Chapter 10 — The Boardroom Awakens
The morning sunlight bathed the living room in soft gold as Ye Tian stepped out of his room, freshly dressed in a fitted black shirt and dark slacks. The scent of breakfast wafted from the kitchen — pan-fried buns, soy milk, and boiled eggs.
His mother looked up from the table and smiled. "Up early again?"
"Got something important today," he replied calmly.
His phone vibrated just then. A message popped up on the screen:
> [System Notification: Mission Progress - 'Boardroom Beginner'] Reminder: Attend today's board meeting at Moon International HQ at 10:00 AM.
Another message followed almost instantly, but this one wasn't from the system:
> [Moon International Group - Chairman's Secretary] Mr. Ye Tian, as a shareholder holding 10% equity, your attendance is requested at the quarterly board meeting today at our Shanghai headquarters.
He pocketed the phone and poured himself a cup of soy milk. His father, flipping through the morning paper, raised a brow. "A meeting?"
"Something like that," Ye Tian said. "A chance to see where my money's going."
His third brother-in-law, Xiao Peng, chuckled from the doorway. "Look at you, talking like an investor already."
By 8:30, Ye Tian was on the road. The BMW M8's engine purred as it cruised through the city streets. Dressed in sharp, understated fashion, he exuded confidence — a far cry from the broken-hearted student just a week ago.
The Moon International headquarters towered above the city skyline, a symbol of wealth and influence. As Ye Tian stepped into the building, a receptionist greeted him politely, her smile growing more genuine after checking his name on the VIP list.
"Mr. Ye Tian, welcome. The boardroom is on the 28th floor. The chairman's assistant will receive you there."
The elevator ride was smooth and silent. When the doors opened, a woman in a professional white blouse and pencil skirt awaited him.
"You must be Mr. Ye," she said with a respectful nod. "I'm Zhang Mei, assistant to the chairman. Please, follow me."
The boardroom was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a long oval table. Men and women in formal business attire were already seated. Most were middle-aged, some old, their eyes sharp.
Whispers followed Ye Tian as he entered. The youngest face in the room. Unknown. Unwelcome.
"That's the new shareholder?" someone murmured.
"Who sold him shares?"
"Must be a proxy."
Ye Tian ignored them and took his assigned seat near the end of the table. Zhang Mei handed him a printed folder — financial reports, growth charts, and minutes from the last meeting.
> [System Notification: Passive Skill Activated — Basic Business Comprehension] Enhanced understanding of corporate documents.
The chairman, an elegant man in his sixties named Xu Jianhong, entered the room shortly after. His presence silenced the murmurs.
"Let's begin."
The meeting was a mix of strategy discussions, performance reports, and stockholder opinions. At first, Ye Tian simply observed, listening and learning. But when the topic shifted to the company's upcoming hospitality expansion plan, he raised his hand.
"Excuse me," he said calmly, drawing glances. "May I speak?"
The chairman nodded slowly. "Mr. Ye, go ahead."
"I noticed from your current strategy that you're focusing on tier-two cities for expansion. But have you considered leveraging influencer-based marketing in tier-one overflow zones instead? It's cheaper, but still hits the upscale demographic you're targeting."
The room went silent.
A board member scoffed. "Influencers? We're not selling cosmetics."
But another, a younger man in his forties, leaned forward. "Wait. He may have a point. The ROI is much higher in crossover demographics—especially for lifestyle-focused luxury hotels."
Xu Jianhong looked at Ye Tian thoughtfully. "Interesting suggestion. Submit a written proposal. We'll review it."
> [System Notification: Mission Completed — 'Boardroom Beginner'] Reward: Advanced Business Insight Unlocked | System EXP + 20,000 | New Passive: Sharp Intuition]
Ye Tian sat back. A small ripple had been made.
After the meeting, Zhang Mei approached him outside the boardroom. "Mr. Ye, the chairman said your insight was refreshing. He wants to meet with you for coffee next week."
"I'd be glad to," Ye Tian replied.
As he walked out of the building, his phone buzzed again.
> [New Task Triggered: City of Networks] Objective: Attend the private business gathering tomorrow evening.] Reward: Contact Card — Hidden Elite + 50,000 Yuan]
He looked up at the skyline and smiled. From heartbroken to shareholder. From poor to powerful. His journey had only just begun.
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End of Chapter 10