Chapter 231: 229 – Woman’s Battlefield (3) Heir Dispute

Translator: 549690339

“Dad, don’t you think there’s something wrong?” Song Zhizhi asked.

She had thought a lot about it during this period.

Everything seemed to be leaning towards what she had imagined.

Normally.

The elder Ye should have chosen his successor from a fair and impartial standing, but now, he was noticeably biased towards their family. He even told her father that the upcoming project with S Country could be his opportunity to inherit the Commercial Management position. Wasn’t this intentionally causing everyone to direct their contradictions towards her father?

There were many things she couldn’t figure out, but everything seemed strange.

She looked at her father.

Song Shan said, “Elder Ye is very unwell.”

“Hmm?” Song Zhizhi raised her eyebrows.

He seemed quite well before.

“Didn’t I say that Elder Ye called me? He said he hoped I could create a miracle so he could rightfully give me the opportunity. I was also surprised why he would do such a thing all of a sudden. In the past, no one could guess what he was thinking. Yesterday, Qian Guanshu messaged me that Elder Ye fell ill, he was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer. It’S probably a matter of a couple of months.” Song Shan said while sighing heavily.

“How can it be so sudden?” Song Zhizhi was surprised.

He seemed full of energy just a while ago, not at all like a person over 70.

He fell ill just like that?

And it’S so severe.

“Yes, it’S really so sudden. Otherwise, Elder Ye wouldn’t be in such a hurry to choose a successor. Qian

Guanshu told me that I’m currently Elder Ye’s top choice but he can’t go against public opinion or the Commercial Management might not be peaceful after I take over. So, he urged me to achieve results in this project. These days, I really can’t sleep.” Song Shan said heavily, “Anyway, I have thought it through. If I can’t make it, I don’t care. At my age, being together peacefully as a family is the most important.”

Song Zhizhi was somewhat silent, she looked at her father.

Song Shan reached out and touched his daughter’s shoulder, saying gently, “You shouldn’t bear such a big pressure either, I really have figured it out.”

“Really, you don’t care about the position of the successor of the Commercial Management?” Song Zhizhi asked.

In her mind, she suddenly remembered Ji Baijian’s words about how important this position would be to ensure the safety of her family.

“I don’t care.” Song Shan smiled, “Having you by my side is more than enough.”

Song Zhizhi gave a small smile.

She didn’t know why, but she felt relieved at that moment.

She was actually very afraid that her father wouldn’t be able to accept it, and that his desire for this power would be too great.

This way.

This way was good.

She said, “Dad, this position is not important, but we still have to do what needs to be done.

Regardless of the outcome, from our standpoint, it’S definitely necessary to open up trade routes with S Country. This is for the benefit of our people, and an enhancement to our country’s economy. We can’t just give up.”

“Do you have any good suggestions?” Song Shan asked with a kindly smile.

Feeling like he had let go, he felt much lighter.

“Regarding Elder Ye’s health, currently, who in the Commercial Management knows about it?” Song Zhizhi asked.

“I didn’t ask Qian Guanshu.”

“I’d think, the four chiefs should know.” Song Zhizhi said, “Such a thing, Elder Ye would likely inform all of you.”

“Hmm.” Song Shan nodded, then seemed uncertain, “It’s also possible that Elder Ye didn’t want to cause unnecessary disputes, so he only told me.”

“Ask Qian Guanshu to confirm, then I can proceed with my plan.”

Song Shan frowned a bit, but nodded. He sent a message to Qian Guanshu.

Qian Guanshu replied quickly, “Only the four chiefs are aware. Do not make it public for the time being.”

Song Shan showed the message to Song Zhizhi and gave a bitter smile, “I have overestimated myself. ”

“Dad, don’t be upset. From Elder Ye’s perspective, he would try to be as fair and impartial as possible.”

Song Zhizhi consoled him, “Luckily, I know what we should do.”

“What?”

“You should call Chu Zhaotian and Qin Wenguo now and tell them about Elder Ye’s illness. We’ll visit him.”

“Right now?” Song Shan frowned.

‘Yes, right now.” Song Zhizhi nodded.

“What are you planning to do?”

“Just affirm our determination in front of Elder Ye.” Song Zhizhi smiled.

Song Shan didn’t know what his daughter was thinking, but seeing how confident she was, he didn’t ask any further.

However, they should indeed visit Elder Ye since he’s unwell.

He made the calls in turn.

Chu Zhaotian agreed immediately and said he was on his way.

While he was calling Qin Wenguo, Qin Wenguo said that he was on his way to Elder Ye’S place.

Song Shan hung up and said to his daughter, “It seems we are one step behind.”

“Not late.” Song Zhizhi smiled, “Not late at all.”

Song Zhizhi accompanied her father to old Ye’s residence.

Elder Ye’s residence was in the suburbs. It seemed that Elder Ye liked bamboo very much. The road leading to the villa and the area around the villa’s front gate were all lined with bamboo. The inside of the villa was also full of bamboo, sporting a modern classical style. It seemed to match Elder Ye’s temperament very well.

When Song Shan and Song Zhizhi entered the villa, Qin Wenguo was already in the living room.

Because of Song Shan’s call, he was waiting there.

On the surface, the four chiefs were very united.

Qin Wenguo said, “I was in such a hurry that I forgot to inform you. When you called me, I remembered, and quickly called old Chu. He told me you had already called him and he’s on the way.”

Song Shan seemed magnanimous, “It’s indeed surprising that Elder Ye is sick. It’s understandable that you forgot to inform me in your haste. Who knew he’d fall ill when he seemed healthy just a while ago…”

“We have no choice.” Qin Wenguo said with a worried face, “Let’s see how he is when we visit him.” Song Shan could only nod.

The two chatted for a while before Chu Zhaotian and Chu Qin arrived. Chu Zhaotian rushed to say, “I was thinking about visiting Elder Ye, and you called. How is Elder Ye’S condition?”

All three were veterans in the workplace.

They were very tactful in their speech.

Although they were competitors, they seemed to get along extremely well.

“Let’s go and check on him. Call old Qian.” Song Shan hurriedly said, and called Qian Guanshu.

Qian Guanshu picked up, “Old Song, have you arrived?” “Both Old Chu and Old Qin are in the downstairs hall.” “You guys wait a moment, Elder Ye will be down soon.” “How’s his condition?” Song Shan asked with concern.

“It’s okay.” Qian Guanshu answered before hanging up the call.

Song Shan told everyone else, “Old Qian said that Elder Ye is about to come down.”

“Then we’ll wait a bit longer.”

The few of them sat on the sofas in the hall.

In the living room, the servants poured them each a cup of tea, while the three of them continued to chat.

Song Zhizhi, Chu Qin, and Qin Wenguo’s wife also sat on one side, quietly accompanying them.

About ten minutes later.

Ye Taiting appeared at the top of the 2nd-floor staircase.

Song Shan, Chu Zhaotian, and Qin Wenguo rushed to get up from the sofas.

Ye Taiting, with Qian Guanshu supporting him, slowly made his way down.

Looking at him, he was indeed significantly weaker than when Song Zhizhi last saw him.

She suddenly felt that Elder Ye, this time, looked at least ten years older. He appeared much more frail and seemed to have lost the vibrancy he once had, his entire being was much dimmer.

Was he really ill?

Song Zhizhi looked at Ye Taiting as the three chiefs rushed over to him.

Ye Taiting raised his hand and his voice was somewhat weak. “Everyone, stay seated, stay seated.” Everyone duly sat back down on the sofas.

Ye Taiting sat in a lone seat, looking at them; he adjusted himself before saying, “You all came such a long way for me, I’m grateful.”

“Elder Ye, listen to what you’re saying,” Chu Zhaotian interjected, “you have been unwell and yet did not tell us ahead of time. I asked Old Qian about you refusing to go to the hospital, this can’t go on.”

“I know my body. Besides, I am already this old, it’s about time. It’s just… ah,” Ye Taiting let out a sigh, “To date, the commercial management operations are still stable. With the four of you around, I am at ease. After all these years, there are still some regrets.”

“Elder Ye, don’t worry, everything will be okay. I believe you will recover,” Song Shan consoled

Ye Taiting smiled, seemingly indifferent, but also somewhat helpless. “Let’s not talk about that now. Since all four of you are here, there are certain things I need to clarify.”

“Elder Ye, please speak.” Qin Wenguo was very respectful.

Ye Taiting started, “Everyone knows that I lack an heir. My Ye Family has always owned the commercial management organization. This generation lost it under my observation; I’ve failed the family. Even without the family’s lineage, luckily there are you! All four of you were selected by me, each of you is my confidant, a trusted companion. The heir will naturally be one of the four of you. I won’t beat around the bush, there will definitely be an heir before my death. The commercial management cannot be left without a leader.”

“Elder Ye, I voluntarily withdraw from consideration.” Qian Guanshu spoke up. “Over the years, my Qian Family has always served as butlers for the Ye Family. We would never usurp the place of the master. I willingly renounce my claim.

“Hmm,” Ye Taiting nodded. “Guanshu, you’ve been with me for many years. I also intended to groom you, but it seems the apple is out of reach. I won’t force you. But I hope that in the future, if an heir emerges, you will fulfill your duties as you promised.”

“Yes, I will certainly follow the teachings of the family and heed Elder Ye’s words.” Qian Guanshu asserted his position.

Ye Taiting looked contented and didn’t say much more. Turning his head to look at the other three he said, “With Guanshu out, it now comes to the three of you. It will be a difficult decision to make. Who among you is selected, I will truly regret not choosing the other two. But the commercial management only has one leader, there must only be one master. Regardless of my final decision, I hope the others will fully support it.”

“Elder Ye, rest assured. Whatever decision you make, I will support you,” Qin Wenguo promised first. “After so many years of following you, I have never thought about anything else. I just want to contribute all I can to support the commercial management and elevate Yanshang Country’s economy. So that our citizens can live better lives and all people of our nation can revel in the economic system of the Ye Family, leading a life free from worry.”

“I’m also with you.” Chu Zhaotian quickly added, “In these years with Elder Ye, and with our three other brothers, we’ve been able to develop the commercial management to this stage and massively boost Yanshang Country’s economy to rank amongst the top ten globally. It’S been truly fulfilling, and I’ve never thought about anything else. The four of us chiefs have always been united. I believe no matter who Elder Ye ultimately chooses, we will altogether support and advance together.”

Song Shan also clarified his stance, “Elder Ye, just relax. The commercial management has always belonged to the Ye Family and has been passed down through generations. We will cherish it. No matter what happens in the future, we won’t abandon commercial management and will ensure it continues to prosper. We will absolutely not let down Elder Ye’S hard work.”

“With your words, I can now rest assured.” Ye Taiting said gravely, a satisfied smile playing on his face, “I will take time to consider further, and will notify you all once I’m certain. Also… Old Song, how’s the IT project in S Country going?”

“I apologize for your concerns.” Song Shan said, filled with regret, “It’S my fault that you have to worry about these things at this time.”

“It’s nothing to do with you! I will remain concerned as long as I live, probably until the moment I close my eyes.” Ye Taiting laughed, somewhat helplessly.

“Mr. Ye, don’t say so. As long as you keep a positive mindset, you can live a hundred years.” “I hope so.” Ye Taiting echoed, then asked seriously, “What’s the current situation?”

“At present, we have assembled all the personnel and plan to conduct a training test for them next week, and then select a group of elites to go to the S Country.” Song Shan reported.

“How’s the manpower situation? Our country’s IT industry has always been at the global average level, are we possibly able to fix the business loopholes in S Country?”

“Well…” Song Shan hesitated.

Chu Zhaotian and Qin Wenguo watched Song Shan’s embarrassed expression and laughed secretly.

Everyone knew that Ye Taiting had been overly concerned about Song Shan recently, obviously favoring him. They didn’t know why before, but now it was clear.

Ye Taiting’s health was deteriorating, so he was certainly in a hurry to confirm his successor.

At this point, Ye Taiting was worried about Song Shans project, using it as an opportunity for Song Shan to naturally have an upper hand, and presumably wishing to convince them both, the two chiefs, willingly and verbally.

Unfortunately.

The IT sector in Yanshang has always been subpar, thinking about repairing S Country’s loopholes is simply wishful thinking.

Moreover.

When recruiting IT talents, Qin Wenguo and Chu Zhaotian secretly colluded. Many really capable people were secretly sent abroad by them, Song Shan could not find any at all.

Under these circumstances, how could Song Shan ever succeed?

They were curious to see how Ye Taiting would justify Song Shan’s succession.

Ye Taiting saw the difficulties Song Shan was facing and shook his head.

Of course, Song Shan was a bit dejected.

Song Zhizhi looked at her father, and couldn’t help saying, “Mr. Ye, may I say a few words?”

Ye Taiting always had a good impression of Song Zhizhi and naturally nodded at that moment.

The face of Chu Qin, sitting next to Chu Zhaotian, suddenly darkened.

This ignorant woman, Song Zhizhi, seemed to always want to be the center of attention.

She always used to show off in Commercial Management, although she knew to keep a low profile on important occasions, but Song Zhizhi, this ignorant woman, could never be quiet.

She watched Song Zhizhi coldly, watching her open her mouth steadily, “I’ve heard something about the IT project. As of late, my father has been pondering daily about how to recruit more outstanding IT talents, and how to form a team of elites to go to S Country, not only to open up business trade routes between our country and S Country but also to let the world know about the economic strength of our country and that our IT industry is also famous…

“Zhizhi.” Chu Zhaotian suddenly interrupted Song Zhizhi’s words, “It’s not that Uncle wants to say something, but you young people with ideals and ambitions, there are some things that aren’t your place to interfere in. This is related to business secrets! Old Song should pay attention too, shouldn’t he? As an elder, you should guide the youngsters correctly! The matter about repairing the loopholes in S Country, this can’t be known to too many people. Now other countries are also inquiring about the situation. If this information is leaked out, it won’t be good.”

“This is not only tnh moral bottom line but also prohibited by law.” Song Zhizhi said, “However, the matter of recruiting it talents and forming teams of elites is known by people all over the world. My dad told me that, and it shouldn’t constitute a business crime, right!”

Chu Zhaotian’s face darkened.

Unexpectedly, he was being mocked by Song Zhizhi in front of Mr. Ye.

Song Zhizhi smiled comfortably, “Chief Chu is so cautious, which is indeed in line with your status as chief financial officer! As we all I-mow, finance is a very sensitive industry, today I have really learned about Chief Chu’s cautiousness.”

Chu Zhaotian’s face looked even more unpleasant.

This damned girl, Song Zhizhi, really is unrelenting when she has the upper hand!