Chapter 1580: The Scandalous Day
Chapter 1580: The Scandalous Day
As the day of the Lu Corporation's board meetings approached, not only the company but also the entire corporate world and media sector were focused on the event. The anticipation was high due to the potential change in the presidency of Lu Corporation, a significant matter for many.
By this time, everyone was familiar with Lu Lijun's capabilities, and there was a general consensus that he would competently assume the role of president. However, some still believed he was too young and needed more experience, preferring Jiang Yuyan to continue in her position.
Numerous incorrect predictions were made about Jiang Yuyan's situation. Having managed the company for the past ten years and elevating it to unprecedented success, Jiang Yuyan was now seemingly being sidelined by the Lu family because their son had returned.
Many saw her hard work as merely setting the stage for the family's son to take over. Despite her achievements, she was viewed as just a daughter-in-law, a widow, and a daughter from another family, with some feeling the Lu Family had exploited her. Instead of matching her with a capable partner, they seemingly consumed the prime years of her life by having her labor for the company and family.
Yet, neither the Lu Family nor Jiang Yuyan paid much heed to these speculations. Public figures often become the subject of gossip, and Jiang Yuyan had grown immune to what others said.
Finally, the day arrived. The members of the Lu family, including Lu Jinhai and Lu Chen's family, made their way to the Lu Corporation's office. Lu Feng, having long since relinquished any rights in the corporation, did not remain in the city. However, Lu Han, being a major shareholder and head of one of the most successful branches, was required to attend. Ning Jiahui, as one of the founders alongside Lu Jinhai, also had an important presence at the meeting. Su Hui chose to stay at home with the elders, as she never showed interest in board meetings.
On their way to the Lu Corporation, Lu Lijun and Jiang Yuyan shared a car as usual. Noah, seated in the co-driver's seat, received a message. Curious, he clicked on the link to a news article and was shocked by its contents.
He immediately turned to address Lu Lijun, who was sitting in the back passenger seat. "Lijun, check your phone."
Lu Lijun retrieved his mobile from his suit pocket and looked at what Noah had sent. Unlike Noah, Lu Lijun's expression remained calm. Jiang Yuyan, seated beside him, inquired, "What is it?"
On the normal day, Lu Lijun might have dismissed it as unimportant, asking her not to worry. However, today was significant, and he realized that if Jiang Yuyan was caught unaware, she might be blindsided by the board members and media.
Handing his mobile to her, Lu Lijun let Jiang Yuyan read the news herself.
The article claimed that Jiang Yuyan and Lu Lijun were romantically involved, citing their alleged affair. It included photos of them together-showing them looking at each other affectionately, holding hands, hugging, and one picture that appeared to depict them as if kissing, though it was not clear and might be the play of camera angel.
Jiang Yuyan was momentarily stunned. The news was released on such a crucial day, a tactic not uncommon among rivals, but it had a different impact when involving Lu Lijun. Jiang Yuyan, typically a strong pillar, felt shaken by such allegations.
Sensing her turmoil, Lu Lijun placed his hand over hers. Though she maintained a calm exterior, he knew she was affected because she cared for him and his future.
"You know this news can't affect anything," Lu Lijun said reassuringly.
Jiang Yuyan took a deep breath, quickly regaining her composure. She nodded in agreement. "We just have to deal with those old board members who might use this to create issues during the meeting."
"Don't worry," Lu Lijun assured her confidently.
His words bolstered her resolve. Jiang Yuyan was more than capable of handling such situations, and Lu Lijun felt relieved to see her composed rather than anxious, especially since their relationship was now unexpectedly public, a development she hadn't planned for. Upon arriving at the Lu Corporation building, they were greeted by an overwhelming media presence. Journalists from all kinds of media outlets, both significant and lesser-known, crowded the entrance. They weren't there just for the board meeting; the news of the supposed scandal provided a tantalizing topic for coverage.
Jiang Yuyan, the formidable president who had remained scandal-free in a male-dominated business world for the past ten years, was now the subject of a sensational story, involving her supposedly with her much younger brother-in-law.
Security guards swiftly formed a protective barrier around the Lu Family members, shielding them from the onslaught of reporters. Despite this, the journalists' loud questions echoed around them, each trying to catch a snippet of response from the family.
The barrage of questions from the reporters was relentless, each query more intrusive than the last:
"President Lu, what do you have to say about this scandal?"
"Are you really in a relationship with your brother-in-law?"
"Are those photographs real?"
"Mr. Lu Lijun, are you in a relationship with your sister-in-law?"
"Is this a ploy to acquire her position or her shares in the company?"
"Chairman Lu Jinhai, how do you respond to your widow daughter-in-law's alleged involvement with your youngest son?"
"Has your family accepted their relationship?"
"Is this the family's way of compensating her for relinquishing her position to your son?"
"Or is this an attempt to keep her in the family due to her majority shareholding?" "Do you think this scandal will impact the outcome of the board meeting?"
Amidst the clamor, the Lu family remained composed, navigating through the sea of questions without offering any immediate responses. The situation was delicate, and they understood the importance of handling it with tact and discretion, especially on such a critical
day for the company.
None of the Lu family members paused to address the reporters as they needed to proceed to the board meeting. Lu Lijun kept Jiang Yuyan close, leading her towards the building's entrance, unfazed by the barrage of questions and comments. The family maintained their composure, not reacting to the media's probing.
Once inside the Lu Corporation building, Xiao Min, who was already present and well- prepared, faced the reporters.
"Mister Xiao Min, as President Lu's assistant, you must be aware of these developments. Is everything the news reports true?" one of the reporters asked, eager for any confirmation.
Xiao Min, known for his calm, composed, and confident demeanor, was not an easy person to extract information from. Over the past ten years, he had skillfully managed Jiang Yuyan's affairs, adeptly deflecting various scandalous attempts by rivals. As a result, Jiang Yuyan's reputation remained untarnished.
Xiao Min addressed the crowd with his usual confidence and authority. "All your questions will be answered later. Now is the time for the board meeting. Lu Corporations appreciates your patience. After the meeting, we have a press conference scheduled to announce the meeting's outcomes. You are all invited to attend it once the meeting concludes."
With that, the reporters seemed to settle down a bit, realizing that no further information would be forthcoming at that moment. Xiao Min then turned and made his way back to rejoin his boss, ready to support her through the upcoming board meeting and the challenges it
might bring.