Chapter 12: Chapter 12: How Could It Be You, You Little Punk?
"Uncle Zheng, how's the car? Easy to drive?"
"It's excellent, Young Master! Much easier than the Cullinan or Phantom! When should we leave?"
"We'll set out in 20 minutes, at 1:50. Rain, get in touch with Finance Manager Wang, Secretary Xue, and bodyguards Chen Peng and Chen Zhan. Tell them to dress professionally and come along. Today, we're settling an old score."
"Settling a score? Oh! Understood, Young Master! We'll be ready to go by 1:50 sharp!"
"Good."
Back in his room, Shang Yunyan changed into another suit, paired with dress shoes and a casual shirt. He donned his Vacheron Constantin watch, tidied his hair and appearance, and made sure everything was in order. Right on time, he stepped into the car, ready to depart.
In the office of the chairman of United Fit Investments, Zhu Li received news that Shang Yunyan was on his way. Zhu immediately called his secretary to notify all department heads and managers to prepare to welcome the new owner. The new chairman had directly acquired the company with a stunning show of financial power, proving not only his wealth but also his formidable background. Such a figure demanded utmost respect.
Meanwhile, Ma Yongsheng was once again cozying up with Yan Yongqing in his office. Hearing the news, he scowled.
"The new chairman, the new chairman—what a big deal! Making us jump through hoops. Hmph! I'm the project manager around here. All these major investments depend on me to make money. Who has time to greet some newbie!"
Despite his grumbling, Ma Yongsheng reined in his temper and told Yan Yongqing to wait for him to return after meeting the new boss.
Zhu Li and a group of company executives arrived at the parking lot, calculating the timing. In the distance, a Rolls-Royce approached, flanked by two Mercedes-Benz executive vehicles. The three cars pulled up in unison. From the Mercedes, two men and two women stepped out and moved to the Rolls-Royce. One of the women opened the car door, and Shang Yunyan, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, stepped out gracefully. He gazed silently at the crowd and at the towering building of United Fit—the place where he had worked for a year.
At that moment, Shang Yunyan's emotions soared. Countless curses galloped through his mind, accompanied by a triumphant melody of vindication.
"Hello! You must be Chairman Shang, correct?" Zhu Li, who immediately recognized Shang Yunyan's extraordinary presence, stepped forward with a fawning smile and extended his hand.
"How could it be you?! You little punk!" Ma Yongsheng suddenly shouted.
When Shang Yunyan first stepped out of the car, Ma wasn't entirely sure. After all, Shang Yunyan had once been just a poor kid from the countryside—no skills, no money, no connections, no network. Now, standing before him as a business mogul with a retinue of bodyguards and assistants, Ma couldn't believe it was the same person. But when Zhu Li addressed him as "Chairman Shang," Ma knew without a doubt that the new chairman was the very same lowly employee he had once bullied.
"Outrageous! Who do you think you are to speak to our Young Master like that?" Chen Peng bellowed, ready to act, but Shang Yunyan stopped him with a wave.
"Well, well, it seems you haven't forgotten me, you piece of trash. Chairman Zhu, don't you find my face familiar?"
Zhu Li studied Shang Yunyan's face, vaguely feeling a sense of recognition. But with hundreds of employees in the company, he couldn't possibly remember them all.
However, several department managers had already recognized Shang Yunyan.
"It's… you were that employee in Ma Yongsheng's department! The one who got forced out! How did you…"
"Surprised?" Shang Yunyan chuckled coldly. "Enough chit-chat. I'm here to take over the company, not waste my breath. Chairman Zhu, is this how you treat your new boss—leaving him to stand outside in the cold wind?"
"N-no, of course not! Please, Chairman Shang, come inside!" Zhu Li stammered, bowing his head and gesturing toward the entrance. As Shang Yunyan passed the group, a smirk of disdain played on his lips.
Zhu Li turned and shot a murderous glare at Ma Yongsheng. Meanwhile, Ma was drenched in a cold sweat, realizing that the man he had bullied had not only risen but now owned the company. If Shang Yunyan discovered the shady deals Ma had been involved in, it would spell disaster.
Inside United Fit's headquarters, Shang Yunyan walked the floors with Zhu Li, inspecting the offices. When they reached the floor where he had once worked, the atmosphere turned electric.
"Yunyan? Is that you? How did you…" One of Ma Yongsheng's lackeys stammered, barely able to get the words out.
"Surprised? I suppose it's been a while since you've seen me. You must have missed me, right? So, I decided to return with a new title. From now on, I'm your chairman. How you work, how you behave, and all your little schemes—I know them better than anyone. Including you, Manager Ma. Oh, wait—you're fired."
"You… You can't just fire me! I have a contract! My term isn't up yet!"
"Oh? And what gave you the right to fire me back then? Also, it's simple: One, I'm the chairman. What I say goes. Two, you've been neglecting your duties during work hours. Shall I spell out your misconduct in front of everyone? I think your colleagues know better than anyone what you've been up to, don't they?"
"Chairman Shang! This guy's been playing around with women during work hours! Even now—there's a woman in his office!" an employee, previously bullied by Ma Yongsheng, stood up and shouted.