When Shen Chi Yan and Song Qi Nian arrived at the old house, they found quite a few people there.
The other members of the eldest branch were all busy, so only Xi Ru Xue and Shen Ke Qin came.
From the second branch, everyone except Shen Yun Xi had come.
Shen Yun Xi was a married daughter and rarely came to the old house unless it was a major occasion.
Every time Song Qi Nian saw Shen Qi Wen, he would look at her with a frivolous and enigmatic gaze, which made her very uncomfortable.
"Nian Nian and Chi Yan are here, let's eat first."
As soon as the old lady spoke, everyone went to the dining room.
During the meal, the old lady asked Song Qi Nian to sit beside her, and Song Qi Nian obediently sat down.
As Shen Chi Yan was about to sit next to Song Qi Nian, Shen Ke Qin rushed forward, "I want to sit with my sister-in-law."
Shen Chi Yan gave Shen Ke Qin a cool glare. Shen Ke Qin made a face at him and enthusiastically served Song Qi Nian some food, "Sister-in-law, Zhang Ma's braised pork is delicious, you should try it."
Ju Hong Lan, who was beside them, said sarcastically, "I never expected our usually wild Miss Qin Qin to be so close to Nian Nian. I'm very curious, how do you two communicate?"
Shen Ke Qin was the youngest princess of the Shen family, pampered and doted on by everyone.
She always looked down on this and that, her eyes raised to the heavens.
She never thought that a mere mute would catch her eye.
Shen Ke Qin gave Ju Hong Lan a bright and beautiful smile, "Second Aunt, what you said is true. Sister-in-law is beautiful and kind-hearted, isn't it normal for me to like her? Besides, sister-in-law and I are telepathic; we understand each other with just a look, no need for words."
Then she added, "Moreover, nowadays people talk a lot of nonsense. If you're lucky to get one true word out of ten, it's better not to speak at all."
The implication was that Ju Hong Lan always talked a lot, but it was all useless chatter.
"Qin Qin, one should not talk while eating, nor talk in bed!"
Hearing Xi Ru Xue's admonishment, Shen Ke Qin pouted, "Second Aunt spoke first. If I don't respond, it means I'm rude."
Ju Hong Lan: "..."
Shen Zheng Ming gave Ju Hong Lan a cold glare. Ju Hong Lan's face turned green and then white. Seeing the old lady's displeasure, she wisely shut her mouth.
After that, the atmosphere at the table was relatively harmonious.
Today was not a special occasion, yet the old lady had gathered so many people for a meal. There must be something.
As expected, after dinner, the old lady convened a family meeting.
Shen Zheng Ming, clearly impatient, immediately proposed bringing Shen Qi Wen into Ding Sheng Group.
"Mom, Chi Yan, Qi Wen is a member of the Shen family. He studied abroad and learned a lot. He can join the company and contribute to Ding Sheng Group."
Seeing that Shen Chi Yan remained silent, Shen Zheng Ming continued, "The new railway project has just begun, and it's a time when manpower is needed. Qi Wen can also share some of Chi Yan's burdens."
Although Shen Zheng Ming outwardly wanted to help Shen Qi Wen join the company, his real intention was to have his son replace Shen Chi Yan.
He had been dissatisfied when the old master handed the company to Shen Zheng Hao.
Later, Shen Zheng Hao was kicked out of the family by the old lady, and Shen Chi Yan took over Ding Sheng Group. He was even more resentful.
He had already lost to Shen Zheng Hao, and he absolutely would not let his son lose to Shen Zheng Hao's son.
Since Shen Chi Yan took over Ding Sheng Group, the old lady had never interfered in company matters. But today, she agreed. "I think it's fine. Chi Yan, what do you think?"
Shen Chi Yan's face was expressionless, making it impossible to read his thoughts.
Just as Song Qi Nian thought he would refuse, he suddenly curled his lips and smiled, "If Grandma says it's fine, then it's fine."
Shen Zheng Ming breathed a sigh of relief and immediately gave Shen Qi Wen a look.
Shen Qi Wen understood and first offered the old lady a cup of tea. Then, holding the teacup, he approached Shen Chi Yan, "Fifth Brother, I'll count on your guidance in the future."
In front of the old lady, Shen Chi Yan wouldn't let Shen Zheng Ming lose face, so he took the teacup. However, there were some things that needed to be said.
"Ding Sheng Group has always prioritized ability. I'll give you six months to prove yourself."
"I will do my best."
Afterward, the old lady called Xi Ru Xue, Ju Hong Lan, and Song Qi Nian to her side.
"I called you here today for another matter. I am old and can no longer manage the affairs of the Hong Ou Foundation. The position of Chairman of the Foundation will eventually be handed over to you."
Ju Hong Lan's eyes lit up at these words. She felt her opportunity had come.
The Hong Ou Foundation was a charity established by the old lady and the old master together. It had a history of sixty years in Jing Hua City.
Furthermore, it was one of the shareholders of Ding Sheng Group. As long as one became the Chairman of the Foundation, they would have one vote in the major decisions of Ding Sheng Group.
This chairmanship was a position of real power. If she could secure it, who would dare to give her a hard time?
Thinking this, Ju Hong Lan immediately sat beside the old lady, "Mom, may you live a long life and have eternal youth. Managing Hong Ou for another hundred years is no problem."
Shen Ke Qin rolled her eyes speechlessly. That flattery was so insincere.
The old lady smiled slightly, "Then I'll become an old monster, won't I?"
Ju Hong Lan was about to say more, but the old lady had already turned to Xi Ru Xue, "Ru Xue, you've worked hard managing Hong Ou for the past decade. From now on, I will entrust the chairmanship to you."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions varied.
Xi Ru Xue did not expect the old lady to hand over the chairmanship to her. After all, compared to Ju Hong Lan's smooth social skills and adeptness, her ability in this area was indeed lacking.
As for Ju Hong Lan's expression, it could no longer be described as just unpleasant.
Seeing that Xi Ru Xue had not yet reacted, Shen Ke Qin gently nudged her. Xi Ru Xue immediately smiled at the old lady, "Mom, I will not fail your expectations."
The old lady nodded, then looked at Ju Hong Lan, "Hong Lan, as Vice Chairman, you must assist Ru Xue well."
Ju Hong Lan hated it so much that her fingers were almost digging into her palms, but she did not dare to disobey the old lady. She could only nod with suppressed anger, "I will."
"Hmm... and Nian Nian, come to Grandma."
When Song Qi Nian walked over, Ju Hong Lan reluctantly made way.
The old lady held Song Qi Nian's hand and smiled, "Nian Nian, I'm worried that Ru Xue and Hong Lan will be too busy. So, I've appointed you as Vice Chairman. Please help your two aunts well and resolve difficulties."
Song Qi Nian froze for a moment. She really hadn't expected the old lady to put her in charge of the Hong Ou Foundation as Vice Chairman.
She subconsciously glanced at Shen Chi Yan. Shen Chi Yan also seemed surprised, but soon, his expression turned displeased.
Just as Song Qi Nian was about to gesture, the old lady spoke first, "When you were in school, you were always doing volunteer work. You have a kind and gentle heart. I believe you will do well."