The next morning, Zi Ning arrived at Zi Corporation earlier than usual. The sun had barely risen, but the entire building was already buzzing with tension. After yesterday's press conference, Zhang Qiang's plans had been exposed, and his reputation took a heavy hit. However, Zi Ning knew this wasn't the end. A man like Zhang Qiang wouldn't give up so easily.
Liu Mei greeted her at the elevator with a serious expression. "Chairwoman Zi, there's been a new development."
Zi Ning stepped out of the elevator and adjusted her coat. "What happened?"
Liu Mei handed her a tablet. "Zhang Qiang has called for an emergency shareholders' meeting. It's scheduled for this afternoon. Word is, he's trying to rally support to remove you from your position."
Zi Ning's lips curled into a cold smile. "He's more desperate than I thought. Does he really think he can take me down so easily?"
Liu Mei hesitated. "A few shareholders are still on the fence. If Zhang Qiang offers them better deals, they might turn against us."
Zi Ning's eyes narrowed. "Let them try. By the time that meeting starts, I'll make sure every one of them knows where true power lies."
She pushed open the door to her office and sat down, her mind already working several steps ahead.
"Contact the legal team. I want all documents related to Zhang Qiang's illegal activities on my desk within the hour," Zi Ning ordered. "Also, schedule private meetings with the undecided shareholders. If Zhang Qiang wants to play dirty, I'll bury him before he even steps into that room."
"Yes, Chairwoman Zi," Liu Mei said, already dialing the phone as she left.
By noon, Zi Ning had met with three key shareholders—men who had been wavering in their loyalty. She didn't beg or plead. Instead, she laid out facts. She showed them the solid future Zi Corporation would have under her leadership and revealed Zhang Qiang's underhanded dealings.
By the time the meetings ended, all three men had pledged their support to her.
Liu Mei returned with the legal documents. "Chairwoman Zi, we found something critical." She handed a thick folder to Zi Ning. "This is evidence that Zhang Qiang has been embezzling funds from his other companies to buy votes in the shareholders' meeting."
Zi Ning flipped through the pages, her smile turning colder with each document. "Perfect. Let him bring his tricks to the meeting. I'll destroy him in front of everyone."
At 2 p.m., the conference room was packed with shareholders. The tension in the air was thick. Zhang Qiang sat on one side of the long table, his face calm but his eyes gleaming with malice. He believed today would be the day he reclaimed the power he had lost.
Zi Ning entered the room with graceful confidence, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. She took her seat at the head of the table, her gaze sweeping over the crowd.
Zhang Qiang was the first to speak. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice smooth, "we all want Zi Corporation to thrive. But under Chairwoman Zi's leadership, we've faced unnecessary scandals and risks. I propose that we vote for new leadership—someone who can bring stability and profit back to this company."
Murmurs spread through the room. Some shareholders nodded, but others looked hesitant.
Zi Ning leaned back in her chair, her expression calm. "Stability?" she repeated with a slight smile. "Is that what you call bribery and embezzlement, Mr. Zhang?"
Zhang Qiang's face darkened. "What are you talking about?"
Zi Ning tapped the table twice. Liu Mei stepped forward, placing copies of the legal documents in front of each shareholder.
"This is evidence of Zhang Qiang's crimes," Zi Ning said coldly. "For months, he has been stealing money from his other companies to fund his attempt to overthrow me. Do you really want a criminal leading Zi Corporation?"
Gasps filled the room as the shareholders read through the documents. Faces paled, and whispers grew louder.
Zhang Qiang's hands clenched into fists. "These are lies!"
Zi Ning chuckled softly. "Really? Our legal team verified everything. But if you're so confident, Mr. Zhang, perhaps you wouldn't mind if I hand these over to the police?"
A heavy silence fell. The shareholders who had once considered supporting Zhang Qiang were now looking at him with suspicion and fear.
One of the senior shareholders, Mr. Wang, stood up. "I've seen enough. I support Chairwoman Zi."
Others quickly followed. Within minutes, the majority had voiced their loyalty to Zi Ning.
Zhang Qiang's face turned pale as he realized his plan had failed.
Zi Ning stood up, her voice calm but filled with authority. "This meeting is over. Zhang Qiang, from today onward, you are no longer welcome in Zi Corporation. Security, please escort him out."
Two security guards immediately approached Zhang Qiang. His face twisted with rage, but he could do nothing as they led him out of the room.
As the doors closed behind him, the weight in the room lifted. Zi Ning turned to the remaining shareholders. "I promise you this—under my leadership, Zi Corporation will continue to grow stronger. Anyone who tries to harm this company will be dealt with swiftly."
The shareholders nodded in agreement, their earlier doubts erased.
Later that evening, Zi Ning returned to the Lu family mansion. As she stepped inside, she found Lu Yichen waiting in the living room, a glass of red wine in his hand.
"You're home early," he said, watching her with an unreadable expression.
Zi Ning sighed softly as she removed her coat and joined him. "It's done. Zhang Qiang is finished."
Lu Yichen's lips curled into a faint smile. "I knew you'd win."
Zi Ning took the glass he handed her, the rich aroma of wine filling her senses. "He thought he could take me down. But people like him—" She took a sip, her voice turning icy. "—they forget who they're dealing with."
Lu Yichen reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I like this side of you."
She raised an eyebrow. "Which side?"
"The side that doesn't back down," he murmured, leaning closer. "The side that fights until she wins."
Zi Ning laughed softly, setting her glass down. "I've had to fight my whole life. I don't know how to be any other way."
His gaze softened slightly. "You don't have to fight alone."
Her heart stirred at his words. For years, she had relied only on herself. But now, with Lu Yichen by her side, the weight on her shoulders felt lighter.
"I know," she said quietly.
He leaned in, brushing a kiss against her lips. "Good. Because no matter what comes next, I'm not going anywhere."
As the night deepened, the city outside continued to buzz with life. But inside the mansion, Zi Ning allowed herself to relax—if only for a moment.