mtl008 Chapter 183 Going against the wind
Chapter 183 Going against the wind
The first rays of sunlight at dawn fell on the city, and all major media platforms were already flooded with news about the Xiang family. The family business was mired in scandal, and the storm of public opinion was intensifying. Everyone was waiting for the response of the Xiang couple.
At 10 a.m., in the conference room on the top floor of Xiang's Building, a highly anticipated press conference was about to be held. Xiang Yu was dressed in a black suit, with a stern expression, but he could not hide the fatigue in his eyes. Yan Jin was dressed in a neat white suit, with delicate makeup and a firm look in her eyes, as if everything was under control.
Flashes of light fell like dense raindrops, and reporters rushed to ask sharp questions. "Mr. Xiang, what do you want to say about the rumors of broken capital chain exposed on the Internet?" "Mr. Yan, what do you think about the corruption problem within family businesses?"
"Dear media friends, please allow me to express my apologies first." Xiang Yu's voice was steady and powerful. "We are deeply saddened and guilty about the negative news about our family business recently. We did not do a good job of internal supervision and brought negative impact to society. We are willing to take all responsibilities and promise to thoroughly investigate the matter and will not tolerate it."
"We will set up an independent investigation team and invite authoritative institutions to intervene to conduct a thorough investigation of all illegal and irregular behaviors." Yan Jin took the microphone and said firmly, "We will also take this opportunity to rectify the company's internal management, improve the system, and prevent such incidents from happening again."
In the audience, a senior journalist, reporter Lin, asked sharply: "Mr. Xiang, Mr. Yan, your promise sounds sincere, but the public is more concerned about how you will make up for the losses caused by this incident? How can you ensure that similar incidents will not happen again?"
Reporter Lin's question hit the nail on the head, and the atmosphere in the meeting room suddenly became tense. Xiang Yu and Yan Jin exchanged glances, took a deep breath, and were about to speak when the door of the meeting room was suddenly pushed open and a steady voice sounded...
"Sorry, I'm late." The man pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, his eyes shining with shrewdness. He was Lawyer Ma, the legal advisor of the Xiang family for many years, and a well-known "iron mouth" in the industry.
"Lawyer Ma, why are you here?" Xiang Yu frowned slightly, with a hint of confusion in his tone.
Lawyer Ma did not answer directly, but walked straight to the podium, nodded slightly to the media, and said in a deep voice: "Dear media friends, I am the legal advisor of the Xiang family. Regarding the series of events that have occurred recently, we would like to emphasize that the company will strictly handle all relevant responsible persons in accordance with the law and will not tolerate any illegal or irregular behavior. At the same time, we will also take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the company and the family."
Lawyer Ma's words were powerful and resounding, instantly pushing the atmosphere of the press conference to another climax. The reporters looked at each other in bewilderment. The sharp questions they had prepared seemed to have lost their edge in the face of Lawyer Ma's powerful aura.
"Director Qian, how's the situation over there?" Yan Jin asked Public Relations Manager Qian standing next to him in a low voice in a corner of the meeting room.
Public Relations Manager Qian was sweating profusely, holding his phone tightly in his hand. When he heard Yan Jin's question, he quickly replied, "Boss Yan, I have followed your instructions and contacted all major social media platforms. I have also urgently formulated a crisis public relations strategy. I will use the official account to actively speak out, guide public opinion, and try my best to reduce the negative impact."
"Well, we must pay close attention to online public opinion and adjust our strategies in a timely manner." Yan Jin looked solemn. This storm of public opinion came too suddenly and fiercely. If we are not careful, the Xiang family's foundation over the years will be destroyed.
After the press conference, Xiang Yu and Yan Jin rushed back to the family's old house without stopping.
"Grandpa, we are back."
The atmosphere in the antique study was suffocating. Several elders of the Xiang family had already gathered here. Their faces were gloomy and their brows were furrowed. They were obviously very worried about the current situation. Elder Sun, who was sitting on the armchair, was old but still energetic. He put down the teacup in his hand and slowly spoke...
"I've heard about it. You did a great job." Elder Sun's voice was deep and powerful, revealing a powerful aura. "Only by making a decisive decision can we stop the loss and regain the public's trust."
After hearing what Elder Sun said, Xiang Yu and Yan Jin's tense nerves finally relaxed a little. They knew that Elder Sun, the most respected elder in the family, had spoken, which meant that they had the support of the family, which also gave them the determination and courage to fight against this storm.
"But," Elder Sun changed his tone and glanced at everyone present, "This incident also exposed loopholes in the management of our family business, giving those with ill intentions an opportunity to take advantage of it! If this continues, it will inevitably endanger the foundation of the family business!"
"Grandpa is right." Xiang Minghua, the usually taciturn uncle of Xiang Yu, spoke first, "I think we need to strengthen supervision of family members and corporate executives to prevent such incidents from happening again."
"I agree with Minghua's point of view." Another elder also echoed, "At the same time, we must also strengthen the internal compliance construction of the company, establish and improve various rules and regulations, and plug management loopholes."
Seeing the excited family members expressing their opinions, Yan Jin knew that her chance had come. She took a deep breath, stood up, looked around at everyone with a firm gaze, and slowly said, "Dear elders, regarding the problems exposed by this incident, I have an immature idea that I would like to discuss with you."
Everyone's eyes were focused on Yan Jin, with scrutiny and curiosity. Over the years, although Yan Jin was the daughter-in-law of the Xiang family, she had always focused on her career and rarely participated in family affairs. Today, she suddenly took the initiative to stand up, which surprised everyone.
Yan Jin ignored everyone's gazes and calmly explained the plan she had prepared long ago. She proposed to establish a more complete corporate governance structure, introduce an independent director system, and strengthen supervision and checks and balances on the company's management; at the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the education and management of family members, formulate strict family rules and precepts, and guide family members to abide by laws and regulations and operate with integrity.
Yan Jin's plan was logically clear, well-organized, and to the point, which resonated with the elders present. They all nodded in agreement.
"Yan Jin is right. We can't always try to fix the problem after it has happened. We must take precautions before it happens!" Xiang Yu's aunt, Xiang Shulan, who has always been critical of Yan Jin, also expressed her approval.
Seeing that her plan was recognized by her family members, Yan Jin showed a barely perceptible smile. She knew that this was only the first step, and there would be a more difficult road ahead.
After the meeting, Xiang Yu walked up to Yan Jin and said softly, "Come with me, I have something to tell you."
Xiang Yu brought Yan Jin to the study. He was usually calm and composed, but at this moment, he could not hide his fatigue. He rubbed his brows and said in a deep voice, "The proposal you proposed today is very good. I fully agree with it."
Yan Jin looked indifferent and said calmly: "This is what I should do."
"No, that's not what I meant." Xiang Yu walked to the window and looked into the distance, with a barely perceptible apology in his tone, "I ignored you before and didn't really understand your abilities and ideas."
Yan Jin didn't respond, but just looked at him quietly.
Xiang Yu turned around and stared at her with burning eyes, "Yan Jin, this incident has shown me your courage and responsibility, and it also made me realize that we need to change."
He paused and continued, "Next, I will set up an independent board of directors and improve the company's governance structure. You should also come up with a specific plan as soon as possible to strengthen the family's internal management. Let's work together to get through this crisis."
Yan Jin nodded, "Okay."
The two discussed for a long time in the study, from corporate governance to family management, everything. In the past, they kept their distance because of the marriage agreement, but now, for the common goal, the gap between them seems to be gradually melting.
The press conference ended smoothly with the support of the family elders. The determination and courage shown by Xiang Yu and Yan Jin temporarily stabilized the emotions of the media and the public. However, they all knew in their hearts that this was just the calm before the storm.
As expected, after the press conference, Xiang Group's stock price rebounded slightly, but it still hovered at a low level. Various rumors continued to ferment on the Internet, and even more so-called "insiders" jumped out to expose the information and throw dirty water on Xiang Group.
"Mr. Xiang, reporter Lin wants to conduct an exclusive interview with you. What do you think..." Public Relations Officer Qian hurried into the office with an anxious tone.
"No!" Xiang Yu refused without even thinking. Reporter Lin was a famous "uncrowned king" who was best at catching negative news about companies and pursuing them relentlessly.
"But..." Public Relations Officer Qian was embarrassed. "Reporter Lin seems to have some new evidence. If we refuse the interview, I'm afraid..."
"What evidence?" Xiang Yu's heart skipped a beat, and a bad premonition came to his mind.
Before Public Relations Manager Qian could even open his mouth, the door of the office was pushed open and Lawyer Ma walked in with a serious expression, holding a document in his hand. "Mr. Xiang, something has happened..."