The next morning, Song Qiao dressed up meticulously and arrived at the chamber of commerce venue early.
Upon entering, he immediately drew the attention and whispers of many company CEOs.
"I heard Song Qiao actually dared to confront the Xia family. He's incredibly audacious."
"Yes, I also heard Xia Haibin was publicly embarrassed by him twice. I wonder where this guy gets his courage from."
Song Qiao paid little attention to the murmurs and walked straight towards Xia Yuqing and Bao Jing, who were representing Tianhong at the meeting.
"Why are you so early today?"
Despite some friction with his wife the previous day, Song Qiao, as a man, still initiated a greeting with Xia Yuqing.
"Hmph, if we were all like you, being a hands-off manager, wouldn't our company be doomed sooner or later?"
Xia Yuqing's expression remained cold, and her tone was impatient.
"You must have heard by now. Your conflict with the Xia family has spread throughout the entire circle. Because of your impulsive actions, how can Tianhong attract investment and cooperation in the future?"
Before Song Qiao could explain, Xia Yuqing began questioning him with a stern face.
"Exactly. As the company's chairman, you don't consider the impact of your actions on the company at all. It's simply irresponsible."
Bao Jing chimed in, siding with Xia Yuqing, seemingly forgetting she had been publicly humiliated the day before.
Seeing the two of them ganging up on him, Song Qiao's previously good mood plummeted.
He could tolerate Bao Jing's sarcastic remarks, but his wife, Xia Yuqing, was still upset with him, and on such an important occasion. It was utterly unreasonable.
He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his anger, and stood aside, unwilling to speak.
"What are you still standing around for? Go mingle, make some connections with other bosses, and maybe we can get our company to become an internal member of the chamber of commerce."
Seeing her husband's lack of initiative, Xia Yuqing couldn't help but get annoyed and sternly berated Song Qiao.
"No need to mingle. I was invited here today to be the president. Both Tianhong and Xiang Piaopiao will undoubtedly be confirmed internal members."
Song Qiao had lost any desire to share his plans and mechanically replied to his wife.
"You to be the president?"
Xia Yuqing was stunned at first, then a look of anger reappeared on her face.
"What time is it? Can you ever stop your habit of bragging?"
"This company alliance chamber of commerce has invited all the entrepreneurs in the city. How can it be your turn, Song Qiao, to be the chairman?"
She stomped her foot hard and thrust her handbag into her husband's arms.
"Wife, what are you doing?"
"Why can't I be the chairman?"
Song Qiao, repeatedly doubted by Xia Yuqing, was already somewhat dejected, and now he was so angered he could barely breathe.
"Hmph, a dignified company CEO, with no self-awareness. What's the difference between that and a show-off?"
Before Xia Yuqing could respond, Bao Jing muttered quietly from the side.
"What did you say? Say it again so I can hear you. Do you think I really can't kick you out?"
Song Qiao was already looking for an outlet for his anger, and this clueless employee had just walked right into the line of fire.
Just as the conflict was about to escalate, the Secretary entered the venue with fanfare and strode onto the podium.
Instantly, everyone in the hall fell silent, their attention shifting to him.
Secretary Gao surveyed the crowd and his gaze lingered on Song Qiao for a few seconds before he continued in a clear voice:
"I am very grateful that you all could give me, Gao, some face today and attend this meeting."
As soon as he finished speaking, warm applause erupted.
Secretary Gao raised his hand as if to calm them and said gravely:
"I believe you all understand the purpose of our gathering today."
"Our country is developing rapidly, and many wealthy businessmen from other regions are coming to our market to reap profits. Therefore, all of us entrepreneurs must unite and form a business alliance to counter foreign merchants."
"Secretary Gao, your decision is brilliant. We all wholeheartedly agree."
"Yes, the companies in our chamber will help each other and surely grow our businesses to be bigger and stronger."
As soon as he finished speaking, many businessmen below began to echo his sentiments.
Secretary Gao smiled slightly and continued, "I am an amateur in business. Now, I would like to invite the first president of our chamber to come on stage and introduce themselves to everyone."
As he spoke, he turned his gaze towards Song Qiao.
On such an important occasion, he compressed his own speaking time and allocated most of the spotlight to Song Qiao, clearly intending to nurture him.
Amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, Song Qiao slowly rose and was about to step towards the podium.
Xia Yuqing, standing beside him, felt a pang of anxiety.
"Song Qiao, are you crazy? What are you doing causing trouble now? Sit down quickly."
"Everyone is watching now. Do you want to become a joke in everyone's eyes?"
Her voice was hurried, as if she feared Song Qiao would impulsively walk up.
If that happened, Tianhong would likely be expelled immediately.
However, Song Qiao had no time to explain. He exerted force on his leg, shaking off Xia Yuqing's pull, and walked directly towards the podium.
"Alas, Tianhong is completely finished now."
For some reason, although Bao Jing's expression was displeased on the surface, she felt a flicker of schadenfreude at the thought of Song Qiao becoming the object of ridicule.
"Ms. Xia, with the boss acting like this, I think it's better for Tianhong to disband. I'll resign first thing tomorrow."
"I can't entrust my future and fate to such an unreliable boss."
Bao Jing's words struck Xia Yuqing like a heavy blow, turning her already desperate face even paler.
However, events unfolded far beyond their expectations.
After Song Qiao reached the podium, although there were some questioning voices from smaller companies below, the prominent figures at the front warmly applauded.
They had all received prior notification from the Secretary and had expressed their full support.
Even the Secretary watched Song Qiao, who was walking onto the stage, with a constant smile.
Moreover, most importantly, no one else stood up.
This meant that Song Qiao was indeed the new president of the chamber of commerce.
And he had already gained the recognition and support of Secretary Gao.
Thinking this, Xia Yuqing couldn't believe it and patted her forehead, her cheeks flushing slightly.
It seemed she had truly misunderstood her husband this time.
Bao Jing, on the other hand, had virtually buried her head in her lap, her face flushed crimson, not daring to even lift her head.
"This is our new president, the founder of Xiang Piaopiao Foods, and the chairman of Tianhong Media, Mr. Song Qiao."
As soon as Song Qiao steadied himself on the podium, Secretary Gao solemnly introduced him to the crowd.