Chapter 916 Handover
Zhou Lihao certainly knew that the finance department harbored some unsavory secrets.
It wasn't just finance; those in charge of logistics likely weren't entirely clean either.
However, the company's profits were currently within acceptable limits. He had personally appointed these people, and Zhou Lihao understood they wouldn't dare to overstep too much.
The reason Zhu Jingye wanted to bring in a third-party company was likely to create an opening.
If there were issues with the accounts, the first person to go down would be his right-hand man.
But did Zhu Jingye truly believe this would make things difficult for him?
Zhou Lihao looked at the company's financial controller and said, "Are there any problems? It's not something that can be clarified with a single sentence from you, nor can it be decided by a single sentence from him!"
Seeing the look Zhou Lihao sent his way, the financial controller breathed a sigh of relief.
That look clearly told him to relax.
"You want to bring in a third-party auditor? Fine. As an independent director, you naturally have the right to propose this."
"I agree to this matter."
Everyone was stunned by his words.
Zhou Lihao agreed just like that?
Without even putting up a fight?
Sensing the bewildered looks from Zhu Jingye and Zhuo Songhu, Zhou Lihao let out a cold laugh. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"If there are problems with the company's finances, of course, they need to be thoroughly investigated."
"I think it's best to just agree to this."
Seeing this, the few directors beside Zhou Lihao, though unsure of his intentions, could only follow his lead and nod in agreement.
Zhu Jingye and Zhuo Songhu exchanged glances, finding their counterpart as confused as themselves.
In the end, they could only agree. This was, after all, a matter they had raised. If they were to object now, it would be more than just losing face.
However, the moment the matter was settled, Zhou Lihao said to the recorder beside him, "Since we are engaging a third-party auditing firm, let's use Zhou's Dehua Accounting Firm. Their business is extensive, and they are not only a top accounting firm but also familiar with Haoneng Construction Group. Having them take charge, I believe everyone has no other objections?"
Zhou's Dehua Accounting Firm. The moment these words were spoken, everyone understood.
After all the twists and turns, the matter was back in the hands of the Zhou family!
Zhou Lihao was treating them like fools!
Just as Zhu Jingye was about to speak, Zhou Lihao interjected, "I know what you're all worried about. Rest assured, although Zhou's Dehua Accounting Firm has shares held by the Zhou family, it has absolutely no connection to me, nor to him."
Zhou Lihao pointed his hand towards the financial controller of Haoneng Construction Group.
Zhu Jingye, however, voiced his honest opinion, "Isn't this a joke? Investigating themselves? I absolutely do not agree with this approach!"
"Oh? If Director Zhu disagrees, then shall we have a vote?"
Zhou Lihao said this as his gaze fell upon the other neutral directors.
"You are all aware of Haoneng Construction Group's financial issues. With such a large scale, it's inevitable that a few minor problems arise in the process."
"I'm simply trying to find an accounting firm that can provide peace of mind. Don't you agree?"
The directors Zhou Lihao had targeted immediately understood the underlying meaning of his words.
"The Chairman is absolutely correct. I agree to let Zhou's Dehua Accounting Firm handle this matter. If it were entrusted to another accounting company, before the investigation results are out, malicious leaks could cause immeasurable damage to our company."
"The company's current success is a result of the Chairman's wise leadership and everyone's concerted efforts. We cannot abandon the company's interests for minor issues. Wouldn't you all agree?"
The speaker was not only a member of the board but also an executive director.
He was primarily responsible for the investment and development of Haoneng Construction Group, and in essence, managed the borrowing relationships with various banks.
While Haoneng Construction Group had the Zhou family's backing, banks wouldn't lend money indiscriminately.
Haoneng Construction Group had direct ties to Zhou family capital, but not deep connections.
Therefore, even if Haoneng Construction Group encountered problems, the Zhou family wouldn't bear the burden.
This executive director responsible for banking affairs, while wanting to weed out the company's corrupt elements, would face considerable pressure if the matter escalated too much!
After speaking, he specifically looked at Zhu Jingye, his eyes conveying a clear message: it's best to know when to stop.
Zhu Jingye, breathing heavily, was momentarily unsure how to respond.
Zhuo Songhu, seeing this, chuckled and waved his hand, "I agree with what he said. The company can't just fall apart. Old Zhu, you're at an age where you get agitated easily like a young person. This isn't good for your health."
Zhu Jingye remained silent. After calming his turbulent emotions, he slowly nodded, indicating his agreement.
Zhu Jingye understood the implication of their words.
Regardless of what they intended to achieve today, Haoneng Construction Group was like a table laden with food. No matter how unwilling they were, they absolutely could not flip the table!
Otherwise, they would become common enemies.
After a series of issues were raised, Zhu Jingye appeared somewhat fatigued.
Zhu Jingye's original plan was to replace people directly once he secured absolute equity. This board meeting wasn't part of his original strategy.
It was Chen Yang who personally advised him to proceed this way, prompting his arrangements.
The timing was somewhat rushed.
Zhu Jingye looked at Zhuo Songhu with a hint of nervousness.
According to Chen Yang's plan, the core of today's board meeting was to be handled by Zhuo Songhu.
"If there are no further issues, I suggest we conclude today's meeting!"
Zhou Lihao said, preparing to stand up and leave. The most pressing issue now was to thoroughly investigate who the mastermind behind Zhu Jingye and Zhuo Songhu was.
Without clandestine support, they wouldn't dare to do such a thing!
Sweat beaded on Zhu Jingye's forehead. He anxiously looked at Zhuo Songhu, completely unsure of the latter's game plan.
They had already exposed themselves today. If they didn't act decisively now, Zhu Jingye could already guess what they would face next.
Just as Zhou Lihao was about to rise, Zhuo Songhu slowly said, "If I recall correctly, there's still one last item on the agenda for today, isn't there?"
Zhuo Songhu looked towards the company secretary in the corner.
The secretary heard the question and looked somewhat puzzled. The meeting had been convened in some haste, and he wasn't entirely sure if he had overlooked anything.