Qingying’s closing words already carried a warning.

Everyone present understood one thing: whatever else happened, Su Qingying would eventually take over.

The dozen-odd directors around the table looked at one another, trading glances.

None of them would speak first. All of them understood their turn hadn’t come.

Clap. Clap. Clap.

Applause.

Madam Su alone, clapping dryly.

She applauded her daughter, the faintest cold smile at the corners of her mouth. She clapped and she smiled, and by degrees the smile took on a hint of appreciation—mocking appreciation.

“Not bad, not bad! Qingying! You really have made Mom see you in a new light today. You really do have courage today.” Madam Su said it with a smile on her face. Then her expression sank. “However! On today’s matter, if I say it doesn’t pass, then it doesn’t pass!”

As she spoke, her gaze swept over the other directors, and her pace quickened. “What Vice President Su said does contain some reason, but! I don’t believe this is a suitable method. There are many ways to eliminate impact and make a public stance. It isn’t necessary to dismiss the Security Department supervisor.”

“Zhou Da has worked hard for Jinfu Group for more than ten years. From a security manager at a factory below, he worked his way up to the position of head office supervisor today. He has always fulfilled his duties and worked diligently. He is a veteran employee without a single fault. To dismiss him just like that—wouldn’t it chill the hearts of our other veteran employees?”

Madam Su had only just thought of this argument.

Because Su Qingying had issued a “warning.” If Su Qingying wanted to reason, then Madam Su could reason with her. She had at least that much ability.

“And!” Madam Su looked at her daughter again and asked in return, “You said Zhou Da could resign to take responsibility, and that you’d give him compensation privately?”

She paused, then swept her gaze around once more. “Zhou Da can refuse! That’s his right. Then the only option left would be to fire him? And afterward? He can take it to labor arbitration. He might even be used by our competitors, go to the media, and have the whole thing blown up!”

“Which of you wants to see a headline in the news reading, Jinfu Violates Labor Law, Fires Faultless Veteran Employee to Calm Public Opinion? Handled well, this can indeed show a stance and calm some public opinion. But what if it isn’t handled well?”

“There is already a great deal of negative news about our group. We are standing right in the eye of the storm. At a critical juncture like this, is there any need to take a risk of that kind?” Having finished, Madam Su looked directly at Su Qingying again.

In truth, what she said was untrue. Zhou Da was one of her people. Persuading him would be exceedingly easy, and giving him enough compensation privately would create no problem at all.

But.

Her logic was sound.

Zhou Da did indeed have the right to refuse to resign. He could even… be made by Madam Su to refuse.

However… in truth, whether either side’s words were right or wrong wasn’t the point.

It was only to give supporters and opponents an excuse. Just as Su Qingying had said, what couldn’t appear at a board meeting was opposition for the sake of opposition. As long as a situation emerged in which each side had its own reasonable argument, that was enough.

Madam Su had spoken the counterargument. There was no need for the others to repeat too much. They could state their positions directly.

“I agree with Madam’s opinion. We truly shouldn’t take a risk of this kind.” Xu Zhenyuan, the second-largest shareholder, spoke calmly, his expression very formal.

Stating his position first was also a signal to the two people who took their cue from him. He gave this convenient favor very comfortably.

“I also feel—” Another director was about to speak.

“Vote, then!” Su Qingying cut in, raising her voice. “There’s nothing more to say. Both sides have reason. Vote directly. Now—those who support my proposal, please raise your hands.”

That said, she raised her hand first. She was a director, and she had one vote to cast for herself.

In that moment Madam Su’s gaze turned sharp, sweeping the table.

She didn’t think anyone would support her daughter, but she still had to make her attitude plain. She wanted to see exactly who dared support Su Qingying.

A hand went up.

It came extremely fast.

Not only did Madam Su’s expression change—even the second-largest shareholder Xu Zhenyuan’s changed, and his changed far more drastically than hers.

Because the first man to raise his hand and vote with Su Qingying was not one of Su Ruiwen’s loyal supporters.

He was Xu Zhenyuan’s man.

He was Yao Honglin.