Chapter 615 Still Capable
Meanwhile, in Flower City, Nan Zhengde couldn’t recall the last time he visited Nanshi Corporation’s headquarters, yet everything still seemed so familiar to him.
He had been living in retirement and rarely meddled with Nanshi Corporation’s affairs ever since Nan Chen took over the company.
Since he decided to let Nan Chen run the company, he held himself back from interfering too much. He couldn’t hand over the company to Nan Chen on the surface while still being in control behind the curtains.
If he did, Nan Chen wouldn’t be able to spread his wings, and the employees working under him wouldn’t know who they should take their orders from.
Therefore, not only did Nan Zhengde relinquish all his positions, but he also stopped visiting the company entirely. He simply stayed at home and enjoyed life after retirement.
However, he returned that day as the founder of the company to attend an emergency meeting with the board of directors.
The main seat in the conference room was empty. It should’ve been Nan Chen’s spot.
The board of directors was the most influential and powerful group of people in the company, and the details they were about to discuss during the meeting were also top secret.
Hence, many bodyguards were stationed outside to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering.
Nan Zhengde didn’t sit in the main seat. Instead, he was seated at the side with the other members of the board.
That tiny detail was crucial because it meant he was only there temporarily instead of retaking control of the company.
“Everyone, I’m here today because there’s something I want to discuss with you all.” Nan Zhengde initiated the topic with a calm tone.
The conference room was quiet as everyone was paying attention to what he was saying.
“Due to personal reasons, Nan Chen can’t manage the company for the time being. So, I suggest that the board of directors choose a new CEO,” Nan Zhengde proposed.
“What happened to Mr. Chen?” asked someone anxiously.
Their anxiety didn’t necessarily mean they cared about Nan Chen. They were mainly concerned about how his absence would affect the company’s operation.
There were many listed companies under Nanshi Corporation, and the company was like a large ship. So, if anything happened during its course, the fallout would be calamitous.
Instead of answering the question directly, Nan Zhengde vaguely brushed past why Nan Chen was absent, claiming it was due to “personal reasons.”
“Do you have a suitable recommendation, Mr. Nan?” a member of the board asked.
“I’m old now, and Nan Zhiyuan isn’t capable enough. So, if I am forced to choose someone to recommend, my choices are limited. I think Nan Xing may be able to take on the position since he has been working here for a long time and he’s much more familiar with how the company works.”
The crowd exchanged glances with each other silently.
They knew what kind of person Nan Xing was. While he wasn’t a useless good-for-nothing, his sudden ascension to the position of CEO still made everyone uneasy.
Of course, Nan Xing would be more than capable to be the CEO of one of the companies under Nanshi Corporation.
However, he was clearly not capable enough to take on the position of CEO of Nanshi Corporation itself, who was in charge of managing the entire group’s operation.
Although everyone disagreed with the idea in their hearts, no one voiced their disapproval because they didn’t want to disrespect Nan Zhengde.
The company belonged to everyone, but the Nan family was the founder, the biggest shareholder, and the core of Nanshi Corporation.
Nan Zhengde’s influence didn’t decrease after he retired because he had rescued the company during multiple dangerous situations during his tenure.
That was why everyone wanted to show him their respect and didn’t have the nerve to go against his will.
“No opinions?” Nan Zhengde’s gaze swept across the room.
Still, no one spoke.
“You’re all free to speak your mind. I don’t have the final say in a matter as important as this. Everyone can contribute their thoughts on the matter.” The old man smiled.
Finally, a director broke the silence. “Mr. Xing has been with the company for a while now. Everyone can see his capabilities, Mr. Nan. We believe he has a bright future ahead of him and that he will certainly be able to bear the responsibilities of a CEO and elevate the company to greater heights one day. However, right now, we’re afraid he’s not ready yet. He’s too young, and he’s been sheltered by Mr. Chen throughout his employment. We’re worried he may not be able to handle it if we suddenly place such responsibilities on his shoulder.”
It was nothing out of the ordinary for someone to object, and Nan Zhengde had always welcomed opposing ideas.
If only one voice existed in the world without others objecting to it, that sole voice must be a lie.
The truth would forever be buried if people were forbidden to speak their minds.
Nan Zhengde wasn’t a foolish man. He was always willing to accept opinions that differed from his.
Therefore, he nodded instead of scolding the person who disagreed with him.
Smiling and without a trace of admonition in his tone, he uttered calmly, “Yes, Nan Xing’s competence is lacking, and your worries aren’t unfounded. However, pray tell, who isn’t inadequate in some way or form? When I was still in control of the company back then, I was once a young man with many flaws, too. It was only because I weathered many storms that I grew and became better. Everyone here represents the benefits the shareholders stand to gain. Why do you all have the right to become that representative? That’s because all of you are excellent. However, that excellence is honed by experiences. It’s not like you’re born with it, isn’t it?”
No one panicked or felt repulsed when they heard that. The atmosphere remained peaceful and amicable.
“That’s why I’m asking you all to give Nan Xing a chance to try. What do you all say?” Nan Zhengde grinned.
The members exchanged glances with each other silently again.
While they really didn’t want to disrespect him, they genuinely deplored the idea.
Sure, everyone had the right to improve, but the directors believed Nan Xing should’ve been given a smaller stage to develop instead of making Nanshi Corporation his testing ground.
“If you must make Nan Xing the CEO, then you have to become the chairman again, Mr. Nan. That’s our condition. We’ll be at ease if both of you work together,” a member of the board proposed.
“Yeah, I agree with that idea!” someone immediately chimed in.
“That sounds like a great idea!”
“If that is the case, then, of course, I’ll go along with it, too. With Mr. Nan overseeing the company, we won’t need to worry about anything!”
Nan Zhengde shook his head. “You lot are really inconsiderate to an old man like me, you know that? I’m one foot in the coffin now, yet you’re still asking me to work? Are you lot demanding me to give you my life so you can keep getting paychecks?”
“You don’t have to exaggerate, Mr. Nan. You’re still pretty spry!” complimented someone.
“That’s right! You may be old now, but you’re still capable!”
“Come on, don’t do that. I really am old now, and it’s been years since I helmed the company. I can’t do it anymore. If none of you are willing to give Nan Xing a chance, then you’re all free to recommend a candidate and vote. The one with the most votes will become the new CEO,” Nan Zhengde suggested.
The board of directors had no choice but to concede since the old man already put it that way.
His stance was clear, and he was adamant about not coming out of retirement. Either they let Nan Xing become the CEO, or they would have to choose someone else to do the job.
However, selecting a candidate meant they were going against Nan Zhengde’s will.
Those who opposed Nan Zhengde would have to test the waters first.
It wasn’t impossible for whoever they recommended to end up becoming the CEO through voting, but that possibility was tiny.
